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AI-generated from NHTSA recall & complaint counts

Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Subaru Forester

The 2010 Subaru Forester has 17 recalls and 262 owner complaints, focusing mainly on seat belt, airbag, and engine issues. Limited evidence indicates potential problems with brake components and electrical systems. Buyers should verify recalls have been addressed and evaluate specific complaints during inspection to ensure a sound purchase decision.

NHTSA data on file today

The 2010 Subaru Forester has 17 NHTSA recall campaigns and 262 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Recall campaigns on file

Most-cited components in owner complaints

  • Seats 76 complaints
  • Air Bags 42 complaints
  • Engine 34 complaints
  • Service Brakes 28 complaints
  • Vehicle Speed Control 24 complaints
  • Electrical System 13 complaints

Of the 262 complaints on file, 21 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 262 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Recall notices and owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Forester

Known issues to inspect

high severitysafety

Front seat belt force-limiter fails

How to check: Inspect functionality of front seat belts and verify recall completion

high severitysafety

Passenger airbag inflator module issue

How to check: Check for previous airbag recalls and verify fix

medium severityengine

Engine complaints noted

How to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations from the engine

medium severitybrakes

Hydraulic brake components issue

How to check: Press the brake pedal firmly and check for soft feel or warning lights

Test-drive walkthrough

  1. 01

    Cold start

    What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises

    Red flag: Persistent knocking or ticking sounds

  2. 02

    Accelerating

    What to check: Monitor smoothness of acceleration

    Red flag: Hesitation or jerking during acceleration

  3. 03

    Braking

    What to check: Ensure brakes engage smoothly and quickly

    Red flag: Spongy brake pedal or noise when stopping

  4. 04

    Highway driving

    What to check: Evaluate stability and steering responsiveness

    Red flag: Steering pulls or feels loose

  5. 05

    Parking

    What to check: Check ease of parking and turning radius

    Red flag: Hard steering or fluid leaks observed

Questions for the seller

Use this exact phrasing.

  1. Have all recall repairs been completed?
  2. What maintenance records do you have?
  3. Have any major parts been replaced recently?
  4. How has the vehicle been used mostly?
  5. Any notable issues while driving?
  6. Has the engine ever overheated?

Documents to request

Don't sign anything until you have these.

  • Vehicle title
  • Service records
  • Recall repair documentation
  • Accident history report
  • Owner's manual

Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Subaru Forester at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.

Recalls & complaints for the 2010 Subaru Forester Reliability forecast Subaru Forester reliability by year Run a free VIN check

Next step

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