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
178 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Feb 1, 2015
WHY CAN'T THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GET ALL CAR MANUFACTURES, USING "TAKATA AIRBAGS" TO RECALL ALL OF THEIR MODELS TO AT LEAST CHECK FOR PROBLEMS? LIMITING THE RECALL TO SPECIFIC "HUMID STATES" IS STUPID AS PEOPLE TRAVEL FROM A "GOOD STATE" TO A "HUMID STATE', ON THE LIST! SO FAR SUBARU DOES NOT LIST THE 2009 FORESTER AS A MODEL WITH PROBLEMS! I ONLY SHOWED AN ACCIDENT, DATE, & AIR BAGS, BECAUSE IT WAS A REQUIRED FIELD; NO ACCIDENT OR PROBLEMS WITH OUR "FORESTER"! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 22, 2014
ENGINE AND STABILITY ISSUES.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 23, 2014
I HAVE A SUBARU 2009 THAT I BOUGHT LAST YEAY WITH AROUND 25000 MILES UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY . VIN [XXX] . AND THIS AS HAPPENED TE TIMES SO FAR . WHILE DRIVING OR JUST STARTING OF THE CAR SHAKES VERY HARD , AND THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON THE CHECK ENGINE AD CRUISE CONTROL AND AS THE CAR TRIES TO SHIFT THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES . THEN AS YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IT LOSES POWER ALMOST AS IF IT IS STALLING OUT . IT DID THIS TO ME ON INTERSTATE 85 AT 65 MPH AND I BARELY MISSED A TRUCK. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER SHIP TWICE AND TAKEN IT IN ONCE AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG ? NOW THAT I ALMOST WRECKED LAST NIGHT I AM CONTACTING YOU . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 18, 2014, crash
I WAS GOING AROUND A CUP-DE-SAC TO STOP TO A HAVE MY PASSENGER EXIT THE CAR TO HER HOUSE, I HEARD ENGINE REV AND PUSH FORWARD INTO HER HOLLOW TILE WALL, GARDEN AND DOWN THE OTHER SIDE OF HER PROPERTY AND STOP ON THE WALL BEFORE I THOUGHT OF TURNING THE ENGINE OFF. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Visibility, Nov 12, 2014
2009 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL AND OTHER REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. HOWEVER, SHE DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE DRIVE SHAFT AND FRONT SWAY BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ON A VEHICLE WITH 70,000 MILES. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WERE REPLACED. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Sep 15, 2014
CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN NORTH ON I 83 WHEN THE CAR (SUBARU FORESTER 2009) STARTED SWAYING BETWEEN TWO LANES. I COULDN'T CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL TO STOP THE SWAYING UNTIL THE CAR SPEED LOWERED CONSIDERABLY. OTHER CARS ALONG SIDE AND BEHIND MY CAR TOOK EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID HITTING MY CAR. I DROVE THE CAR HOME SAFELY AFTER I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR EVEN AFTER THE CAR WAS EXAMINED BY A COLLISION CENTER AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE DIRECT CAUSE OF THE INCIDENCE. THE COLLISION CENTER SUGGESTED REALIGNMENT AND ROTATION OF THE WHEELS. THEY ALSO RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF A BUSHING AT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE CAR DIDN'T AGREE THAT THE BUSHING REPLACEMENT WAS NECESSARY. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE AUTO. *TR
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
Air bags, Service brakes, Aug 27, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AS A RESULT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GARAGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (BRAKES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Service brakes, Aug 8, 2014
REGARDING: SUBARU RECALL CAMPAIGN WQK-47 / NHTSA RECALL NO. 14V-311 / JULY 2014. THE REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL IS INSPECTION AND TESTING OF THE BRAKE LINES. IF THERE IS NO ACTIVE BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, THE LINES/CONNECTIONS WILL BE SPRAYED WITH ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL. IT IS VERY CLEAR IN THE DOCUMENTS THAT REPLACEMENT WILL NOT BE DONE UNDER ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH RUST/CORROSION IS ALREADY PRESENT IN THE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM. I FIND THIS ABSOLUTELY APPALLING, AND AN EXTREME DANGER TO UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS OF THESE VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE LINES COULD BE ONE DAY AWAY FROM LEAKING, BUT IF THEY ARE NOT LEAKING AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, THEY WILL NOT BE REPLACED. THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE THAT HAS ALREADY OCCURRED TO THE BRAKE LINES IN THE FORM OF OBVIOUS CORROSION. THIS REMEDY DOES NOT FIX ANYTHING IF RUSTED/CORRODED PARTS ARE GOING TO BE LEFT IN PLACE, WITH MOST OWNERS COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF THE HIDDEN DANGER. I WOULD LIKE FEEDBACK FROM THE GOVERNMENT REGARDING THIS SERIOUS CONCERN. *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 3, 2014
SINCE THE PURCHASE - WE NEEDED TO PUSH BRAKE PEDAL DOWN TOO FAR TO APPLY BRAKES. WE COMPLAINED TO SUBARU - THEY CHECKED BUT SAID NOTHING WRONG. BUT I AM UNHAPPY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Visibility, Apr 27, 2014
HI - I OWN A 2009 FORESTER 56K MY WINDSHIELD HAS A VERY BIG CRACK BECAUSE OF A PEBBLE FROM A TRUCK. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. I ALWAYS BELIEVED THIS CAR HAD THIN GLASS EVEN THOUGH I KNOW IT IS SAFETY GLASS. I ALSO OWN A HONDA AND IT HAS THICK GLASS AND THERE IS NO HOLES IN THE WINDSHIELD FROM PEBBLES. HAVE YOU HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS BECAUSE I AM COMPLAINING! *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
Electrical system, Feb 12, 2014, fire
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE, NOTICED SIDE LIGHTS WERE ON, CAR WAS NOT ON. AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE NOTICED A SMELL OF BURNED PLASTIC. TRIED MULTIPLE WAYS TO SHUT OFF THE SIDE LIGHTS, COULDN'T DO IT. FINALLY TRACED THE SMELL OF THE BURNING PLASTIC TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, BY THE LIFT GATE, BY THE SPARE TIRE. THE ELECTRICAL CABLE THAT CONNECTS THE VEHICLE TO THE TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNING AND SMOKING. DISCONNECTED IT AND THE POWER FAILURE STOPPED, BY THEN THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED AND WIRES BURNT. TOOK PHOTOS OF THE WIRING TO SHOW IT, PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH THE CONDENSATION IN THE AREA AND MOISTURE CAUSED A SHORT IN THE HARNESS. WITHOUT INTERVENING CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT DOWN. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 3, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Aug 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE OIL SUPPLY PIPE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V460000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2013
WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED THE CENTER DASH DISPLAY WAS DARK: RADIO AND CD CHANGER, OUTSIDE TEMP, AVE MPG, CLOCK. THE WIND SHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK. AFTER STOPPING THE CAR, TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTING, EVERYTHING WORKED OK. THERE HAS BEEN A TOTAL OF 3 ADDITIONAL OCCURRENCES SINCE. ALSO SEE ONE SIMILAR REPORTED CASE: HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2009/SUBARU/FORESTER/ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM/PROBLEM.ASPX. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 13, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Suspension, Jul 19, 2013
DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND POT HOLES, I HEARD A SOUND COMING FROM THE CARS SUSPENSION. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SPEED YOU DRIVE YOU HEAR IT ANYWAYS. *TR
Engine, Jul 10, 2013
UPON RETURNING FROM A SHORT DRIVE WE PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I ASSUMED THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLY SOME TYPE OF OVERHEATING ISSUE, BUT UPON INSPECTION I DISCOVERED IT WAS ENGINE OIL DRIPPING ONTO THE EXHAUST HEAT SHIELDS AND WAS BURNING OFF. I WAS STUNNED BY THIS AS I AM VERY PARTICULAR ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE ON THIS VEHICLE. I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP A FEW DAYS LATER AS IT WAS GOING IN ANYWAY FOR A RECALLED CAT CONVERTER. THEY THEN ADVISED ME THAT THE ENGINE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THIS NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY AS THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IF NOT REPAIRED. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 73,000 MILES AND I AM NOW FACED WITH AM ALMOST $2000.00 REPAIR. I AM SPEECHLESS AND BESIDE MYSELF AS I BOUGHT THIS CAR SPECIFICALLY TO GET A QUALITY VEHICLE THAT IDEALLY WOULD AVOID ISSUES OF THIS NATURE. I AM PURSUING A COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND WANTED THE NHTSA TO BE AWARE AS WELL. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 21, 2013
COMPASS DISPLAY IN REAR VIEW MIRROR WENT OUT, NO LONGER DISPLAYS DIRECTION. MY FRIEND HAS THE SAME VEHICLE AND HIS WENT OUT ALSO. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE BECAUSE IT HELPS TELL THE DRIVER WHAT DIRECTION HE'S TRAVELING WHEN TRAVELING IN UNFAMILIAR PLACE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT PROVIDE A DATE THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR