10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
49,000 miles

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problem #2

Mar 292004

Forester 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 98,000 miles
My 1998 Subaru Forester hesitates on acceleration in the low RPM range. Once over about 3000 RPM, it runs fine. According to a technical service bulletin released by Subaru in Jan 1999, #11-53-98, this is caused by the engine control module incorrectly interpreting vibrations in the engine as skipping and readjusting the fuel flow rate. The fix requires installing an upgraded ECM--to the tune of well over $1000. This hesitation produces an unsafe situation because the car may at any time refuse to accelerate, or accelerate suddenly without warning.

- Ithaca, NY, USA

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problem #1

Jan 092002

Forester 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When vehicle was turned on it suddenly accelerated backwards very fast, crashing into two vehicles. Consumer has contacted dealer. Cause of the problem has yet to be determined. While vehicle was in park and consumer had foot on the brake and turned on ignition the vehicle accelerated very fast in reverse and caused accident, consumer is also having various electrical problems with the vehicle, such as the battery draining, security system goes off while parked, and the doors lock by themselves.

- Passadena, MD, USA

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