2001 Subaru Forester: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Subaru Forester: 0 recalls, 139 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
_wagon_(2008-11-05).jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 24 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (29): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (10).
- Transmission & drivetrain (23): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), stalls / loses power (4), noise or vibration (3).
- Engine & cooling (16): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), leaks (3).
- Suspension (15): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6).
The 2001 Subaru Forester has 139 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 29 Forester model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 224). Complaints peaked in 2001 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 57,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (75 complaints, 0 recalls), 2002 (88 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Subaru Forester.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2001 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2001 Subaru Forester. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2001 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (29), transmission & drivetrain (23), engine & cooling (16).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Subaru Forester repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.