2005 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 153,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 153,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“My car is burning up oil. I just did an oil change 400miles ago, and my car started making a knocking noise and driving real funny yesterday. I took the oil when I got home and there wasn't any this is the second time it's happened. There's no leak there's no oil in the water no oil coming out of the exhaust period what is going on”
NHTSA complaint #11372851, filed 2020-11, 143,000 miles“I was backing up my 2005 Subaru Forester in a downtown, street-level corner parking lot. When I put my vehicle into reverse, a sudden unintended acceleration propelled my vehicle backwards across the parking lot, across a two-lane downtown street, up onto the opposite sidewalk and culminated in my vehicle crashing into a city light pole, which stopped the vehicle. I estimate I was traveling at 25-30 MPH when I hit the light pole. I missed two pedestrians by mere inches and fortunately missed hitting any other cars. …”
NHTSA complaint #11090750, filed 2018-04, 234,000 miles“I've experienced the leaking fuel line when temperatures dropped below 20 degrees and get terrible gas fumes inside the cabin especially during cold and damp weather. It is more prominent with the heat on. This smell/leak can be noticed while parked, driving, anytime with the engine running with fuel pressure.”
NHTSA complaint #11374591, filed 2020-11, 153,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 34 | 16% |
| 2020 | 81 | 13% |
| 2019 | 106 | 13% |
| 2018 | 32 | 6% |
| 2017 | 47 | 8% |
| 2016 | 60 | 14% |
| 2015 | 131 | 21% |
| 2014 | 69 | 17% |
| 2013 | 27 | 35% |
| 2012 | 27 | 25% |
| 2011 | 60 | 41% |
| 2010 | 34 | 13% |
| 2009 | 27 | 15% |
| 2008 | 7 | 14% |
| 2007 | 9 | 12% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru Forester
22 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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