Table 1 shows one common equipment related problems of the 2005 Subaru Forester.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
A part of the front frame was recalled because of rusting and was breaking on 3-20-12 they put a rust proof on the part knowing it would only last a few years instead of replacing the parts. The part is broken and they say the recall was complete but really they only put a bandaid on a serous problem knowing it wouldn’t last . They said they don’t have to replace and fix the damage caused to my car Subaru gave me a case number 230206-1400191.
There's a known undercarriage recall issue on the 2005 Forester for which I never received notification. Upon discovery of the problem on my vehicle which included extensive corrosion on the lower control arm and the supporting frame (see photo). I contacted a nearby Subaru dealer who informed me that most of the needed repairs were not covered under the recall. This situation put my family and me at great risk as we were driving the car around without knowing. We feel that Subaru should have gone to greater lengths to make sure I got the notice regarding this structural defect. Subaru should cover this repair in full. I wanted to alert others to this dangerous situation.
I noticed smoke and flames in the engine compartment as I was parking at my home. Flames dripped down onto the drivers side axle. As I returned quickly with no water the entire undercarriage was engulfed in flames. I ran a mile to the neighbors house and called 911. We then heard the boom of the exploding fuel tank. We returned to the scene within 20 minutes of the incident and the car was ablaze. Nothing survived the fire. The heat melted through the motor straight through the top of the transmission. The motor oil was boiling. Lost all valuables and vehicle. The motor swap was done two and a half years ago with a factory motor from manufacturer. This motor has a active recal. Subaru is buring me in paperwork and so far offered no compensation or help since the fire on 11/26/16. Lucky to be alive and unburned. Shame on Subaru not offering any assistance.
This is not an accident (yet) but the rear view mirror is failing - it was the kind that has all the "features" dimmer, compass etc but it is fading and I consider that a safety concern. The fading makes it look like an old fashioned mirror with a tarnished look that impedes visibility and creates blind spots. I looked it up online and it is common but I wonder why it has not been considered a recall since mirrors are safety equipment.
I had just locked my residence gate, leaving my property, I fastened my seatbelt, advanced very slowly, saw that both ways were clear, advanced slowly making a left turn, when I was just 12 feet, the engine began to race and propelled my vehicle forward into a huge tree across the road. I did not confust the gas pedal with the brake pedal, there was no floor mat impeding my foot-work,I braked then it began racing even faster then I don't remember anything more till after-dark and a fireman told me an ambulance was coming. I have a broken cervical vertebra c 2 and multiple bruisesmy car was "totaled".
On July 28, 2014 I was pulling into my parking space at my condo. The brakes wouldn't stop the car and the engine seemed to surge forward. The passenger with me looked down and said the gas pedal looked to be all the way to the floor. The car had to be towed, and I am still awaiting for the damage estimate from my insurance company.