Faults:

The most recent problem was both rear-wheel bearings going out. Cost to repair was $640.

Six months ago the boot on the right front drive axle split and leaked grease on the catalytic converter. Every time I stopped smoke would billow out of the engine compartment. Cost to repair was around $200.

A couple of years ago the "sub-woofer" located under the driver seat stopped working. The rest of the sound system works, but the semi-deep tones we used to hear and feel are gone.

Other problems that have appeared in the last year include window not sealing properly and leaking air during higher speeds; the lid on the compartment located mid-dashboard won't stay up; and the hood release mechanism sticks.

General Comments:

Maybe I should have purchased a Toyota intead.

Faults:

The right rear passenger wheel bearing has had to be replaced 5..yes...FIVE times. This last time it took the spindle, sensors, etc... with it. To the tune of 900.00. The little clock has quit working, and I am noticing a hesitation in the automatic shifting. From what I've read here, mine is one of the BETTER ones... and that's not soothing, AT ALL.

General Comments:

I am really disappointed in this Forester. I drive 67 miles a day one way to work. I was counting on it lasting AT LEAST as long as my Chevrolet Prism. It lasted 260,000 miles and probably cost me about $1500 in ten years. I'm lucky to get by with $1500 per repair on this Subaru. I feel that I have been hoodwinked by Consumer Reports. I did investigation for 15 months before I bought the Forester. I am truly jaded and will probably NEVER own another Subaru.. and that's too bad because I drive in snow and the road handling is terrific.

Faults:

Transmission has gone bad at 90000 miles (shift from Reverse to Drive hesitates, then leaps into gear, or occasionally does not engage at all). No repairable problem can be found. This is MAJOR.

Check Engine light has come on in past four months. O2 sensor was bad and replaced, now vent control solenoid valve is bad.

Right front axle and PCV boot went bad and required replacement.

Several plastic body parts have come off or loose (interior and exterior).

Water leaks in closed windows when car is washed.

Water leaks in top of windshield in rain in one place.

General Comments:

This car was a real workhorse for me up until the 90K mileage mark. I got the recommended tune-ups and maintenance, but had to make very few repairs up until recently. Since hitting 90K miles, a series of problems have occurred, resulting in multiple trips to the dealer and the car turning into a "money pit". Now, they tell me that I am going to need a new transmission to the tune of $4000. Instead, I am going to buy a new car (Honda or Toyota). I am not putting any more money into this car after putting $1700 into it in the last four months.