Problem Reports
Subaru Forester
Report: Check Engine Light Due to Failed Catalytic Converter
Subaru Forester Problem
Model Years Affected: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Average Mileage: 116,785 mi (40,000 mi - 202,000 mi)
The Check Engine Light may illuminate because of low catalytic converter efficiency. This same issue may cause the car to fail the State Smog Test if one is required.
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Report #1Visitor, 2002 Subaru Forester, 166,000 mi
P0420 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank
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Report #2triggz, 2002 Subaru Forester, 140,000 mi
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Report #3Visitor, 2002 Subaru Forester, 105,000 mi
poor gas mileage, replaced cat converter, light still on
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Report #4HOTSTOVE, 2002 Subaru Forester, 161,000 mi
RookieCHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND I REPLACED THE CALYICAL CONVERTOR.
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Report #5Visitor, 2003 Subaru Forester, 64,250 mi
both catalytic converter had to be replaced
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Report #6Visitor, 2006 Subaru Forester, 49,000 mi
Cruise was flashing and the check engine light came on at the same time. Dealership told me they replaced the catalytic converter; still under warranty so it was free.
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Report #7Visitor, 2000 Subaru Forester, 185,420 mi
light is on and i dont think its my cat. think it might be the O2 sensors.. checking it out
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Report #8Visitor, 2003 Subaru Forester, 128,000 mi
mil light with P0420 error. Oil leaking from cylinder heads. Service to correct is replace HG, water pump. est $1200
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Report #9Visitor, 2002 Subaru Forester, 122,000 mi
Engine light comes on intermittently.
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Report #10joshr, 2002 Subaru Forester, 108,000 mi
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Report #11Visitor, 1999 Subaru Forester, 167,000 mi
Spark plugs appear normal, no evidence of carbon or oil fouling. No leaks or loose components in exhaust system.
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Report #12Cancrav03, 2002 Subaru Forester, 40,000 mi
RookieCC replaced.
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Report #13Visitor, 2001 Subaru Forester, 84,000 mi
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Report #14Visitor, 1999 Subaru Forester, 142,000 mi
P0420, MIL on intermittently, comes on mostly after long fast drives. 17 mpg city. Before replacing the CC I will have the sensors checked.
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Report #15Ped87, 2001 Subaru Forester, 134,178 mi
EnthusiastThe check engine light has been on for a while and we are waiting to replace the catalytic converter until we are sure that will solve the problem. It is more an annoying than problematic at this point
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Report #16Visitor, 2002 Subaru Forester, 65,000 mi
replaced catalytic converter less than 1 yr ago. now faced with same problem.
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Report #17Visitor, 2000 Subaru Forester, 112,000 mi
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Report #18Visitor, 2005 Subaru Forester, 126,500 mi
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Report #19Visitor, 2004 Subaru Forester, 44,000 mi
THE SUBARU DEALER SAID THEY COULDNT FIGURE A REASON FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL. MY GAS MILEAGE STARTED DECREASING WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT HAS REMAINED ON UNTIL NOW AT 140000 MILES , AFTER I FINALLY COULD AFFORD TO REPLACE TEH CONVERTER. THEY NEVER ACKNOWLEDGE THIS FAULT WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN AT 44000 MILES AND I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL THEN.
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Report #20Visitor, 2001 Subaru Forester, 202,000 mi
Check engine light has been on for several years. Techs have told me I needed a new catalytic converter and yesterday one said that I need a new oxygen sensor to fix it. I will do neither because I understand that it is a reoccurring problem causing owners hundreds of dollars. I won't throw good money after bad especially since this issue is not affecting the operation of the car.
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Report #21Visitor, 2002 Subaru Forester, 102,000 mi
mechanic said it was probably do to catalytic converter being plugged He reset the light for me and it has not come back on for the last 1,000 miles of driving.I hope it's a false reading because that's an expensive repair of about 800.00 bucks.
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Report #22Visitor, 2005 Subaru Forester, 114,000 mi
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Report #23Visitor, 2005 Subaru Forester, 116,500 mi
The second time the Cat. converter went. First time it was covered by Subaru. Not this time
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Report #24Visitor, 2001 Subaru Forester, 125,000 mi