2001 Subaru Forester Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Subaru Forester, 4% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Using the turn signal leverl causes the headlights to go out. Initally the headlights flickered briefly and stayed on, but they are now requiring some jiggling of the turn signal level to stay on. Also, the headlights go out in switching between high beam and low beam, using the same lever.I am contacting the dealer today.below is listed the number of failures over the last couple weeks. I directed myself to this site, but you don't have that on your list.”
NHTSA complaint #10120833, filed 2005-05, 81,000 miles“When turning the turn signals on, the headlights go off. This happens frequently, suddenly plunging you into darkness. The headlight covers are made of inferior plastic that clouds over with age, making it impossible to see at night. I had to have them replaced because it looked as if the headlights were not on when they were.”
NHTSA complaint #10811363, filed 2015-12, 56,000 miles“Headlight lenses are too clouded over to use safely. Regular exterior maintenance (washing, waxing where indicated) has never made a difference materials used were sub-standard & did not even outlive outlive the original mfr. Warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10209981, filed 2007-11, 25,000 miles“Dt : on 6/7/05 the owner was driving and noticed that it was dark and that headlights were flickering on and off. Driver has to hold the switch all the way in to keep lights on the way home. Never noticed this before. Owner checked but couldnt find a recall, and has contacted the dealer and arranged for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10124558, filed 2005-06“When driving at night consumer is unable to see the road clearly because of faulty headlights. No left or right adjustment for head lights and not enough light to see the edge of the road. Also head lights are to high on bright to low on dim.”
NHTSA complaint #870239, filed 2000-09Related service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 8 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 15 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2001 Subaru Forester
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsWheels
7 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 30, 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