2007 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability

The 2007 Subaru Forester has 72 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and power train. Owners most often flag cvt transmission longevity concerns: concerns about long-term reliability beyond 100,000 miles, with strong owner consensus recommending proactive fluid changes every 30,000-60,000 miles despite some manufacturer guidance. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2007 model year

72
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
11
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2007 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2007 a good year for the Forester?

Across the 12 Forester model years we track, complaint volume runs from 56 (2024) to 487 (2018). With 72 complaints, the 2007 Forester sits belowthe model's median of 112.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

suspension
11
power train
11
engine
9
vehicle speed control
7
fuel/propulsion system
6

Recalls affecting the 2007 Forester

suspension:front:control arm:lower arm

Campaign 11V464000

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRE

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Forester consistently praised for its practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and long-term reliability when properly maintained.

  • CVT transmission longevity concerns: Concerns about long-term reliability beyond 100,000 miles, with strong owner consensus recommending proactive fluid changes every 30,000-60,000 miles despite some manufacturer guidance. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Infotainment system glitches: Occasional screen freezes, slow response, or connectivity issues. Noted as an annoyance but not a dealbreaker. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester. See the full Forester owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Forester listings typically run $14,131–$28,173 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Forester model years

Compare every Forester year side by side to see how 2007 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Forester against its rivals