2008 SUBARU FORESTER Complaints and Recall Information
The 2008 SUBARU FORESTER has 4 complaints and 1 recall filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report engine overheating causing multiple problems. One owner also reported a transmission control valve detaching while driving at low speed without warning lights.
Common Issues- Engine overheating. Multiple complaints indicate the engine overheats, leading to various related problems.
- Transmission control valve failure. A complaint describes the transmission control valve detaching at about 5 MPH with no warning lights illuminated.
There is one recall concerning a suspension component affecting a large number of vehicles. The recall involves corrosion-related breakage that compromises vehicle control.
Recalls- Front lower control arm. NHTSA Campaign Number 11V464000 addresses corrosion on front lower control arms in vehicles including the 2008 Forester. Corrosion can cause the control arms to break at the hanger brackets if exposed to salty or humid environments. A broken control arm increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and crashing. Subaru dealers will inspect and either rustproof or replace affected parts free of charge. The recall affects 318,215 vehicles and began in December 2011.
Owners dealing with repeated overheating repairs or unresolved recall matters may have rights under their state’s lemon law and should consider consulting qualified legal assistance for further evaluation.
2008 SUBARU FORESTER Summary
2008
Model Year
4
Total Complaints
1
Total Recalls
318215
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2008 SUBARU FORESTER
318215 vehicles affected
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, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
Risk: A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Complaints
2008 SUBARU FORESTER
ID: 2091191AIR BAGS
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
2008 SUBARU FORESTER
ID: 2091190ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
2008 SUBARU FORESTER
ID: 2091189ENGINE
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
2008 SUBARU FORESTER
ID: 2054419SUSPENSION
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 VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.