2005 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2005 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 93 complaints, with Suspension Failures as the top reported area.
2005 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2005 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. 4 trims analysed.
2005 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 Rated15.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
15.9% probability
Source: 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 2005 Subaru Forester has 93 owner complaints, 15 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2005
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 93
- Crash-related complaints
- 15
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2005 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Unintended Acceleration
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Unintended Acceleration, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2005 Subaru Forester?
The 2005 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 2005 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components, particularly for signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like fuel system and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on brakes and airbags.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components, particularly for signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like fuel system and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on brakes and airbags.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2005 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 2005 Subaru Forester are concentrated in suspension failures and unintended acceleration, with a moderate number of fuel system and engine issues. Crash-related complaints account for a notable portion of the total, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to limited sample size.
- Suspension failures are the most reported component with 21 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration accounts for 17 complaints, the second highest.
- Fuel/propulsion system issues total 14 complaints.
- Suspension failures are the leading concern, with 21 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration is a recurring theme, with 17 complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system problems are also notable, with 14 complaints.
All 2005 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 21 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | 7 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 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 2005 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond to the steering wheel turning. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle decelerated but the front passenger's side of the vehicle was slidin…
Moved car 30’ from gas pumps to air pump. Slowed to almost complete stop to move closer to air tank. Car accelerated at extremely high speed over curb, knocking over air pump. Car proceeded to smash through landscaping shrubs and hit a tree and nearby pole which stopped the car d…
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle need…
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 banda…
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop at approximately 25 MPH, the front passenger's side subframe emitted an abnormally loud sound, and the front passenger's side tire detached from the vehicle. There was no warning l…
Raw fuel smell inside cabin of card when cold outside
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 fo…
I'VE EXPERIENCED THE LEAKING FUEL LINE WHEN TEMPERATURES DROPPED BELOW 20 DEGREES AND GET TERRIBLE GAS FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN ESPECIALLY DURING COLD AND DAMP WEATHER. IT IS MORE PROMINENT WITH THE HEAT ON. THIS SMELL/LEAK CAN BE NOTICED WHILE PARKED, DRIVING, ANYTIME WITH THE ENG…
MY CAR IS BURNING UP OIL. I JUST DID AN OIL CHANGE 400MILES AGO, AND MY CAR STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE AND DRIVING REAL FUNNY YESTERDAY. I TOOK THE OIL WHEN I GOT HOME AND THERE WASN'T ANY THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT'S HAPPENED. THERE'S NO LEAK THERE'S NO OIL IN THE WATER NO …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT PRODUCED CONDENSATION THAT CAUSED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO RUST THROUGH ALONG WITH…
THERE IS A SEVERE GAS LINE LEAK WHERE THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE LEAKING GAS BY THE ENGINE SPRAYING THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WHILE IN MOTION.
AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE WE DROVE IT ON A 3 HOUR ROAD TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY TO VISIT OUR DAUGHTER AT COLLEGE. AFTER PARKING I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE CAR OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. I MISTAKENLY PASSED THE EXIT AND AS I ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE BACK TO THE EXIT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT T…
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 DEALE…
THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 14 YEARS OLD AND I'VE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS. I HAD IT TAKEN TO MY FAMILY MECHANIC FOR MINOR ISSUES AND FOUND OUT THAT THE SUSPENSION IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. IF I HAD BEEN HIT BY SOMEONE OR HAD HIT A LARGE HOLE, HE SAID THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY COLLAPS…
WHEN IT IS BELOW 30 DEGREES OUT AND HEATER OR DEFROSTER IS ON AND THE VEHICLE IS MOVING BETWEEN 25-65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR STICKS AND DOES NOT DECELERATE. WHEN THE CLUTCH IS APPLIED TO DISENGAGE THE ENGINE THE RPMS ADVANCE 1,000 TO 1,500 RPMS(SOMETIME TAKING THE RPMS TO 4,500 RP…
THIS IS A 1 OWNER CAR WITH ONLY 65400 MILES ON IT. I DROVE DOWN A 30MPH ROAD AND THERE WAS SUCH A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND . NO LIGHT CAME ON, I WENT TO STOP THERE WAS LOUD GRINDING . AND 0 BRAKES OUT OF THE BLUE. THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP. I WENT THREW THE STOP SIGN AND INTO TRAFFIC BE…
I WAS BACKING UP MY 2005 SUBARU FORESTER IN A DOWNTOWN, STREET-LEVEL CORNER PARKING LOT. WHEN I PUT MY VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROPELLED MY VEHICLE BACKWARDS ACROSS THE PARKING LOT, ACROSS A TWO-LANE DOWNTOWN STREET, UP ONTO THE OPPOSITE SIDEWALK A…
MY CONTROL ARM BROKE FROM CORROSION WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE
FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM AND AXLE BROKE WITH NO WARNING WHILE IN MOTION. MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE SHOWROOM FLOOR AND RETURNED IT IN 2011 FOR A RECALL "WVX34" NHTSA CAMPAIGN 11V464000 FOR 03-08 FORESTER FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM RECALL-FOR THIS SA…
WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR EXPERIENCED: -LOSS IN POWER (STUTTERED A COUPLE TIMES), THEN COMPLETELY STALLED -WE HAD TO COAST IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD -A FEW HOURS LATER WE TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN AND IT RAN FINE -IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE PROBLEM, THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR ~15 MI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Subaru Forester.
2005 Subaru Forester Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Subaru Forester. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2005 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2005 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 93 owner complaints, 15 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2005 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 2005 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (21 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (17 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 15 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 93 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2005 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2005 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2005 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 Suspension Failures 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 2005 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.