2008
Subaru
Forester
Starting at N/A USD | 0
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Horsepower
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Explore
Discover every detail that makes this vehicle extraordinary
Performance
Engineered for the perfect balance of power and efficiency
173 hp
Horsepower
166 ft-lb
Torque
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
5-speed
Transmission
Efficient
Advanced engineering for optimal fuel economy
Fuel TypeGasoline
Combined Efficiency7.3 - 10.6 L/100 km
Fuel Capacity60.0 L
Interior
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality
5
Seating
N/A
Cargo
1,107 mm
Front Legroom
856 mm
Rear Legroom
Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Convenience
Keyless Entry
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Seating
Power Driver Seat
Technology
Advanced connectivity and intelligent features
AM/FM Stereo
Safety
Comprehensive protection for you and your passengers
Airbags
Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Front Side Airbags
Stability
ABS Brakes
Monitoring
Security
Security System
Child Safety Locks
Dimensions
Carefully crafted proportions for optimal space and style
Length
14 ft8.6"
4.49m
Width
5 ft8.3"
1.74m
Height
5 ft2.6"
1.59m
Wheelbase
8 ft3.4"
2.53m
Gallery
See the 2008 Subaru Forester from every angle
Colors
Express yourself.
Topaz Gold Metallic
#D6CBB7
Dark Gray Metallic
#535458
Newport Blue Pearl
#46739A
Steel Silver Metallic
#B0B4B3
Obsidian Black Pearl
#000000
Garnet Red Pearl
#7F1F2B
Aspen White
#E3EAE7
WR Blue Mica
#1447B4
Evergreen Metallic/Steel Silver Metallic
#5B695A
Garnet Red Pearl/Steel Silver Metallic
#7F1F2B
Dark Gray Metallic/Steel Silver Metallic
#535458
Newport Blue Pearl/Steel Silver Metallic
#46739A
Satin White Pearl/Steel Silver Metallic
#E8E4E3
Trim Levels
View all trim levels for the 2008 Subaru Forester
Safety Reports
50 complaints reported to NHTSA
50
Total Reports
5
Crashes
5
Injuries
3
Fires
Most Common Issues
SUSPENSION
11
ENGINE
7
AIR BAGS
6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5
Recent Reports
ODI #11660719
May 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAIR BAGSENGINE
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
Incident: Dec 1, 2023VIN: JF1SG63618H***
ODI #11635238
Jan 10, 2025
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission control valve detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Incident: Jan 3, 2025VIN: JF1SG63608H***
ODI #11624168
Nov 8, 2024
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a clanking and knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered severe subframe rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while backing out of the driveway, the front driver’s side control arm was fractured, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The contact stated that the failure was caused by corrosion of the front lower control arm. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension); to prevent the failure from occurring; however, the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Incident: Nov 1, 2024VIN: JF1SG63608H***
ODI #11496909
Dec 10, 2022
AIR BAGS
The airbag on driver’s side deployed (malfunctioned)without incident while parked in my garage. It is currently at local Subaru dealer. Mechanics cannot determine what caused the malfunction. An engineer from Corporate Subaru inspected. Another team of engineers from Corporate is going to conduct a more thorough investigation once more photos of interior and exterior are provided by retailer. It is, of course, available for inspection. Fortunately, I was not driving the vehicle at the time of deployment. No one was in the car at the time of deployment. Vehicle was parked in my garage and deployed overnight. The dealer has confirmed deployment, but as stated above, has not been able to determine cause of deployment. Dealer’s mechanics and a Corporate engineer are only ones to my knowledge that have inspected the vehicle. As there was no accident, police and insurance representatives were not notified. No warning lights, messages or symptoms that I’m aware of. I, as stated, was not in the car at the time of deployment. Did not discover the deployment until the following morning when I went to garage to move the vehicle. I was shocked when I saw the airbag draped over the steering wheel and called dealership immediately. Car was towed to dealership and has been there for a month as of December 10, 2022.
Incident: Nov 8, 2022VIN: JF1SG67638H***
ODI #11474441
Jul 18, 2022
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clanking noise coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, the steering wheel became loose without warning. The contact pulled over and upon inspection, the front lower control arm had severed due to severe corrosion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they inspected the vehicle and confirmed the front control arm failure. The dealer informed him that the recall was already serviced on the vehicle prior and provided him with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided him with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Incident: Jul 8, 2022VIN: JF1SG66618H***
ODI #11454414
Feb 28, 2022
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the lower control arm detached. The contact became aware that there was rust on the control arm. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
Incident: Feb 26, 2022VIN: JF1SG66638G***
ODI #11442453
Dec 2, 2021
SUSPENSION
Right front lower control arm failed due to rust (safety recall WVX34 and NHTSA campaign 11v464000). Part of arm completely detached from connection to frame. Dealer states the recall is closed and there is nothing they will do. I notified Subaru by Email last night on the day it occurred -1 Dec 2021. Have not had reply as yet. This caused uncontrollable steering as it was not controllable by the steering wheel. Fortunately this failed as I was backing out of a parking spot and not at speed on the highway. Car was not drivable. I inspected the left front control arm and it too seems to be also affected by rust.
Incident: Dec 1, 2021VIN: JF1SG63658G***
ODI #11436596
Oct 13, 2021
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact then stated that upon turning into a driveway, the front lower control arm detached from the vehicle without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home where he began to repair the vehicle himself. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 11V464000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 97,000
Incident: Oct 11, 2021VIN: jf1sg676x8h***
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and may not represent verified defects.
View All Reports on NHTSA