07 Subaru Forester Now Worthless Due to Essential Part Discontinuation

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Update #1 on 8-23-23

Part # for my trim is 31711AL032 per Sub dealer
Trim: 2007 Sub Forester LLBean
I offered to look for the part, too, while dealer was looking for it. This is what I sent to my Sub dealer's service advisor...

https://www.subarupartsdeal.com/parts/s ... al030.html

Next, I found this:
https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_2007_ ... AL032.html


Then, I found this at parts.subaru.com:
The history for this part is interesting per parts.subaru.com:
First it was part #31711AL030
Next it was part #31711AL031
Then it is part #31711AL032
Next they discontinued the part? Makes no sense to me either. They didn't discontinue the Forester so why would they discontinue one of its essential transmission parts?

Update #2 on 8-23-23

Repair history just for 2023 at same dealer:

Pre-2023 repairs, include:
Dec 6-11, 2013. 40,645 miles. Dealer repaired 3 gaskets. Dealer discovered "leak from behind timing belt" and noted "cause" as "seal". Replaced three gaskets, incl., one at exhaust joint and two others.
Dec 17-18, 2013. 40,722 miles. Towed in; lost power while driving in snow/rain. Dealer tested and replaced alternator assembly per R.O. 168992.

2023 repairs at about 68,000 miles:
- February 2023: Both rear wheel bearings $1,100 ($200 discount for misdiagnosing it when I took it to my independent mechanic who said he couldn't believe they misdiagnosed a bad wheel bearing - you just need to put it on a rack and spin wheel to hear symptomatic noise of bad wheeling bearing)
- May 26 - June 2, 2023: Complete engine reseal $3,200 ($500 discount). Was "sweating" in 2022. Started to leak 2023 so had the work done because car was in otherwise good shape.

July 13-14, 2023 TCM Failure experience at about 68,000miles:
July 13, 2023 AT shifter got stuck in Park. I released the lock per manual. Made appointment with dealer for following week. But on July 14 was driving for only about 20 minutes when dash lit up: Check Engine light, red oil lamp, blinking cruise control. Shut off car. 45 minutes restarted; no red oil lamp showing but check engine light and cruise control still on. Took to dealer Saturday, July 15. Got loaner car. Diagnosed Fault Code P0719. Dealer's search for replacement TCM part continued until August 18.

Update #3 on 8-29-23

Pending inspection by independent mechanic this week.

You all have been so helpful. I learned a lot. The reason I took car to dealer is that as previously described already I had engine resealed by dealer just prior to dashboard lighting up (Engine light, oil lamp, blinking cruise control) and AT shifter getting stuck in Park position. My thinking was that prior work may be cause of these symptoms and/or covered by dealer. In retrospect, I should have started with independent mechanic who is objective.


Update #4, 9-17-23

I want to write "you won't believe this" but you all will believe it: Sub dealer misdiagnosed problem as a TCM failure. On September 6, my independent mechanic diagnosed it correctly and fixed it the same day I dropped off my car to him: Break Light Switch needed adjusting!!

There is more to the story and I will update you all with everything approx. Wednesday (this week) pending full inspection by same independent mechanic tomorrow/Tuesday. I want a full inspection to find out whether I should hold on to the car or sell, trade it, etc.







***
Original Post:

I'm suddenly and unexpectedly in the new car market. My well cared for, 68,000 miles to date Forester needs a TCM (Transmission Control Module) part. Eventhough the part is essential to the car, Subaru discontinued the part. No after-market part found either. Car was in excellent condition with $4,300 in repairs early this year (new head gaskets, both rear wheel bearing replaced). No rust. No smoking. Newer Continental tires. Minor body work ($780) due to dent on side was scheduled for next month.)

My questions:
Any recommendations for a good city car with occasional highway use?
Any experience with 2023-24 Subaru Impreza? Or Toyota Corolla Hatch?

Features important to me:
AWD
High safety ratings
Driver assisted technologies
Car with good visibility
Hatchback

Eliminated: Venue, Kona, Crosstreck (too high), Toyota Corolla Cross. No Mazda out of principle as I bought a new one 30 years ago and it was a near lemon; three alternators within two years after warranty and other problems.

Thank you!

[retiredjg]

Have you thought about getting the part from a junkyard?

[finite_difference]

Have you thought about getting the part from a junkyard?

+1.

Or is there another part that is compatible?

Doesn’t make sense that a part is not available.

[rebellovw]

Just a quick search 59.00 - try some used ones and a better service person.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256182125530?c ... d9EALw_wcB

[Elbowman]

Have you thought about getting the part from a junkyard?

lol yeah, as if the bogleheads would recommend giving up here. Someone will have an answer, or at least be a member of the right subreddit to find a solution.

[Jack FFR1846]

OEM

https://parts.subaru.com/p/subaru_2007_ ... AL042.html

You can put in your location to find local dealers with stock. I just looked quickly and Metrowest, near me has stock.

[Supergrover]

I believe the member you want to talk to is jackFF something (sorry I can’t recall right now). I think he’s a car expert.

ETA: LOL I see he chimed in already!

[Bogle-007]

Should be easy to find the part based on these suggestions. I’m wondering how prudent it is to spend $780 to fix cosmetic damage on a 16 year old car. Maybe if it’s rusting, but…

[Dottie57]

Try google. It looks like TCM for 2007 forester s still made.

Op, are you using an independent shop? If so, maybe try a Subaru dealers shop. They should have the best availability of parts. Don’t spend on a mew vehicle unless you want to.

[happygrayhair]

I'd check these out.

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__Fore ... AC702.html

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... e&_sacat=0

From my 5 minutes searching, looks like one needs to verify correct part for trim line, etc.

Worth trying before buying a new car (unless a new car is what you want).

[bombcar]

Discontinued doesn't mean unavailable. You can still find "NOS" parts for cars made fifty to a hundred years ago (NOS means "new old stock" - basically parts that have been sitting around since they were made, never used).

[SpaghettiLegs]

Same part went bad on my Passat wagon a few years ago. A new one was available for something like $3k and the mechanic got a used one off eBay for me for $350. Worked just fine.

The TCM I recall is a pretty simple fix, so I’m with everyone else, there is a replacement part out there, even if you have to pay the mechanic $75 / hr to go take one off at a junk yard.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Have you thought about getting the part from a junkyard?

Yes. Supposedly the service people at my Sub dealer looked for 6 weeks including in junkyards and other "alternate" sources.

[neilpilot]

Have you thought about getting the part from a junkyard?

Yes. Supposedly the service people at my Sub dealer looked for 6 weeks including in junkyards and other "alternate" sources.

This supports my policy of avoiding dealer service except for warranty or recall work.

[quantAndHold]

Back to the original question…if Subaru isn’t making a critical part on a 16 year old car as popular as the Forester, and you usually keep cars that long, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t get another Subaru. Personally, I would get a Mazda3. I sold my 2005 over the winter, thinking a 10 year old Ford C-Max would be a good replacement. The Ford is fine, but the Mazda was a much better, more reliable car.

[dukeblue219]

No Mazda out of principle as I bought a new one 30 years ago and it was a near lemon; three alternators within two years after warranty and other problems.

If your want to stick with the principle so be it, but 30 years is a *long* time in car development. A lot of cars from a lot of manufacturers sucked in the 80s and early 90s.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Just a quick search 59.00 - try some used ones and a better service person.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256182125530?c ... d9EALw_wcB

Thx for searching. Please check my original post which I just updated with more info, including the actual part #. The ebay part you found unfortunately doesn't match the part # my car trim needs.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

No Mazda out of principle as I bought a new one 30 years ago and it was a near lemon; three alternators within two years after warranty and other problems.

If your want to stick with the principle so be it, but 30 years is a *long* time in car development. A lot of cars from a lot of manufacturers sucked in the 80s and early 90s.

True. Thx.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Back to the original question…if Subaru isn’t making a critical part on a 16 year old car as popular as the Forester, and you usually keep cars that long, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t get another Subaru. Personally, I would get a Mazda3. I sold my 2005 over the winter, thinking a 10 year old Ford C-Max would be a good replacement. The Ford is fine, but the Mazda was a much better, more reliable car.

Which current Mazda do you recommend?

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Have you thought about getting the part from a junkyard?

Yes. Supposedly the service people at my Sub dealer looked for 6 weeks including in junkyards and other "alternate" sources.

This supports my policy of avoiding dealer service except for warranty or recall work.

Most people agree with you 100%

[quantAndHold]

Back to the original question…if Subaru isn’t making a critical part on a 16 year old car as popular as the Forester, and you usually keep cars that long, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t get another Subaru. Personally, I would get a Mazda3. I sold my 2005 over the winter, thinking a 10 year old Ford C-Max would be a good replacement. The Ford is fine, but the Mazda was a much better, more reliable car.

Which current Mazda do you recommend?

Mazda3.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Same part went bad on my Passat wagon a few years ago. A new one was available for something like $3k and the mechanic got a used one off eBay for me for $350. Worked just fine.

The TCM I recall is a pretty simple fix, so I’m with everyone else, there is a replacement part out there, even if you have to pay the mechanic $75 / hr to go take one off at a junk yard.

I would do that if I knew how to track junk yards down by car type etc. There is a place call Subie Clinic here in Illinois suburbs I will contact. Thx.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Back to the original question…if Subaru isn’t making a critical part on a 16 year old car as popular as the Forester, and you usually keep cars that long, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t get another Subaru. Personally, I would get a Mazda3. I sold my 2005 over the winter, thinking a 10 year old Ford C-Max would be a good replacement. The Ford is fine, but the Mazda was a much better, more reliable car.

Which current Mazda do you recommend?

Mazda3.

Sorry, you already wrote that. I missed it. Thx again

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

OEM

https://parts.subaru.com/p/subaru_2007_ ... AL042.html

You can put in your location to find local dealers with stock. I just looked quickly and Metrowest, near me has stock.

Please check for original post where I just added an update at top. Thank you

[MillennialFinance19]

Just a quick search 59.00 - try some used ones and a better service person.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256182125530?c ... d9EALw_wcB

Thx for searching. Please check my original post which I just updated with more info, including the actual part #. The ebay part you found unfortunately doesn't match the part # my car trim needs.

There is a chance other part numbers will work. I’d personally take a $59 flyer to find out. What do you have to lose?

Edit: here’s one with your original MPN.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145229374165?m ... media=COPY

[Striker]

Call a different dealer and ask them to do a system wide
search. If you can’t find the part in the US, try a Canadian dealer. The part is out there.

[Jack FFR1846]

I would check junkyards. I checked Sams in Worcester which is a pull a part place I go to and they do have 2 07 Foresters there. I expect other junkyards will have them.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Should be easy to find the part based on these suggestions. I’m wondering how prudent it is to spend $780 to fix cosmetic damage on a 16 year old car. Maybe if it’s rusting, but…

Body shop advised it will rust if not repaired before bad weather arrives Chicago metro.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Call a different dealer and ask them to do a system wide
search. If you can’t find the part in the US, try a Canadian dealer. The part is out there.

I called Subaru corporate too. Send letter to Customer Advocacy. After researching, corporate told me part has been discontinued. If I understood them correctly, they said that only have to make parts for ten years from year of car; something like that.

[Nate79]

I listen to the Under the hood podcast and they own a pull it shop and mention on their show being part of a national network where they can find used parts across the nation. Maybe could be useful for you:
https://www.underthehoodshow.com/

This is their shop:

https://www.nordstromsauto.com/

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

I'd check these out.

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__Fore ... AC702.html

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... e&_sacat=0

From my 5 minutes searching, looks like one needs to verify correct part for trim line, etc.

Worth trying before buying a new car (unless a new car is what you want).

Yes, the trim line and part # need to match up. I'm hoping to avoid having to buy a new car for financial reasons. Thanks for helping.

[JAZZISCOOL]

Have you also tried posting on one of the Subaru forums? Some of these are for Outbacks but there are some links to Foresters I think.

https://www.thesubaruforums.com/forums/ ... tback.15/

https://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/


https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/


The forums might be worth a shot if the junk yards, etc. don't work.

I have an older Outback and I would also try going through an independent mechanic to see if they knew of a source (vs. a dealer) if you have a good one.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Try google. It looks like TCM for 2007 forester s still made.

Op, are you using an independent shop? If so, maybe try a Subaru dealers shop. They should have the best availability of parts. Don’t spend on a mew vehicle unless you want to.

Hello, I was working with my Subaru dealer's shop. After 6 weeks of looking for the part, they informed me that exhausted all of their approved and alternate sources.

Lots of great responses here. I'll be working on contacting at least two or three independent shops.

[nalor511]

Subaru enthusiast forum will find it. Folks with Subaru cars a lot older than yours still kicking

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

I listen to the Under the hood podcast and they own a pull it shop and mention on their show being part of a national network where they can find used parts across the nation. Maybe could be useful for you:
https://www.underthehoodshow.com/

This is their shop:

https://www.nordstromsauto.com/

I just emailed them and a local Sub mechanic. Will follow-up tomorrow by phone. Thanks so much.

[silvergga]

rockauto.com

[thirdman]

Since you have had problems with engine seals and the transmission, I would sell the ICE car and buy a Tesla Model Y.

[Mr. Rumples]

I have a friend who restores antique cars; he now uses a 3D printer for many parts - don't know about metal parts, but apparently that's possible also. By way of example, it seems metal 3d is possible? https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/Solu ... gLc__D_BwE

[wilked]

I believe the TC is under the dash near the brake pedal.

Have you stuck your head under and put eyes on it? If so grab as many numbers / IDs as you can (make/model/etc). It might make matching it easier.

It will look something like this

[Jack FFR1846]

Since you have had problems with engine seals and the transmission, I would sell the ICE car and buy a Tesla Model Y.

Yes, because if a Tesla control module fails and Tesla doesn't make it since they change versions weekly, I'm sure you'll find hundreds in junkyards. (/sarcasm)

[wilked]

One other thought

What are the 'symptoms', besides lights on the dashboard. I am talking about things like 'jerky' shifting, not shifting when expected (ie high or low RPMs), etc?

Does your vehicle have the ability to shift the auto transmission manually (such as this), and if so have you tried it?

[lazydavid]

I have a friend who restores antique cars; he now uses a 3D printer for many parts - don't know about metal parts, but apparently that's possible also. By way of example, it seems metal 3d is possible? https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/Solu ... gLc__D_BwE

The part that's unavailable/difficult to source is the TCM (Transmission Control Module). One could probably 3d print the casing, but most likely it's the board inside that's the problem.

[dukeblue219]

I have a friend who restores antique cars; he now uses a 3D printer for many parts - don't know about metal parts, but apparently that's possible also. By way of example, it seems metal 3d is possible? https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/Solu ... gLc__D_BwE

Metal 3d printing is possible, and you can even print rocket engines, but it's not a practical possibility for a home hobbyist. Systems to do it reliably for a structural piece cost hundreds of thousands of dollars minimum, and a third party producer will still be prohibitively expensive for a robust metal part.

That said, the item OP needs is not a piece of metal or plastic but has electronics inside.

[ncbill]

It's a problem with all older vehicles.

My Town Car uses a computer module in the driver's door (DDM) to operate the power locks.

The driver's side mirror leaked and let water inside a wiring harness, corroding wires, & shorting out the DDM.

No longer available new, mechanic got a used DDM & swapped it in, then it blew out again.

So now I have my mechanic trying to find & replace the corroded wire(s) in that massive wiring harness inside the driver's door.

[Dottie57]

Try google. It looks like TCM for 2007 forester s still made.

Op, are you using an independent shop? If so, maybe try a Subaru dealers shop. They should have the best availability of parts. Don’t spend on a mew vehicle unless you want to.

Hello, I was working with my Subaru dealer's shop. After 6 weeks of looking for the part, they informed me that exhausted all of their approved and alternate sources.

Lots of great responses here. I'll be working on contacting at least two or three independent shops.

Sorry that your dealer’s shop is not helpful. They should be better. Your vehicle is not an antique.

[bombcar]

The 2007 Subaru Forrester was available with a manual transmission. Worst case you could get a shop to fabicobble one in and go manual. Then you don’t need no stinking computer.

[bd7]

Part # for my trim is 31711AL032 per Sub dealer
Trim: 2007 Sub Forester LLBean

What does the LLBean trim level include that distinguishes it from a regular Forester? Can you verify whether or not the vehicle is turbo and whether or not it has ESC (Electronic Stability Control)?

If, as I suspect, it has neither turbo nor ESC, then a TCM from a 'normal' Forester is very likely to work. You can look at www.car-part.com as they have an interchange that, while not infallible, is very very good. Even if the dealer or manufacturer insists on some weird, nonexistent part number, I would try one from car-part.com before I'd throw the car away. I've seen this issue play out many times (not necessarily with Subarus) where there is more than one part number for a control module that will work just fine. One caveat is that I do not specifically know if a replacement TCU (even the Subaru-approved number) can be installed in this car without re/programming or configuration. I suspect it can, but as cars get newer, module replacement can get trickier and trickier.

As an alternative, you can readily find services that will repair or rebuild (fix would be a better term) your existing module. Automotive control modules are usually pretty straightforward electronics boards that can be analyzed, reverse-engineered as needed and fixed by anyone competent in electronics repair.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Subaru enthusiast forum will find it. Folks with Subaru cars a lot older than yours still kicking

Exactly. Was already on 1 Sub forum. Basically advised to check junk yards, too. I should try all Sub forums to be thorough. Thx.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Part # for my trim is 31711AL032 per Sub dealer
Trim: 2007 Sub Forester LLBean

What does the LLBean trim level include that distinguishes it from a regular Forester? Can you verify whether or not the vehicle is turbo and whether or not it has ESC (Electronic Stability Control)?

If, as I suspect, it has neither turbo nor ESC, then a TCM from a 'normal' Forester is very likely to work. You can look at www.car-part.com as they have an interchange that, while not infallible, is very very good. Even if the dealer or manufacturer insists on some weird, nonexistent part number, I would try one from car-part.com before I'd throw the car away. I've seen this issue play out many times (not necessarily with Subarus) where there is more than one part number for a control module that will work just fine. One caveat is that I do not specifically know if a replacement TCU (even the Subaru-approved number) can be installed in this car without re/programming or configuration. I suspect it can, but as cars get newer, module replacement can get trickier and trickier.

As an alternative, you can readily find services that will repair or rebuild (fix would be a better term) your existing module. Automotive control modules are usually pretty straightforward electronics boards that can be analyzed, reverse-engineered as needed and fixed by anyone competent in electronics repair.

Very helpful.

LL Bean model: LL Bean branded carpets, <Momo leather/mahogany steering wheel + shifter (leather seats (poor quality)), great panoramic moonroof still working. It was a dealer demo with 6 or 7k miles. Nobody was buying it bc people didn't like the LL Bean branding. No ESC. Not turbo. See 8-29-updates below.

Will send this to my independent mechanic; owner doesn't "buy" the TCM as a cause. Said TCM failure is not common. The car is now at the dealer in its lot. I plan to get it next week to the independent mechanic either by driving it (slowly) or via tow; about 5.5 miles. The independent mechanic believes I can still drive the car from dealer to his shop. In June, I did drive it to the dealer (also about 5 miles) slowly so I may not need to tow it. However, read in research that with a presumed TCM failure, don't drive bc transmission could have a mind of its own and change gears unexpectedly.

Considering your comments, perhaps the reason that they discontinued it is due to other part #s workable and Subaru dropped the ball in identifying it?? I wrote to Subaru parts via email and asking why was it discontinued and response was unknown reason but possibly due to low demand. For a company that promotes longevity of their cars via its advertising and website (keeping Subs on the road) they should list a part number that would suffice.

Thank you!

Update 8/29/23. Part 1: Here's what parts.Subaru wrote in response to my question as to whether the discontinued LL Bean trim could have anything to do with the TCM part in question being "discontinued" as described by Subaru corporate.

"I don't think the LL Bean trim is a factor. That trim is mostly cosmetic and as far as I can tell this part was standard on a couple other trim levels across several model years. Subaru doesn't state whether another part would fit. The only thing I can suggest is you may be able to find a good used one on a site like ebay."

So I further asked how to identify a used one on a site like ebay when I don't have the matching part number or aside from that issue, this: I don't know how to tell whether a part on ebay is otherwise compatible with my car. (I'll further update here if I get a response.)

Update 8/29/23. Part 2:
Re: your question as to whether my case has ESC, I rechecked but I don't see it on the original window sticker. I for-sure know it's not a turbo tho. I do notice this under SAFETY on the window sticker: "Electronic Brake-Force Distribution"; not sure what that is.

[lhwerdyt*1791c]

Since you have had problems with engine seals and the transmission, I would sell the ICE car and buy a Tesla Model Y.

Can't sell it yet due to current issue.