There are no safety recalls for the 2001 Subaru Forester, but owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA.
2001 Subaru Forester problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 30 | |
| Power Train | 25 | |
| Suspension | 16 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 16 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 14 | |
| Air Bags | 12 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | |
| Wheels | 7 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | |
| Seat Belts | 5 | |
| Tires | 5 | |
| Visibility | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 10
- Suspension › Rear — 9
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 9
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 7
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 6
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 5
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Subaru Forester complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 57,045 miles · reported Mar 12, 2016
While pulling out of a curbside parking place on a city street the engine started racing and I could not control it by stomping on the brakes or applying the emergency brake. As I was wrestling to keep the surging car under control another car came driving by and was sideswiped. On two prior occasions I had taken this car to check out the surging which takes place when the car is starting up. The dealership and the independent repair shop that I consulted both assured me that they had adjusted the idle and the car was now safe to drive. But is it?
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 180,000 miles · reported Jan 2, 2016
When the temperature gets cold and I turn on the defrost to warm up the car while parked I can smell gas in the vehicle. It goes away once I start driving. This is a problem many subaru owners have because a hose loosens and allows gas to leak out. Once the car warms up the hose tightens and the problem goes away. This can potentially cause my car to catch on fire.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 95,000 miles · reported Dec 21, 2015
Whenever the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees fahrenheit, there is a strong odor of gasoline in and around the car. When taken to a mechanic, I was informed that all of the hose clamps on the fuel lines were loose. They were then tightened but every time the outside temperature drops, it happens again. It happens whether parked outside or in a garage.
Wheels · at 56,000 miles · reported Dec 21, 2015
In december, less than 3 months after buying the car used, while driving I heard what sounded like a flat tire. I was only a few hundred feet from a service station so drove to it, but driving that short distance ruined the tire. I had just put air in the tires, but didn't know about the problem with aluminum rims. Often, after putting air in the tires, they would be flat by the time I got home (Just a few miles). This happened in 2003. I have had to had the rims taken off, ground/smoothed off, then resealed every year or two. Another problem with the tires/wheels is that when driving through…
Exterior Lighting · at 56,000 miles · reported Dec 21, 2015
When turning the turn signals on, the headlights go off. This happens frequently, suddenly plunging you into darkness. The headlight covers are made of inferior plastic that clouds over with age, making it impossible to see at night. I had to have them replaced because it looked as if the headlights were not on when they were.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2001 Subaru Forester as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Subaru Forester?
Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (30 reports), followed by power train (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.