2009 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 178 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 19 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 5 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seat beltsNov 10, 2022
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.
The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-22.
Campaign 22V838000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchApr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Campaign 19V297000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.
Campaign 18V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
Campaign 18V013000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Campaign 18V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 11, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Campaign 17V026000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Campaign 17V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemOct 13, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
Campaign 16V738000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Campaign 16V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicDec 31, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Campaign 14V830000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJun 10, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Campaign 14V311000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingDec 26, 2012
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Campaign 12V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherMar 13, 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR in the SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES LOCATED IN THE REAR CENTER SEATING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DO NOT MEET LOCKABILITY REQUIREMENTS AND FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION. SPECIFICALLY, THE ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT PERMIT PROPER INSTALLATION AND SECURE ATTACHMENT OF A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.
AN INSECURE INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD DURING A CRASH.
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WITH A NEWLY MODIFIED AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 12V099000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentApr 2, 2009
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
Campaign 09E011000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineSep 11, 2008
SUBARU IS RECALLING 16,715 MY 2007-2008 LEGACY SEDANS AND WAGONS, MY 2008 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS, AND MY 2009 FORESTER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE OIL SUPPLY PIPE AND TURBOCHARGER-SIDE PIPE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED.
VIBRATION WOULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND, OVER TIME, COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN CRACKING THE PIPE WHICH WOULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK. IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKING OR AN OIL LEAK AT THE OIL SUPPLY PIPE AT THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE. AN ADDITIONAL BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF THE PIPE AND THE PIPE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED PART. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 08V460000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
39 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2021
TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR LOST ALL POWER. WAS ABLE TO LIMP OFF THE ROAD AND WAIT 3 HOURS FOR A TOW TO DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSIS; STAGE 4 BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OR SYMPTOMS AND COULD HAVE BEEN A GREATER DANGER IF HEAVIER TRAFFIC. HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS KNOW ON EARLY MODEL SUBARU'S.
Engine, Sep 14, 2020
TURBO FAILURE CAUSED BY DESIGN FLAWS IN LUBRICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM IDENTIFIED BY MULTIPLE TSB WVF-16, TSB#02-103-07, TSB # 02-97-05. MANUFACTURE REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE TSB AND CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ABOUT 2.5 LITER TURBO CAR. LEADING $3500.00 REPAIR BEING FORCED ON CONSUMERS IN SPITE OF THIS CONDITION BEING A ENGINEERING DEFECT.MY CAR HAD THE TURBO REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AT 50,000 MILES NAD NOW 50,000 MILES LATER THE TURBO HAS FAILED AGAIN. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA, WHO STATED THAT SOA WOULD NOT BE ASSISTING IN REPAIRS OF THE SAME FAILURE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 22, 2020
MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTER HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. IN THE PAST MONTH I'VE PUT $3,000 IN PARTS AND MAINTENANCE. RADIATOR BLEW, COOLANT SENSOR, WHOLE NEW EXHAUST, ALL NEW HUB BARINGS, 2 NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND MY MAIN PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED!!! THE CAR IDLES AT THE STOP LIGHT AND DURING THE ACCELERATION IT STALLS! I TOOK IT TO 4 DEALERS AND THEY TELL ME MY GAS IS TO RICH???? WHAT IS THAT???? I'M UPSET WITH THIS CAR AND IT SUCKS. I'VE HAD THIS CAR NOT EVEN A YEAR.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Engine, Nov 12, 2019
WEIRD THINGS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WITH MY CAR, I KNOW THAT SOMEONE IS USING THE SATELLITE RADIO PORT TO TAMPER WITH THE SAFETY OF MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP IT HAS A BRAND NEW ENGINE IN IT, THE STEERING LIGHT SYSTEM FLASHING ISN'T EVEN RELEVANT TO A PROBLEM THAT IT COULD HAVE. EVERYTHING LISTED ON TARGETED CARS, HAS HAPPENED WITH MY CAR.
Engine, Jun 21, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 8, 2019
I KEEP GETTING A TIMING OVER-ADVANCED CODE WITH A BAD CAT CODE.
Engine, Mar 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT COMPETITION SUBARU OF SMITHTOWN (601 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, (631) 361-4500), IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. *TT*JB CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE 3RD COMPLAINT.*JB
Engine, Jan 30, 2019
FAIRLY RECENTLY I HAD MY RADIATOR REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK. COUPLE WEEKS INTO MY NEW ONE, I WENT TO START MY CAR AND A PROOF OF WHITE SMOKE SHOT OUT THE EXHAUSTS WHICH I NEW WAS NOT OK. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN LIMO MODE AND THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS ALL STARTED BLINKING - THEY WEREN'T ON BEFORE. SO I SHUT MY CAR OFF AND TOOK MY MOM'S TO WORK. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT I HAD NO COOLANT, BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION THAT I WAS LOW. FROM THAT DAY ON MY CAR HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH FULL RESERVOIRS OF COOLANT BY THE DAY WITH NO VISIBLE LEAKS, HEATING+COOLING, FAND A ULL RADIATOR UP TO THE BRIM. I'M ASSUMING MY ISSUE IS A HEAD GASKET LEAK AT ONLY 86,000 MILES...THAT IS TERRIBLE PRODUCT QUALITY - I CAN'T JUST GO AROUND AND PAY $2000 IN REPAIRS FOR A CAR I RELIED ON AND HAVE ONLY DRIVEN FOR 10K MILES. THAT'S JUST RIDICULOUS AND THERES NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT WITHOUT $2000 TO SPEND BUT SELL IT AND SCREW SOMEONE ELSE OVER.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 30, 2018, fire
OUR SON BOUGHT A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER ON 7/13/18 FROM THE DAN PERKINS SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN MILFORD, CT. HE WAS DRIVING IT HOME AT NOON ON 8/16/18 WHEN HIS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WITHIN SECONDS THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE, AND WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE ENTIRE CAR WAS LOST.
Engine, Aug 14, 2018, fire
ENGINE AND VEHICHLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVING HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 3.5 HOURS. HAD JUST REFILLED WITH FUEL ABOUT 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. PROCEEDED TO NEXT EXIT. CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WAS ON FIRE. VEHICLE DESTROYED.
Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 25, 2018
ENGINE SQUEEKING, HOOD POPS UP, SKIPS GEARS, BRAKES SCHREETCH, ELECTRICAL LIGHTS ALL ON, WINDOW FELL DOWN, LEAKS HORRIBLY, HEAT AND AIR ALTERNATE, CONCERN FOR FAMILY SAFETY. DEALER GUARANTEED VERIFIED ALL SAFE, CLEAR CAR FAX, AND SUBARU SERVICE VERIFIED MANY MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES IS NOW 'UNSAFE'
Air bags, Engine, Jan 5, 2018
TAKATA AIR BAG: I AM WRITING TO COMPLAINING ABOUT SUBARU'S INABILITY TO COMPLETE TWO NHTSA RECALL NOTICES: IN THE FALL OF 2016 WE GOT TWO RECALLS ON OUR CAR, 16V738000 (AIR INJECTION PUMP) AND 17V026000 (PASSENGER AIRBAG). WE HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR OVER 16 MONTHS WITH THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSONNEL TO GET THE REQUIRED PARTS SHIPPED TO A GERMAN SUBARU DEALERSHIP TO GET OUR CAR BACK ON THE ROAD. OVER THIS TIME WE HAVE SEEN NOTHING CONCRETE, HAD A LACK OF FOLLOW UP, HAD OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE CLAIM NUMBER DELETED IN THEIR SYSTEM AND REINSTATED AGAIN AND WERE TOLD ALL THE BLAME WAS ON YOUR PARENT COMPANY IN JAPAN AND THEIR INABILITY TO EITHER RESPOND TO YOUR RECALL DEPARTMENTS PERSONNEL EMAILS AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD HOW DANGEROUS IT IS TO SHIP THESE PARTS. I HAVE ANOTHER JAPANESE CAR WITH ME IN GERMANY, A HONDA. HONDA OF AMERICA CONTACTED HONDA OF GERMANY AND HAVE AUTHORIZED A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO ORDER AND REPLACE THE PART ON MY HONDA'THAT PROCESS ONLY TOOK 6 WEEKS VERSUS 16 MONTHS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING WITH SUBARU. MY PATIENCE HAS RUN VERY THIN. I KNOW THAT GETTING AMERICAN SERVICEMEN'S VEHICLES SERVICED OVERSEAS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS LONG. CAN YOU PLEASE INQUIRE WITH SUBARU AND PUT PRESSURE AT THE RIGHT LEVEL TO GET THESE PROBLEMS FIXED.
Engine, Oct 20, 2017
HEAD GASKETS FAIL AROUND 125,000 MILES. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN MY CASE.
Engine, Aug 30, 2017, fire
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAY WHEN ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND IMMEDIATELY BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND ENGINE STOPPED AS WELL. FIRE AND SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE AND FILLED THE CABIN. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS HAD TO ESCAPE AND THE CAR WITHIN MINUTES WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
Engine, Feb 12, 2017
HEAD GASKETS FAIL AROUND 100,000 MILES. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN MY CASE.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Nov 12, 2016
CAR WAS SHAKING DURING ACCLERATION, STREET N HIGHWAY, ESP LOW GEARS, LESS AFTER GETTING UP TO ~50 MPH. CV BOOT LEAKING. REPLACED AXLE. CAR STILL SHAKING WITH ACCELERATION. MGT HAVE TO TRY REPLACING OTHER FRT AXLE. ONLY 82000. JUST HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION ALSO! I DON'T KNOW WHAT SYSTEM THAT CALLS UNDER ...TRANSMISSION WENT ABOUT 81000, JUNE ~8TH . I HAD COUPLE INCIDENCES OF CAR NOT ACCELERATING WHEN PRESSING PEDAL. JUST THOUGHT I WAS MB IMAGINING IT. NEXT MORNING. NO FORWARD..ONLY REVERSE..=TRANSMISSION! IDK, IF TRANSMISSION BEING REBUILT AND REMOVAL OF AXLES COULD HAVE A RELATIONSHIP. SHORTY THEREAFTER..CAN'T REALLY SAY IF I'M SURE WHEN SHAKING BEGAN BUT I KNOW I SAID SOMETHING WHEN I PICKED IT UP AND AGAIN A WEEK LATER.. IDK, AS A GIRL,.EVERY WHERE I GO, GUYS KEEP SAYING,... "THAT'S NORMAL". I CAN SCAN DOCS IF NEEDED LATER FOR REPAIRS.MO ILE SITE DOESN'T ALLOW ME TO ADD SPEED OR MILEAGE BUT LISTED ABOVE..
Engine, Jun 3, 2016, crash
SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. UPON PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Engine, Jul 11, 2015
THIS PAST APRIL, I PURCHASED A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER FROM BYERS SUBARU AND EAGERLY ANTICIPATED THE OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE SUBARU PROMISES AND PROUDLY BASES ITS REPUTATION. CONTRARY TO THE SUBARU PROMISE, MY EXPERIENCE OVER THE FIRST 3 MONTHS HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE, I HAD COMMITTED TO HAVING THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY THE DEALER AND DID. THE FIRST SERVICE WAS PERFORMED WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF PURCHASE ($700). A MONTH LATER THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING AND REQUIRED A TOW TO A TEXAS SUBARU DEALERSHIP. INITIAL THOUGHTS WERE A TIMING BELT FAILURE. $600 DOLLARS LATER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING BELT PULLEY HAD FAILED AND WOULD REQUIRE EXTENSIVE ENGINE REPAIRS OR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT ($2500 TO $6000). THE TIMING BELT WAS NOT DUE TO BE REPLACED FOR ANOTHER 10,000 MILES. DUE TO THE HIGH REPAIR COST AND THE FACT THAT THE DAMAGE OCCURRED WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER PURCHASE, I REACHED OUT TO SUBARU AMERICA FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. SUBARU COMMITTED TO 50% REIMBURSEMENT OF THE INITIAL $600 DEALER CHARGE. I APPROACHED BYERS SUBARU WITH THE SAME REQUEST FOR THE SAME REASON AND WAS INFORMED BY A MANAGER, THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 21, 2015
CAR RAN OUT OF OIL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT, UNTIL CAR DIED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEN LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD BEEN MOSTLY KEEPING UP WITH MY OIL CHANGES, AND WAS ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES OVER RECOMMENDED LIMITS. ENGINE SEIZED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. MY MECHANIC TRIED TO REBUILD IT, BUT WAS UNABLE TO. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH A USED ENGINE, AT A COST OF $6,000, AND SIX WEEKS OF A RENTAL CAR. I REACHED OUT TO SUBARU FOR HELP, BUT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING UNLESS MY CAR WAS IN THEIR SHOP, AT WHICH POINT THEY MAY BE ABLE TO PAY FOR A PORTION OF IT. THEY ASKED IF I HAD BEEN GETTING MY MAINTENANCE DONE AT THEIR SHOP, AND I HADN'T BECAUSE THEY WANT $1500 FOR EVERY 20,000 MILE SERVICE WORK DONE, OR WHATEVER, WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD. SO I ASSUMED AT THAT POINT IT WOULD BE POINTLESS, AND MORE COSTLY, TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED THERE AND THEN HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE, OR HAVE THEM TRY TO SELL ME A NEW CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY A SUBARU AGAIN AND WILL NEVER RECOMMEND ANYONE EVER GET ONE. I GOOGLED INCIDENCE OF REPAIR AND FOUND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS, AND SCADS OF LAWSUITS AGAINST SUBARU FOR THIS. I TRIED TO JOIN A CLASS ACTION, BUT HAVE HEARD NOTHING. TO MY MIND, A CAR ENGINE SHOULD NOT RUN OUT OF OIL AND SEIZE AFTER ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES OVER THE LIMIT. THERE HAVE BEEN NO OIL LEAKS IN MY GARAGE OR UNDER MY CAR.
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 8, 2015
CAR HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH OIL SINCE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL WAS DONE IN FALL OF 2013. FIRST NOTICED AROUND FEBRUARY OF 2014 WHEN OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND NO OIL IN ENGINE. I COMPLAINED TO DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING. I KEPT COMPLAINING ON MY OIL CHANGE OR OTHER APPOINTMENTS BUT THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE CAR WAS GOING THROUGH 2-3 COURTS EVERY 2-3 MONTHS, WITH "BURN" TIME GETTING CLOSER TOGETHER - EVENTUALLY CHECKED OIL EVERY 3 WEEKS BY SUMMER AND EVERY WEEK BY OCTOBER. WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN I EVENTUALLY BYPASSED THE DEALER AFTER NO SOLUTION AND COMPLAINED TO SUBARU. I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME FINDING A DEALER WILLING TO TAKE THE CAR (SO DID SUBARU). FEELING IT WAS A DEALER WORKMANSHIP ISSUE I PAID FOR THE WORK AND SUBARU REIMBURSED ME TO REPLACED THE HEAD GASKETS IN DECEMBER 2014 - STATING IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTTEE SO THAT IS HOW IT HAS TO BE DONE. THE OTHER DAY (FEBRUARY 6, 2015) ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND NO OIL WAS IN THE ENGINE - THIS IS 2 MONTHS AFTER WORK DONE. THIS CAR HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE THE BEGINNING AND I FEEL AS A FIRST YEAR REDESIGNED MODEL IT IS A SUBARU DEFECT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES 3 TIMES IN A SHORT SPAN - FEW YEARS (3 MAYBE). IT HAS NEVER HAD GOOD PICK-UP AND SINCE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL WAS DONE THE GAS MILEAGE DROPPED - WAS 22/28 NOW 19/23. THE DEALER WHO REPLACED HEAD GASKETS MADE A NOTATION ON MY BILL (WITHOUT TELLING ME DIRECTLY) THAT THE SWAY BARS NEED ATTENTION. MY BROTHER HAS A 2007 FORESTER AND HAS HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THESE ITEMS AS WELL WITHIN THE LAST FEW YEARS. I NEEDS A RELIABLE VEHICLE TO EARN A LIVING. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 22, 2014
ENGINE AND STABILITY ISSUES.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2014, crash
SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH NORMAL BRAKE DEPRESSION; VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH, NO BRAKES AND THE DASH CONTROL CENTER COMPLETELY LIT UP. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WAS BY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL AND ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE. I THEN TRIED THE SAME PROCEDURE IN FORWARD WITH THE SAME RESULTS EXCEPT THIS TIME RESULTING WITH THE CAR COLLIDING WITH THE GARAGE WALL CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $6000.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE BETWEEN THE CAR AND HOUSE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 30, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN RAINY WEATHER, VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND LOST POWER, FORCING DRIVER INTO AN UNSAFE SITUATION OF COAXING CAR TO SHOULDER. CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON, AND CRUISE LIGHT FLASHED. AFTER SHUTTING ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING, SAME LIGHTS REMAINED ON BUT ENGINE RAN NORMALLY. WE HAVE ALSO ANOTHER 2009 FORESTER WHICH EXPERIENCES MISFIRES, SAME LIGHTS, AFTER STARTING COLD ON A RAINY DAY. ALTHOUGH WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES FROM SUBARU ON OTHER LESS CRITICAL TOPICS, THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN INCLINATION ON THEIR PART TO ADDRESS THIS ENGINE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN DISASTER. OUR ONLINE RESEARCHES SUGGEST THAT MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR MALFUNCTIONS, AND WE DON'T DETECT ANY SERIOUS EFFORT BY THE MANUFACTURER TO FIX THIS. *TR
Engine, Mar 14, 2014
THEIR WAS A CLUNK AND DRIVER CAR PULLED OVER AND OFF HIGHWAY . HAD IT TOWED TO OUR INDEPENDENT GARAGE. THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER WENT ON NOR DID THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT GO ON. *TR
Engine, Sep 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AS THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.