Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

2007 Subaru ForesterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 74 owner complaints for the 2007 Subaru Forester. Most complaints involve suspension (12) and power train (11). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
20–22mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2011
Owner complaints
74
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: lower arm

Free remedy

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.

SuspensionReported Sep 6, 2011NHTSA 11V464000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

74 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2006 – Sep 2026
  1. Suspension12
  2. Power train11
  3. Engine9
  4. Vehicle speed control8
  5. Fuel/propulsion system6
  6. Air bags6
  7. Fuel system, gasoline6
  8. Engine and engine cooling6
  9. Electrical system5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Forester model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1998101
1999134
200075
2001142
200292
2003191
2004219
200593
200688
200774
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012106
201378
2014403
2015616
2016416
2017592
2018498
2019834
2020603
2021214
2022100
202374
202431
2025100
202634
Crashes reported
13
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

12 reports1 crash
“While driving in [XXX], the passenger-side front lower control arm on my 2007 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX]) fractured without warning due to severe internal rust corrosion. The structural collapse snapped the CV axle and sway bar link, causing an immediate loss of steering control that forced the vehicle to veer violently off the road—narrowly avoiding crossing the center median into oncoming traffic. Subaru service history confirms that Safety Recall WVX-34 (NHTSA Campaign 11V464000) was performed on this vehicle 14 years ago, where an anti-rust coating was applied instead of replacing the part. That factory recall remedy failed to prevent internal rust-through long-term, directly resulting in this crash and mechanical failure on a public road. Subaru of America Customer Advocacy has refused assistance, mischaracterizing an ineffective recall remedy as an expired standard warranty issue. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the failure and secondary damage were confirmed, and the fractured components are preserved for inspection.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2026SuspensionCrash reportedODI 11766352

Power train

11 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the gear shifter failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that while placing the vehicle in reverse the vehicle accelerated forward causing the vehicle to crash on top of a large rock. The contact stated that she sustained injuries to the face and the right eye. The contact stated that she had eye surgery due to the crash. The contact stated that Law Enforcement did not arrive on the scene and no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 1, 2023Power trainCrash reportedODI 11509760

Engine

9 reports
“The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2023EngineODI 11541938
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Manual 5-spd
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Forester AWD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
202522$2,750404
Forester AWD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
192622$2,750404
Forester AWD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
182521$3,600423
Forester AWD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
182320$3,750444
  • Forester AWD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    20 city · 25 hwy · $2,750/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Forester AWD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $2,750/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Forester AWD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,600/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Forester AWD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,750/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Subaru Forester as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 2108
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2007 Forester questions

How many recalls does the 2007 Subaru Forester have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2007 Subaru Forester problems?

Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (12), power train (11), engine (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2007 Subaru Forester get?

The EPA rates the 2007 Subaru Forester at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026