At the shop, Subaru suspension issues have a recognizable signature. 494 documented complaints across 42 year-model entries from 2005 to 2021 is consistent with what we see come in. 2014 Subaru Forester tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 1 fatality report on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Subaru vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 262 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 63,922 miles. Average shop fix runs about $900 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. A quick test drive over rough pavement reveals more than the carfax. Listen for clunks on bumps and watch the steering wheel for tramlining.
ProblemsByVin SUBARU / SUSPENSION
42 model-year entries · 2005–2021
Subaru suspension problems
494 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for suspension issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See suspension across all makes →
Complaints
494
Recalls
3
Year-models
42
Avg fix
$900
19crashes
2fires
11injuries
1fatality
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for suspension Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2014 Subaru Forester
91 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2015 Subaru Forester
64 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2005 Subaru Outback
49 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2006 Subaru Outback
31 complaints · ~$900 severe
2005 Subaru Forester
20 complaints · ~$900 severe
2005 Subaru Impreza
16 complaints · ~$900 critical
2010 Subaru Outback
14 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2011 Subaru Outback
12 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2018 Subaru Forester
11 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2008 Subaru Forester
11 complaints · 1 recall · ~$900 moderate
2019 Subaru Ascent
10 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2016 Subaru Forester
10 complaints · ~$900 severe
2013 Subaru Outback
10 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2007 Subaru Outback
10 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2008 Subaru Outback
9 complaints · ~$900 severe
2007 Subaru Forester
9 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2020 Subaru Ascent
7 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2017 Subaru Forester
7 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2011 Subaru Legacy
7 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2005 Subaru Legacy
7 complaints · ~$900 severe
2019 Subaru Forester
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$900 severe
2006 Subaru Forester
6 complaints · ~$900 severe
2018 Subaru Outback
5 complaints · ~$900 moderate
2017 Subaru Outback
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$900 severe
2012 Subaru Impreza
5 complaints · ~$900 severe
Active recalls — Subaru suspension 5 on file
Subaru of America, Inc
A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.
Subaru of America, Inc
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
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
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Subaru of America, Inc
If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTE-66.
Subaru of America, Inc
Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-23.
Common questions
How many Subaru suspension complaints are on file with NHTSA?
494 complaints across 42 model-year entries from 2005 to 2021. 3 active recall campaigns cover suspension issues across the Subaru lineup.
Which Subaru model has the most suspension complaints?
The 2014 Subaru Forester leads with 91 complaints in this category. Next: 2015 Forester (64) and 2005 Outback (49).
What does it cost to fix Subaru suspension problems?
Independent shops average $900 for suspension repairs across the Subaru lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Subaru suspension recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover suspension on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Subaru.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.