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My Subaru Forester is a Lemon!

39 messages,  Last post on Sep 25, 2011 at 6:58 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Car Warranties, SUV

Messages Page 4 of 5

#24 of 39 Re: Subarus Have Questionable Motors [paisan] by ateixeira

May 02, 2007 (10:57 am)

Replying to: paisan (May 02, 2007 10:08 am)
Actually, my 1998 Forester was a DOHC.
 
The 99 model was a bit of a hybrid - they went to SOHC but they still used the short block from the 98 models.
 
By 2000 they were using the new block design and kept the SOHC.
 
The Outback and Legacy waited until 2000 to get the SOHC design (at the same time as the redesign), which is probably what paisan is remembering.

#25 of 39 Re: Subarus Have Questionable Motors [ateixeira] by paisan

May 02, 2007 (11:58 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 02, 2007 10:57 am)
Ah ha, yeah that makes sense the Forester and Impreza went to SOHC in 99 and were both DOHC in 98. Legacies moved to SOHC in 00.
 
-mike

#26 of 39 Re: why are Subaru's rate as a good car [oregonwave] by brett2007

Aug 19, 2007 (8:50 am)

Replying to: oregonwave (Mar 14, 2007 10:08 pm)
I just test drove the 2008 Forester 2.5x (w/ Premium) and Honda CR-V (EX) yesterday and the Subaru won hands down for me.
 
The CRV was literally shaking while idling, and I could hear something rattling in the back as I was driving. It was also fairly windy out and the CR-V felt like it was really getting blown around. The Forester on the other hand felt tight and well built. Guess anyone can have a bad day on the manufacturing line.

#27 of 39 Re: why are Subaru's rate as a good car [oregonwave] by dt63944

Aug 23, 2007 (6:42 pm)

Replying to: oregonwave (Mar 14, 2007 10:08 pm)
Glad to see you joined the forums to complain about your Forester. I'm on my third one since 1999 and they've all been rock-solid reliable, my 2004 being the best yet. When I have to be anywhere at any time in any kind of driving conditions, the Forester will get me there. The CRV is also a very good car.

#28 of 39 Re: why are Subaru's rate as a good car [oregonwave] by mb789

Aug 25, 2007 (9:42 pm)

Replying to: oregonwave (Mar 14, 2007 10:08 pm)
RE: Forester Rattles
 
I bought a 2006 Forester X, and at first the clear plastic covering the spedometer, etc. on my dash squeaked, but it does not do it now.
 
Overall, it's been a dependable car so far, but at first I thought it had some annoyances -- probably because I had a good vehicle before the Forester that had many more features (sunroof, multi-CD player, etc.). I think it was my mind trying to pick the Forester apart and that I had a so-so dealership experience that left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth at the start of ownership.
 
I switched to the Forester because it had a better safety rating and better fuel economy than my previous vehicle.

#29 of 39 Re: why are Subaru's rate as a good car [oregonwave] by aka57

Jan 18, 2008 (9:35 am)

Replying to: oregonwave (Mar 14, 2007 10:08 pm)
My 04 XT (100% Japan build and parts) has had a (at times very annoying!) dash rattle since almost day one. Sube Service tried 3 times to fix it - rattle keeps coming back. So it goes. Given all the excellent attributes of this vehicle and the bargain price, I can accept this minor annoyance. I am looking forward to buying an 09 XT as soon as they hit the streets.

#30 of 39 Re: why are Subaru's rate as a good car [aka57] by xwesx

Jan 18, 2008 (11:44 pm)

Replying to: aka57 (Jan 18, 2008 9:35 am)
Does it sound like it is coming from deep in the dash, near the windshield?
 
There is a TSB out regarding this issue in Outbacks, not sure about Foresters - go to www.subaru.com and click the "technical info" link under the Owners section. You cannot look at the TSBs there without paying, but it will give you a TSB name and number. The one for the Outback is called, simply enough, "Dash Rattle."
 
My dealer is equally incompetent at hearing & fixing this rattle. I finally found and printed out three TSBs relating to interior rattles my car has. I took them to the dealer today and set up an appointment for the 28th. I hope it is cold that day and the technician's ears work because I really want a rattle-free car when I get it back.

#31 of 39 Re: why are Subaru's rate as a good car [xwesx] by aka57

Jan 19, 2008 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 18, 2008 11:44 pm)
Thanks for the TSB tip, xwesx - yes, my rattle is deep - at first I thought there might be a loose clip or something along the lower edge of the windshield/dash junction. Service just keeps replacing the ‘dash basket’ to no avail. sigh.
Good luck - here’s to a Rattle Free future!

#32 of 39 Re: why are Subaru's rate as a good car [aka57] by xwesx

Jan 25, 2008 (9:55 am)

Replying to: aka57 (Jan 19, 2008 7:11 pm)
Yep, sounds identical to the problem I have with mine (and I had with my last Outback as well!).
 
For the Legacy/Outback, the TSB is 12-96-06. Go to www.thel7.com/tsb.html and you can look at the entire TSB. Dash clips are indeed the problem. The "fix" itself seems somewhat hokey, but if it works and the dash remains securely attached then no big deal. I will try to update once my car has gone through the ringer again on Monday.
 
-Wes-

#33 of 39 Re: why are Subaru's rate as a good car [brett2007] by hcawl10

Nov 23, 2010 (9:09 am)

Replying to: brett2007 (Aug 19, 2007 8:50 am)
Just unloaded my 2010 Forester 2.5x at 4,800 miles, it was a cheesy car. The cabinet noise was so loud that I didn't need the radio. Plus, the radio in the car was lousy...static most of the time. I traded it in for a Nissan Rouge SV w/P package. Love it! If you haven't brought the Forester yet, don't buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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