2000 Subaru Forester review from North America

1st problem: My dueler bridgestone tires wore extremely quickly. I have replaced them several times with brand name tires, but have resorted to generic ones because of the short life span. I suspect alignment problems after reading some other posts on similar problems. I did have them realigned every time (at various non-Subaru) places.

2nd problem: Within the first year, my clutch started shuttered in the mornings for the first five minutes. Since the problem went away after the car warmed up, I ignored it. After doing some research I find that this problem has happened to others. The shuttering gradually became worst until I replaced it at 53k miles. Cost me $1500 because the fly wheel and pressure plate were scored. Dealer didn't help pay any cost.

3rd problem: Rear right wheel bearing was replaced at 47,000 miles. Then the same wheel bearing needed to be replaced again at 55,000 miles. I called Subaru corporate the first time and they paid for the parts (similar too many other customers with the same problems). The second time (55k) the dealership picked up 100% because it was within a year for the first repair (standard procedure). The dealer told me that they are now using a different type of bearings (taper), which the manufacture has deemed to correct the mistake. However since the taper bearing has gone bad within 7000 miles this can't be true. I don't know what could be causing these wheel bearings to defect so quickly other than bad design on the part of the manufacture. I am shocked that this problem is so widespread and I am intending to sell this car. Subaru corporate should recall their cars and fix these wheel-bearing problems once and for all.

Even if the Subarus seemingly score higher than other mini-SUVs in crash tests. I doubt they account for your wheel flying off due to repetitively bad wheel bearings and excessively bad tire wear.