2002 Subaru Forester engine and engine cooling problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2002 Subaru Forester — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“In very cold conditions. When the car is in idol or running it has a very strong gas smell around the engine and in the cabin area. I have heard the wrx and outback models have also have this problem.I was told it is the fuel line hose the connects to the clamp and contracts in severe cold and…”
filed Jan 23, 2014
“In the last week, my heater started working sporadically, putting out cool air and hot air intermittently. Then my temperature gauge started climbing quickly to the hot end. I turned my heater on full-blast to cool down the engine and this worked for about a mile, then the temperature gauge went…”
filed Oct 15, 2007
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 Forester | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 Forester | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 Forester | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 Forester | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 Forester | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 Forester | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 Forester | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 Forester | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 Forester | 12 | 7% |
| 2008 Forester | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 Forester | 6 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.