What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2003–2008) Forester?

Forester owners have made 110 complaints about the 2003–2008 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 29th out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability, with real engine and windows concerns.

Compare With Other Forester Generations

Common 2003-2008 Subaru Forester Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Forester owners have to deal with.

  1. Excessive Oil Consumption

    Subaru is one of a handful of automakers accused of making new engines that excessively burn through oil. And they'll tell you that adding a quart (or two) between scheduled changes is totally normal. It's not.

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" Top view of a Subaru engine."

  2. Leaky Head Gaskets

    Why can't Subaru build a decent head gasket? The automaker has had issues with leaky gaskets in their 4-cylinder engines since the 1980's. And repairing the issue is expensive as it requires the engine to be removed.

    Continue reading article "Leaky Head Gaskets" A close-up of a clean black head gasket above two silver pistons.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2003–2008) Forester Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 110 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 29th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 38 eligible generations.