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2002 Subaru Forester problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Subaru Forester is acceleration and speed control, typically around 93,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Forester model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
80/100
Owner complaints
88
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
145
Worst area
Acceleration
Fuel economy
21mpg

The worst 2002 Subaru Forester problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Subaru Forester

Sudden acceleration 9Hesitation 8Fuel smell 7Jerking 7Ball joint 5

Recalls 1

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 30, 2002 · 172,564 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification january 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during november 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783.

Recall number 02V282000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Subaru Forester

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Subaru Forester 145

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 145 bulletins for the 2002 Subaru Forester

2002 Subaru Forester fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cyl4WD192521

What 2002 Subaru Forester owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 26, 2019 · Suspension · 235,000 miles · PA

I was driving I was making a right hand turn from one road to another and I hit a slight bump and then the whole thing starts swaying only to find out that my rear subframe completely rotted out and detached itself from the car due to the rust and the breaking of the subframe in the rear

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · 161,000 miles · MI

The subframe completely fell off my car. This is my second subaru is has happened to I had to scrap the first one. I didn't notice it till I came home, I checked it because it was driving funny.

Filed Feb 16, 2019 · Suspension · 169,000 miles · AZ

Was luckily only traveling at about 30 MPH when failure occurred. Got out of the car to discover the driver side wheel correctly pointed straight and passenger side front wheel pointed inward. Upon inspection, the control had without warning snapped in half taking the cv axle and stabilizer linkage with it. Hoping to get it fixed for under $500.

Filed Jun 3, 2018 · Suspension · 198,455 miles · OH

I was driving on the highway 1 mile from my home when the control arm suddenly failed sending my car veering across the road almost hitting oncoming traffic.

Filed Dec 28, 2017 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · NJ

Fuel lines in engine leak in cold weather. This is a serious hazard that I and multiple other subaru owners that I know have had occurring and recurring. I called subaru and they were uninterested in issuing a safety recall despite the extreme hazard leaking gasoline in the engine poses. This has now happened to me twice in two different fuel hoses in the past two years.

Filed Nov 30, 2017 · Suspension · 162,500 miles · MI

Put vehicle in reverse after being at bank and heard a huge clunk. Gentleman ran up to me and said not to move it. Got out and left front tire was about laying flat on ground. Had brother bring tow dolly and then took it apart. Ended up spending 600 just on parts as the control arms were rotted horribly. Left one as stated, was rotted in half, right was in such bad shape my brother said it would not be safe if not replaced also. So 600.00 later and now I have it at kocur krew and will have another 750.00 bill as the subframe and cradel assembly are rotted bad. Like wow all in 2.5 months. I think I am lucky to be alive as I have driven this vehicle to ohio numerous times in last 1.5 years.

Filed Sep 22, 2017 · Suspension · 132,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru forester. The contact stated that the suspension failed. While driving 55 MPH, the sound of a tire squealing was heard. The contact was able to maintain control of the steering wheel to drive to a safe location. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the front passenger tire was bent towards the left, the cv joint and transaxle were damaged, and the lower control arm was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an unknown auto garage for further inspection. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 132,000. Updated 11/07/17*lj consumer stated suddenly without warning the car jerked violently to the left(instantly sending us into the left-hand lane) with a simultaneous screaming loud squealing tire sound. Lower control arm had snapped, and while the left front tire was pointed straight ahead, the right front tire was steering left ar approximately a 45 degree angle. There is corrosion where bracket fractured. Updated 7/20/18*jb

Filed May 25, 2017 · Fuel system · 145,000 miles · MI

Takata recall my car has a strong smell of gasoline when walking up to the car after it has sat and it is even stronger when you shut the car off after driving. In the warmer weather the smell has increased.

Filed Mar 14, 2017 · Airbags, Body · 35,311 miles · NC · crash · 2 injuries

6/15/2009 I was headed home at a rate of ~20-25 MPH on pisgah church rd as I was approaching where I turn right onto lawndale ave and I rear ended a vehicle which was pushed forward rear ending a 2nd vehicle to the tune of $16,183.57 erie insurance charge (claim # 010910179459) and 3 nasty points. I was uninjured and contacted the greensboro police department. The arriving officer and the greensboro fire dept both expressed surprise that the air bag did not operate. I'm a nurse & was coming home from working the night shift. The police officer told me "I'm not going to write you a ticket (a professional courtesy, I think) because your insurance company is going to ream you."

Filed Nov 20, 2015 · Suspension · 155,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru forester. While driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and pulled to the right without warning. The contact slowed down and drove to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front lower control arm of the suspension was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 155,000. The VIN was not provided.

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Compare the 2002 Subaru Forester

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Subaru Forester

Is the 2002 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners have filed 88 complaints about the 2002 Subaru Forester, fewer than a typical Forester model year.

What is the 2002 Subaru Forester year score?

The 2002 Subaru Forester scores 80 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Forester: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Subaru Forester?

Acceleration and speed control, with 23 complaints, typically around 93,000 miles. Next is transmission (16).

How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Forester have?

1 recall, covering power train.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Subaru Forester get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Subaru Forester range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 19 city and 25 highway.

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