2000 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2000 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 79 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2000 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2000 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2000 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2000 Subaru Forester has 79 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2000
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 79
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2000 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Suspension Failures, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2000 Subaru Forester?
The 2000 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2000 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or failure.
- Check suspension components, including struts and bushings.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or failure.
- Check suspension components, including struts and bushings.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2000 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2000 Subaru Forester are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and suspension systems, with engine problems also notable. Crash-related complaints are present but relatively few. The data is limited to a single model year and a low number of complaints, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported issue.
- Suspension failures are nearly as frequent as transmission problems.
- Engine problems account for a significant portion of complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension Failures
- Engine Problems
All 2000 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2000 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 unaw…
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORRESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED OVER HEATING. HE PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICE COOLANT COMING FROM UNDERNEATH OF THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICES THE VEHICLE HAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND LEAKING RADIATOR COO…
ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2010, OUR 2000 SUBARU FORRESTER WENT INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE CAUSING THE CAR TO BE TOTALED, DAMAGE TO A FORD F350 TRUCK AND INJURY TO THE OWNER OF THE TRUCK. SIMILAR INCIDENT OCCURRED IN 2008 WHEN GOING FORWARD AND COMI…
HAD 2000 SUBARU FORESTER (83,000 MI) AT DEALER FOR INSPECTION. DEALER NOTIFIED US THAT CAR FAILED DUE TO EXTERNAL HEAD GASKET LEAK. DEALER SAYS THERE IS OIL DRIPPING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND IT IS A FIRE HAZARD SO UNLESS WE REPLACE HEAD GASKET THE CAR FAILS. SUBARU PREVIOUSLY…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-55 MPH THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. HE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE VEHICLE OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 55 TO 65 MPH THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVER HEAT. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET CRACKED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALSO FAILED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK. THE CURRENT MI…
200 SUBARU FORESTER BLOWS HEAD GASKET FOR THIRD TIME. FIXED TWICE UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THIRD TIME, SUBARU REPORTS THEY WILL ASSIST WITH HALF OF PAYMENT BECAUSE RECALL WAS DISCONTINUED IN 2008. "REPAIR" COMPLETED UNDER RECALL, BUT WASN'T REALLY REPAIRED. THIS CONSUMER …
IN EARLY 2008 MY SUBARU BEGAN POPPING OUT OF FIFTH GEAR. THIS IS VERY INCONVENIENT AND UNSAFE AS IT CAUSES AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF SPEED. ON A FREEWAY GRADE FOR EXAMPLE I HAVE ALMOST BEEN RAMMED FROM BEHIND BY VEHICLES FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRAVELING AT THE SPEED…
I HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. OFF AND ON, SINCE 2007, THE CAR WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY ENGAGE WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN I WOULD SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. WHILE IN DRIVE, WITH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WOULD NOT M…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EVAPORATION LEAK IN THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE PIPE AND THE VALVE WERE …
IF I PLACE MY 2000 SUBARU FORRESTER INTO DRIVE IT WILL NOT MOVE, IT WILL SIT THERE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES UNTIL SUDDENLY IT JERKS FORWARD INTO GEAR. PLACE INTO REVERSE IT WORKS WELL, MOVES IN REVERSE. VISIT SEVERAL REPUTABLE CAR REPAIR FORUMS ONLINE YOU WILL LITERALLY SEE HUNDREDS…
GAS LEAK ON FUEL LINE OF THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. *TR
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE REAR WHEEL BEARING ON MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER 3 TIMES RIGHT AND LEFT REAR OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS. I SEE THROUGH ONLINE READING THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THE SUBARU AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PRESSURE NEEDS TO BE PUT ON THEM T…
FUEL FILLER PIPE AND ASSOCIATED MOUNTING AND EMISSIONS HARDWARE ARE RUSTED OUT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND CODE RETRIEVED IS 0440. DANGER OF LEAKING FUEL DURING FILL UP. *TR
2000 SUBARU FORESTER WITH FUEL PROBLEMS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE DEALER SAID THE RUST WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER ALSO TOLD HIM THAT RUST IS A COMMON PROBLEM. HE WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED AND BELIEVES SUBARU NEEDS TO PUT OUT A RECALL. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE E…
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM CAR WAS OVERHEATING AT 117000 MILES. THERMOSTAT REPLACED BY DEALER, BUT FOUR WEEKS LATER, SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. PROBLEM IS BLOWN HEAD GASKETS, WHICH ARE VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. LOOKED ON INTERNET, AND FOUND ALL SORTS OF COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS…
10/19/04 RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ON MY 2000 SUBARU FORESTER AT 56,886 MILES (PREVIOUS MAINT PERFORMED ON 3/2/04) AT A COST OF $324.40. RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED AGAIN ON 4/2/07 AT 88,569 MILES AT A COST OF $331.86 (PREVIOUS MAINT PERFORMED ON 6/20/06). REPLACIN…
2000 SUBARU FORESTER WITH A SLIPPING TRANSMISSION. WHEN IN DRIVE, I DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND GO NOWHERE. JUST HEAR A SHRIEKING. ITS BEEN COMING ON FOR A MONTH NOW AND NOW HAS GOTTEN SO BAD I DARE NOT DRIVE IT. IT IS IN THE SHOP NOW AND WILL BE BETWEEN 1500-2500 TO FIX. THEIR E…
STEERING LOCKED UP TWICE WHILE DRIVING, BOTH TIMES SHORTLY AFTER MAKING SHARP RIGHT TURN OUT OF HOME DRIVEWAY. THE FIRST TIME, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL AFTER MAKING THE HARD RIGHT TURN OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THEN THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER…
LEFT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT MAY 2004. PAID APPROX. $1300 TO REPAIR IT AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT SEPT 2005. PAID APPROX $450 TO REPLACE IT AT A SUBARU CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP. NOW MAY 2006, LEFT WHEEL BEARING HAS GONE OUT AGAIN, LESS THAN 2 YEARS AFTER IT …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2000 Subaru Forester.
2000 Subaru Forester Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2000 Subaru Forester. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2000 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2000 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 79 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2000 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (21 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (20 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2000 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2000 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2000 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 79 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2000 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2000 Subaru Forester in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2000 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2000 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2000 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.