Subaru Forester Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 415 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Subaru Forester across 24 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (94). The words owners use most often: “control arm” (26% of reports).
- 415suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 13mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $1,100typical repair cost reported by owners
- 35%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Control arm: mentioned in 106 of 415 complaints (26%)
- Rear coil: mentioned in 58 of 415 complaints (14%)
- Wheel bearing: mentioned in 53 of 415 complaints (13%)
- Front lower: mentioned in 34 of 415 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the Subaru Forester at $1,100, and half of them between $720 and $1,350.
Based on 24 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2002–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 289 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 415 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.
Subaru Forester suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 Forester | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2022 Forester | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2021 Forester | 4 | 2% | 26,000 |
| 2019 Forester | 6 | 1% | 53,856 |
| 2018 Forester | 15 | 3% | 14,000 |
| 2017 Forester | 12 | 2% | 62,750 |
| 2016 Forester | 14 | 3% | 37,500 |
| 2015 Forester | 66 | 11% | 52,102 |
| 2014 Forester | 94 | 23% | 55,565 |
| 2012 Forester | 1 | 1% | 86,000 |
| 2010 Forester | 2 | 1% | 48,476 |
| 2009 Forester | 6 | 3% | 112,500 |
| 2008 Forester | 11 | 22% | 136,000 |
| 2007 Forester | 12 | 16% | 125,500 |
| 2006 Forester | 12 | 14% | 123,000 |
| 2005 Forester | 21 | 23% | 128,056 |
| 2004 Forester | 25 | 11% | 133,000 |
| 2003 Forester | 22 | 12% | 122,000 |
| 2002 Forester | 9 | 10% | 162,500 |
| 2001 Forester | 15 | 11% | 45,000 |
| 2000 Forester | 19 | 25% | 67,243 |
| 1999 Forester | 25 | 19% | 43,000 |
| 1998 Forester | 17 | 17% | 84,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Suspension:rear
Model years: 2019
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Model years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from september 5, 2000 through november 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will handle their vehicles and saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While driving in [XXX], the passenger-side front lower control arm on my 2007 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX]) fractured without warning due to severe internal rust corrosion. The structural collapse snapped the CV axle and sway bar link, causing an immediate loss of steering control that forced the…
Within 30k miles, Front passinger control arm bushings required replacement due to bushing failure resulting in uneven tire ware. By 35k miles, the front driver lower control arm also had the same issue effecting steering and uneven tire ware.
We purchased a used car for my [XXX] daughter on August 4th. of this year. On her trip to [XXX] on XXX., appoximently 5pm, the drivers side rear wheel fell off, causing damage to the wheel, lugs, shocks, caliper and tire. She was able to pull over into a parking lot, where a stranger helped her out…
When I drove the car, All most all light on the dashboard are on onthe road, and when I stop and tried to go, the car is somewhat not controled. I immidieatly went to dealership and dignosed P2764 CVT balve problem. And they add wheel bearing is problem. Subaru noticed these problems but my 88,278…
Tires are wearing badly on the inside edge only. Suspension and drive train components make noise during normal operation.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Foresters have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 415 owner complaints about suspension for the Subaru Forester. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Forester suspension?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the Subaru Forester?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,100 (half paid between $720 and $1,350), from 24 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the Subaru Forester?
The most frequent phrase is “control arm”, in 106 of 415 complaints, followed by “rear coil” (58).
Other Subaru Forester problems
- Visibility/wiper problems (1,061)
- Engine problems (827)
- Air Bags problems (817)
- Electrical System problems (797)
- Power Train problems (556)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (532)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (350)
- Service Brakes problems (273)
See all Subaru Forester problems.