2002 Subaru Forester Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability

• 2002 Subaru Forester Subaru Front O2 Sensor Recall

  The front oxygen (air fuel ratio) sensor element may develop a crack, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate. Subaru has recalled certain models to replace sensors that may fail. The Subaru service program number is WXW-80, this is not a government mandated recall.

• 2002 Subaru Forester Check Engine Light Due to Failed Catalytic Converter

  The Check Engine Light may illuminate because of low catalytic converter efficiency. This same issue may cause the car to fail the State Smog Test if one is required.

• 2002 Subaru Forester Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure

  The head gasket has a high failure rate due to cooling system problems. Subaru is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty to 8 years/100k miles on many vehicles.

• 2002 Subaru Forester Worn Out Gaskets Allowed Oil to Seep Into Spark Plugs

  An oil leak can develop from the spark plug tube seals. Excess oil in the spark plug tubes can result in engine misfires and illumination of the Check Engine Light . Our technicians tell us that removing the valve cover and replacing the tube seals and cover gasket is necessary to correct this concern. Oil damaged spark plugs, ignition wires , and ignition coils will also require replacement.

• 2002 Subaru Forester Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals

  Front engine oil leaks can develop from the camshaft seal and the crankshaft front seal . If one or more seals require replacement, it may be wise to consider replacing the timing belt as well. These seals are commonly inspected and replaced as needed as part of a timing belt service.

• 2002 Subaru Forester Improved Spark Plug Wires for Misfire Issues

  Sometimes the Check Engine Light illuminates because the computer detects misfires. Subaru released an improved spark plug wire set to solve the problem. The ignition coil should also be inspected for carbon tracks or short circuits between the contacts

• 2002 Subaru Forester Check Engine Light Due to Failed Knock Sensor

  The Check Engine Light may illuminate because of a failed knock sensor . Although the sensor often tests okay, it can fail intermittently, while the vehicle is being driven.

• 2002 Subaru Forester Mass air flow sensor recall

  Subaru issued a recall (WWG-90) because the mass air flow sensor has a manufacturing defect.

• 2002 Subaru Forester Improved clutch parts to correct clutch chatter

  There have been reports of "clutch chatter," particularly when driving the vehicle from a cold start. If the issue was reported by the owner while the vehicle was still under warranty, the dealer may replace the clutch with improved parts.

• 2002 Subaru Forester Oil Pump Seal May Leak

  The leak may develop from the oil pump seal. Our technicians prefer to use thread locker when replacing the seal to prevent the bolts from becoming loose again.

2002 Subaru Forester Questions and Answers

Related Questions

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester 4 Cyl Temperature Gauge Shot Up

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 73, 000 MILES

  related to interior, instrument-cluster, gauges, engine-temperature

  In mid December, my temperature gauge shot up all the way. My mechanic said it was the water pump. After it was fixed, I smelled a strong coolant smell. They checked it over and said everything wa..

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester All 4 Parking Lights Stay On...

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 60, 000 MILES

  related to exterior-light, running-light, stay-on

  As in the question all 4 parking lights will not go off even with key removed @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 AT 8:10 PM ..

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester Battery Running Flat

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 120, 000 MILES

  related to tires, symptoms, flat

  Even with regular use my battery is running flat ever 3 weeks or so. I have had it jump started by my road side assistance provider about 4 times and they tell me to give the battery a good charge ..

  ---

• Subaru Forester Car Is Overheating Normally When I First Drive To Work...

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 240, 000 MILES

  related to engine-cooling, leak

  Car is overheating normally when I first drive to work. Temperature gauge goes up and then comes down rapidly. I have not been able to find coolant leak but car is losing coolant. Radiator is new, ..

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester Chirping Sound

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 202, 000 MILES

  related to general, noises, chirp

  I have a 2002 Subaru Forester, which I just purchased used. The engine makes a chirping noise when I have my headlights on or my foot on the brake. Starting last night my car doesn't want to start ..

  ---

• Subaru Forester Headlight Problem

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 2.5L, 4 CYL, AWD, MANUAL, 180, 000 MILES

  related to exterior-light, headlight, relay

  When I use the low beam and fog light, the light will sometime be on, then off. Checking the fuse, and relay, everything is OK. Can you tell me why? Thanks. @media(max-width: 960px) { ...

  ---

• Subaru Forester Hi My Car Was Overheating So I Got My Mechanic To Put...

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 280, 000 MILES

  related to engine-cooling, radiator, radiator-hose

  Hi my car was overheating so I got my mechanic to put new radiator in and it stopped but than about a month later it started overheating again but only when I am not moving eg stopped at traffic lig..

  ---

• Subaru Forester Driver Side Power Window Wiring Diagram

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 2.5L, 4 CYL, AWD, MANUAL, 170, 000 MILES

  related to body, window, wiring

  The switch D1 which connect to under driver side dash board gets rusted, some wires are just ripped off, can you supply the wiring diagram? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;..

  ---

• Subaru Forester Oil In Spark Plugs

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 164, 000 MILES

  related to ignition, spark-plug, replace-remove

  I have been getting oil in the plug sleeves and deposits on the plugs. I changed the plugs and all the seals. Still having the problem. What else could be causing this? @media(max-width: 960px) ..

  ---

• Subaru Forester Spindle Swap

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 100, 000 MILES

  related to suspension, spindle

  Hi, would a rear right spindle for a 2001 Subaru Forester fit a 2002-2003 model? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Monday, January 28th, 2019 AT 5:00 AM ..

  ---

• Subaru Forester Squeak Underneath Car When In Reverse

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 2.5L, 4 CYL, AWD, MANUAL, 132, 000 MILES

  related to general, noises, squeak

  Put it into reverse and it squeaks rhythmically upon moving, with one little pop/tap/knock when speeding up or slowing down a bit, but not when the car is still. Sound comes from under passenger s..

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester Changing Spark Plugs

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 89, 352 MILES

  related to ignition, spark-plug, replace-remove

  Is it necessary to change spark wires at the same time? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Sunday, February 24th, 2008 AT 9:28 AM ..

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester Check Engine Light

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 112, 000 MILES

  related to warning-lights, check-engine-light

  Code P0037 HO2s bank 1 sen 2 heater curcit low I clear it and it comes back after 6 miles how can it be fixed for good I changed the cat. O2sensor front and back about one year ago @media(max-..

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester Coolant Smell After Replacing...

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 73, 000 MILES

  related to interior, water

  In mid December, my temp gauge shot up all the way. My mechanic said it was the water pump. After it was fixed, I smelled a strong coolant smell. They checked it over and said everything was fine...

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester Front Windshield Wiper Motor

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 109, 000 MILES

  related to body, wiper, motor, replace-remove

  Front windshield wipers travel too far - intermittently but most of the time. This started after snow was allowed to pack up under the wipers and I suspect something was stripped or damaged, altho..

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester High Pitch Hum

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER

  related to general, noises, hum

  Noises problem 2002 Subaru Forester All Wheel Drive Automatic 165000 miles I have a high pitch hum which sounds like its coming from the back. My mechanic said they can't find the source ..

  ---

• Subaru Forester 2002 Subaru Forester Upon Warm Up Knocking Sound

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 4 CYL, AWD, MANUAL, 65, 000 MILES

  related to general, noises, knock

  Daer Sirs: Sometimes when warming up a pinging or knocking sound is heard from engine untill warm-up is complete. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Thur..

  ---

• Subaru Forester Car Steering Vibration Under Load 55-65

  2002 SUBARU FORESTER, 2.5L, 4 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 340, 000 MILES

  related to steering, symptoms, vibration

  Slight right-left steering movement. Vibration completely disappears when accelerator is released. With/without awd fuse. New front bearings, half shafts, ball joints, engine runs smooth, shifts ..

  ---

2002 Subaru Forester Maintenance and Repair

• Causes of 2002 Subaru Forester Engine Vibration
• How To Use a 2002 Subaru Forester Battery Charger
• 2002 Subaru Forester Exhaust Smell Understanding Where The Problem Lies
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Hydraulic Lifter
• How To Repair a 2002 Subaru Forester Tire Valve
• How To Use a Trickle Charger on your 2002 Subaru Forester
• 2002 Subaru Forester Exhaust Manifold Leak Repair Cost: Average Prices To Expect
• Average 2002 Subaru Forester Brake Repair Cost for Each Brake Problem
• Tips for Recharging your 2002 Subaru Forester Battery
• Most Common Signs That Your 2002 Subaru Forester Needs a Transmission Flush
• Burning Smell from 2002 Subaru Forester - Understand What is Happening
• Causes of 2002 Subaru Forester Engine Knock
• The Best 2002 Subaru Forester Battery Brand To Use for Lasting Performance
• 2002 Subaru Forester Tire Companies To Avoid
• 2002 Subaru Forester Tire Alignment: How To Know When You Need It
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Engine Speed Sensor
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Head Gasket
• How To Repair 2002 Subaru Forester Hail Damage
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Coil Pack
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Alternator
• Most Common 2002 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems
• Using Nitrogen for 2002 Subaru Forester Tire Inflation: Advantages Disadvantages
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Distributor
• Symptoms of Fried 2002 Subaru Forester Piston Rings
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor
• Advantages and Disadvantages of 2002 Subaru Forester Radial Tires
• How To Reset The 2002 Subaru Forester Tire Pressure Sensor Correctly
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Ecu
• Common 2002 Subaru Forester Oil Pump Failure Symptoms
• My 2002 Subaru Forester Smells: 7 Tips for Getting Rid of Bad Auto Odors
• 2002 Subaru Forester Acrylic Car Paint: Understanding The Pros and Cons
• Understand 2002 Subaru Forester Brake Noise for a Proper Diagnosis
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
• 2002 Subaru Forester Waxing Temperature - Understanding The Best Time To Wax Your Car
• How To Tell If Its Time for a 2002 Subaru Forester Engine Rebuild
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Throttle Position Sensor
• Signs Your 2002 Subaru Forester has a Faulty Transmission Filter
• 2002 Subaru Forester Windshield Repair Quote: Average Prices On Common Repairs
• How To Tell When a 2002 Subaru Forester Brake Rotors Need To Be Replaced
• What Happens If Your 2002 Subaru Forester Runs Out of Engine Oil
• How To Repair a 2002 Subaru Forester Aluminum Radiator
• 2002 Subaru Forester Chrome Rim Repair: a How To Guide
• Average 2002 Subaru Forester Tire Puncture Repair Cost
• The Best Way To Polish 2002 Subaru Forester Paint: Two Methods To Consider
• Causes of 2002 Subaru Forester White Exhaust Smoke
• What Should a Full 2002 Subaru Forester Detailing Service Include
• What Does It Mean If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Low Oil Pressure At Idle
• 2002 Subaru Forester Wax Formula - Understanding What Its Made Of
• 2002 Subaru Forester Polish and Wax: Are They The Same Which Comes First
• Understanding When You Should Wax Your 2002 Subaru Forester : Hot or Cold Temperature
• 2002 Subaru Forester Paint Types Pros and Cons of Each
• How To Mix 2002 Subaru Forester Paint Properly So The Color Spreads Evenly
• 2002 Subaru Forester Clear Coat Car Paint - Understanding The Pros and Cons
• How To Apply 2002 Subaru Forester Paint Primer Correctly
• 2002 Subaru Forester Spray Painting Techniques for a Proper Coat
• 2002 Subaru Forester Windshield Scratch Repair: a How To Guide
• A Routine 2002 Subaru Forester Maintenance Schedule Based On Engine Mileage
• 2002 Subaru Forester Buyers Guide: Oil Free or Oil Air Compressor
• What To Do If You Start To Get 2002 Subaru Forester Brake Smell
• Causes of 2002 Subaru Forester Blue Exhaust Smoke
• When Should You Turn your 2002 Subaru Forester Brake Rotors
• How To Repair a 2002 Subaru Forester Leaking Gas Tank
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Manifold Pressure Sensor
• How To Tell If You Have a 2002 Subaru Forester Faulty Oxygen Sensor
• What Happens If Your 2002 Subaru Forester Runs Out of Coolant
• How Often Should You Replace Your 2002 Subaru Forester Radiator Fluid
• 2002 Subaru Forester Radiator Fluid: What To Use What To Avoid
• 2002 Subaru Forester Repair: How To Use Radiator Sealant
• 2002 Subaru Forester Radiator Repair: 3 Soldering Tips for Proper Restoration
• Average 2002 Subaru Forester Radiator Repair Costs: Dont Get Scammed
• Signs of a Worn Out 2002 Subaru Forester Engine Bearing
• Causes of 2002 Subaru Forester Lifter Tick
• How To Bleed a 2002 Subaru Forester Radiator: An Auto Diy Maintenance Guide
• 2002 Subaru Forester Tire Repair: Tire Patch Vs Plug
• Types of 2002 Subaru Forester Brake Pads To Be Aware of
• Pros and Cons of a 2002 Subaru Forester High Flow Air Filter
• Benefits of Changing Your 2002 Subaru Forester Air Filter
• Common Problems Associated With 2002 Subaru Forester Fully Synthetic Oil
• What Is The Difference Between a 2002 Subaru Forester Synthetic Oil and Conventional Oil
• How Often Should You Clean and Condition 2002 Subaru Forester Leather Seats
• How 2002 Subaru Forester Oil Change Affects Gas Mileage
• Advantages That New Tires Give Your 2002 Subaru Forester
• How To Prevent a 2002 Subaru Forester Spark Plug Blow Out Ignition: Problems Solved
• Copper Spark Plugs Vs Iridium and Platinum: Understand for Top 2002 Subaru Forester Performance
• How To Fix a 2002 Subaru Forester Power Steering Hose Leak
• Essential 2002 Subaru Forester Power Steering Parts and What They Do
• How To Get Rid of a 2002 Subaru Forester Mildew Smell
• 2002 Subaru Forester Battery or Alternator How To Tell Where The Problem Lies
• Everything You Need To Know About 2002 Subaru Forester Brake Fluid
• Weird 2002 Subaru Forester Air Conditioner Smell: What It Means and How To Fix It