2007 Subaru Forester Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2007 Subaru Forester, 4% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,750 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.
“I purchased a used 2003 Subaru Forester in 2006. In march of 2007 a small parking light went out. I went out and purchased a new bulb for about $1.25 and tried to replace it. I quickly found out that you would have to be a very skilled mechanic to change any bulb on this vehicle. In order to change any bulb you first have to remove the entire front grill which is almost impossible for the average person without damaging the parts that hold it into place. Then you have to remove the entire light ficture to change any bulb then you would have to have the headlights realigned. …”
NHTSA complaint #10194748, filed 2007-06, 56,500 miles“Headlight assembly found with approx. 1 - 1-1/2 free water in the entire inside bottom. There were no visible leaks. This appears to be a common problem. Subaru service representative also had his personal Subaru headlight assembly water filled. Other Subaru's also at dealers service area also contained water. Water & electrical components are not compatible. Service rep. Had previously searched for recalls/tech. Bulletins regarding this issue and found none. …”
NHTSA complaint #10695266, filed 2015-03, 85,000 miles“I have replaced the low beam bulbs 3 times on this vehicle in 11 months. I have owned this vehicle for less than a year and the day I bought it a bulb had to be replaced before I even drove it off the lot. They always burn out with days of each other. I'm concerned that it may be an electrical problem and that my vehicle may catch fire or they will go out while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10364350, filed 2010-11Related service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 8 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 15 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2007 Subaru Forester
12 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsTires
4 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 30, 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