Model year guide

2008 Subaru Forester

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Subaru Forester is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 27 on record.

2008 Subaru Forester — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Subaru Forester at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints50
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$7,036

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

2008 Subaru Forester recalls 1

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm NHTSA Campaign #11V464000 · 06/09/2011

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 JER…

Fix: SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWN…

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.

2008 Subaru Forester common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 50 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.
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.
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.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2008 Subaru Forester MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,250

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

What's a 2008 Subaru Forester worth?

Low
$4,100
Typical price
$7,036
High
$9,700

From 26 comparable 2008 Subaru Forester listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Subaru Forester costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,250
Total$20,500
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($7,036) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,800), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Subaru Forester trims & engines on record

Trims
2.5 X · 2.5X · 2.5 X Premium Package · 2.5XS · Sports 2.5 X · 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition · L.L.Bean · 2.5XT · FORESTER SPORTS
Engines
2.5L

2008 Subaru Forester vehicles on record

2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium PackageJF1SG65618H717532 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium PackageJF1SG65648H732056 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 XJF1SG66618H700003 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5 XJF1SG66648H733173 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63618H715900 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63618H709532 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63638H714280 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean EditionJF1SG67608H701111 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63698H705972 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63698H715966 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium PackageJF1SG65618H727994 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63698H724490 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63688H715666 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63618H701575 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63608H711224 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XJF1SG63618H716464 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XJF1SG63678G715115 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XSJF1SG65628H729110 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XJF1SG63668H708876 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XJF1SG63688H705283 2008 Subaru Forester 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XSJF1SG656X8H701541 2008 Subaru Forester L.L.BeanJF1SG67648H708871 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XJF1SG636X8H732906 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XJF1SG636X8H723736

Other Subaru Forester model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

2008 Subaru Forester — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Subaru Forester have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2008 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 2008 Subaru Forester?

Based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, engine, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Subaru Forester get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Subaru Forester at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2008 Subaru Forester worth?

Comparable 2008 Subaru Forester listings run roughly $4,100–$9,700, typically around $7,036 (from 26 vehicles).

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