2007 Subaru Forester

The 2007 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its reliability, standard all-wheel drive, and practicality. Engine options included a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the Forester’s fuel efficiency, off-road capability, and cargo space. Common complaints revolve around the car’s somewhat dated interior, road noise, and some specific mechanical issues that surface with age.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, external coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets, resurfacing of the cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Camshaft Seals)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, visible oil leaks on the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, failed emissions test, rattling noise from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Turbocharged Engine

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the turbocharger, check engine light.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Camshaft Seals)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, visible oil leaks on the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, failed emissions test, rattling noise from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or rough shifts between gears, engine revving without acceleration.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the rear suspension, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Vague steering, clunking noise when turning, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough idling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving, grinding noise when attempting to operate the window.
  • Solution: Window motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Especially in areas with road salt)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots on the body panels, undercarriage rust.
  • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible cracks on the dashboard, particularly in hot climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Airbag Warning Light
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the airbag system, which could involve replacing the clock spring, sensors, or the airbag module itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Subaru Forester, while generally reliable, exhibits certain common issues, especially as it ages. Engine-related problems, such as head gasket failure and oil leaks, can be costly. Suspension issues, particularly with strut mounts and control arm bushings, are also prevalent. Electrical problems like oxygen sensor failure and window motor issues can arise. Rust can be a concern, especially in colder climates. The severity of these issues varies, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand for major engine or transmission work.