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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.

Complaints by model year
  10. 178

Of the 2009 reports, 19 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 5 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernAir bags40 reports · 22% of complaints
Owner complaints178Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship18 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Air bags40
  2. Engine27
  3. Electrical system22
  4. Vehicle speed control19
  5. Power train17
  6. Seats16
  7. Service brakes16
  8. Engine and engine cooling12

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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 and engine cooling

12 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 22, 2014

    ENGINE AND STABILITY ISSUES.

  2. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 23, 2012

    I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, AND THE CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE, IT ALSO HANDLED ROUGHLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING, ALONG WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED, AS IT WASN'T DRIVABLE. MY LOCAL GARAGE REPAIRED MY CAR, I RECEIVED 4 NEW SPARK PLUGS, AND AN AIR FILTER. 9 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AS WELL AS THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT, AND THE VEHICLE DYNAMICS WARNING LIGHT, AGAIN IT WAS REPAIRED, THIS HAD TO DO WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MESSAGE, BUT ALL MY LOCAL GARAGE COULD FIND WAS A SMALL LEAK NEAR THE MANIFOLD THAT THEY REPAIRED. 2 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN, I NOW CALLED MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED A FAULTY CATALYST CONVERTER, AND AF SENSOR, THE ALSO CHANGED MY OIL, AS IT WAS DUE, AND SUGGESTED I HAVE A TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSH AND REFILL, AND THAT MY REAR AND FRONT DIFFERENTIALS, NEEDED A DRAIN AND REFILL. 5 DAYS PASSED ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THIS TIME IT WAS FLASHING, I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED, THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED THE WRONG SPARK PLUGS WERE PUT IN INITIALLY, AND REPLACED THEM WITH PLATINUM TIP SPARK PLUGS THAT MY MODEL TAKES. 4 DAYS PASSED ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WITH BEING UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, I WAS GOING UP HILL, SO I CONTINUED ON, TO REACH A PARKING LOT, I COULD STOP IN BUT SUDDENLY, IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING UNBLOCKED, THIS MADE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GO AWAY, UNTIL 2 DAYS LATER, ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, I ONCE AGAIN BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT THE CATALYST CONVERTER, BUT SAID IT WAS 'TOO SOON" SO THEY LEFT THE WORK ORDER OPEN , IN CASE IT OCCURRED AGAIN,AND GAVE ME THIS LECTURE ABOUT THE GRADE OF GAS I AM BUYING. 4 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RETURNED, THIS TIME SUBARU DISCOVERED THE MY OTHER O2 SENSOR WAS FAULTY, AND THEY WOULD REPLACE IT, WHEN THE PART COMES IN. *TR

  3. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 26, 2012

    FOR SOME ODD REASON ON MONDAY, APRIL 23 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, MY AWD INDICATOR, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ALL AT ONCE. I CAME INTO WORK AND GOOGLED THE ABOVE ITEMS ALONG WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL OF THE CAR...MUCH TO MY SURPRISE MULTIPLE LINKS, ITEMS, AND THREADS APPEARED. SO I READ MOST OF THEM AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH SUBARU'S THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. I BECAME CONCERNED BECAUSE NO RECALL WAS ISSUED AND IT SEEMS MORE THAN COINCIDENCE THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE SINCE I CALLED THE SUBARU DEALER AND THEY COULD HAVE CARED LESS. *TR

  4. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2012

    STOPPED TO FILL UP CAR WITH GAS ON WAY TO WORK AND WHEN I RESTARTED THE ENGINE I HEARD A REAL LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. AS I PULLED AWAY THE CAR WAS VERY SLUGGISH AND THE NOISE FROM THE ENGINE STARTED GETTING LOUDER. I WENT TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR DIED AND I NARROWLY MISSED HITTING A BALTIMORE CITY WORK TRUCK AS THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WERE NON RESPONSIVE BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO NOT CRASH INTO THE WORK TRUCK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO VALLEY MOTORS SUBARU IN COCKEYSVILLE AND THEY CALLED TO INFORM ME THAT I NEED A NEW AT LEAST A NEW LOWER BLOCK IF NOT A WHOLE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I LOOKED ONLINE FOR SOME INFORMATION ON ANY KNOWN ISSUES WITH STYLE OF CAR AND ENGINE AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT IN APRIL 2008 A " STOP SALE" WAS ISSUED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA ON MY EXACT CAR. LEGACY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE STOP SALE WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT WE MUST PLACE AN IMMEDIATE STOP SALE ORDER ON ALL OF THE 2008/2009 SUBARU IMPREZA, FORESTER AND LEGACY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L TURBO ENGINE PRODUCED WITH THE BEGINNING CHASSIS NUMBER AND LATER AS SHOWN BELOW. MODEL BODY TYPE CHASSIS NUMBER PRODUCTION DATE FORESTER WAGON 701045 OR LATER 2008/01/08 OR LATER THE REASON FOR THIS IMMEDIATE QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTION IS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPORTS OF "ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE" FROM OTHER MARKETS ON VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE PRODUCTION DATES LISTED. INITIAL INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS AN INTERNAL WEAR ISSUE ON THE FAILED UNITS. I BOUGHT MY CAR IN OCTOBER 2009 AND YOU CAN SEE THE VIN # IS PRETTY CLOSE IN THE RANGE AND I HAVE READ IN FORUMS OF PEOPLE WITH ALMOST IDENTICAL VIN'S AS MINE OF HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. *TR

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2012

    2009 SUBARU FORESTER. PRODUCTION DATE: 02-14-08. INITIAL DIAGNOSIS IS INTERNAL TURBO FAILURE. THE CAR HAS 34,000 MILES ON IT AND OIL AND FILTERS ARE MAINTAINED. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH OUR 2YR. OLD IN THE CAR WHEN IT STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE GRINDING SOUND. SHE DESCRIBED IT AS IT SOUNDED AND FELT LIKE SHE WAS DRAGGING SOMETHING. SHE LIMPS HOME WITH THE CAR AND I TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE. IT SOUNDED FINE AT START UP. NO TAPPING OR GRINDING. AS SOON AS I START UP THE ROAD I COULD FEEL THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. LIKE I WAS DRIVING IN MUD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ALL STUCK ON. I HAVE READ MANY CASES OF THIS SAME THING HAPPENING WITH OTHER 2.5 TURBO ENGINES. THERE WAS A STOP SALE AND A RECALL BUT, ACCORDING TO SUBARU MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE REPORTS I'VE READ INDICATE OTHERWISE. THE PRODUCTION DATE AND THE VIN# FALL INTO THE RANGE OF THE STOP SALE. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE OUTCOME AS THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND SOA HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. I HAD TO CALL SUBARU MYSELF TO GET THEM TO RESPOND TO THE DEALERSHIPS CASE CONCERNING MY CAR. IT'S BEEN A WEEK NOW AND JUST TODAY I GOT A CALL FROM SUBARU REQUESTING PERMISSION TO TEAR DOWN THE ENGINE TO FIND THE SOURCE. A WEEK AND IT'S JUST SITTING THERE. NO OFFER OF A RENTAL. NOTHING. THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED YET AND I HOPE SUBARU DOES THE RIGHT THING AND LIVES UP TO ITS REPUTATION OF BEING A RELIABLE, LONG LASTING CAR. *TR

  6. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 10, 2010

    2009 SUBARU FORESTER BAD EXPERIENCE ENGINE STALL*CW WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO HIS VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE GARAGE FLOOR WAS FILLED WITH OIL, WHICH WAS DRIPPING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. HOWEVER, ON NOVEMBER 29TH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. IT STARTED MAKING ODD SOUNDS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND JUST WITHIN SECONDS, THE ENGINE WAS DEAD. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. UPON DIAGNOSES, THE DEALER STATED A PART NEAR THE ENGINE WAS NOT WORKING, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STOP. *JB UPDATED 01/07/15*JB

  7. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2010

    MY NEW SUBARU FORESTER HAD A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AT 45,000 MILES. THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS WHATSOEVER THAT THERE WAS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS DRIVING NORMALLY AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON TO ALERT ME THAT MY ENGINE WOULD SEIZE. I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I PULLED OVER ONLY BECAUSE I HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HAD I NOT PULLED OVER, I WOULD HAVE BROKEN DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. SUBARU HAS HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME CAR WITH THE TURBO ENGINE. THEY DISREGARD THIS FACT WHEN I BRING IT UP AS MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE TURBO OPTION. HOWEVER, IT DOES HAVE THE SAME ENGINE. I SEARCHED ON LINE AND IT APPEARS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY SUBARU FORESTER OWNER WITH THIS COMPLAINT. THEY WILL NOT FIX THE CAR NOR DO THEY FEEL IT IS A SUBARU ISSUE. THEY ARE BLAMING THE FAILURE ON ME. I WOULD LIKE TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHERS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME. *TR

  8. Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2009

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE ENGINE WENT TO IDEL. THE CONTACT WAITED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS AND THE CONTACT REFUSES TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, BUT COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE WITH THE ENGINE OR ANY OTHER COMPONENT. SHE STATED THAT SHE WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,100. UPDATED 7/14/09 *CN UPDATED 07/17/09.*JB

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2009

    2009 FORESTER BOUGHT IN JULY '08. LESS THAN A YEAR AND 20,000 MILES, THE ENGINE FAILED. I WAS DRIVING LONG DISTANCE, AND HAD STOPPED AT A SIGN WHEN I NOTICED A LOAD BANGING NOISE FROM HOOD. AS I PLACED PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR DIDN'T REACT APPROPRIATELY - IT WAS SLOW. THE CAR WAS TOWED, AND A REPLACEMENT ENGINE IS BEING INSTALLED. I HAVE CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA FOR POSSIBLE BUY-BACK, BUT NO RETURN CALL. I'VE READ OF OTHER SIMILIAR CASES OCCURRING WITH THE 2009 TURBO MODELS. *TR

  10. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2009

    ENGINE FAILURE AT 4,000 MILES ON FORESTER TURBO. LOUD ENGINE BANGING ON ROAD TRIP LEAD TO THE NEED FOR A COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. DEALER SAID THAT CONTAMINATED METAL FORGING LEAD TO WEAK ENGINE COMPONENTS. *TR

  11. Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, May 14, 2009

    1. GREASY FILM ON WINDSHIELD, COULD NOT SEE WELL TO DRIVE, FILM CANNOT BE WIPED OFF. CANNOT BE CLEANED OFF WITH NORMAL HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS ONLY INDUSTRIAL CLEANERS. FILM EXPANDS TO GET ON ALL THE GLASS & MATERIALS IN THE CAR, INCLUDING THE REAR HATCH. FILM IS MORE VISIBLE AT NIGHT & WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING. CHEMICAL POISONING. BREATHING THE SUBSTANCE(S) HAS CAUSED ME TO BE SICK SINCE THE END OF DECEMBER. BREATHING ISSUES, COUGH, LUNGS, NOSE PROBLEMS. 2. BEING POISONED BY CHEMICALS IN THE CAR THAT MAY BE LEAKING OUT OF SOME AREA AS YET UNKNOWN. UNABLE TO SEE WELL TO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS WHENEVER THE DEFROST IS RUN. ALSO, HEATER. NOT SURE ABOUT A/C. HAVE BEEN SICK NOW WITH JUST RUNNING THE AIR. THERE MAY HAVE BEEN ENOUGH BUILDUP OF THIS SUBSTANCE THAT IT IS ON ALL SURFACES OF THE CAR INTERIOR AND/OR IN THE DUCTS OF THE VEHICLE. 2A. SYMPTOMS: COUGHING, SOMETIMES UNCONTROLLABLY WITH LONG RIDES IN THE CAR. SHORTNESS OF BREATH, UNABLE TO BREATH, CONGESTED, LUNG TIGHTNESS, NOSE CONGESTION, ETC. HAVE BEEN TO NATIONAL JEWISH HOSPITAL. THEY RECOMMEND GETTING RID OF CAR. 3. FOR THE FIRST 4 TIMES I BROUGHT IT IN, THEY ONLY WASHED THE WINDSHIELD, OR ALL THE GLASS ON THE CAR DEPENDING UPON HOW MUCH HAD BUILT UP ON IT. THEY SAID IT WAS OFF GASSING OF THE VINYL. THE NEXT TIME I BROUGHT IT IN THEY WAXED THE WINDOWS IN THE CAR, THIS SO YOU COULD BREATH IT, BUT NOT 'SEE' IT SUPPOSEDLY. IT BUILT BACK UP AGAIN ANYWAY. THEN THEY REPLACED THE HEATER BOX. GOT SICK AGAIN RUNNING ONLY AIR. THEN PER MY DIRECTION, THEY FOUND 2 A/C VALVES LEAKING. NOW, STILL GETTING SICK IF IN CAR WITHOUT WINDOWS OPEN AND/OR IF I RUN THE DEFROST/HEAT. 4. I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN SICK FROM ANY OTHER CAR MY ENTIRE LIFE. I WAS PERFECTLY HEALTHY, WITHOUT EVEN HAVING HAD A NORMAL COLD IN THE PAST 6 YEARS. THERE WERE NO TYPICAL COLD SYMPTOMS WITH THIS ISSUE. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, I HAD NO ALLERGIES RELATED TO BREATHING, LUNGS, ETC; NOR ANY DIAGNOSES SUCH AS ASTHMA. *TR

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2008

    AT 9610 MILES MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTERS ENGINE FAILED. THE FAILURE CAME; AS BEST I COULD TELL; IN ABOUT 20MILES OF OPERATION. ENGINE STARTED TO SOUND LOUDER FROM CABIN. IF I WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE DOOR OPEN THE NOISE WAS VERY LOAD MULTI TONE METAL BANGING EMANATING FROM ENGINE BAY. BURNING SMELL ALSO OCCURRED. AS I DROVE THE LAST 20 MILES ENGINE WOULD BARELY STAY RUNNING AT LOW RPMS; ENGINE BANGING BECAME WORSE; ENGINE POWER APPEARED TO DECREASE AND A LOUD METALLIC GRINDING NOISE INCREASED UNTIL CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. APPROX 10-15 SECONDS LATTER. ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND NEVER TURNED OVER AGAIN. DEALER TOLD ME TODAY THAT CAR NEEDS NEW ENGINE. *TR