2007 Subaru Forester: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
2nd-gen Forester: EJ25 head-gasket failure plus catalytic-converter and stalling complaints are the durability risks once mileage climbs. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2007 Subaru Forester ranged from $21,820 to $28,520 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
2nd-gen Forester: EJ25 head-gasket failure plus catalytic-converter and stalling complaints are the durability risks once mileage climbs.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester
Known issues
-
EJ25 2.5L head-gasket failure: external coolant/oil leaks, coolant smell and overheating, typically at higher mileage. Repairs are costly and often bundle a timing-belt service due at ~105k miles.
commonly reported · 26 NHTSA complaints · typically 90k–180k miles · engine
-
Rear wheel-bearing wear producing a growing humming noise at highway speed; a common high-mileage repair on this generation.
commonly reported · 46 NHTSA complaints · suspension
-
Catalytic-converter failure and engine stalling, frequently triggering a P0420 check-engine code and repeat converter replacements.
occasional · 22 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Unintended-acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints reported on the 2005-2006 cars.
occasional · 38 NHTSA complaints · other
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/forester.html
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with genuine all-weather and light off-road capability.
- Spacious, practical interior with generous cargo room and easy step-in entry.
- Strong crash-test safety record and good resale value.
- High ground clearance and excellent outward visibility from the tall, upright greenhouse.
Cons
- Dated, utilitarian cabin and modest power by modern standards.
- Timing-belt service due around 105k miles and prone to rust in salt-belt climates.
- EJ25 head-gasket failure is a well-known durability risk at higher mileage, and repairs are expensive.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5X | $21,820 | $29,995 | — | — |
| 2.5X Sports | $22,320 | discontinued | — | — |
| 2.5X Premium | $24,320 | $31,995 | — | — |
| 2.5XT Sports | $26,620 | discontinued | — | — |
| 2.5X L.L.Bean | $27,320 | discontinued | — | — |
| 2.5XT Limited | $28,520 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2007-subaru-forester-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($21,820). Higher trims started higher (up to $28,520), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~225k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-forester-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2007 Subaru Forester have?
Documented issue patterns include: EJ25 2.5L head-gasket failure: external coolant/oil leaks, coolant smell and overheating, typically at higher mileage. Repairs are costly and often bundle a timing-belt service due at ~105k miles; Rear wheel-bearing wear producing a growing humming noise at highway speed; a common high-mileage repair on this generation; Catalytic-converter failure and engine stalling, frequently triggering a P0420 check-engine code and repeat converter replacements; Unintended-acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints reported on the 2005-2006 cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2007 Subaru Forester reliable?
2nd-gen Forester: EJ25 head-gasket failure plus catalytic-converter and stalling complaints are the durability risks once mileage climbs.
How much did the 2007 Subaru Forester cost new?
Between $21,820 and $28,520 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.
Checking a listing right now?
The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.
Add to Chrome · FreeNo account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.
Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.