2008 Subaru Forester Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
0/100
#21 most-complained of 21 Forester years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2008 Subaru Forester has 50 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 0 out of 100 — #21 highest of 21 Forester model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is engine (14 complaints, 28% of the total). Complaints report 5 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries.
- Complaints
- 50
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19.5 city / 25.5 hwy
Top 2008 Subaru Forester problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine14 (28%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (26%)
- Other8 (16%)
- Airbags6 (12%)
- Electrical System6 (12%)
- Steering4 (8%)
- Structure & Body4 (8%)
- Fuel System3 (6%)
- Brakes2 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (4%)
2008 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.
2008 Subaru Forester fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 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.
2008 compared with other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Subaru Forester a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Subaru Forester ranks #21 of 21 among Forester model years (Complaint Index 0/100, verdict: Best). It has 50 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru Forester?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (14 complaints), suspension, wheels & tires (13 complaints), and airbags (6 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 88,900 miles.
- Does the 2008 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2008 Subaru Forester, most recently reported 2011, covering suspension, wheels & tires.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Subaru Forester?
- EPA rates the 2008 Subaru Forester at 21.5 MPG combined (19.5 city / 25.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,375. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.