2010 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 262 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,412miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2010 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 262 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,412 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“I have a new 2020 Subaru Forester that is almost impossible to start----I have had it to the dealer 2 times and they tell me this is the way it is supposed to start due to the new emissions on the car--I had a Forester before and never had a problem--buyer beware--I called the head office and they promised to return my call--as usual no one called--I called the dealership and left 4 messages and no one called.”
NHTSA complaint #10276709, filed 2009-07, 25 miles“I have a 2010 Subaru Forester. The vehicle has an issue with (1) the steering pulls to the right, (2) the engine loses power intermittently and (3) the car shakes and shimmies when driving at highway speeds. All three of the issues have been with the car since I purchased it at 6 miles on the odometer. The steering issue is dangerous because it makes it hard to keep the car on the road. I have taken the car in 2 times for an alignment and the issue persists still at 2750 miles. The engine issue has been with the car since the beginning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10360299, filed 2010-10, 6 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact shifted into reverse and the vehicle abnormally accelerated backward, crashing into a building. A police report was filed and a bystander was reported as injured. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent repair shop where the body damage was repaired. Approximately one month later the failure recurred, again upon shifting the vehicle into reverse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10384455, filed 2011-02, 5,800 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, she noticed that the temperature gauge was displaying a high reading and the temperature light began to illuminate on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact could also smell a burning odor. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, where the technicians stated that a bolt came loose in the engine while the vehicle was being manufactured. As a result, the engine overheated. Also, there was an engine coolant leak. The technicians replaced the engine short block. …”
NHTSA complaint #10413923, filed 2011-07, 1,412 miles“Engine oil was below dip stick after 5500 miles odometer at 23566. Subaru did an oil consumption test, uses 1/2 pint per 1000 miles on clean oil. Subaru mechanic said that 1 qt per 1000 miles on engine is normal. Oil change recommendation is 7500 miles. Engine has less than 29000 miles and is in danger of seizing up if oil is not kept up. Subaru is aware of problem in engine, but refuses to fix the oil consumption problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10434327, filed 2011-11Related 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.
- 10179422Aug 31, 2020This bulletin announces availability of new master cylinder application shaft seals.
- 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.
- 10160503Mar 19, 2019SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed above, equipped with a non-desiccated…
- 10192930Jul 11, 2017Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 100,127 vehicles including certain 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback (turbo models only), 2008-2014 model year Impreza (turbo…
- 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…
- 10111069Dec 27, 2016This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
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 2010 Subaru Forester
76 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsEngine
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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