2008 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2008 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 50 complaints, with Suspension Failures as the top reported area.
2008 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2008 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.
2008 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 2008 Subaru Forester has 50 owner complaints, 5 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
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 50
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- 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
- Optional
Most Common 2008 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2008 Subaru Forester?
The 2008 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 2008 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components, including struts and control arms, for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration or electrical faults.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components, including struts and control arms, for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration or electrical faults.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 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 2008 Subaru Forester are concentrated in suspension failures, engine problems, and airbag malfunctions. A recurring theme appears to be suspension-related issues, which account for the largest share of reports. The data suggests potential concerns with these systems, though the confidence level is low due to limited sample size.
- Suspension failures are the most reported component with 11 complaints.
- Engine problems account for 9 complaints, the second highest category.
- Airbag malfunctions and unintended acceleration each have 6 complaints.
- Suspension Failures
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2008 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | 3 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electric | 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 2008 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission control valve detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the V…
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clanking and knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered severe subframe rust and corrosio…
The airbag on driver’s side deployed (malfunctioned)without incident while parked in my garage. It is currently at local Subaru dealer. Mechanics cannot determine what caused the malfunction. An engineer from Corporate Subaru inspected. Another team of engineers from Corporate…
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 low…
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 the control arm. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep…
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…
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 vehic…
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 …
I was getting on the highway in Minnesota doing 55-60 mph when the car started violently shaking and I lost steering with cars whizzing by me at 65-70+ mph. I was finally able to get the car just off the road and called for roadside assist. Once the car was left at my house I e…
I was driving to work and my Subaru stalled at an intersection. I restarted the car and continued to work. It is raining heavily. I arrived at work and the parking lot is full of water. I was slowly pulling up forward in the parking spot. I had my foot on the brake trying to…
SEPTEMBER 19, 2020, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, AT 10:30 PM, GOING 75MPH AND AL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I HAD LOST ALL CONTROL OF MY CAR AND MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FELT LIKE IT COMPLETELY GAVE OUT ON ME. I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS AND TRIED TO GET IT ON THE RIGHT SIDE …
MY ENGINE STARTED FAILING. THE COMPRESSION STARTED RAPIDLY DECLINING THESE LAST FEW WEEKS. MY ENGINE WAS SLUGGISH AND JERKY. I PREVIOUSLY HAD THE CAR SERVICED WITH A NEW ALTERNATOR AND HAD MY EMISSIONS TESTING DONE FOR MY REGISTRATION. THE NEXT DAY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TO A…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND THE WHEELS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT GOLICK MOTOR COMPANY (600 7TH ST, PITCAIRN, PA 15140, (412) 372-7420), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AND THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (GARY LANG SUBARU, 1121 STATE RTE 31 BUILDING 3, MCHENRY, IL 60050, (815) 788-6506) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE W…
I OWN A 2008 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5X, VIN. [XXX], WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW AT BROWN'S SUBARU, 960 HILTON HEIGHTS ROAD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. ALL FACTORY RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES WERE METICULOUSLY UPHELD. VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS EXPERIENCED DURING ACCIDENT: 1. RAPID RPM SURGE…
SECONDARY AIR PUMP MALFUNCTION. I HAVE READ THAT THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AND IT COSTS $2,000 TO GET IT REPLACED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME AND IT CANCELS OUT TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL. I CAN HEAR IT TRYING TO WORK AND HOPE IT DOES NOT CAUSE A FIRE RISK.
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HIGH-SPEED CRASH ON I-35 IN DENTON TX. THE CAR WAS REAR-ENDED. BOTH CARS WERE TRAVELLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (50-60 MPH). THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WERE RESTRAINED AND BOTH SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND LOST CONSCIOUSNESS. THEY WERE TA…
MY CAR AS BEEN SEEN BY SUBARU DEALERSHIP SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT IN 2012. I PAID FOR 5 YEARS. AFTER I FINISHED PAYING IN JULY, I JUST DISCOVERED THAT IS AN OIL LEAK , ALL MY ENGINE FROM FRONT TO BACK IS DIRTY WITH OIL, A SECOND OPINION MECHANIC STATED THAT HE DOES NOT KNOW HOW …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Subaru Forester.
2008 Subaru Forester Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 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.
2008 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 50 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2008 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 2008 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (11 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (9 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 50 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2008 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 2008 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2008 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 2008 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.