2001 Subaru Forester Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 12%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Subaru Forester, 12% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Brakes just do not work on snow, ice (ABS does not kick in), and the wheels do not turn. Happened several times, ran into an intersection on red at least 4 times. Accident waiting to happen; noticed other complaints of accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #10563597, filed 2014-02, 20,000 miles“Wheel lugs bolts: at 40720 miles (4/9/03) car was in Subaru dealer for rear brakes. Two lug bolts from the right rear wheel were found to be snapped and fell off in the mechanics hand. That was a week ago. Today after about 900 miles two lug bolts on the same wheel had snapped off. Dealer towed the car in for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10016371, filed 2003-04, 40,720 miles“Anti lock brakes failed to stop vehicle in a timely manner when the two right tires were on ice ,and the two left tires were on dry pavement. When this occurred it almost caused an accident. The dealership indicated that this problem was due to a design flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #10057624, filed 2004-04, 40,000 miles“On monday at 4:50 pm I was driving n a school zone and realized that I was having to ride my brakes I also thought there was some funny noise from the engine. I rolled down my window and couldn't hear any thing. As I approached the stop sign my car would not stop and I pressed my brakes all the way down. The rpms went all the way into the red and my car continued about 4 to 6 feet with brakes all the way down. When car finely came to a stop I placed it in park because I thought this my stop my car from going into gear again and the rpms continued to rise more into the red. …”
NHTSA complaint #10519550, filed 2013-06Related service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 29 | 7% |
| 2015 | 36 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 8% |
| 2013 | 9 | 12% |
| 2012 | 16 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 14% |
| 2010 | 37 | 14% |
| 2009 | 16 | 9% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 14% |
| 1998 | 15 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2001 Subaru Forester
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology