2007 Subaru Forester Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2007 Subaru Forester has a complaint index of 10, one of the lowest among Forester model years, and ranks 19th worst out of 21 years. It carries a Good verdict, though NHTSA data for 2005-2009 is capped at Good due to less complete records. One recall covers suspension corrosion.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 10/100
- #19 of 21 Forester years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 74
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 13
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 18.5 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2007 Subaru Forester problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine22 (30%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (22%)
- Fuel System12 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (15%)
- Electrical System8 (11%)
- Airbags6 (8%)
- Brakes4 (5%)
- Other4 (5%)
- Structure & Body4 (5%)
- Steering3 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners describe sudden unintended acceleration when shifting from reverse to drive or while backing up, leading to crashes.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple frontal or side-impact crashes despite significant vehicle damage.
- Owners report the front lower control arm fracturing from internal rust corrosion, causing a sudden loss of steering control.
- One owner reported the brake or transmission system locking up shortly after purchase, requiring a tow to the dealership.
- A wiring harness reportedly melted after the air conditioning system shut off unexpectedly while the vehicle was parked.
2007 Subaru Forester recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V464000Sep 6, 2011Suspension, Wheels & Tires318,215 vehicles
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
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.
Remedy: 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.
2007 Subaru Forester fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,375
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2007 compared with other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Subaru Forester reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2007 Forester a complaint index of 10, among the lowest of any Forester year, and it ranks 19th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict.
- Does the 2007 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 11V464000) covers corrosion of front suspension components affecting 2002-2007 Impreza and 2003-2008 Forester vehicles.
- What is the top problem area for the 2007 Forester?
- Engine complaints are the largest category, making up 30% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 95,000 miles.
- Why is the 2007 Forester capped at a Good verdict instead of Best?
- NHTSA data notes that complaint records for 2005-2009 Forester model years are less complete, so those years are capped at Good regardless of their low complaint index.
- How does the 2007 Forester compare to later years like 2019?
- The 2007 model has a complaint index of 10 versus 100 for 2019, which is rated Avoid, making 2007 one of the lower-risk Forester years by this measure.