2008 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Subaru Forester, 4% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,800 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 had a check engine light come on. Pulled the code and ran it by a friend who is a Subaru mechanic. After realizing this is a smog issue contacted dealer who said its not covered under emissions warranty. I know this is false as parts are to be covered by law up to 100k miles. Now it's going to cost $1600+ to repair this issue in order to pass smog. On a 5 year old car. Below is a posting from mechanic notifying forums, facebook, and anyone else who will listen of the issue (there are good mechanics out there). …”
NHTSA complaint #10484974, filed 2012-11, 60,000 miles“I bought the car in may of 2008. On feb. 29, the check engine light and the traction control light came on, as well as the cruise control light started flashing. I thought, why? I've only had it for almost 4 years and less than 50k miles. I checked my owner's manual, and the covered warranty is 5 yrs/ 50k miles, whichever comes first. I brought it to the dealership where I had bought the car from and an employee said that it is more than likely covered by warranty. On march 7th, 2012, I left my car at the dealership for diagnosis. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453285, filed 2012-03, 47,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10173117Mar 10, 2020This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
- 10131702Feb 6, 20172.5 Liter N/A engine only. REVISED. Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. A modification to the Engine…
- 10131701Feb 6, 2017REVISED. CA PZEV SPEC MODELS ONLY. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. Under certain severe…
- 10131700Feb 6, 2017REVISED. CA PZEV SPEC MODELS ONLY. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program have two conditions that may adversely affect the…
- 10111069Dec 27, 2016This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
- 10234881Jan 10, 2013Subaru Service Program WQD-40: Front Catalytic Converter Replacement & Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogramming
- 10080091Jan 10, 2013Subaru of america, inc. Has determined that vehicles affected by this service program require front catalytic converter replacement and ecm reprogramming. For vehicles affected…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 8% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 14 | 16% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 2000 | 12 | 16% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Forester
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsFuel system
3 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 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