At about 26,000 miles the rear wheel bearing was replaced. At 40,000 miles the other side rear wheel bearing was replaced. At 49,000 miles the rear wheel bearing is worn, not sure which side yet, needs the be replaced AGAIN.
Subaru Forester is generally a good car, with two exceptions, the car has no real power and the rear wheel bearings are made of very poor quality.
I couldn't agree more. My Subaru Forester (2001) has had the right rear passenger wheel bearing replaced 5...YES...I said FIVE times!! I'm not impressed. I love the car, but all I can say about the wheels are... they suck.
I'm not enthusiastic about buying another one. I bought this one because of Consumer Reports and friends that had had Subaru's. They are amazed... because the older subaru vehicles go and go... but these new ones... break and break... there should be a recall... this is ridiculous.
Cindy.
Nov. 2004...My Subaru Forester (L), has never needed one thing repaired. I have performed the required maintenance and it's been perfect. I leased a 1999 (same model), before this one, and had the same experience. No complaints!
The rear wheel bearing problem was the only weak point in the Forester, and it is easily solved since the first reports. All the owner or mechanic had to do was read a service manual, contact Subaru Technical Assistance for the recommended procedure and part, or look at any of the 100's of web sites with the same advice.
Funny how so many of the same people complain about wrecked tires and clutches in their cars. That says one thing: aggressive abuse.
Boohoo for all victims of their own ignorance or petulance, I say.
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