no report yet
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
2008 Subaru ForesterProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 50 owner complaints about the 2008 Subaru Forester, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 13, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Subaru Forester has problems
50 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Suspension
7Engine
6Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
6Vehicle speed control2 crash/fire/injury
5Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
4Steering
3Fuel system, gasoline
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Power train
1412 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 11 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 3 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 14 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2008 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
2008 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
2008 Subaru Forester safety ratings
2008 Subaru Forester 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% risk)
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Subaru Forester, and the recalls they led to.
- Front suspension control arm failureLed to recall 11V-464
In owners' words
What Forester owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2008 Forester?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.