Forester (SF)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Subaru Forester Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Subaru Forester, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2002 Subaru Forester
On a used 2000-2002 Subaru Forester, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (60), the engine (45) and the suspension (43). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester about the engine.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester about the suspension.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester about the cooling system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 27 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester about the fuel system.
Recalls (1)
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2002 Subaru Forester complaints?
Owners have filed 302 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the suspension.
Is the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 302 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA has 302 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2002 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2000-2002 Subaru Forester vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru Forester?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the suspension, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Forester?
The 2002 Subaru Forester received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 302 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.