Skip to content
Body and structurePart report

2001 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
3%of 139 total for the year
Median mileage
100,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2001 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 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.

“The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Forester. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle swayed from side to side without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10695453, filed 2015-03, 100,000 miles

“Dealer installed on the hood an original windshield deflector, six months after purchase of the vehicle. While driving at 60mph the windshield reflector collapsed and dealer told consumer guarantee is over. Please provide further information. Ts”

NHTSA complaint #10004846, filed 2003-01

“Alarm system reengages by itself after being disengaged by dealer, vehicle would not allow consumer to gain entrance when this occurs. Consumer stated that her baby was locked in the vehicle and had to be rescued out by the fire department, consumer stated she paid Subaru to have them remove the alarm system at the time of leasing the vehicle, Subaru stated that the panic button was somehow depressed and caused doors to lock and lights to flash, consumer stated there was no way the panic button was depressed because the keys were lying on the front seat when she had exited the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #8004554, filed 2002-02

“There is a leak/severe condensation problem following rainstorms/high humidity. Water leaks from either moon roof or top of winshield and drips in from roof wetting cloth over middle of driver's side windshield visor. Dealership could not replicate problem but it continues to occur in weather conditions cited. Ten to twelve drops of water accumulate on either driver, dash or steering wheel when this occurs usually when starting car and proceeding to drive in the morning. This is startling when it occurs, approximately on six occasions to date, and may result in an accident.”

NHTSA complaint #751186, filed 2001-08

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202639%
202511%
202426%
202334%
202222%
202142%
2020152%
2019253%
2018143%
2017153%
2016113%
2015203%
2014277%
201345%
201255%
201185%
201073%
200921%
200812%
200711%
200678%
200544%
200442%
20031910%
200233%
200143%
199932%

Other parts of the 2001 Subaru Forester

Vehicle speed control
29 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Brakes
16 complaints
Engine cooling
16 complaints
Suspension
15 complaints
Air bags
12 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Wheels
7 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Seat belts
5 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Visibility (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 27, 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