2008 Subaru Forester Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 10%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Subaru Forester, 10% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 3 a fire, 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.
“A fire broke out in the interior of our car while parked. The passenger door was destroyed and the interior of the car was ruined with smoke damage. Insurance declared it a total loss and both the adjuster and fire department suspect it was a wiring issue. While arson was not ruled out, there was no other damage to the car to suggest a break-in, and no personal belongings in the car were tampered with.”
NHTSA complaint #10504069, filed 2013-03, 56,000 miles“Driving 2008 Subaru Forester ll bean pulling into parking park. Vehicle started running rough, parked, engine stopped running. Attempted to restart sounded like a low battery turned off all electrical devices attempted to start again, engine started ran normally no caution lights. Started to drive home, entered the on ramp of highway. Noticed white smoke in review mirror pulled off of highway stopped vehicle turned off, smoke coming from engine compartment saw flames under car called 911 fire department. Fire department arrived extinguished fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10893871, filed 2016-08, 140,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. While attempting to have the vehicle inspected, it would not pass the smog test due to a secondary air injection pump being stuck open. While driving various speeds, the secondary air pump caught fire. The vehicle was pulled over and the key was removed from the ignition. The contact stated that the fire burned out on its own. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the manufacturer's satisfaction campaign to address the issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10928747, filed 2016-11, 90,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. While attempting to unlock the driver side door, the keyless locking mechanism malfunctioned and the contact could not unlock the door. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.”
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 24% |
| 2025 | 9 | 9% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 34 | 16% |
| 2020 | 103 | 17% |
| 2019 | 134 | 16% |
| 2018 | 71 | 14% |
| 2017 | 106 | 18% |
| 2016 | 93 | 22% |
| 2015 | 83 | 13% |
| 2014 | 42 | 10% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 9% |
| 2011 | 11 | 7% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 22 | 12% |
| 2008 | 5 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 7% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Forester
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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