2005 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2005 Subaru Forester, 4% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,800 miles. 3 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.
“On july 28, 2014 I was pulling into my parking space at my condo.the brakes wouldn't stop the car and the engine seemed to surge forward. The passenger with me looked down and said the gas pedal looked to be all the way to the floor. The car had to be towed, and I am still awaiting for the damage estimate from my insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #10617963, filed 2014-07, 41,600 miles“I had just locked my residence gate, leaving my property, I fastened my seatbelt, advanced very slowly, saw that both ways were clear, advanced slowly making a left turn, when I was just 12 feet, the engine began to race and propelled my vehicle forward into a huge tree across the road. I did not confuse the gas pedal with the brake pedal, there was no floor mat impeding my foot-work,I braked then it began racing even faster then I don't remember anything more till after-dark and a fireman told me an ambulance was coming. …”
NHTSA complaint #10671208, filed 2015-01, 131,000 miles“On march 20, 2006, the symmetrical all wheel drive system of my 2005 Subaru forrester xt failed, the vehicle fishtailed and drifted, resulting in a rollover, and severe bodily injury. The vehicle was so flimsy, it was disgusting. Every door and window opening collapsed, glass flew everywhere. The ceiling collapsed on the passengers' heads. This is a death car.”
NHTSA complaint #10153456, filed 2006-03, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10130277Jan 11, 2018( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
- 10015202Jan 19, 2005The damping structure for the rear gate stay has been changed from a single to a dual type damper style.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine
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