2002 Subaru Forester

The 2002 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and standard all-wheel drive. It came with two engine options: a 2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine producing 165 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Available transmissions included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise its handling, fuel efficiency for an AWD vehicle, and cargo space. Common complaints include the car’s somewhat bland styling, potential for head gasket issues, and the relatively noisy engine.

Engine

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated 4-Cylinder

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, bubbling in the coolant overflow tank.
  • Solution: Replacing the head gaskets with updated multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets is the typical repair. Machining the cylinder heads is often recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Cam Seals, Crank Seal)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ (depending on the location of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine Light (CEL) with codes related to catalytic converter efficiency (e.g., P0420), rattling from the exhaust, failed emissions test.
  • Solution: Replacing the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or grinding noises from the turbocharger, excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Turbo Oil Lines)
  • Description/Symptoms: Burning oil smell, visible oil leaks near the turbocharger, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbo oil supply and return lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifting, Check Engine Light (CEL) with transmission-related codes.
  • Solution: Could be caused by low transmission fluid, worn solenoids, or internal damage. Fluid flush, solenoid replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slipping, difficulty shifting gears, clutch pedal sticking or feeling spongy.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Throw-out Bearing Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Squealing or grinding noise when the clutch pedal is depressed.
  • Solution: Replacing the throw-out bearing. Clutch replacement is typically recommended at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+ (with clutch replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Sagging rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (for both sides)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering on the road, clunking noises from the front suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints and/or tie rod ends.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per side)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine Light (CEL) with codes related to oxygen sensor malfunction (e.g., P0130, P0136), poor fuel economy, rough idling.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (per sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, intermittent operation, slow operation.
  • Solution: Replacing the power window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ (per window)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Rear Wheel Arches, Rocker Panels)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the rear wheel arches and rocker panels.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the rusted panels. This can range from patching small areas to replacing entire sections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on the severity of the rust)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Broken Cupholders
  • Description/Symptoms: Center console cupholders breaking or falling apart.
  • Solution: Replacing the cupholder assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Subaru Forester, while generally reliable, has some common issues to be aware of. The most significant potential expense involves head gasket failure, especially in the 2.5L engine. Rust can also be a concern, particularly in areas with harsh winter climates. Other issues, such as suspension components and electrical faults, are typical for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Overall, potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues, especially signs of head gasket problems or rust, and factor in the potential repair costs. The severity of the problems can range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical repairs, with costs varying accordingly.