2007 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2007 Subaru Forester, 12% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,500 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.
“On february 13, 2019 my transmission fluid light started flashing, when I was driving home. I stopped to by the fluid but couldn't find out where to fill it up at and the dipstick was stuck. I was driving around 40 MPH.. I took it to my mechanic and asked him to check it out. He said it wasn't the fluid that was the problem it was the transmission. Previous to this the light never flashed and when my check engine light goes on I do get I checked to see it its serious or not. …”
NHTSA complaint #11180683, filed 2019-02, 104,000 miles“Blown head gasket. 2007 Subaru Forester 2.5xt. 54k miles. Problem presented itself violently as I was driving on freeway. Suddenly engine temp-gauge fluctuates and starts to rise. Pull over, coolant is forcefully exiting overflow tank. Shut car down, temp gauge drops quickly. No external signs of leaking coolant with subsequent refill and testing. After coolant warms up (3 minutes idle) coolant begins to violently exit radiator cap (when off) or overflow tank. Exhaust very sooty. Shakes my confidence in Subaru and their engineering to have a head gasket blow this early. …”
NHTSA complaint #10929415, filed 2016-12, 54,000 miles“Both cylinder head gaskets leak oil and coolant. All hoses are brittle. The dealer estimates $3000 dollars for repair. The vehicle has 60000 mile power train warranty. Subaru customer service has offered $500 assistance which is too low. Do other Subaru Forester owners have reported similar issues?”
NHTSA complaint #10584657, filed 2014-04, 59,374 miles“The fault indicators came on and the error code p2441 was present both at the first occurrence and at the second occurrence at 105,000 miles. At the second occurrence the price for fixing the problem was set at $2123. At this price and guessing at the price of other parts the car's replacement value should come to around $200,000. This is a common problem pervasive to all subarus, not just foresters, featuring a turbo charged engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10704014, filed 2015-04, 67,893 miles“Head gaskets on engine started to leak. I was told that this is a very common occurrence on the 2007 foresters. Why was there no recall for this issue?”
NHTSA complaint #10652878, filed 2014-11, 107,719 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 2007 Subaru Forester
12 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 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