Suspension Problems of Subaru Forester - part 2

Needed to replace a wheel bearing and a front control arm bearing at 18k miles. Have seen multiple reports of the control arm bearings going bad prematurely on these vehicles and it seems this could be a serious safety concern. There should probably be a recall for the front control arms on this year/make/model.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Ball bearings all broke in car. This is a known issue but not until I googled it. It causes horrible noises and potential inquiry if not corrected.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Took car for 60000 mile check up mechanic said it should not have worn bushings and control arms at 60000 miles.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Forester 🔎.

I was driving and heard bumping noise and thought it was just ice or snow stuck in some parts underneath the car, but the vehicle at one instant pulled over to the other side of the road and I almost lost control and slid off the road. I inspect myself and discover a problem with one of the rear wheel bearings, so I take it to my mechanic. My mechanic discovers rust all underneath and the rust has caused some serious mechanical problems. Front lower control arms and other parts of the suspension are damaged as well because of the rust. This car originally came from the "salt-belt" and Subaru said that the front lower control arms recall had already been taken care of, yet I have the same issue at low milage for a Subaru Forester. Subaru of America is refusing to fix their screw up. The only warning lamps were abs, check engine, and cruise control light flashing. If this instant happened while kids were in the car, Subaru of America would've gone to court. I hope that either Subaru will either fix their mistake or give me a settlement check.

See all problems of the 2007 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Front control arm failed on car. Which snapped the front axle and sway bar link on right side. Found out it was a known issue that was taken care of by dealer. Waiting to see if they will cover repairs.

See all problems of the 2006 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The vehicle fails to maintain stability at either a right turn, and at left turn angles. The vehicle makes a clicking sound on either turn and loses power when you complete the turn and attempt to drive straight. This poses an incredibly unsafe driving experience. When this occurs the traction message light turn on, as well as the passenger airbag, and the upwhill light turns on.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Forester 🔎.

My 2018 Subaru Forester front low control arms and wheel bearing were damaged after about 24000 miles of driving in 5 years. I got it second hand in 2020 and it had only about 14000 miles. I had them replaced due to safety concern.

The contact owns a 2006 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, he discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The contact then took the vehicle a dealer where he was informed that the recall was serviced. Less than two months later, the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the steering wheel began to shake as he began to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the highway shoulder. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the front driver’s side lower control arm was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact discovered that no work was performed on the vehicle. The contact purchased the parts and replaced the control arm himself. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

At only 3,000 miles front suspension “clunks” at low speeds over speed bumps, potholes, and other uneven surfaces.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle began to shake and suddenly veered into the left lane into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle had stopped in the middle of the road. The contact was unaware of any warning light being illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be pushed off the roadway. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front tire was at a 90-degree angle to the wheel well. The contact stated that he could see that the control arm had snapped. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the control arms, the inner power steering rack, and front stabilizer bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

See all problems of the 2000 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed but nothing was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the lower control arm cracked. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance due to the VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. VIN was unavailable.

See all problems of the 2003 Subaru Forester 🔎.

On 7/19/2022 while backing out of a parking spot with a right hand turn we heard a loud noise and the car did not seem to want to continue moving. Upon further inspection the right front tire was sitting at an extreme and unusual angle. Tipped out at the top and no longer pointing in the same direction as the other front tire. Upon recovery of the vehicle and inspection the lower control has completely separated from its inboard forward attachment point due to corrosion. As a secondary result the right from cv axle was disconnected at the transmission cv joint. Due to the slow speed during the incident there was no injury or other vehicle damage. Had this broken at highway speeds the result could have been much different. The vehicle is in our home garage for repair. It has not been otherwise inspected. All parts are available for inspection and I also have pictures of the failed lower control arm. The vehicle is current on all recalls.

Rear suspension is garbage, is rusted and broken and seized to the vehicle. The spring has fallen off the strut. Did not know what the weird noise was, but apparently it is the rear suspension. Cannot use the vehicle until repaired, was not notified of the brake sensor recall, and this part should be recalled as well. I want a reimbursement for my expenses to repair this faulty suspension.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, there was an abnormal clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, the steering wheel became loose without warning. The contact pulled over and upon inspection, the front lower control arm had severed due to severe corrosion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension) which he linked to the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they inspected the vehicle and confirmed the front control arm failure. The dealer informed him that the recall was already serviced on the vehicle prior and provided him an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided him the same information as the dealer. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

See all problems of the 2008 Subaru Forester 🔎.

46,000 miles and the lower control arm is broken. Causing the vehicle to shake and almost be undrivable.

On Sunday 4/3/2022, driving in a semi highway at 50mph the front passenger suspension arm broke off causing a lose of control of the vehicle. Ended up resting at the road shoulder.

My vehicle had a recall on the lower control arms that would rust and and break. That is exactly what happened while I was driving with my family. Control arm broke causing other parts to get destroyed. The fender breaks and other parts. The recall was performed before hand but it obviously wasn’t repaired correctly because it caused me to crash. Dave wright auto Subaru retailer in iowa is refusing to repair my failed recall attempt.

See all problems of the 2004 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Bracket to the sway bar bushing fell off.

I was made a turn at roughly 15mph and the front passenger side control arm sheared in half causing me to lose control of the vehicle and then abruptly come to an immediate stop. My family was in the car and at a higher speed this could have been fatal. Had there been any vehicles behind me that could have caused an accident with unknown results. Had this been moments early I would have been in a head on collision. This is a known issue for this year, make, and model that was not properly resolved in the past by the manufacturer. The part should not fail in that manner. There were no warnings. The failure was inspected by the tow truck driver.

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the lower control arm detached. The contact became aware that there was rust on control arm. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

Had to have both rear struts & strut mounts replaced at only 52000 miles.

The 2003 Subaru Forester sub frame is rusted. I live in illinois.

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving over 60 mph, the vehicle would shudder and produce a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the lower control arm bushing and transmission pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

1. Lower control arm failed, February 2022. Part is not available for inspection, repair shop disposed of it. 2. The car vibrated at highway speed, steering was compromised as steering wheel was shaking. 3. Yes, shop confirmed part had failed. 4. No manufacturer representatives have inspected the part or vehicle. 5. No car built-in diagnostic measures were triggered, no indication of a failed component. 6. Car is starting to show similar behavior now, roughly one year later, vibration at highway speeds, especially when turning and on road curves.

While driving n on I 24 near nashville TN my eyesight assistant turned off illuminated warning light, as it cancelled my adaptive cruise control at freeway speeds in heavy traffic, while engageing my my brakes and illuminated my forward collision warning coming very close to causing serious accident to whereiended up on shoulder due to severe vibration from my defective passenger lower control arm deffectivecv axle. All of which were looked at and reported to crown Subaru service department. They had my vehicle for 2 days, repaired air bag and rearcoil spring recall told me my passenger lower control arm was bent and cv axle was defective the stayed my extended warranty didn't cover it when the warranty personnel said it would be covered. Never even checked my eyesight assist or other safety items associated with it even though I explained it shutoff and turns on and off sporadically. Is it going to take a death or deaths to get these people to do there job and repair and stand by the vehicles we purchase which employees them but a life isn't worth and hour inspection by crown Subaru or Subaru corp start caring. It was in there shop 2 days prior to incident I could have at least been warned about operation of my vehicle.

Safety recall: wvx34 NHTSA campaign: 11v464000 the front lower passenger side control arm completely rusted in half. It occurred while parking vehicle, fortunately not driving at high speed. The recall was previously completed by Subaru dealership in ann arbor, michigan, in 2011. According to service records, they had been treated with anti-corrosion coating. . . I purchased the vehicle from a family member of the original owner, weeks ago, December 2021. It had been serviced regularly by the dealership and now has 162,000 miles. This structural failure of the lower control arm could have been extremely disastrous if driving at speed on the road or highway! I contacted my local dealership in traverse city, mi, and was told by the service advisor the recall had been completed and would not be covered again for subsequent replacement. My vehicle is undrivable and Subaru is not standing behind their parts or workmanship.

Right front lower control arm failed due to rust (safety recall wvx34 and NHTSA campaign 11v464000). Part of arm completely detached from connection to frame. Dealer states the recall is closed and there is nothing they will do. I notified Subaru by email last night on the day it occurred -1 Dec 2021. Have not had reply as yet. This caused uncontrollable steering as it was not controllable by the steering wheel. Fortunately this failed as I was backing out of a parking spot and not at speed on the highway. Car was not drivable. I inspected the left front control arm and it too seems to be also affected by rust.

My Forester has been used in salt belt for 12 years. Was on the list of recall for front suspension control arm failure. We brought it to the dealership to have the car inspected and for a 4 year old car, they didn’t do anything. On 10/15/21, the front control arm broke right after we drove off highway. If the arm broke on the highway, then us and others might have been killed as the tire would have broke off. We highly doubt the job to correct the recall was done properly, if they did anything at all. After the accident, we had the car and component inspected by the east forest garage. There weren’t any warning signs before the accident.

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, grinding noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact then stated that upon turning into a driveway, the front lower control arm detached from the vehicle without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home where he began to repair the vehicle himself. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure and offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension) which he linked to his failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 97,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle was shaking. Additionally, the passenger’s side front wheel was shaking, and the vehicle was drifting to the right. The contact who is an independent mechanic noticed that the front lower control arm was fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed at an independent mechanic, he was informed that the control arm and ball joints were rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed that the control bushings were worn, and the lower control arm was inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

I was driving down the highway when my front drivers side control arm broke causing me to completely lose control of my vehicle. I was thrown down an embankment and into a cornfield where my vehicle came to a stop. I narrowly missed a telephone pole and culvert. I am extremely fortunate that my car went into a field rather than into oncoming traffic as this happened during rush hour traffic on a Thursday night around 5-530pm. I’m glad that I was able to walk away from this and wasn’t killed. I had no warning lights, no laxity in steering, no warning at all-absolutely nothing that would’ve allowed me time to avoid this. The part failure has been recalled previously, and when I called Subaru I was told that the recall had been “taken care of” which concerns me that this part was “fixed” and still put my life in danger. Police were called to the scene and a report was written. My car was towed to a local shop to be evaluated and was considered a total loss due to the extent of the damage. I am still waiting to hear back from Subaru if there is anything they are willing or wanting to do. I don’t want this to happen to anyone else. I take amazing care of my vehicles, and haven’t even owned this car for a year. Now I am stuck in a completely unfair situation and having to carry the financial burden for something I was not responsible for. The vehicle is still available to be looked at as well, and I am more than happy to have someone look at the damage. I don’t want anyone to lose their life over this part malfunction, and I hope you are able to help me do something about this to keep everyone on the road safe.

See all problems of the 2005 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Top bolt on strut fell out. Caused wheel to collapse and bent drive axle.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel moved back and forth while on cruise control with the tires wobbling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the front driver’s and passenger’s side tires were able to move 6-8 inches without effort. The steering gear and all four tires were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

The contact owns a 2004 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while having a routine safety check performed on the vehicle, she learned that the lower control was completely rusted. The contact learned that the repair was covered under a special coverage. The contact stated that because the vehicle was not registered in a stated listed for the special coverage, the vehicle was not eligible for the free repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.