Model year guide

2002 Subaru Forester

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Subaru Forester is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 38 on record.

2002 Subaru Forester — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Subaru Forester at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints93
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$2,286

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Subaru Forester recalls 1

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #02V282000 · 30/10/2002

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY W…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Subaru Forester common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2002 Subaru Forester MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2002 Subaru Forester worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$2,286
High
$4,589

From 36 comparable 2002 Subaru Forester listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Subaru Forester costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750
Fuel only$14,750
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Subaru Forester trims & engines on record

Trims
L · S
Engines
2.5L

2002 Subaru Forester vehicles on record

2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63572H712758 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF65542G745736 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF65692H743175 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF635X2H713354 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63552H759108 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF635X2H724337 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF65642H758201 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63542H757110 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63552H708904 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63532H741321 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63592H756860 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF635X2H701611 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF65672H742526 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63582G715643 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63582H755246 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF656X2H707785 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF65652G731126 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF635X2H703469 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF65552H706745 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF63552H746603 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF65602H739872 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester LJF1SF635X2G719497 2002 Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF656X2H733853 2002 Subaru Forester SJF1SF65692H717739

Other Subaru Forester model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1998

2002 Subaru Forester — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Subaru Forester have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2002 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru Forester?

Based on 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, fuel/propulsion system, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Subaru Forester get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Subaru Forester at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2002 Subaru Forester worth?

Comparable 2002 Subaru Forester listings run roughly $1,000–$4,589, typically around $2,286 (from 36 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.