Most common 2007 Subaru Forester problems
Share of the 74 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Forester complaints by model year
Best Forester years: 2013, 2024. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2015, 2018. Compare all years →
2007 Subaru Forester recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from September 5, 2000 through November 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont,…
Remedy: Subaru will handle their vehicles and Saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2007 Subaru Forester:
Front suspension control arm failure
On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of…
What 2007 Subaru Forester owners say
Engine & cooling
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 vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000.
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 said it wasn't the fluid that was the problem it was the transmission. Previous to this the light never flashed and when my check engine light goes on I do get I checked to see it its serious or not. Chat conversation start 76K people like this cars 7:55 pm hi, I bought a used 2007 Subaru Forester and it has required a couple of large repairs that you wouldn't expect. In 2015 I had to replace the oil head gasket at relatively low miles 70K and now in 2019 at 104K miles I have to replace the transmission. Is common in the subarus? Thank you, [redacted]
Fuel & propulsion system
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 harmful gas fumes in carpet and seats Unsafe still to drive, unsafe to have these lines run inside the car
Dear sir, I recently purchased this Subaru Forester car ([redacted]) in georgia, but had noticed that before allowing it to be sold at auction, the manchester center, vt/motor vehicle department vermont didn't ensured this vehicle had passed all the recalls requested by your Subaru company for this model of Forester (I see at least one open recall no.wvu31 reprogram ECM now which was not passed). Beside, according to carfax and autocheck reports, it seems the car din not went through 2010 recall (wvn24: engine control module (ECM) reprogramming & fuel tank one-way fuel valve). I presume because of this, the error code p1400 appears currently on the car display. Therefore, I would like asking your assistance in identifying which entity is bearing responsibility for these 2 problems? I asked also Subaru inc. …
Suspension
While driving in [redacted], the passenger-side front lower control arm on my 2007 Subaru Forester (VIN: [redacted]) fractured without warning due to severe internal rust corrosion. The structural collapse snapped the CV axle and sway bar link, causing an immediate loss of steering control that forced the vehicle to veer violently off the road-narrowly avoiding crossing the center median into oncoming traffic. Subaru service history confirms that Safety Recall WVX-34 (NHTSA Campaign 11V464000) was performed on this vehicle 14 years ago, where an anti-rust coating was applied instead of replacing the part. That factory recall remedy failed to prevent internal rust-through long-term, directly resulting in this crash and mechanical failure on a public road. …
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 one of the rear wheel bearings, so I take it to my mechanic. My mechanic discovers rust all underneath and the rust has caused some serious mechanical problems. Front lower control arms and other parts of the suspension are damaged as well because of the rust. This car originally came from the "salt-belt" and Subaru said that the Front lower control arms recall had already been taken care of, yet I have the same issue at low milage for a Subaru Forester. Subaru of America is refusing to fix their screw up. The only warning lamps were ABS, Check Engine, and cruise control light flashing. …
2007 Subaru Forester engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Subaru Forester a good car?
Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 Forester rates better than average: 49% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Forester at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 Subaru Forester?
The engine & cooling — 15 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (12) and suspension (12).
How many recalls does the 2007 Subaru Forester have?
There is 1 recall for the 2007 Subaru Forester, the most recent from September 6, 2011 (lower arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Forester?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2015 and 2018. See the full Subaru Forester years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 Subaru Forester problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 57,000 miles; 39% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.