| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2008 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area
Engine (42%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)
Brakes and Traction Control (4%)
Suspension and Steering (23%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (19%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)
Other (2%)
Chart based on 101 repairs.
2008 Subaru Forester repair cost distribution
$2500+ (7%)
$1000 - $2499 (10%)
$500 - $999 (12%)
$100 - $499 (45%)
< $100 (26%)
Chart based on 91 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2008 Subaru Forester
Engine not specified
| Subaru Forester in Iceland Jul 2013 - Oct 2015 | |||
| Mar 201465720 mi$333 | CV Joint | ||
| Feb 201586800 mi$1000 | Outer CV joint | ||
2008 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru Forester in Texas, United States Jun 2013 - Jul 2013 | |||
| Jul 2013141000 miUS $150 | Rear wheel bearing | ||
| Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada Jun 2011 - Nov 2016 | |||
| Aug 201385180 miC $1200 | Clutch | ||
| Jul 2015108500 miC $500 | Link broke | ||
2008 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States Apr 2011 - Nov 2013 | |||
| Jul 201272700 miUS $150 | The wheel bearing on the rear drivers side. | ||
| Oct 201276000 miUS $35 | Loose belt on the power steering making loud screech noise | ||
| Jun 201383000 miUS $500 | Two warning lights came on - traction control disabled and something else, don't remember. Checked the error code suggesting emmission system problems. The dealer replaced some kind of emissions exhaust valve | ||
| Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States Mar 2012 - Jun 2018 | |||
| May 201457900 miUS $600 | The Trailing arm link bushings were worn and replaced. Same for the Crossmember bushings. | ||
| Dec 201462000 miUS $500 | Secondary air valves were sticking and were causing cel codes. Check engine light, Stability control light, and Cruise control light were all illuminated in instrument cluster panel. Because of the this my Cruise control was deactivated. | ||
| Apr 201564000 miUS $1279 | Replaced oem struts with a new set. | ||
| Nov 201569600 miUS $75 | Replaced Rear Cross-Member Bushings. | ||
| Oct 201781000 miUS $1115 | Noise coming from the rear of car turned out to be a wheel bearing on the driver side. I had both driver and passenger side done. Two front swayer end links were rusted and replaced. Upper radiator hose was worn. Worn A/C and alternator belt. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States Jan 2021 - May 2022 | |||
| Jan 2022147000 miUS $136 | After a week of no use we noticed oil on driveway. The heads are leaking as well as main seal. | ||
| Apr 2022150000 miUS $130 | rear end needs replaced or major rebuild | ||
2008 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States Jun 2015 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Jun 2015174000 miUS $20 | AC belt broke | ||
| Subaru Forester in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada Mar 2012 - Apr 2013 | |||
| Apr 201239060 miC $533 | Install sway bar bushings, front control arm bushing, right front link kit, right rear link kit. | ||
| Apr 201356420 miC $120 | Rear wiper motor failed. Replaced with used part. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States Feb 2013 - Jan 2015 | |||
| Oct 2014211000 miUS $189 | Replaced both rear strut assemblies with used assemblies from a auto recycler. | ||
| Dec 2014215000 miUS $275 | Car had a miss on number 2 cyl. Replaced plies and wires but found the coil to be cracked and corroded causing the misfire. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada Apr 2011 - Feb 2019 | |||
| May 201130380 miC $10 | High beam headlight not working. Bulb replaced. | ||
| Feb 201235840 miC $11 | RHS Low Beam Headlight bulb replaced | ||
| Jul 201237400 miC $120 | A/C not cooling, was recharged, system tested for leaks but none found | ||
| Nov 201238740 miC $437 | Serviced rear caliper pistons and pin sliders, cleaned and serviced brake pads Anti Sway Bar Link broken, replaced | ||
| Jul 201341420 miC $175 | Was not cooling properly. System recharged. Dye installed for monitoring | ||
| Sep 201342780 miC $283 | A/C not cooling.A/C Condensor replaced and system recharged | ||
| Nov 201344020 miC $175 | Squealing on start-up. Drive belts replaced. | ||
| Feb 201444640 miC $34 | Exterior trim loose and weatherstripping loose, both on driver's door | ||
| Dec 201446500 mi | weatherstripping was loose on both front doors. Estimate provided. Repair declined due to unreasonable cost. Purchased clips and spouse repaired weatherstripping. | ||
| Apr 201547320 miC $197 | Right sway bar link broken, left had play | ||
| Dec 201550220 miC $691 | Check engine light on solid, then flashing. Code P0302 misfire from #2 cylinder, compression good. Coil shorted and wire weak. Replaced coil and ignition wire. | ||
| Jun 201755180 miC $627 | Vapour coming from under hood, strange smell, leak near dipstick. Replaced valve cover gasket and O-rings. Replaced front oil pressure switch. | ||
| Sep 201757040 miC $897 | Noisy exhaust. Exhaust was leaking through midpipe and muffler. Midpipe and muffler were replaced. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States Apr 2011 - Jan 2017 | |||
| Jan 201745000 miUS $3300 | Head gasket replacement | ||
| Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States May 2011 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Jul 201178000 miUS $200 | CV joint needed replacing | ||
| Jun 2015143000 mi | Head gasket, repaired that, then it was the drive belt I believe | ||
| Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States Nov 2014 - May 2017 | |||
| Oct 2015101000 miUS $150 | Check engine light with flashing cruise control light; no other symptoms. Diagnostic code for bad air/fuel ratio sensor. Replaced sensor, solving problem. | ||
| Mar 2016108000 miUS $260 | Oil leaking from engine onto exhaust, producing minor smoke. Replaced valve cover gaskets and oil pressure sensor, which were both leaking. VCGs were previously replaced by dealer; suspect bad job at that time. Seems ok now. | ||
| Sep 2016115000 miUS $380 | Occasional misfire under acceleration triggered check engine light. Factory spark plugs replaced at 115k miles. Oil leaking from engine onto oil filter and exhaust system, producing smoke. Suspect external head gasket leak, previously misdiagnosed. Mechanic cleaned oil residue, then added dye to oil in order to locate leak at a future repair trip. | ||
| Jan 2017108700 miUS $4000 | External head gasket leak (producing worsening smoke) and damaged cylinder guide. Engine block machined/resurfaced. Other parts replaced preventatively. Runs smoothly now. | ||
| Apr 2017121000 miUS $300 | Dead in the driveway, 4K miles after head gasket repair. Could have seized due to increased oil consumption after engine block remachining. Starter made noise but car wouldn't start. Local mechanic removed timing cover for diagnosis and suspected broken camshaft due to timing slip. Subaru dealership mechanic also suspected timing issues. Quoted $7-9k for engine repair, or $6-7k to buy and install a remanufactured engine. I scrapped the car. | ||
| Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States Jul 2012 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Jul 201396300 miUS $300 | Car shaking & stalling (stopped 3 days, fine before). CEL On, code was misfire in all 4 cyl. Shop replace valves gasket, spark plugs and wires. Also tried coil, but wasn't it. Issue was not resolved. Car still stalling and jerking. After shop was unsuccessful, owner dove into it and tried to repair it himself. Change several parts according to internet forum and was finally successful. EGR valve was the culprit. CAM & CAP also changed. | ||
| Dec 2013107000 miUS $120 | Strange noise when car starts or idle. Shop found some steel plates within the emissions system were loose and soldered them. Owner was concerned was an issue with the catalytic converter. | ||
| Feb 2014110400 miUS $1600 | Clutch needed replacement. | ||
| Jan 2016113200 miUS $350 | Tie end boot needed replacement. Leaking motor oil. Shop did it, but it failed soon after. Shop was out of business by then. | ||
| Oct 2016150000 miUS $850 | Steering fluid leaking. Rack needed replacement. | ||
| Nov 2017158000 miUS $200 | TPS light on. Sensor was replaced on 2 of the tires Airbag light is on in dashboard. Not code has been found. Car is being driven with light on. | ||
| Apr 2022220000 miUS $125 | Issues with the exhaust. Part of the duct was replaced(the middle part after the manifold, before the muffler. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Tasmania, Australia Apr 2008 - Jun 2017 | |||
| Apr 20083100 mi | Starter motor failed. Replaced on warranty by dealer. Down time 24h. | ||
| Dec 201136580 mi | Head gasket found to be leaking, needs full replacement next 12 months. | ||
2008 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada Jun 2013 - Sep 2014 | |||
| Mar 201342427 mi | change coolant sensor & relay. Each winter would fail to start if temp below -10 C and car had been driven ~ 2 km or less. 1st dealer poor response. wrote newspaper column. 2nd dealer under goodwill warranty did job. Problem again in 2014. | ||
| Jun 201455800 miC $30 | auto, shift linkage became stiff in May 2013. Had lubed and subsequently replaced pivot points, cleaned and lubed -- cable was ok. Became stiff again in June 2014.had cleaned and lubed, including cable. rear hatch latch handle became stiff. would not spring back into normal position. hatch would not latch. I used silicone spray to get it functional. Dealer lubed this during visit at no cost. Had exactly same problem in 2013 spring. Annual? | ||
| Subaru Forester in Texas, United States - Mar 2010 | |||
| May 20082050 mi | The "Forester" emblem was seperating from the rear hatch. Northpark Subaru of San Antonio, made the repairs. New decal covered under the 3/36k. | ||
| Mar 201027500 mi | The center console cushion developed a crease. Dealer replaced the cushion under warranty. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States Apr 2018 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Jun 2021201000 miUS $10 | A/C pulley adjuster | ||
| Jul 2021201000 miUS $300 | Rear resonator, muffler. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States Jun 2017 - Jun 2018 | |||
| May 201874000 miUS $575 | Needed new brakes and rotors. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States Apr 2011 - Jun 2022 | |||
| May 201856000 miUS $1200 | Engine suddenly running badly. Replaced coil pack, spark plugs, spark plug wires. Replaced valve cover gaskets. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada Sep 2012 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Mar 201248980 miC $70 | Replaced oil pressure switch | ||
| Jan 201358280 miC $1900 | Major parts: Machined engine block Changed valve/guide Changed spark plugs/wires Changed drive belt | ||
| Oct 201366620 miC $250 | Changed both link kit - front | ||
| May 201475920 miC $125 | Oil pressure switch (back order from the dealer) | ||
| Feb 201585340 miC $165 | Cam seal pushed out 1/4. Total loss of engine oil on highway. | ||
| Apr 201794240 miC $335 | Replace rear wiper motor Replaced front sway bar links | ||
| Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States Sep 2014 - Feb 2022 | |||
| Nov 201545500 miUS $300 | Stabilizer links | ||
| Mar 201648000 mi | Retighten. | ||
| Aug 201775000 miUS $150 | Replaced pads and turned rotors | ||
| Feb 201883000 miUS $200 | Replace link | ||
| Subaru Forester in Texas, United States Jun 2012 - Jan 2013 | |||
| Jan 201345000 miUS $2500 | Head gasket needed replacement. Also changed timing belt. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Texas, United States Aug 2011 - Sep 2012 | |||
| Sep 2012143000 miUS $450 | replaced a/c compressor | ||
| Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada Apr 2011 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Feb 201461860 mi | Sudden burning smell and screeching noise from engine (pulling away from intersection) - turned out to be A/C belt, pulley mechanism. A/C belt was worn and replaced at recent maintenance. Status of compressor unknown. | ||
| Apr 201462400 mi | Further to Feb 2014 report. Not done but confirmed the A/C unit needs to be replaced. Toughing it out this summer and might replace ourselves. | ||
| Mar 2019111290 miC $2500 | Leaking head gasket - observed during routine maintenance and not yet repaired - the price reported (in CAD) is an estimate based on not needing to machine the heads, if this is added, could be as high as 4000. We're shopping around to see what our options are. We hope to drive this Forester for another 100k-150k and do intend to make the repair. | ||
| Jun 2022134230 miC $1400 | Replace leaking hose, replace condenser and other components | ||
| Subaru Forester in Kentucky, United States Apr 2011 - Jun 2022 | |||
| Sep 201653000 miUS $3500 | Shop found two exhaust valve guides on one head had dropped a little, so since the heads were off, they did a valve job on both heads (remanufactured heads). | ||
| Dec 201655000 miUS $100 | Replace one faulty tire pressure sensor. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada Apr 2011 - Jun 2013 | |||
| Apr 201143400 miC $395 | O2 SENSOR | ||
| Jan 201359520 miC $96 | Oil pressure switch allowing oil to leak onto engine | ||
| Subaru Forester in Maine, United States Apr 2008 - Jan 2014 | |||
| May 200815000 mi | Replace door panel window was jamming | ||
| Jun 200817000 mi | Replaced Radio | ||
| Apr 201065600 miUS $68 | Replaced tires for second time and alignment replaced idler arm right | ||
| Mar 201185973 miUS $250 | replaced valve cover gaskets and gromets flushed radiater and replaced plugs. | ||
| Apr 201188269 miUS $76 | Replaced idler arm left | ||
| Jan 2014153000 miUS $325 | rear u-joint on drive shaft | ||
| Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States Oct 2012 - Mar 2014 | |||
| Oct 2013166000 mi | Warranty repair for catalytic converter | ||
| Mar 2014177000 miUS $400 | Wheel hub replacement | ||
| Subaru Forester in New York, United States Sep 2011 - Jun 2016 | |||
| Sep 201363000 miUS $50 | Blower power connector broken. Connector was replaced | ||
| Oct 201583300 miUS $260 | rear wheel bearing | ||
| Subaru Forester in California, United States Oct 2012 - Feb 2017 | |||
| Jan 2014106000 miUS $1500 | Rack and Pinion seal went bad. Replaced entire system. | ||
| Nov 2016160300 miUS $3500 | Master cylinder leaking | ||
2007.5 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| Subaru Forester in Great Britain Dec 2014 - Jan 2015 | |||
| Jan 2015£1100 | Air pump failure | ||
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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.
