Noises/Leaks
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
What Owners Say
"water pump was leaking.. original pump"
Anonymous A., PA (2002 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
2002
Subaru Forester
EPA MPG:
24 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
24 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There is 1 recall on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There is 1 recall on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
The 2002 Forester is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The 2002 Subaru Forester has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2002 Subaru Forester has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA.
View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2002 Subaru Forester owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
What Owners Say
"I had thew CV joints replaced. Front right axle will need to be replaced."
Anonymous A., CA (2002 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)""The axle makes a slight clunking noise when making a right turn. Otherwise,no problems. My mechanic can exchange it out in 30 min. or so. Had new ball joints and front brakes done.""
Anonymous A., CA (2002 Subaru Forester L 2.5-L 4 Cyl)Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
What Owners Say
"Thermostat"
Anonymous, CO (2002 Subaru Forester S 2.5-L 4 Cyl)Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Brakes
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Suspension/Steering
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.
Fuel System/Emissions
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Engine Electrical
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Body Hardware
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Electrical Accessories
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, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
2002 SUVs Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester
vs. Similar Cars
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4
Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
Engine Minor
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
Transmission Major
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
Drive System
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
Exhaust
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
Brakes
NA
Climate System
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
Body Hardware
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
2001
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Powertrain
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Engine Major
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Engine Minor
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Engine Cooling
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Engine Electrical
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Transmission Major
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Transmission Minor
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Drive System
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Exhaust
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Brakes
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Climate System
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Build Quality
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Electrical Accessories
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Body Hardware
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Paint/Trim
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Noises/Leaks
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
2001
NA
2002
2003*
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025*
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability
information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for
about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential
trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes,
to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
POWER TRAIN
Oct 30, 2002
THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
For more information:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
02V282000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
172564
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
"The rear hatch will sometimes leak water during very heavy rain."
Anonymous, WA (2002 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)