2001 Subaru Forester 87500 miles on it. 12/2007 had rear wheel bearings replaced at independent shop. Now it is 12/2008 with only 92K miles on it, and the driver's side rear wheel bearing is howling like a banshee. Passenger rear wheel bearing getting louder but not as bad. Might have dealer replace them this time and check hub assembly for damage etc.

- Boston, MA, USA

Left rear wheel bearing has been replaced twice. Right rear wheel bearing needs to be replaced now. Dealer service personnel told me that the wheel was about to fall off of the vehicle the first time I had the bearing replaced.

- Olympia, WA, USA

01 Forester was bought from van bortel Subaru on 4/24/04 coming off a lease with 29,000 miles. I had to negotiate that dealer to check car for service bulletins and recalls and asked for the 30K maintenance to be completed. Minimal work was completed and subsequently major problems such due to defective parts such as head gasket failure and wheel bearing failure had to be done. Vehicle has been regularly serviced at dealer and complaints of road noise had been shared with dealer. Tires were replaced at owner expense in response. Head gasket cost was covered by warranty but one rear wheel bearing ($400) was not covered and paid by owner. These problems have been well documented by other owners since 2002 and neither Subaru nor van bortel informed owners of problems. As a result they placed owners at risk of serious mechanical failure and increased cost of replacement of entire rear axel and possible serious accident/injury.

- Rochester, NY, USA

Failure of rear wheel bearings.

- Moodus, CT, USA

I own three Subaru vehicles one of which is a 2001 Forester-L. I have had to replace the R/R wheel bearing on my Forester twice @ 28017 miles and at 75375 miles. The first incident was covered under the vehicle warranty. I was reimbursed by Subaru for half the cost for second incident. In discussion with other Forester owners and local mechanics this appears to be a recurring problem (please see vq 7510621 and vq 7510621). I have also had to replace both front wheel bearings on my 1998 legacy L wagon, but in fairness this was at 112, 000 mi. My fear here is that I will also incur this repair on my 2002 impreza.

- Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA

This is the third time that the rear wheel bearings on the passenger side need to be replaced. There was a loud noise in the back while the vehicle was in motion. Got louder on turns, mostly to the right.

- Pepper Pike, OH, USA

Consumer stated rear wheel bearing wore out prematurely. This part was replaced four times.

- Wolcott, CT, USA

I have a 2001 Subaru Forester. In the fall of 2002, the right rear wheel bearing went bad and was replaced by the dealer (less than 30,000 miles on the car). In February 2003, the left rear wheel bearing went bad and was replaced by the dealer. In June 2003, the left wheel bearing went bad again and was replaced/repaired again by the dealer. There is a serious defect in these vehicles because the repairs are not even lasting six months. Dealers service dept. Has been courteous and all repairs have been covered at no charge.

- Lexington, KY, USA

The rear wheel bearing failed, however the manufacturer did not agree to correct the problem..

- Garrison, NY, USA