2002 Subaru Forester transmission problems

Filed Oct 7, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 170,701 miles · NY · crash

After purchasing a 2002 subaru forester, the vehicle was driven for a very short period of time prior to noticing that the front end of the vehicle began to feel loose and unstable while steering, and the vehicle began to pull to one side while accelerating and braking. After noticing the instability and swaying action, I conducted cursory inspections of the front end and suspension areas of the vehicle. As a result of inspections, I didn't notice anything wrong with the undercarriage. While driving the vehicle on 20 september 2014, without warning, the right front lower control arm broke. It could be observed that there was a failure in the weld between the hanger bracket and the main portion of the control arm. After the control arm broke, it caused the control arm to move towards the rear of the vehicle; it caused the right front tire to slam abruptly into the rear portion of the tire well; it then caused the right front tire to lock up, which subsequently caused the tire to immediately begin to skid. Contributing factors which minimized results: vehicle was only traveling at about 45 MPH; it occurred on secondary road; road was straight and level; there was no oncoming traffic; and road surface was dry. There was additional vehicle damage. Upon checking the recalls for the 2002 subaru forester, I discovered that the 2003-2008 foresters were recalled for this exact reason (recall id # 70673.) there were other additional recalls as well for similar issue. After contacting subaru customer service, I was advised that they would not cover the front lower control arm under the recall even though the characteristics of the recall were the same. I believe that the failure of the control arm is very obvious and it should be covered similar to the other recalled years. I would be happy to provide pictures of the front lower control arm failure. Thank you.

Filed Mar 5, 2007 · Acceleration, Transmission · 93,000 miles · OH · crash

When parking vehicle in garage, engine revved and car drove forward causing damage to car and garage even though car had been placed into park.

Filed Dec 5, 2006 · Transmission · 21,600 miles · WI

When traveling 60 MPH the car suddenly looses acceleration, like it is slipping into neutral. At first, I could remove my foot from the gas, allow the car to coast and slow, and then re-apply gas, and it would accelerate again. Now when it occurs, I have to stop, normally on the side of a rural highway, put it in park, then back to drive for it to work properly. I am afraid this is going to leave me stranded somewhere out in the 'sticks.' the car has less than 25k miles, and has had its scheduled maintenance. Any info?

Filed Aug 1, 2005 · Transmission · 56,000 miles · CA

There was not any warning or indication prior to the vehicles failure and all schedule maintenance and inspections were completed and up to date. Without any prior warning the transmission failed on our 2002 subaru forester while we were driving on the freeway at approximately 70 miles an hour. The only indication of the failure was a sudden rise in rpms on the tachometer followed by the failure of the transmission. We had a sudden loss of power and had to inch our way along the freeway shoulder to the nearest off ramp and proceeded several miles, coasting down hill ,until the vehicle would no longer move under its own power. The entire clutch assembly had to be replaced.

Filed Feb 4, 2005 · Transmission · NY · crash · 1 injury

Multiple times I have stepped on the brake and the car lurches forward.

Filed Jan 30, 2004 · Transmission · 29,650 miles · PA

Car hesitates then lurches forward after pressing the gas pedal. Vehicle then hestiates as if losing power. Had the same probelem in august of 2003 and dealer reset the vehicle's computer and said no problem. Dealer tried to have me pay for a fuel injector cleaning service this time. Car has 29,000 miles. I spoke a another customer at the dealership who was having the same problem and noticed the numerous complaints on the web site. Shouldn't this matter be looked at for a possible recall?

Filed Jan 22, 2004 · Transmission · 15,345 miles · NJ · crash

On the green traffic signal I accelerated and the car surged into the vehicle in front of me. I jammed my foot on the brake and threw the shift into park when the car stopped, then with my foot on the brake and shift in park, the car surged in reverse hitting the car behind me. I previously experienced surging twice before this. My 2002 subaru forrester was recalled for the parking rod replacedment in april 2003.

Filed Oct 15, 2003 · Transmission · VA

While driving 55 MPH on the highway there was a humming winding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Driver took the vehicle to the dealership for analysis, and mechanic told the driver that front differential came apart, and piece of metal was inside of transmission, causing transmission to fail.

Filed Aug 21, 2003 · Acceleration, Transmission · 21,700 miles · OH

Transmission hesitates from a dead stop. You depress the accelerator and nothing happens for 2 seconds or so, then the car lurches forward.

Filed Aug 5, 2003 · Acceleration, Transmission · PA

Car "hesitates" occasionally, 1-2 second delay after you press the gas pedal until the car responds. Also, the car shifts inappropriately. Mostly this occurs on hills. You will attempt to accelerate, and the car downshifts; or you attempt to pass someone on highway and car will hesitate, then begin to accelerate, then will suddenly downshift. I have had car to dealer, first I was told there was no problem. Then, they realized there was a problem, and had the computer reset. This seemed to improve handling for only about a week. The car is now hesitating and downshifting on a regular basis.