Is the 2007 Subaru Forester reliable?

It can be a reliable compact SUV when it has strong maintenance records, especially for oil changes, cooling-system care, and timing belt service. Reliability is often excellent after key wear items and known leak points are addressed.

What are the most common 2007 Subaru Forester problems?

The most talked-about issues include head gasket leaks on some non-turbo models, turbo/oil supply concerns on XT trims if maintenance was neglected, suspension and wheel bearing wear, and cooling-system leaks that can lead to overheating.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2007 Forester?

Costs are typically moderate for the class, but budget for major interval services like the timing belt package and for age-related repairs such as struts, wheel bearings, and gasket leaks. Preventive maintenance is usually cheaper than catching up later.

What are the best years of Subaru Forester to buy?

Many shoppers prefer later years within a generation because updates and running changes can improve ownership experience. Within the 2003–2008 generation, condition and service history often matter more than the exact year, and well-maintained examples are the best buy.

What should I check before buying a used 2007 Subaru Forester?

Verify timing belt service history, check for oil/coolant leaks and signs of overheating, listen for wheel bearing hum and suspension clunks, confirm AWD tires are evenly matched, and on XT models review oil-change records and look for signs of turbo wear. For a smarter purchase and easier ownership, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim details, and maintenance schedules for the 2007 Subaru Forester.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2007 Subaru Forester Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

79/ 100

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A highly capable AWD vehicle, but potential buyers must be vigilant about engine maintenance history and undercarriage condition.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Should You Buy the 2007 Subaru Forester?

The 2007 Subaru Forester offers exceptional AWD capability and utility for its class, making it a great choice for adventurers and those in snowy climates. However, its Achilles' heel remains the well-documented head gasket issues, which demand a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a budget for potential repairs to ensure a confident, long-term ownership experience.

Biggest Strengths

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
Practical cargo space and utility
Excellent visibility for a small SUV

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2007 Subaru Forester. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Engine Head Gasketsmajor

Emissions System (Catalytic Converter)moderate

Rust & Corrosionmajor

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

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 CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.

What breaks on the 2007 Subaru Forester?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Subaru Forester by Year

Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Subaru Forester. Click any year for its full report.

All Subaru Forester years ranked →Subaru Forester years to avoid →Subaru Forester common problems →

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Frequently Asked Questions

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