Table 1 shows one common wheel related problems of the 2003 Subaru Forester.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Wheel problems |
I was driving at 55 mph when my right front control arm snapped. I looked to ensure no vehicles were coming, and made the decision to turn left to get back on the road with all 4 tires as I could only turn left. I could not control the vehicle, and the vehicle turned side ways and then rolled 3 consecutive times landing on its wheels facing south. I was transported to the hospital . On the way to the hospital in the ambulance the driver had to stop, because I was throwing up convulsively while being strapped to a backboard and I thought I was going to die of not being able to breath due to my airway being filled with vomit. I sustained the following injuries: 2 forms of vertigo which I still have, a shoulder injury which I was in a sling for 6 weeks, severe muscle injuries in my back and neck, I now have severe muscle spasms and cramps throughout my whole body, loss of memory, and severe contusions throughout my whole body, and also a right leg injury which affects my walking capability, ptsd and severe flashbacks of my accident with me rolling over and over again, because I was conscious through the whole accident. There was an open recall on the lower control arms on my vehicle which was never repaired. The suburu recall campaign # is wvx-34, and the NHTSA campaign number is 11v-464. The necessary repairs were never performed. The airbag NHTSA complaint number I filed for the airbags not deploying is 10598597. There were 22 other reports to the NHTSA regarding the airbags not deploying dut to the wiring harness attached to the drivers seat being not long enough, there are several complaints to the NHTSA. The federal trade commission is in the process of investigating my accident also. The federal trade commission reference number is 54237615.
Have had to replace left front wheel bearing four times in the last six months. Each time, it was stated by the mechanic to be a faulty wheel bearing, but because of the number of instances, a question has been raised of possible other source.
I purchased a Subaru forrester with 38 k miles in August. During the thanksgiving holiday, I noticed a rubbing noise, consistent and louder while turning in the rear passenger side of the vehicle. Warranty from the dealership only lasted one thousand miles and they told me tough luck. A friend who is a "Subaru guy" told me I had a bad bearing, and to be careful, it was a common problem that could get worse quick. It did, and I have had my vehicle parked for the past few weeks as the noise loud one day and the wheel was actually loose. The vehicle is currently in the shop, having the rear wheel bearing replaced. The cost of the repair is 390 dollars, possibly 150 more if the mechanic finds out that a cap or seal for the axle is pitted and needs replacement. I have never driven the car in any extreme circumstances, mostly for a thirty mile highway commute to work, no stop and go or any sort of extraordinary driving. I had heard nothing but good things about Subaru, but this is no good as the wheel seemed to have loosened to a point of danger and I had it towed in to the shop.