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2005 Subaru Forester

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Subaru Forester do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 131.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

82 reports with mileage · 11 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports1 fire reports8 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

8 reports
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49,500 miles · Jan 26, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE MORNING OF JAN 24, 2014 MY WIFE AND I CAME STARTED THE CAR AND NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELLS WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR, TURN ON THE HEATER AND DROVE AWAY. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE FUMES WHETE SO STRONG THAT WE HAD THE WINDOWS OPEN WITHOUT HEAT TO MINIMIZE THE SMELL, OTHERWISE WE COULD HAVE EASYLI BE OV…

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THE MORNING OF JAN 24, 2014 MY WIFE AND I CAME STARTED THE CAR AND NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELLS WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR, TURN ON THE HEATER AND DROVE AWAY. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT THE DEALER, BECAUSE THE FUMES WHETE SO STRONG THAT WE HAD THE WINDOWS OPEN WITHOUT HEAT TO MINIMIZE THE SMELL, OTHERWISE WE COULD HAVE EASYLI BE OVERCOME BY THE GAS FUMES. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE FUEL LINES SHRINK DUE TO THE COLD BELOW 30 DEGREE'S THUS LEAKING RAW FUEL WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS RUNING. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED BY YOUR AGENCY BEFORE IT TURNS INTO A FATALITY. FURTHERMORE, IT SEEM THAT PREVIOUS SUBARU MODELS HAD THIS ISSUE AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED (SUBARU RECALL NO. WVK-21IT) I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT TO REPAIR THI PROBLEM WILL COST AN ESTIMATE OF $1,340.00, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS KNOWING AND MOST LIKELY THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE(S) FUEL HOSES. I GUESS I AM VERY LUCKY THAT NO FIRE STARTED. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND GET BACK TO ME WITH A REASONABLE EXPLANATION, SINCE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561534

93,000 miles · Jan 26, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

IT HAD BEEN COLD, BELOW FREEZING IN THE MID WEST, MOST OF THE TIME I WOULD RECIRCULATE THE CABIN AIR, BUT EVERY TIME WHEN I BRING IN FRESH AIR FROM OUTSIDE TO CLEAR THE MOISTURE, I EXPERIENCED A STRONG ODOR OF RAW GAS COMING IN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THEN I NOTICED FUEL WAS ACTUALLY LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ONE SECTION…

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IT HAD BEEN COLD, BELOW FREEZING IN THE MID WEST, MOST OF THE TIME I WOULD RECIRCULATE THE CABIN AIR, BUT EVERY TIME WHEN I BRING IN FRESH AIR FROM OUTSIDE TO CLEAR THE MOISTURE, I EXPERIENCED A STRONG ODOR OF RAW GAS COMING IN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THEN I NOTICED FUEL WAS ACTUALLY LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ONE SECTION OF THE RUBBER HOSE WAS DAMP AS A RESULT OF FUEL DRIPPING OVER IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561506

1,612,000 miles · Jan 24, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL LEAK LOCATED NEAR THE FUEL RAIL ONLY APPARENT WHILE VEHICLE IS COLD, ONCE IT WARMS UP IT APPEARS TO GO AWAY . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561406

95,000 miles · Dec 30, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

CAR HAS RAW FUEL/GAS SMELL ON COLD STARTS WHEN IDLING. FUMES CAN BE NOTICED BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. OCCURS ONLY WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. FUMES DISAPPEAR ONCE THE ENGINE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. FUEL LINE LEAK(S) ARE OCCURRING UNDER THE MANIFOLD WHERE THE SCREWS TO…

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CAR HAS RAW FUEL/GAS SMELL ON COLD STARTS WHEN IDLING. FUMES CAN BE NOTICED BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. OCCURS ONLY WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. FUMES DISAPPEAR ONCE THE ENGINE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. FUEL LINE LEAK(S) ARE OCCURRING UNDER THE MANIFOLD WHERE THE SCREWS TO TIGHTEN CAN NOT BE REACHED. SUBARU DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE COST TO REPAIR FOR PARTS AND LABOR WOULD BE $750 AS THE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE NEEDED REPAIR. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS TO 180K AND 155K IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHICAL FOOTPRINT AND HAVE NEVER HAD A FUEL LINE LEAK. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR SUBARU AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED LIKE THEY DID ON THE 02-03 WRX!!! THIS IS A MAJOR LIFE SAFETY ISSUE. I'M GOING TO SUBARU NORTH AMERICA TO SEE IF THEY WILL PAY A PORTION OF THE REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10557836

40,000 miles · Feb 24, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline

STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE VEHICLE DURING COLD WEATHER. FUEL SMELL STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE NAUSEA AND DIZZINESS IF WINDOWS REMAINED CLOSED. PARKED VEHICLE OUTSIDE OF GARAGE UNTIL SMELL DISSIPATED FOR FEAR OF ACCIDENTAL IGNITION. NOTICED THAT SMELL USUALLY DIMINISHES OR COMPLETELY DISSIPATES WHEN VEHICLE REACHES N…

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STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE VEHICLE DURING COLD WEATHER. FUEL SMELL STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE NAUSEA AND DIZZINESS IF WINDOWS REMAINED CLOSED. PARKED VEHICLE OUTSIDE OF GARAGE UNTIL SMELL DISSIPATED FOR FEAR OF ACCIDENTAL IGNITION. NOTICED THAT SMELL USUALLY DIMINISHES OR COMPLETELY DISSIPATES WHEN VEHICLE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. DETECTED OVER SEVERAL YEARS DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS (BELOW 50 DEGREES). WA SUBARU DEALER IN FEBRUARY 2012 DETERMINED THE RUBBER FUEL LINES UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WERE LEAKING AND REPLACED ALL SEVEN. SO FAR, THIS HAS CORRECTED THE CONDITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10449249

63,860 miles · Jan 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 20*F AND THE SMELL OF RAW FUEL BECAME STRONG INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SMELL CONTINUED TO HAPPEN ON SUCCESSIVE DAYS BELOW ~25*F, REGARDLESS OF ENGINE TEMPERATURE. FUEL SMELL WAS APPARENT IN ENGINE BAY ON PASSENGER SIDE BUT THE SOURCE WAS UNIDENTIFIABLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION; DEALER "F…

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TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 20*F AND THE SMELL OF RAW FUEL BECAME STRONG INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SMELL CONTINUED TO HAPPEN ON SUCCESSIVE DAYS BELOW ~25*F, REGARDLESS OF ENGINE TEMPERATURE. FUEL SMELL WAS APPARENT IN ENGINE BAY ON PASSENGER SIDE BUT THE SOURCE WAS UNIDENTIFIABLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION; DEALER "FOUND SIGNS OF FUEL SEEPAGE PAST HOSE CLAMPS ON FUEL HOSES UNDER INTAKE." REPAIR ESTIMATE INCLUDING PARTS CAME TO $663. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME AND WE WILL BE CONTACTING SOA ABOUT POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THEIR GOOD WILL POLICY.

NHTSA ODI #10377293

49,485 miles · Mar 29, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. HE STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A GENERIC CHECK VALVE IN THE FUEL TANK. AFTER THE DEALER REMOVED THE CHECK VALVE, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE COULD BE A POSSIBLE EXPLOSION IN THE FUEL TANK. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND ADVISED THEM OF HIS CONCERNS BUT WAS TOL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. HE STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A GENERIC CHECK VALVE IN THE FUEL TANK. AFTER THE DEALER REMOVED THE CHECK VALVE, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE COULD BE A POSSIBLE EXPLOSION IN THE FUEL TANK. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND ADVISED THEM OF HIS CONCERNS BUT WAS TOLD THAT IF HE WANTED THE CHECK VALVE TO BE RE-INSTALLED, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE AT HIS EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,485. UPDATED 05/24/10 *BF UPDATED 06/04/10

NHTSA ODI #10322698

77,029 miles · Dec 23, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON IN HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY AT THE CONTACT EXPENSE. THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ON THIS PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON IN HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY AT THE CONTACT EXPENSE. THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ON THIS PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,029. UPDATED 02/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/18/10

NHTSA ODI #10296832

Official recalls

1

11V464000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Sep 6, 2011

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE11011 · Front Suspension Control Arm Failure

Opened Apr 7, 2011 · Closed Sep 23, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Suspension:front:control Arm

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Suspension:front

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Suspension

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

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