2008 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 14%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Subaru Forester, 14% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 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.
“The check engine light went on - flashing. I drove immediately to my local garage. When I turned off the engine, I smelled a strong burning oil smell, as did the mechanic. The oil was checked and I was down 2 quarts even though I had a recent oil change at that same facility. There had been no oil leaks, and no stain in my driveway previous to this. The mechanic saw no abnormal oil flow or leak when he checked.”
NHTSA complaint #10652111, filed 2014-11, 172,000 miles“My car as been seen by Subaru dealership since the day I bought it in 2012. I paid for 5 years. After I finished paying in july, I just discovered that is an oil leak , all my engine from front to back is dirty with oil, a second opinion mechanic stated that he does not know how I am using this car for years like that. But the car just had last year a head gasket changed by charity , offer of Subaru factory to me and the dealership in moline, il did the change. How after pulling down the engine they never noticed the oil leak and smoking. …”
NHTSA complaint #11055018, filed 2017-12, 114,000 miles“My engine started failing. The compression started rapidly declining these last few weeks. My engine was sluggish and jerky. I previously had the car serviced with a new alternator and had my emissions testing done for my registration. The next day the engine light came on to alert for the problem. I brought it back in and after some testing was told it was the compression to the engine that was not working properly. It is in the shop now. After further testing decompression was even worse than previously diagnosed at other mechanic and the engine was declared to be failing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11282975, filed 2019-11, 113,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. While driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle ran out of oil. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist because there was no recall on the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11030515, filed 2017-09, 65,000 miles“In one miles time cruse light when on then engine light then died. Got extremely hot.. Blew gaskets and possible engine. I have never missed oil changes and have taken very good care of car.”
NHTSA complaint #10664469, filed 2014-12Related 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 2008 Subaru Forester
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 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 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