One problem related to engine head gasket leaking has been reported for the 2002 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2002 Forester.
Soa is not being forthcoming about a major defect affecting many of its vehicles. On Wednesday July 11, 2007 I spoke to soa and explained my concerns about the chronic leaking head gasket problems on many of your vehicles. I own a 2002 Subaru Forester which was diagnosed with a leaking head gasket in December 2006 and 68000 miles by a teape Subaru technician in arlington TX. This repair would cost $1900. 00. As I had to save up the money I did not get the work done until 07/10/07 at 75,000 miles. I considered this a major safety problem. Had soa brought me in for a repair I might have avoided this expensive repair. My car could easily have overheated, resulting in an injury to myself and others. Research revealed that this was a huge problem with their vehicles that frequently occurred again after being repaired/replaced. Soa's representative told me that not only was my vehicle out of warranty for this problem but that there was no recall for it. He did, however, give me a case #1017178. Subaru needed to step up and handle this problem. I am encouraging you to make them do that. The final cost for my gasket replacement work was 1725. 42. I am mailing soa an itemized list of parts and labor along with my paid receipt, and I want a full refund for this work which included the labor.