Subaru Forester 2000–2002 Parts
1st generation (SF) · 2.5L 4-cyl · AWD
- 68 common parts
- 1 recall campaigns
- 302 NHTSA complaints
Engine 6
- Check price on AmazonTiming kitChain or belt depending on the engine. Check your engine size before ordering.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonValve cover gasketOil seeping around the top of the engine or a burning-oil smell.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonOil pan gasketOil drips under the engine. Some engines are sealed with RTV instead of a gasket.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonEngine mountVibration at idle or a clunk when shifting into gear.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonTransmission mountClunk on acceleration or when shifting between drive and reverse.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonPCV valveRough idle, oil leaks or whistling from a stuck valve.Not used on the selected year
Cooling 7
- Check price on AmazonWater pumpCoolant leak at the front of the engine or overheating.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRadiatorLeaks, clogged fins or overheating in traffic.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonThermostatTemperature gauge stays low or climbs high; weak heat.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonUpper radiator hoseSoft, swollen or cracked hose; coolant smell.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonLower radiator hoseCheck clamps and the hose for leaks at the radiator outlet.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRadiator cooling fanOverheating at idle or with the A/C on.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonCoolant reservoirCracked tank or a cap that no longer holds pressure.Not used on the selected year
Fuel 4
- Check price on AmazonFuel pumpLong cranking, stalling or loss of power under load.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonFuel injectorMisfire on one cylinder or a fuel smell.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonFuel filterSome models use a filter built into the in-tank pump module.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonGas capA loose or worn cap can turn on the check-engine light (EVAP leak).Not used on the selected year
Ignition 4
- Check price on AmazonSpark plugsOne plug per cylinder; the EPA lists 4-cylinder engines for this generation. Check your engine before ordering.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonIgnition coilMisfire codes, rough idle or a flashing check-engine light.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonCamshaft position sensorCheck-engine light, hard starting or stalling.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonCrankshaft position sensorNo-start or stalling when hot.Not used on the selected year
Brakes 10
- Check price on AmazonFront brake rotorsPulsing pedal or steering wheel shake when braking.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonFront brake padsSqueal from the wear indicator or a grinding noise.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonFront brake caliperCar pulls to one side or a pad wears unevenly.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear brake rotorsFor versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear brake padsFor versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear brake caliperFor versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear brake drums If equippedFor versions with rear drum brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear brake shoes If equippedFor versions with rear drum brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonABS wheel speed sensorABS or traction-control light on; front and rear sensors differ.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonBrake hoseCracked or swollen rubber lines; a soft pedal.Not used on the selected year
Suspension 8
- Check price on AmazonFront strut assemblyBouncing, nose-dive when braking or leaking fluid.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear shock absorberBouncy rear end or uneven tire wear.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonFront lower control armClunk over bumps from worn bushings.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonBall jointClunk or wander; check for play with the wheel off the ground.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonSway bar linkRattle or knock over small bumps.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonFront wheel bearingHumming noise that changes with speed.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear wheel hub and bearingHumming or grinding from the rear that rises with speed.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear coil springSagging rear or a broken coil.Not used on the selected year
Steering 3
- Check price on AmazonOuter tie rod endLoose steering or uneven front tire wear.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonInner tie rodClunk when turning; replace in pairs and align.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonSteering rackLeaks, play in the wheel or a knock when turning.Not used on the selected year
Electrical 5
- Check price on AmazonBatterySlow cranking or electrical warnings. Check group size before ordering.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonAlternatorBattery light on, dim lights or a dead battery.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonStarterClick or slow crank when you turn the key.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonBlower motorWeak or no air from the vents on some fan speeds.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonA/C compressorWarm air from the vents or a noisy clutch.Not used on the selected year
Exhaust 5
- Check price on AmazonUpstream oxygen sensorCheck-engine light and higher fuel use.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonDownstream oxygen sensorMonitors the catalytic converter; often codes P0420/P0430.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonCatalytic converterRattle, sulfur smell or catalyst efficiency codes.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonMufflerLouder exhaust, rust holes or rattles underneath.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonExhaust manifold gasketTicking noise on cold start or exhaust smell.Not used on the selected year
Drivetrain 6
- Check price on AmazonFront CV axleClicking when turning or a torn boot.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear CV axleClicking or vibration from the rear axle shafts.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonDriveshaftVibration at speed or a clunk when taking off.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonRear differentialWhine or howl that changes with speed; check fluid.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonClutch kit Manual transmissionSlipping, high engagement point or a hard pedal.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonTransmission fluidEPA lists: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual. Use the fluid type in your owner's manual.Not used on the selected year
Body & Lighting 5
- Check price on AmazonHeadlight assemblyHazy or yellowed lenses. Housings vary by year and trim; confirm fitment.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonHeadlight bulbCheck the bulb number on your old bulb or in the owner's manual. LED units have no bulb.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonTail light assemblyCracked lens or moisture inside the housing.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonSide mirrorChoose the side and features (heated, power fold, signal).Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonWiper bladesReplace every 6–12 months; driver and passenger lengths differ.Not used on the selected year
Filters & Maintenance 5
- Check price on AmazonOil filterChange with every oil service.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonEngine air filterCheck every oil change; replace when dirty.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonCabin air filterWeak airflow or musty smell from the vents.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonSerpentine beltSqueal or cracks across the ribs. Some engines, including many hybrids, have no accessory belt; check yours.Not used on the selected year
- Check price on AmazonBelt tensionerReplace with the belt if the arm shakes or the pulley is noisy (belt-driven engines).Not used on the selected year
Icons are generic illustrations made for this site and do not show the exact part. Parts that depend on engine, drive or powertrain are marked using EPA data for this generation; confirm fitment with your VIN before ordering. Price links search by part name and vehicle.
About the 2000–2002 Forester
Overview
The 1st generation (SF) Subaru Forester covers the 2000–2002 model years in the US. The EPA lists 1 powertrain for this generation: 2.5L 4-cyl (2000–2002). Drive types: AWD. Transmissions: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual.
The parts list above covers items commonly replaced on these vehicles, grouped by system.
Engines & specs
| Engine | Years | Drive | Transmission | EPA MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 2000–2002 | AWD | 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual | AWD: 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 comb. |
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov vehicle data.
Common problems reported to NHTSA
| Mention in complaint | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake problems | 5 / 75 | 28 / 139 | 23 / 88 |
| Transmission problems | 11 / 75 | 14 / 139 | 10 / 88 |
| Airbag warning or airbags | 1 / 75 | 13 / 139 | 10 / 88 |
| Stalling or loss of power | 2 / 75 | 8 / 139 | 6 / 88 |
| Coolant leaks or overheating | 4 / 75 | 4 / 139 | 4 / 88 |
| Steering problems | 4 / 75 | 2 / 139 | 4 / 88 |
| Rust or corrosion | 2 / 75 | 2 / 139 | 5 / 88 |
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA (302 for 2000–2002), counted by words in the complaint text. One complaint can mention several issues; the second number is all complaints for those years.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Top components in complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 75 | Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing , Power Train:Automatic Transmission, Suspension:Rear |
| 2001 | 0 | 139 | Vehicle Speed Control, Air Bags:Frontal, Suspension:Rear |
| 2002 | 1 | 88 | Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train:Automatic Transmission, Suspension |
Source: NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recalls and complaints data, retrieved November 2026.
Recalls (1 campaigns)
- Power Train: Automatic Transmission (2002, NHTSA 02V282000)
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD.
Source: NHTSA. Check open recalls for your vehicle with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.