2001 Subaru Forester Reviews, Ratings, Prices

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

“rubber fuel vent hoses at gas fill pipe area deteriorated causing evap emissions system to trigger check engine light”

Anonymous, NJ (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Engine light came on. Dealer repairs were ineffective and escalated in cost with attempted fix”

Anonymous, MA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“the check engine light let to a major overhaul of exhaust system, costing over $1000. This happened soon after the clutch replacement, leading to the question "how much money should we put into a 14-year old car?"”

Anonymous, NJ (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“had to replace both sensors”

Anonymous, CO (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“To pass E-test after purchase(where E-test not req'd) a number of sensors and Cat .converter needed to be replaced. The check engine light has been an on going problem since purchase(as per previous owner)”

Gregory G., ON (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“catalytic converter failure”

Anonymous, NC (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Check engine light is on, and mechanic says it is due to corrosion in emissions control system. Not worth fixing, he thinks”

Augustin P., MA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Had to replace catalytic converter”

Gary H., OR (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

“Check engine light codes that indicate possible sensor malfunction”

Anonymous, VA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“have had 3 oxygen sensors in the last 18 mo and 'check engine' reading just yesterday says I have an oxygen senor problem again”

Sandra M., OH (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“sensor not working so check engine light always on. Every time "check engine" light on it's $85 to $120 to get it checked. Have spent $$ and warning light always returns. Now they say it's the O2 sensor and about $400 to replace. not worth it. just i”

Curt R., OR (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Check engine light keeps coming on. Goes off when completely fill with fuel but then comes back on as fuel level drops. Mechanics can't find problem or fix permanently”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“O2 sensor failed”

Anonymous, NC (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Pre- and Post-Coverter O2 sensors both failed during last year. New Catalytic Converter also failed during its warranty period and was replaced without charge”

Anonymous, IL (2001 Subaru Forester)

“Replaced with Bosch, then had to use OEM to turn of CEL”

Robert S., WV (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Both upstream and downstream O2 sensors have failed, triggering repeated check engine lights. I do my own work, but replacing them seems unnecessarily difficult due to their placement, requiring removal of the catalytic converter to get at the downstream one”

Joe C., OR (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Ball joints

“Problems replacing the ball joints due to excessive corrosion of the retaining bolts.. believe caused by road salt in the winter”

Anonymous, PA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Ball joints needed to be replaced”

Anonymous, VT (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Power steering leaks

“Both sides broke and engine light went on”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Leaking of the Rack and Pinon steering. Expensive fix”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Power steering pumps and hoses

“Steering wheel chatters while turning, particularly when first starting and engine is cold”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Shocks or struts

“One strut leaked oil. Both were replaced”

Drew L., NC (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“The front struts needed replaced. The car was getting bouncy and making a booming noise. We had them replaced”

Linda F., OH (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“I was stranded on fwy. had car towed to shop had the car repaired”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“I have been told I have 3 leaking stuts and one boot which is torn and given a quote of about 800 dollars to fix this . I have used this vehicle for pulling a heavy ( 2000lbs) utility trailer 3 times on long distance moves so this may be the result”

June W., OR (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Making noise and bounding too much”

David G., IL (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“The shocks/struts are not designed to be easy to replace. The cost of replacement would be more than $1200”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

“Rack and pinion began to fail and had to be replaced”

Anonymous, FL (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Steering wheel vibration

“Steering vibration under light braking”

Anonymous, TX (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Wheel bearings

“The factory rear bearings failed resulting in a very noisy rear end. Replaced bearings with aftermarket tapered bearings which are suppose to be superior to the factory set”

Armando J., NY (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“had to replace both front hub bearings and one hub”

Gary H., OR (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

“Cylinder head warped, had to get replaced (both). Parts a little hard to find (had to order from supplier across country). This was causing the other problem (coolant leaks)”

Benjamin E., MA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Head gasket

“gaskets leaked, needed to be replaced”

Anonymous, MI (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“oil leakage”

Anonymous, CO (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“It had to be replaced”

W W., ME (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Bolts not specified to be tightened at 60000 miles causing oil leak”

Anonymous, FL (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“second head gasket job on this car”

Barbara W., NC (2001 Subaru Forester)

“The factory head gasket failed and caused overheating. I had to replace the head gasket with a better aftermarket type made of stainless steel and better seals. This was a big job since there are 2 head gaskets, timing belt, pulleys and water pump,”

Armando J., NY (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“I have been told several times by mechanics that the head gasket is leaking . Reading on the Subaru owners websites seems to indicate that this is a common problem in this age of vehicle . It will be quite expensive to get it repaired and I am still”

June W., OR (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“I could smell oil but couldn't find any leaks, took 2001 in to replace spark plugs and found oil in plug wire caps. Scheduled to have head gaskets, spark plugs replaced took about 4 hours”

Donald K., SD (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Engine overheated and we had to put water in the radiator and the overflow. Now we just add water every 25 miles or so into the overflow so the engine doesn't over heat. We have not had the leaky head gasket repaired due to cost. Just drive and fill the water reservoir often”

Malcolm-Ardell M., WA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Timing belt or chain

“Dealer failed to replace timing belt tension system at time of schedule belt replacement. This required a second belt replacement less than 20k miles into new belt”

Harry B., NC (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Clock

“solder joint at one end of a specific resistor in clock circuit board separated. common problem for 2001, per on line bloggers”

Anonymous, NJ (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Gauges

“Light under the gear shift indicator went out so yo can't see what gear you're in at night. The hazard light switch never had a light behind it so during an emergency at night you have to hope you remember where the switch is and hope you can find it”

Richard L., CO (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Trip meter will count miles up to ten, then stops. Instrument lights only light half of speedometer and other guages. Just haven't fixed it”

Earle K., WA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Headlights

“Both headlights have developed shorts so they worked occasionally until problem was located and the repair was made”

Richard L., CO (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Seat for electrical connection to lamp melted”

Joe A., GA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Interior lights

“Intermittent gear select and dash light operation”

Anonymous, VA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Interior bulbs wearing out and not working”

Anonymous, TX (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Keyless entry

“Remote fails to work intermittently in spite of replacing batteries. Not repaired”

Anonymous, AB (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Warning lights

“Check engine light went on, a false warning, diagnosed as malfunctioning and repaired”

Anonymous, NM (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Heated or cooled seats

“Subaru developed a short in the cable to the driver's side front door. This blew the fuse in line to mirrors and heated seats”

David C., MN (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

“Axle had to be replace due to boot failure”

Augustin P., MA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“U joint needs repair and the dealership said that they need to replace the entire drive shaft. This is going to mean that I need to trash this car”

Anonymous, ON (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“actually a bearing issue but within the driveshaft somewhere. Right rear of car”

Anonymous, OR (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Rear axle bearing needed to be replace a years ago, and then needed to be repaired again within a few years. However it was still under repair shop warrantee so was replaced for free the second time”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Rear wheel bearings, both sides and replaced an axle shaft since it was no longer turning true”

Ed D., WA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

4WD/AWD components

“when making a a sharp left turn, there is a clicking sound. Dlr. performed a differential service so far not fixed. Material found in front diff fluid. They said drive for several hundred miles to see if sound goes away”

Anonymous, FL (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“All wheel drive was not working properly in snow”

Anonymous, MA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

“Head gasket problem related to a recall was never really fixed. Mechanics put a stop leak additive in the coolant to alleviate the problem and it works for the most part”

Anonymous, MD (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Rubber door seal replaced”

Anonymous, MD (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Coolant leak resulted from damaged hose and was caught before any overheating. New hoses and coolant fixed the problem”

Anonymous, IL (2001 Subaru Forester)

“Broken intake connector to radiator”

Anonymous, HI (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Seals and/or weather-stripping

“seal in front left wheel seaked”

Anonymous, CT (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Squeaks or rattles

“Rattles inside rear compartment or rear door panel. Suspect the folding rear seat mechanism, but neither mechanic nor I have found the source. When the rear seats are folded down and the compartment fully loaded the rattles become less noticeable”

Anonymous, NM (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Exhaust system brackets”

Anonymous, MD (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

“Warning light, OBD tool says it's the catalytic converter. Hasn't been repaired”

Camille B., AK (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Check engine light came on and stayed. I was told I needed a new catalytic converter and fittings. Made an appointment. In the meantime, the check engine light went out. I was told there could have been some particles clogging it and it needed to”

Adele Z., NM (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“See answer on coil failure”

Anonymous, BC (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Needed a new one”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Repair shop had replaced two years ago. This year replaced under warranty”

V Z., CO (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust leaks

“When the car idles, there can be a strong odor of exhaust inside”

Anonymous, NM (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“We are doing our best to postpone getting an all-new exhaust system. The car is 15 years old!”

Drew L., NC (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

“car shuddered when releasing clutch. this was a problem for a few years which got worse and worse. Clutch now replaced, things are better, but not perfect”

Anonymous, NJ (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“In need of clutch disc, release bearing & pressure plate replacement”

Anonymous, NJ (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Second new clutch in 140,000 Km”

William S., ON (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Clutch began slipping. Due to wear and tear over time”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Once we replaced the clutch we haven't had any problems at all”

Anonymous, UT (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission rebuild or replacement

“clucth ruined transmission linkage”

Anonymous, CO (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Transmission slipping and need to be replaced”

David G., IL (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

“growling sound on all stops. Nonme of these stops were emergency or 'quick' stops”

Anonymous, FL (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Calipers

“The bad caliper caused most of the other brake problems. wore out the pads and damaged the rotor”

Anonymous, PA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Locked piston”

Robert S., WV (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Normal routine brake wear

“Previous brake repairs lasted only about 1 1/2 years, much shorter time than the factory brakes”

John K., CA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Brakes needed replacement”

Anonymous, VT (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Rotors

“All four rotors had to be replaced along with brake pads. I bought this car with 84,500 miles and now have over 109,000 in two years of driving so it was time to have this done”

Anonymous, IL (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“brake pad came off during hard winter snow had ice build up on brakes and brake pad came off and then I had metal onto the rotor”

Donald K., SD (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

“Check Engine light has been coming on requiring 9 trips to garage for investigation. Garage checks code, cannot pinpoint problem, light goes out then about 4 days later comes on again”

Anonymous, PA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine knock or ping

“Emissions: Catalytic converter and oxygen sensors replaced because of carbon build-up. Engine knock at approx. 80000 km diagnosed as piston slap. Not repaired, now at 114000 km”

Anonymous, AB (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel leaks

“the dealership seemed to think this is major. regardless the combination of this with the drive shaft needing to be replaced makes it impractical to fix. Their estimate of $2700 for the two fixes is more than the car is worth”

Anonymous, ON (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Oil leaks

“Main axle”

Anonymous, FL (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Oil leaks seemed to only occur after major (30K) service. We stopped going to that garage”

Anonymous, NY (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Seals, mostly”

Michael D., CA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

“Bearing failure”

Anonymous, CA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“No AC”

Anonymous, HI (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Blower (fan) motor

“The fan control will only work in one position-the middle. I never turn if off because I am not sure it will work at all when I try to turn it back on. I am looking for a new car which is automatic”

Virginia L., MD (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Mice get in to the cabin air intake, build nests in the heater blower when the car sets idle for a while. I find it quite awkward to clean, and haven't been able to prevent it”

Earle K., WA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Condenser

“It just aged and didn't work. replaced it”

Anonymous, FL (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

“molding on front windshield cracked and buckled”

Judy G., VA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

“Exterior paint is chipping and peeling”

Anonymous, OR (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Paint is coming off around the rear windows leaving bare metal exposed”

Anonymous, IL (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Rust

“serious rust around the wheel wells and doors”

Anonymous, IL (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“The rear fender on passenger side rusted through and there was some surface rust around both the windshield and the rear hatch window. We had the rust repaired by a body shop”

Linda F., OH (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Overheating

“Related to leaky head gasket. If we keep water in the reserve, no problems”

Malcolm-Ardell M., WA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Radiator

“I was on a major highway and the engine overheated. I had to pull over and stop and be rescued by AAA. Our reliable mechanic replaced the thermostat and assured us that our wonderful Subaru still had a good life ahead, in spite of its age!”

Thomas A., VA (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Radiator exploded”

Anonymous, CO (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Antifreeze leaks

“Dealer reported oil and coolant leak - head gasket failure. This is second time for this engine. Unacceptable”

David C., MN (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Slipping transmission

“The transmission had never had a fluid change. With a full transmission service the slipping was eliminated”

William B., NC (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission leaks

“Seal on transmission housing needed repair due to leak”

Mark R., FL (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Persistent leaks, required several attempts to repair”

Michael D., CA (2001 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission sensor or solenoid

“Quoted 700 dollars to replace. All wheel drive was not working properly”

Anonymous, MA (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Alternator

“Alternator broke, drive belts broke and all had to be replaced”

Anonymous, TX (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Coil

“Coil failed to fire two cylinders. Coil and spark plug wires were replaced. Coil failed again and again three times after which it was finally determent that the new spark plug wires were of the wrong resistance. After replacing the wires the coil fa”

Anonymous, BC (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Glass defects

“Front window - frame is rusting away”

Anonymous, IL (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Locks and latches

“Locks and window opener on front passenger side were switched when put in”

Anonymous, IL (2001 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Steering wheel controls

“Power assist was not working or working erratically. Had a part replaced and it works fine now”

Anonymous, NY (2001 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

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