2007 Subaru Forester
Introduction
The 2007 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine delivering 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. The Forester is known for its spacious cabin, all-wheel drive system, and off-road capabilities. However, it has received criticism for its slow acceleration and uninspiring handling.
Engine
2.5-liter Naturally Aspirated 4-Cylinder
- Head gasket failure: Characterized by coolant leaks, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust. Requires replacement of the head gasket and associated components. $1,500 - $4,000
- Oil consumption: Excessive oil consumption leading to low oil levels and engine damage. Requires engine rebuild or replacement. $3,000 - $6,000
- Timing belt failure: Can cause catastrophic engine damage if not replaced at the recommended interval of 105,000 miles. $500 - $1,000
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
- Slipping or shuddering: Occurs during gear shifts or acceleration. Indicates worn or damaged clutch packs. Requires transmission rebuild or replacement. $2,000 - $4,000
- Delayed engagement: Delay in gear engagement after shifting. Can be caused by a faulty solenoid or torque converter. $1,000 - $2,500
- No reverse: Inability to engage reverse gear. Usually caused by a worn or broken reverse band. $1,500 - $3,000
5-Speed Manual
- Difficulty shifting: Hard or grinding shifts can indicate worn synchronizers or a damaged clutch. Requires replacement of affected components. $500 - $1,500
- Clutch chatter: Noise or vibration during clutch engagement. Caused by worn friction material or a faulty release bearing. $500 - $1,000
Suspension
No Issues Found
Electrical
- Alternator failure: Faulty alternator prevents charging of the battery. Symptoms include dimming lights and electrical system failure. Requires alternator replacement. $300 - $600
- Starter failure: Inability to start the engine. Requires starter replacement. $400 - $800
- Battery drain: Loss of electrical power over time. Can be caused by a faulty alternator, parasitic drain, or weak battery. Requires diagnosis and repair/replacement of affected components. $100 - $500
Exterior
- Rear door hinges: Known to rust and corrode. May cause difficulty in opening or closing the rear doors. Requires hinge replacement. $200 - $500
Interior
- Dashboard cracking: Dashboard material prone to cracking and fading over time. Requires dashboard replacement. $500 - $1,000
- Climate control malfunction: Issues with temperature control or airflow. Can be caused by faulty actuators, sensors, or wiring. Requires diagnosis and repair/replacement of affected components. $200 - $600
- Seat heater failure: Inability to heat seats. Requires replacement of heating elements or wiring. $100 - $300
Summary
The 2007 Subaru Forester has a moderate number of known issues, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The cost of repairs can be significant, ranging from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand dollars for major repairs. While the Forester is generally reliable, it is important to be aware of these potential problems and factor them into your purchasing decision.