2007 Subaru Forester suspension problems

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Suspension · MN · crash

While driving in [XXX], the passenger-side front lower control arm on my 2007 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX]) 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 (the federal safety agency 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. Subaru of America Customer Advocacy has refused assistance, mischaracterizing an ineffective recall remedy as an expired standard warranty issue. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the failure and secondary damage were confirmed, and the fractured components are preserved for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 3, 2024 · Suspension · NJ

The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was notified of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 23, 2024 · Suspension · NY

I was driving my car in Upstate NY toward a border crossing wicket and the vehicle began to vibrate violently. I thought that it was a blown tire. I stopped to check and the tires looked fine. I continued for a few yards and it began again. I pulled over and called a tow truck. When the car was loaded onto the tow bed, the front wheel was pitched out at an angle rather than at 90 degrees. Very scary to think what could have happened if I had been driving at 60 mph on the interstate. The car was towed to the nearest garage. The mechanic believed it to be a faulty lower control arm on the front driver's side. Related to Recall #WVX34

Filed Oct 2, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · OH

Started getting a vibration I thought was a tire problem. It would only show up after 30 minutes or so of driving. It happened several times while trying to have the tire store figure it out. On Friday 15 Sep 2023 we drove at highway speeds to Dayton and back. Noticed it occur twice. The next morning we were a few miles from home checking out a dog boarding place. We went to leave and heard a loud pop. The lower right control arm broke. If it had happed the previous day it could have been fatal! This vehicle has been almost exclusively service by Busam Subaru at all recommended short intervals, 3,750miles. The recall for this was performed by Busam on1/31/2012. They always state they have performed a complete inspection and what needs attention. I am now having service done locally since all of their latest services have been dismal at best. I have counted on them to keep me, my family, and my Forester safe. Very disappointing considering how this could have turned out.

Filed Feb 26, 2023 · Body, Suspension · MT

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. If this instant happened while kids were in the car, Subaru of America would've gone to court. I hope that either Subaru will either fix their mistake or give me a settlement check.

Filed Jul 26, 2022 · Suspension, Transmission · IN

On 7/19/2022 while backing out of a parking spot with a right hand turn we heard a loud noise and the car did not seem to want to continue moving. Upon further inspection the right front tire was sitting at an extreme and unusual angle. Tipped out at the top and no longer pointing in the same direction as the other front tire. Upon recovery of the vehicle and inspection the lower control has completely separated from its inboard forward attachment point due to corrosion. As a secondary result the right from CV axle was disconnected at the transmission CV joint. Due to the slow speed during the incident there was no injury or other vehicle damage. Had this broken at highway speeds the result could have been much different. The vehicle is in our home garage for repair. It has not been otherwise inspected. All parts are available for inspection and I also have pictures of the failed lower control arm. The vehicle is current on all recalls.

Filed Apr 11, 2022 · Suspension · IL

On Sunday 4/3/2022, driving in a semi highway at 50mph the front passenger suspension arm broke off causing a lose of control of the vehicle. Ended up resting at the road shoulder.

Filed Oct 27, 2021 · Suspension · NJ

My forester has been used in salt belt for 12 years. Was on the list of recall for Front Suspension Control Arm Failure. We brought it to the dealership to have the car inspected and for a 4 year old car, they didn’t do anything. On 10/15/21, the front control arm broke right after we drove off highway. If the arm broke on the highway, then us and others might have been killed as the tire would have broke off. We highly doubt the job to correct the recall was done properly, if they did anything at all. After the accident, we had the car and component inspected by the East Forest Garage. There weren’t any warning signs before the accident.

Filed Jun 10, 2020 · Suspension · 69,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 subaru forester. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH in a parking lot, the lower control arm fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the lower control arm was fractured due to rust. The contact called kenny ross subaru (11299 lincoln hwy, north huntingdon, pa 15642, (724) 864-5100, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.*dt *bf consumer stated hamilton mazda subaru and kenny ross subaru are the same.

Filed Jan 22, 2020 · Suspension · 129,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 subaru forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds a rattling noise was heard coming from the front end of the vehicle. While driving in reverse the driver side front control arm and axle fractured without warning. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer lester glenn subaru (1501 nj-37 w, toms river nj) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 129,000.