2001 Subaru Forester Problems
- Complaints
- 139filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles, 73 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 19 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Subaru Forester (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe the engine speeding up on its own — at idle, while parking, or with cruise control engaged — and repeated rear wheel bearing noise that comes back after replacement. A cold clutch shudder on manual cars and head gasket failures at the 2.5L engine are also reported regularly, often past 60,000 miles.
- Vehicle speed control
Unexpected acceleration / idle surging
- 23 complaints (17%)
- median 64,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 17 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2016
Owners describe the engine racing on its own: at idle, while pulling out of a parking space, at a stop sign, or while coasting with no foot on the pedal. Some report the brakes and parking brake did not bring the car back under control, and a few say cruise control would not disengage when cancelled with the stalk, brake, or clutch. Complaints mention dealers adjusting the idle or finding no fault. Reported from low mileage up to about 200,000 miles, with several accounts from cars past 60,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the car at a stop-and-go pace and let it idle in gear to see whether the revs hang or climb. Ask whether the throttle body, idle control and cruise cable have been checked or serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving alone in a 2001 Subaru Forester around 3pm on a sunny august day in 2010. Heading south on a 2 lane road in tallahassee, fl, I approached a red stoplight ahead with two vehicles stopped in front of me. As I started to brake, the vehicle abruptly accelerated, I swerved into the oncoming lane to avoid the stopped cars in my lane as the vehicle continued to accelerate to about 40 miles/hr. …”
NHTSA complaint #10376491, filed 2011-01, 98,000 miles“While pulling out of a curbside parking place on a city street the engine started racing and I could not control it by stomping on the brakes or applying the emergency brake. As I was wrestling to keep the surging car under control another car came driving by and was sideswiped. On two prior occasions I had taken this car to check out the surging which takes place when the car is starting up. The dealership and the independent repair shop that I consulted both assured me that they had adjusted the idle and the car was now safe to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10846270, filed 2016-03, 57,045 miles - Suspension
Rear wheel bearing noise (recurring)
- 15 complaints (11%)
- median 38,858 mi at 3.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2001–2008
Owners report a grinding or howling noise from the rear that grows louder in turns, traced by dealers and independent shops to rear wheel bearings. Several say the same bearing was replaced two or three times, sometimes on both sides. Some complaints note the noise returned within a year or that a hub or axle component was also replaced. Reported from about 11,000 miles upward, with many repeat replacements between 25,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for a whine or grind from the back while turning at low speed, and ask for bearing and hub service records on both rear corners.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2001 Subaru Forester l. My husband and I purchased the vehicle new and it now has 41000 miles. It has experienced repeated failures of the rear wheel bearings, at (right rear) 16000, (left rear) 25000. The vehicle now has symptoms of a third failure at 41000 mi. The vehicle was serviced by a dealer for each complaint. I have estimated date of first failure as I do not exactly remember..”
NHTSA complaint #10048899, filed 2003-11, 41,000 miles“Left rear wheel bearing has been replaced twice. Right rear wheel bearing needs to be replaced now. Dealer service personnel told me that the wheel was about to fall off of the vehicle the first time I had the bearing replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10212246, filed 2007-12, 45,000 miles - Engine cooling
Head gasket failure / coolant loss and overheating
- 13 complaints (9%)
- median 75,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2001–2013
Owners describe overheating, coolant loss, and in some cases a failed head gasket diagnosed after thermostat, hoses, and heater core work did not solve the problem. A few report the engine was replaced or a short block fitted, and complaints mention dealers flushing the cooling system without resolving it. Some accounts describe misfire-like shaking and stalling alongside the overheating. Mostly reported between about 65,000 and 200,000 miles, with many around 100,000 miles.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for oil residue or bubbles in the overflow tank, and ask whether the head gasket or water pump has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As soon as the car aged to 75,000 miles I started having problems. The closest Subaru dealer is 51 miles away from my current location. Not easy to get to. My in town mechanic has only been trying to treat the symptoms. I've had thermostat, heater core, valve covers, spark plug wires replaced, hoses replaced, and still has not fixed the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10200005, filed 2007-08, 78,151 miles“I was driving down the freeway at night when I heard a loud bang noise and looked behind me and saw black smoke and had lost all power, no power steering, no brakes and no lights I had to try to cross 2 lanes of traffic to get my car to the shoulder while it was decelerating. I got the car to the shoulder and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and was worried of a possible fire. I got out and called a tow truck and had it towed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10509215, filed 2013-04, 189,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Cold clutch shudder on manual cars
- 9 complaints (6%)
- median 31,500 mi at 3.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2005
Owners of manual-transmission cars describe shaking and chatter when pulling away in first gear, mostly when the car is cold or in cool, damp weather. Some say it fades as the car warms up; others report it recurring and feeling like a loss of power. Complaints mention the dealer acknowledged the symptom and referenced a service bulletin, and in some cases repairs were quoted as out of warranty. Mostly reported between about 1,000 and 48,000 miles, often on the first cold start of the day.
What to check: On a manual car, try a few cold starts from a stop in first gear before it warms up. Ask whether clutch components or the release bearing were replaced and under what warranty.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Began as intermittent clutch slipping (judder) when cold or damp. It is now occurring more frequently and I took it back to the dealer this morning. They experienced the problem, knew all about it and the TSB that Subaru had issued and advised they would call me when the parts came in. When I came home from work, I had a message that the vehicle was no longer under basic warranty (36000 miles) and since mine was 48,000, I would have to pay for the repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098130, filed 2004-11, 46,000 miles“My 2001 Subaru Forester has had a clutch shudder when starting the car cold shortly after I leased the vehicle. It is an intermittent problem which I brought to the attention of my Subaru technician in jan of 2001. They said they checked out the clutch and everything looks fine . It still has the same problem, but if I can't reproduce it for them they can't fix it. I have read other complaints from other Forester owners about this and Subaru has issued a TSB # 03-51-02r. …”
NHTSA complaint #10054813, filed 2004-01, 15,435 miles - Fuel system
Fuel smell in cold weather (fuel line seep)
- 9 complaints (6%)
- median 90,000 mi at 11.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2016
Owners report a gasoline smell in and around the car when outside temperatures drop below roughly 20-25°F, entering the cabin through the vents or while the defroster runs. Complaints describe loose clamps and fittings on the fuel lines; some say tightening them helped only until the next cold snap. Several owners mention the odor fades once the car warms up or is driven. Reported between about 60,000 and 180,000 miles, consistently in cold weather.
What to check: On a cold morning, start the car with the blower on and smell for fuel; have the fuel line clamps and fittings inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When the temperature gets cold and I turn on the defrost to warm up the car while parked I can smell gas in the vehicle. It goes away once I start driving. This is a problem many Subaru owners have because a hose loosens and allows gas to leak out. Once the car warms up the hose tightens and the problem goes away. This can potentially cause my car to catch on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10817377, filed 2016-01, 180,000 miles“Whenever the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees fahrenheit, there is a strong odor of gasoline in and around the car. When taken to a mechanic, I was informed that all of the hose clamps on the fuel lines were loose. They were then tightened but every time the outside temperature drops, it happens again. It happens whether parked outside or in a garage.”
NHTSA complaint #10811361, filed 2015-12, 95,000 miles
Buying note. Check for cold-start clutch shudder on manual cars, rear bearing noise, coolant loss, and any fuel smell on a cold start. Service records for bearings and head gasket work are worth asking about, since several issues here recur.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 139 consumer complaints for the 2001 Subaru Forester. 73 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,000 miles. Of all complaints, 31 involved a crash, 24 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 97 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Vehicle speed control29 21%
- Brakes16 12%
- Engine cooling16 12%
- Suspension15 11%
- Air bags12 8.6%
- Fuel system10 7.2%
- Wheels7 5.0%
- Exterior lighting6 4.3%
- Seat belts5 3.6%
Also reported: Tires (5), Body and structure (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Electrical system (2), Engine (2), Other or unknown (2), Steering (2), Equipment (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “On 3/31/2004 I was exiting the parking lot of a supermarket in jackson, when suddenly, my 2001 Forester lurched forward and continued to accelerate even as I was breaking. It went out into cooper street (a very busy street). Fortunately there were no oncoming cars. It continued over the curb and hit several trees before it stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #10064505, filed 2004-04, 55,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My 2001 standard transmission Subaru forrester failed to release cruise control when brake was used. I had difficulty, but was able to gain control and shift into neutral on the shoulder. Afterward, brakes seemed to work fine.”
NHTSA complaint #10372476, filed 2010-12, 80,300 milesBrakes: “Brake rotors were packed with leaves and stones. Car needed to be placed on lift to remove the debris. Could not drive due to high pitched squeal and concern about causing further damage. Subaru took four hours to pick up car. When taken to dealer finally, was told that it was not a Subaru problem and they indicated I should be charged for a half hour labor and would not pay for tow. I was also informed this happened because I was driving on dirt roads (isn't that what SUV's are designed for?) I think there must be a flaw in design of Forester SUV. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008211, filed 2003-02, 11,000 milesEngine cooling: “Exhaust fumes some co poisoning symptoms 2001 Subaru Forester posted by dave on february 08, 03 at 06:52:29: I fueled my Forester with 91 octane premium fuel and took off on a 5 hr drive to denver. There were extreme driving conditions 40 MPH winds and ground blizzards. Set the cruise control at 75 MPH and it was all the car could do to maintain 70 MPH in high gear and on some hills it would downshift to a lower gear to satisfy the computer setting of 75. After 2+ hours of driving I noticed a strong smell of exhaust fumes. I developed a headache. …”
NHTSA complaint #10005513, filed 2003-02, 37,200 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 73 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 37,200 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Subaru Forester. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Subaru Forester version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Subaru Forester in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 97 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11025796Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. Subaru service article locator.
- 11025789Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. Subaru service article locator.
- 11024867Oct 29, 2025Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower.
- 11024869Oct 28, 2025Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11024863Oct 28, 2025Other or unknown. Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
- 11024859Oct 28, 2025Other or unknown. Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
- 11024858Oct 23, 2025Electrical system. This Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures.
- 11024857Oct 23, 2025Electrical system. This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory.
- 11023524Sep 30, 2025Electrical system. This bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully.
- 11023505Sep 5, 2025Electrical system. This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
Other model years of the Subaru Forester
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | 3,500 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 99 | 2,800 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 31 | 5,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 74 | 6,750 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 21 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 100 | 5,500 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2021 | 212 | 8,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2020 | 603 | 5,800 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 834 | 8,575 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 498 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 592 | 30,000 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 416 | 39,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 615 | 43,919 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 403 | 53,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 78 | 50,000 | 12 | 4 | 23 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 106 | 45,702 | 15 | 4 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 147 | 60,000 | 16 | 4 | 23 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 262 | 65,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 178 | 57,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 50 | 88,900 | 1 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 74 | 56,750 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 88 | 51,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 93 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 219 | 96,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 189 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 88 | 87,365 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 139 | 57,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 75 | 78,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 131 | 73,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 101 | 93,998 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Subaru Forester model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Subaru Forester?
Owners of this model year most often describe the engine speeding up on its own — at idle, while parking, or with cruise control engaged — and repeated rear wheel bearing noise that comes back after replacement. The issues reported most often: Unexpected acceleration / idle surging; Rear wheel bearing noise (recurring); Head gasket failure / coolant loss and overheating.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA recorded 139 consumer complaints for the 2001 Subaru Forester as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Subaru Forester is reported most often?
Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 29 complaints (21% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 23.
Has the 2001 Subaru Forester been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Subaru Forester (Forester AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Subaru Forester reported?
Among the 73 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,000 miles and the middle half falls between 37,200 and 90,000 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.