2007 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2007 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 72 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2007 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2007 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.
2007 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 2007 Subaru Forester has 72 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2007
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 72
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2007 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Suspension Failures, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2007 Subaru Forester?
The 2007 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 2007 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues reported in 2007 models.
- Check suspension components for wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues reported in 2007 models.
- Check suspension components for wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or hesitation.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2007 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
Based on 72 NHTSA complaints for the 2007 Subaru Forester, issues appear concentrated in the engine, suspension, and transmission systems. Crash-related complaints account for 11 of the total, but the data set is limited to a single model year, making year-over-year comparisons impossible.
- Engine problems are the most frequently reported component, with 15 complaints.
- Suspension failures and transmission/drivetrain issues each account for 11 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration is reported in 7 complaints, though this is a consumer-submitted observation.
- Engine Problems
- Suspension Failures
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2007 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 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 2007 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact's friend owned a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly violently accelerated and crashed into the retaining wall and unit across the street. The vehicle was then shifted into drive from reverse when the veh…
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. T…
I was driving my car in Upstate NY toward a border crossing wicket and the vehicle began to vibrate violently. I thought that it was a blown tire. I stopped to check and the tires looked fine. I continued for a few yards and it began again. I pulled over and called a tow truc…
Started getting a vibration I thought was a tire problem. It would only show up after 30 minutes or so of driving. It happened several times while trying to have the tire store figure it out. On Friday 15 Sep 2023 we drove at highway speeds to Dayton and back. Noticed it occur tw…
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced.…
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the gear shifter failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that while placing the vehicle in reverse the vehicle accelerated forward causing the vehicle to crash on top of a lar…
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…
There is a fuel line inside the car that had a pressure leak. An entire tank of gas emptied, mostly to the inside of the car where the fuel lines run inside the rear drivers side of car floor. My 18 year old daughter was driving and this can not be safely repaired or remove the …
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 point…
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 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 aft…
Head gasket , radiator failed suddenly while going 65 on hwy (115K) . Had new radiator, heads resurfaced/HG replaced, etc. Now less than 15K later (128K) head gasket leaking again.
I WAS PREPARING TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I HAD NOT HAD ANY PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. I DID MANAGE TO GET IT HOME BECAUSE I HAD ABOUT 2" OF BRAKE DOWN AT THE FLOOR AND I ONLY HAD ABOUT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED DUE TO RUST. THE CO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT CONTROL ARM AND AXLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE OF TH…
ON FEBRUARY 13, 2019 MY TRANSMISSION FLUID LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME. I STOPPED TO BY THE FLUID BUT COULDN'T FIND OUT WHERE TO FILL IT UP AT AND THE DIPSTICK WAS STUCK. I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH.. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND ASKED HIM TO CHECK IT OUT. HE …
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED FROM NJ, AND RECENTLY RELOCATED TO WA. APPROX. 126K MILES, THE LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER SIDE RUSTED THROUGH, DROPPING THE CAR ONTO THE WHEEL, AND PULLING THE DRIVEAXLE FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IT APPEARS THAT THE CONTROL ARM RUSTED FROM THE …
I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END CONTROL WHENEVER I GO OVER A BUMP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING PULLED FROM MY HANDS. I GET AN ALIGNMENT EVERY 6 MONTHS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT.
BLOWN HEAD GASKET. 2007 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5XT. 54K MILES. PROBLEM PRESENTED ITSELF VIOLENTLY AS I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY. SUDDENLY ENGINE TEMP-GAUGE FLUCTUATES AND STARTS TO RISE. PULL OVER, COOLANT IS FORCEFULLY EXITING OVERFLOW TANK. SHUT CAR DOWN, TEMP GAUGE DROPS QUICKLY. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE EXITING A CAR WASH FACILITY, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED, SPED ACROSS THE STREET, AND STRUCK A CURB. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Subaru Forester.
2007 Subaru Forester Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 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.
2007 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2007 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 72 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2007 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 2007 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Engine Problems (15 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (11 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2007 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 72 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2007 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2007 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 2007 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2007 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 Engine Problems 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 2007 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.