2001 Subaru Forester Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 11%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Subaru Forester, 11% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“2001 Subaru Forester 87500 miles on it. 12/2007 had rear wheel bearings replaced at independent shop. Now it is 12/2008 with only 92k miles on it, and the driver's side rear wheel bearing is howling like a banshee. Passenger rear wheel bearing getting louder but not as bad. Might have dealer replace them this time and check hub assembly for damage etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10251058, filed 2008-12, 87,500 miles“While driving in city limits consumer heard a noise. As some time passed the noise became louder. Within two years the right rear wheel bearing was replaced twice. Several miles later, the left rear wheel bearing was replaced twice. Currently, noise recurred again with owner not sure which rear wheel bearing has failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10119348, filed 2005-04, 10,972 miles“Dt: this is the third time that the rear wheel bearings on the passenger side need to be replaced. There was a loud noise in the back while the vehicle was in motion. Got louder on turns, mostly to the right.”
NHTSA complaint #10121902, filed 2005-06, 36,716 miles“I have a 2001 Subaru Forester. In the fall of 2002, the right rear wheel bearing went bad and was replaced by the dealer (less than 30,000 miles on the car). In february 2003, the left rear wheel bearing went bad and was replaced by the dealer. In june 2003, the left wheel bearing went bad again and was replaced/repaired again by the dealer. There is a serious defect in these vehicles because the repairs are not even lasting six months. Dealers service dept. Has been courteous and all repairs have been covered at no charge.”
NHTSA complaint #10023553, filed 2003-06, 28,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11008259Sep 4, 2024This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11005593Jul 8, 2024This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 15 | 3% |
| 2017 | 13 | 2% |
| 2016 | 14 | 3% |
| 2015 | 66 | 11% |
| 2014 | 94 | 23% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 11 | 22% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 12 | 14% |
| 2005 | 21 | 23% |
| 2004 | 25 | 11% |
| 2003 | 22 | 12% |
| 2002 | 9 | 10% |
| 2001 | 15 | 11% |
| 2000 | 19 | 25% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 17 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2001 Subaru Forester
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine cooling
16 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