no report yet
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
2002 Subaru ForesterProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 88 owner complaints about the 2002 Subaru Forester, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 1 safety recall.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 26, 2019. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 Subaru Forester has problems
88 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Vehicle speed control9 crash/fire/injury
16Power train4 crash/fire/injury
14Engine and engine cooling
10Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
9Service brakes, hydraulic2 crash/fire/injury
9Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
6Fuel system, gasoline
5Fuel/propulsion system
3Structure
77 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle speed control | 23 | 9 |
| Power train | 16 | 4 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 14 | 0 |
| Air bags | 10 | 7 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 9 | 2 |
| Suspension | 9 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 1 |
| 7 other systems | 7 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2002 Subaru Forester recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other Forester year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forester median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2002 Subaru Forester safety ratings
2002 Subaru Forester 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Forester owners report
Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I HAD STOPPED MY FORESTER IN THE LEFT HAND TURN LANE ABOUT 3 TO 5 FEET BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE WAITING FOR THE SIGNAL TO CHANGE FROM RED TO THE GREEN ARROW. I PUT MY VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. I TURNED TO CHECK THE POCKET OF MY JACKET IN THE REAR SEAT. I TURNED BACK IN…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A U-TURN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND HIS FOOT GOT STUCK CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT NOR HIS PASSENGER WERE INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN…
I WAS ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD INTO ANOTHER PARKED CAR. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HAD PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK WHEN IT SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY LURCHED FORWARD. I DAMAGED THE PARKED CAR AND MY OWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY WHEN…
Own a 2002 Forester?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.