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.
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2010, fire
2009 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS REMOTE STARTED AN WITHIN SECONDS, THE WIRE HARNESS BURNT, MELTING SOME PLASTIC PARTS *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS GOING TO THE SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS AND OTHER COMPONENTS HAD BURNED OUT. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *JB
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
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
Visibility, Feb 28, 2010
MY PROBLEM IS WITH MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTER, PURCHASED NEW. THERE IS SOME SORT OF RESIDUE THAT FORMS ON THE WINDSHIELD WHEN WE USE THE DEFROSTER (WHICH WE USE A LOT DUE TO MONTANA WINTERS). IT CANNOT BE CLEANED OFF. WE'VE USED MULTIPLE PRODUCTS TO ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT, AND NOT MATTER WHAT, THE RESULT IS A GREASY FILM THAT REFLECTS LIGHT INTO OUR EYES AT NIGHT, OR UNCLEANED, OBSCURES OUR VISION. IT HAS TO BE SOMETHING IN THE HEATING SYSTEM BECAUSE THIS IS OUR SECOND WINDSHIELD, AND BOTH WERE AFFECTED. INITIALLY, THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS NEW CAR OUTGASSING, THEN THEY SAID THAT "ALL OF THEM DO IT". IT'S BECOME AN ISSUE, AS WE DRIVE 70 HIGHWAY MILES A DAY TO AND FROM WORK, IN ALL CONDITIONS IN MONTANA. WE ALSO KNOW THAT IT ISN'T NEW CAR OUTGASSING BECAUSE WE'VE HAD THE CAR FOR NEARLY 2 YEARS AND APPROX 45, 000 MILES. WE MUST CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD AT LEAST 1 TIME PER WEEK, OR WE CAN'T SEE IN THE SUNSHINE OR HEADLIGHTS. ADDITIONALLY, THE RESIDUE IS WORRISOME BECAUSE OF POTENTIAL HEALTH ISSUES FROM BREATHING IT. *TR
Visibility, Feb 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SNOW FELL FROM THE TOP OF A HEAVY TRUCK AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. SMALL LINES SOON MOVED TO ALL SIDES OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000.
Steering, Wheels, Feb 17, 2010
THE TIRE WELLS OF MY 2009 SUBARU FORRESTER FILL WITH SNOW AND ICE TO THE POINT THAT THE STEERING IS AFFECTED- IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN THE SAME AREA FOR MANY YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS WITH A VEHICLE (PREVIOUSLY I HAVE DRIVEN AN ALTIMA, JETTA, CIVIC AND CELICA) AND THE PREVIOUS VEHICLES HAVE NOT BEEN ADVERTISED AS 'SNOW CONDITION' VEHICLES. I DRIVE IN PLOWED LANES (NOT IN THE MESS) AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS LACK OF CONTROL WHEN THE WEATHER GETS A LITTLE NASTY. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2010, crash
DRIVING EAST ON ARDSLEY RD. IN SCARSDALE NY, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. AT THE TIME I WAS STARTING TO GO DOWNHILL, CURVING RIGHT WITH A "JERSEY BARRIER" IN THE CENTER OF THE ROADWAY. I TRIED TO GO AROUND THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME BUT MY RIGHT REAR SIDESWIPED HIS LEFT REAR. IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AROUND A RIGHT CURVE (DOWNHILL). I COULD NOT STOP. I STRUCK AN S.U.V. JUST STARTING TO MOVE WITH TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE I SIDESWIPED SUSTAINED NO DAMAGE. BOTH THE VEHICLE I STRUCK AND MY VEHICLE WERE HEAVILY DAMAGED (MY AUTO IS $4500). BOTH VEHICLES TOWED FROM THE SCENE. GREENBURGH (NY) POLICE RESPONDED. NO INJURIES AS OF THIS TIME. I REPORTED THIS TO THE 800 NUMBER OF SUBARU. THEY TOOK ALL THE INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM. I TOLD THEM I WAS REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FRIGHT. THE TIME WAS 4:50PM. *TR
Power train, Feb 10, 2010
CAR ENGINE RACES SOMETIMES WHEN SLOWING DOWN . *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2010
THE 2009 SUBARU FORESTER HAS THE LIGHT AT THE TOP OF CARGO INSIDE AND IF IT IS DARK YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING BUT THE REFLECTION OF WHAT IS IN THE CARGO AREA DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHT BEING INSIDE RATHER THAN ON THE OUTSIDE LIKE OTHER MODELS I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, YOU MIGHT RUN OVER ANYTHING OR ANYBODY WHEN YOU CAN'T SEE OUT YOUR BACK WINDOW IN THE DARK. FORTUNATELY I JUST TOOK A MAILBOX DOWN, NOT A PERSON. NOW I HAVE DAMAGE TO MY NEW FORESTER AND DON'T WANT TO KEEP IT. *TR
Visibility, Jan 2, 2010
MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTER HAS A WARPED DRIVERS SIDE OUTSIDE MIRROR. AS THE WEATHER GETS COLDER, THE PROBLEM WORSENS. I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND IN SUB FREEZING TEMPS IT LOOKS LIKE A FUN HOUSE MIRROR BENDING STRAIGHT LINES AND DISTORTING DISTANCES. BACKING UP AT NIGHT AND CHANGING LANES ARE MADE LESS SAFE NOT TO MENTION THE PERCEIVED MOTION THE CONVEX SHAPE CAUSES. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT ONCE BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINS. THEY OFFERED TO EXCHANGE IT WITH ONE FROM ANOTHER NEW FORESTER BUT THEY WERE ALL THAT WAY. WHILE READING FORUMS ON SUBARUFORESTER.ORG MOST POSTS FROM PEOPLE IN COLDER CLIMATES HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. OTHER COLD RELATED PROBLEMS ARE A DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW THAT WON'T CLOSE (AT 10 DEGREES OR COLDER) AND A TAILGATE THAT DOES NOT ALWAYS LATCH SECURELY. THE MIRROR IS THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE MOST UNSAFE CONDITION. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 3, 2009
I AM WRITING TO YOU TODAY WITH GREAT REGRET. AFTER A LOT OF RESEARCHING AND THOUGHT, I PURCHASED THE SUBARU FORESTER ON AUGUST 2008 FROM DUNNING SUBARU ANN ARBOR MI 48103. WHAT DREW ME TOWARDS THE FORESTER WAS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SO I WAS VERY HAPPY TO PURCHASE THIS CAR. I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH IT UP TILL A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO WHEN I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. FIRST, AFTER RETURNING FROM AN OIL CHANGE ON MAY 2009, I CAME HOME AND PACKED MY CAR. LATER WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE GARAGE, THE FLOOR WAS FILLED WITH OIL BECAUSE IT WAS DRIPPING FROM THE ENGINE; I WAS TERRIBLY UPSET AND CONTACTED SUBARU RIGHT AWAY. THEY ASKED ME TO COME BACK AND TOOK CARE OF IT. AGAIN, ON NOVEMBER 29TH I WAS ON MY WAY BACK FROM DROPPING MY DAUGHTER AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY WHEN ENGINE SUDDENLY JUST STOPPED. IT STARTED MAKING SOME ODD SOUNDS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND JUST WITHIN 5 SECONDS, THE ENGINE WAS DEAD. I WAS ON HIGHWAY HEADING TOWARDS ANN ARBOR, WHICH IS A EXTREMELY BUSY HIGHWAY. BUT TO MY LUCK, AT THAT MOMENT IT WAS NOT CROWDED, AND I WAS ABLE TO SWITCH LANES AND PULL OVER TO THE CURB RIGHT AWAY. BECAUSE THE ENGINE STOPPED SO SUDDENLY AND QUICKLY, IT DID NOT GIVE ME ENOUGH TIME TO PULL OVER ALL THE WAY TO THE CURB, CAUSING MY CAR TO BE HALF IN THE LANE, AND HALF ON THE CURB, TRY TO CONSIDER HOW DANGEROUS THAT SITUATION IS, ESPECIALLY ON A RAINY NIGHT AT 11PM. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE CURB, WE WAITED 20 MINUTES(IN THE RAINY WEATHER) TO LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN AND TRIED RESTARTING THE CAR BECAUSE WE DIDN'T EXPECT SOMETHING LIKE THIS FROM SUBARU. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT DID NOT WORK, AND NOTHING WORK. THE ONLY OPTION WE WERE LEFT WITH WAS TO CALL AAA AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED. WHILE MAKING THE CALLS TO AAA, A COP PULLED UP BEHIND US TO TELL US THAT OUR CAR WAS IN DANGER BECAUSE WE WERE HALF IN THE LANE AND HALF IN THE CURB, AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, BECAUSE OF SUBARU'S' ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN ON US SO QUICKLY AND SUDDENLY, IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO PULL OVER COMPLETELY TO THE CURB. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 9, 2009, fire
FIRE ERUPTED WITHOUT WARNING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE PANEL BELOW THE TRUNK COVER ON 2009 SUBARU FORESTER WITH LESS THAN 3,500 MILES. THE WIRE HARNESS BURNT. THIS HAPPENED ALMOST 2 MONTHS AGO AND SUBARU IS IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE INSURANCE AS IT SEEMS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Air bags, Sep 23, 2009, crash
MY WIFE WAS IN COLLISION ON AUGUST 26, 2009, THAT DAMAGED THE ENTIRE FRONT CAP OF HER 2009 SUBARU FORESTER, WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW AND WITH APPROXIMATELY 11, 000 MILES ON IT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE WRECK WAS AT APPROXIMATE 35MPH. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU THE NEXT DAY. THE COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 1-365436785. MY SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE, LINDA PAYNE TOLD ME AT THAT POINT THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE SENDING ANYONE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND WOULD GO BUY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTERS REPORT. THE SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THE BODY SHOP COULD NOT BEGIN WORK ON THE VEHICLE. ION SEPTEMBER 11, 2009, I SENT SUBARU THE ESTIMATE ALONG WITH PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE. THE ESTIMATE AMOUNT IS SLIGHTLY MORE THAN $10,000. TODAY, SEPTEMBER 23 I RECEIVE A LETTER AND A PHONE CALL FROM THE SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE STATING THAT THEY NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THAT NO WORK CAN BE DONE ON THE VEHICLE IF THEY ARE GOING TO INSPECT IT. THEY ARE ASKING FOR MEDICAL BILLS, POLICE REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT AND SIMILAR INFORMATION. NONE OF THIS SHOULD MATTER. WHAT MATTERS IS MY WIFE WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 35 MPH THAT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. *TR
Power train, Aug 4, 2009
BOUGHT THE 2009 FORESTER IN DECEMBER 08. DROVE FINE FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED TO LAG IN ITS SHIFTING. IF I WAS ABOUT TO STOP AT A LIGHT AND THE LIGHT CHANGED, I PUT MY FOOT BACK ON THE GAS AND CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE SO I GIVE IT MORE GAS AND THEN IT KICKS IN HARD ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. SO I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME. UNTIL I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 16 MILES FROM HOME GOT OFF THE EXIT AND IT DID IT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES THIS YEAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME TECH RESET THE COMPUTER AND IT DROVE FINE FOR 3 DAYS THEN STARTED AGAIN. IT HAPPENS IN ALL TYPES OF SITUATIONS WHEN IT WANTS TO. MY OTHER MECHANIC FELT THE SAME THING HAD ME TAKE IT BACK TO DEALER. I AM FRUSTRATED WITH DRIVING IT. I AM ALSO NOW HAVING THE VEHICLE MAKING LOUD NOISES AND ROUGH IDLING, MYSTERIOUS ACCELERATION THAT WILL ADJUST AFTER CAR IN TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN AND A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE AFTER BEING DRIVEN. I DRIVE LOCALLY A COUPLE OF DAYS A WEEK. SUBARU DEALER WANTS TO TAKE MY VEHICLE HOME TO EVALUATE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE IT IS A LEARNING TRANSMISSION, SO WHY HASN'T IT LEARNED HOW I DRIVE AND I'M THE ONLY ONE DRIVING CAR. *TR
Power train, Jul 23, 2009
UNEXPLAINED ENGINE ACCELERATION. STARTED VEHICLE IN A PARKED POSITION, WAS PREPARING TO PULL OUT, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO TOP RPM AND WAS SURGING. STILL IN NEUTRAL, WHEELS TURNED SLIGHTLY TO LEFT. COULD FIND NOTHING THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS, PLACED FOOT ON BRAKE UPON HEARING THE ENGINE ACCELERATION, FLOOR MATS WERE IN PROPER POSITION, ETC. SHUT ENGINE OFF, RESTARTED AND THINGS RETURNED TO NORMAL. STILL CONSIDER IT A DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BY SUBARU. *TR
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
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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 20, 2009
VEHICLE: 2009 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED, ON 6/20/09 I EXPERIENCED AN INCIDENT OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. BEFORE OUR EXIT I CANCELED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT LEFT IT "ON". ON THE RAMP, I LET THE CAR SLOW. AT ABOUT 40 MPH I MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO 'SPORT' MODE, DOWNSHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR, THEN 2ND, THEN BRAKED TO A STOP. THE CAR WAS STOPPED, IN GEAR, IDLING. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE RACED AND THE CAR JOLTED FORWARD ABOUT A FOOT; IT WOULD HAVE CONTINUED BUT I INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AND STOPPED THE CAR. THE ENGINE, WITH THE CAR STOPPED AND IN GEAR, RAN UP OVER 2000 RPM. I IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO REGULAR DRIVE MODE AND THEN INTO NEUTRAL. ONCE IN NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE BRIEFLY RACED HIGHER BUT THEN DROPPED TO IDLE AT ABOUT 700 RPM. I SWITCHED THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF. PLEASE NOTE: TO STOP THE CAR I DID NOT MOVE MY FOOT; IT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE, AND I MERELY PRESSED HARDER. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF PEDAL CONFUSION. THE FLOOR MATS ARE IN PLACE. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF A FLOOR MAT INTERFERING WITH THE ACCELERATOR. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, WE WERE NOT MOVING. I WAS NOT ON THE PHONE. I WAS NOT LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER. I WAS NOT OTHERWISE DISTRACTED. I WAS SITTING STILL, WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE, WITH MY FOCUS ON THE TRAFFIC STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. IN MY VIEW, THIS REPRESENTS A DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE, AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE ADVISE REGARDING YOUR PROPOSED RESOLUTION. I HAVE ADVISED SUBARU VIA THEIR WEBSITE TODAY BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. I AM HAPPY TO BE CONTACTED FOR FURTHER DETAILS IF NEEDED. *TR
Seats, Jun 20, 2009
THE HEADRESTS FOR THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATS ARE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE, PUSHING THE PERSON'S HEAD FORWARD AND CAUSING BACK ACHE. I COULD NOT DRIVE LONG DISTANCES WITH MY HEAD PUSHED FORWARD. THE REMEDY I USED WAS TO TAKE OUT THE HEADREST AND TURN IT BACKWARDS, BUT THIS MAY NOT BE SAFE IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. *TR
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
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
Visibility, Apr 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE STUCK UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND LOOSE BOLTS WERE DISCOVERED, WHICH NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER, BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.
Seats, Apr 1, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD REST IN THE VEHICLE WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNSAFE. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEAD REST WAS SO FAR FORWARD, THAT IT HELD HIS/HER DOWN. THE CONSUMER HAD TO LOOK OUT OF THE TOP OF HIS/HER EYES TO SEE AHEAD. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WAS TO REMOVE THE HEAD REST. UPDATED 04/24/09. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 10, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS SUDDEN, AGGRESSIVE, AND FORCEFUL ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE DRIVER PLACED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 650.
Structure, Jan 19, 2009
THE SUBARU MOONROOF SYSTEM ROOF CAVITY IS COMPLETELY OPEN TO THE ELEMENTS, THERE IS NO CONTAINMENT OF RAIN WATER, LEAVES, OR ANY OTHER DEBRIS- LIKE INSECTS AND SMALL ANIMALS THAT CAN ALL END UP DOWN BETWEEN THE HEADLINER AND INTERIOR WALLS AND THE OUTSIDE BODY. THIS CAN RESULT IN ALL KINDS OF MOLDS AND FUNGI, STAINING, AND ALLERGY REACTIONS. ALSO WILL RESULT IN DECAY OF CAR INTERIOR AND BODY FROM THE INSIDE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED QUITE BY ACCIDENT WHEN COFFEE SPILLED ON THE MOONROOF WENT THROUGH TO SEATBELT ANCHOR IN THE VERY BACK, AND THE REARMOST WINDOW SHROUDS. THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE BODY IS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS EVEN WHEN THE MOONROOF IS CLOSED. IT IS NOT DESIGNED WATER-TIGHT, AND HAS CHANNELS TO LEAD OFF MOST WATER. *TR