2010 Subaru Forester Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 5%of 262 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the fuel system of the 2010 Subaru Forester, 5% of the 262 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“We noticed gas leaking from the passenger side rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Subaru and we were told the gas tank is rotting away and there is a hole at the seam of the tank. Vehicle is 7 years old with 67,000 miles. The vehicle was never in an accident or flood damaged and we are the orginal owner's.”
NHTSA complaint #11014623, filed 2017-08, 67,000 miles“The fuel tank door jams and refuses to open. This has been happening for about 5 months. I had to ask a gas station attendant to open it and he had to use a screwdriver. Took car to dealer on may 3rd. Did not fix it. I read online this has happened to many others. I called Subaru customer service number and she said that she never heard of this happening.. I believe they should have a recall .”
NHTSA complaint #10985412, filed 2017-05, 30,000 miles“On routine oil visit change, dealership informed me the head gaskets were leaking slightly but didn't need immediate repair. I had noticed no symptoms. On next visit for an unrelated problem, was told they needed immediate repair at a cost of more than $2,000. A quick online search confirmed that this is a common complaint among Forester owners. I let the dealer make the repair but complained to Subaru corporate, which wrote off some of the cost but still cost me hundreds to fix.”
NHTSA complaint #11196457, filed 2019-04, 107,000 miles“Hello- I am experiencing continued issues after recall: 16v-738. I began attempting to resolve this issue in september of 2016. The issue impacts the secondary air system and my vehicle would not pass ca smog. I have to have a passing smog to renew my ca registration. I failed smog and sent the vehicle to my mechanic. My mechanic performed diagnosis and determined stored p2441 and p2443 codes (secondary air valves open). Around the same time, october 2016, Subaru released recall: 16v-738. This addresses a single relay in the secondary air series. …”
NHTSA complaint #10939754, filed 2017-01, 17,000 miles“When I start my 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5l non-turbo in the morning, there is a distinct smell of gas. It only happens after the car has been sitting overnight. I called the dealer to ask about this and he said that there had been several people asking about it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10306874, filed 2010-02, 3,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10234829Jan 15, 2014Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 17 | 17% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 4% |
| 2017 | 11 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 6% |
| 2015 | 57 | 9% |
| 2014 | 21 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 8 | 8% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 13 | 15% |
| 2005 | 22 | 24% |
| 2004 | 124 | 57% |
| 2003 | 57 | 30% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 10 | 7% |
| 2000 | 6 | 8% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2010 Subaru Forester
76 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsEngine
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 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 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