Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Chattering clutch on 2000 Subaru Forester. This constantly happens when the car is cold and continues all the way through the four forward gears. I have driven manual transmissions for over 35 years and I know it is not my driving/shifting skills. A check of a message board shows that other Subaru owners are experiencing the same problem. The dealership will not acknowledge a problem outside of driver error. This could be a safety issue and/or design defect. My car is now out of warranty and I have learned to live with this. But if this is an actual defect that should be repaired by the manufacturer, I want it known that I have the problem. There is also the issue of bad o2 sensors on this car. Mine was replaced 3 times before a recall was done. That was 32,000 miles ago and now the "check engine" light has come back on only after a 60,000 mile service. …
Repeat premature failure of rear axle bearing. Rear axle bearing on both sides became noisy when car was 35K mi (12-09-02) dealer replaced both under warranty with same OEM Subaru 28016fc001. Rear axle on left became very noisy again around 57K mi, especially on freeway and high speed. Took it to dealer again (06-22-04). This time, dealer (schuman carriage motors inc., dba Subaru of hawaii, also dba as waialae Subaru) dismissed noise as from tires, refused to honor warranty, and charged us an undisclosed $96 "diagnostic fee". Unpleasant experience at dealership caused great emotional trauma to my wife. She subsequently was diagnosed by medical doctor of shingle likely induced by stress and leaving her unable to wear eye contact lenses even to this day. Other car garages later confirmed the left rear axle bearing is the cause of the noise. …
Began noticing and complaining of clutch chatter at 20,000 miles. Mentioned at every service visit and told by dealer that it was normal or that they adjusted the clutch. Car would be fine for a month and then chatter would return. Particularly occurs when cold and trying to engage in first gear. Told at 44,000 miles that the clutch was worn and needed replacing. When I complained about the chatter they never resolved, they kept saying that was normal and the early wear must be due to my driving. Replaced the clutch and once again, a few months later chatter returned. Another dealer told me that they should have replaced the flywheel as well since 99% of clutch chatter is caused by the flywheel surface. Took the car back to the original dealer who again said the chatter was normal and would not do anything about it. …
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 limit in the right lane. Upon investigation I learned that this is a common defect in this model of Subaru and is covered by technical bulletin 17 01/01/2002. My mechanic removed the rear of the transmission and tightened the loose mainshaft nut at a cost of $417. This solved the problem for a while but a year and a half later the problem has returned. The car routinely pops out of fifth gear to the point the vehicle cannot be driven in that gear on the highway. I emailed Subaru about this but they say it is not their problem because the car is out of warranty. …
On a cold start, generally the vehicle will go forward when shifting it into drive, but after it is warmed up if you stop the engine and then try to go again, it won't engage in drive but it will go in reverse. I see on Subaru's service bulletins, on the web, show there are pages upon pages of the same happenings. It was explained that the interior seals of the transmission are allowing fluid to leak by decreasing fluid pressure in the transmission preventing it from operating properly, sometimes leaving us stranded. The vehicle is a Subaru Forester 2000, other vehicles were same models and were also included 1999 models. My question is should this be happening in cars just four years old?
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 estimate is that there is a loss of pressure somewhere. They also have another 2000 Forester in the shop with a similar problem, similar miles etc. Unacceptable on a car with less than 80K miles. And very scary when you are on a slope and go to go and find yourself rolling backwards. Why is there no recall on this problem? There seems to be reports all over the internet with the exact same problem!!
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 95,000. The current mileage was 101,000. Updated 1/14/10 updated 01/15/10.
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 of customers with these same problems posting from 2004-present.
Clutch shutter, through all four gears especially when the vehicile is cold. I have had this problem with this vehicle since I brought it. I have been driving standard transmisions for 40 years and never have I expereinced this problem. I believe subrau has a defective clutch and for some reason refuses to correct the situation .
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 mileage was 170,000 and the failure mileage was 169,000.
Transmission complaints in other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Subaru Forester, 28% of the model year's 75 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Subaru Forester transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Subaru Forester. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Subaru Forester transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.