3.0

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,167 miles

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problem #3

Jan 282015

Forester 4-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Headlight assembly found with approx. 1" - 1-1/2" free water in the entire inside bottom. There were no visible leaks. This appears to be a common problem. Subaru service representative also had his personal Subaru headlight assembly water filled. Other Subaru's also at dealers service area also contained water. Water & electrical components are not compatible. Service rep. Had previously searched for recalls/tech. Bulletins regarding this issue and found none. It's very expensive to replace these assemblies, we replaced both believing that it could soon occur to the remaining assembly - which did have dew/foggy moisture inside but no free water - yet! feel free to contact us for other information. Have patience, my senior cell phone fails at times.

- Tustin, CA, USA

problem #2

Nov 062010

Forester 4-cyl

  • miles
I have replaced the low beam bulbs 3 times on this vehicle in 11 months. I have owned this vehicle for less than a year and the day I bought it a bulb had to be replaced before I even drove it off the lot. They always burn out with days of each other. I'm concerned that it may be an electrical problem and that my vehicle may catch fire or they will go out while driving.

- Caldwell, OH, USA

problem #1

Mar 152007

Forester 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,500 miles
I purchased a used 2003 Subaru Forester in 2006. In March of 2007 a small parking light went out. I went out and purchased a new bulb for about $1.25 and tried to replace it. I quickly found out that you would have to be a very skilled mechanic to change any bulb on this vehicle. In order to change any bulb you first have to remove the entire front grill which is almost impossible for the average person without damaging the parts that hold it into place. Then you have to remove the entire light ficture to change any bulb then you would have to have the headlights realigned. Subaru charges 1 hour labor to change 1 bulb @ $50 what if your in an area where you don't have a Subaru dealer. Most mechanics won't attempt to change a light bulb on this vehicle. So I would have to drive around with my headlight out untill I found a dealer. Subaru should change the lights at no charge to the customer since it's certainly a design flaw. I have gone on Subaru owner chat rooms and it's a major problem for all Forester owners. Everyone agrees that it takes a number of damaging tries before changing 1 bulb. It seems that Subaru knows that because they carry a ready supply of the parts you'll need to replace when you break them if you can get the grill off in the first place. Thank you for you time..

- Little Neck, NY, USA