2010 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Seats is the leading concern among 262 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 21 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
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, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
Campaign 19V009000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Campaign 19V008000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 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 has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Campaign 19V007000 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 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
Representative owner complaints
262 reports, newest first.
Seats, Apr 9, 2016
WHEN GETTING INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT I NOTICED THE LEFT SIDE OF MY SEAT WAS 1-2 INCHES LOWER THAN THE RIGHT SIDE. WHEN TRYING TO ADJUST THE SEAT, THE CONTROLS MOVED THE RIGHT SIDE UP AND DOWN, BUT THE LEFT SIDE REMAINS STATIONARY AT THE BOTTOM. ALSO THE LUMBAR SUPPORT CONTROLS NO LONGER FUNCTION.
Seats, Apr 3, 2016
WHILE SITTING STATIONARY IN PARKING LOT, DRIVERS POWER SEAT SUDDENLY DROPPED A FEW INCHES. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THE FRONT BRACKET WHICH ATTACHES TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SEAT HAD SNAPPED (WELD BROKE ON THE LEFT SIDE).
Seats, Mar 5, 2016
SAT DOWN IN DRIVERS SEAT TO DRIVE, EVERYTHING NORMAL. APPROX 1.5-2 MINUTES LATER WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, APPROX. 10-15 MPH OVER A SLIGHTLY BUMPY NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, I HEAR A SMALL "SNAP" UNDERNEATH SEAT AND FRONT LEFT PART OF DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSES. SEAT FEELS VERY UNSTABLE AND OFF CENTER, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE WHILE TURNING AND USING PEDALS. UPON LOOKING UNDERNEATH THE SEAT; THE FRONT BRACKET HAD SNAPPED FROM THE 2 SPOT WELDS HOLDING IT UPRIGHT. CAN NOT FIX ON MY OWN, MUST BE WELDED.
Seats, Mar 2, 2016
DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED ON FRONT LEFT SIDE OFFERING NO SUPPORT. AWKWARD SEATING POSITION. AFTER DOING RESEARCH IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON AND IS A WELDING ISSUE. IT HAPPENS WHILE I WAS DRIVING MAKING A TURN ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
Seats, Mar 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT FRACTURED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO SLIDE DOWNWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO HOLD HIMSELF UP USING THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Seats, Feb 22, 2016
WHILE FASTENING SEATBELT, DRIVERS SEAT, FRONT LEFT CORNER, MADE A "SNAP" NOISE AND DROPPED SLIGHTLY UNDER DRIVER'S LEG; NOW IS UNSTABLE, DOES NOT SUPPORT DRIVER'S LEFT LEG PROPERLY, FEELS UNEVEN AND OFF BALANCE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IN PARKING LOT.
Seats, Feb 18, 2016
THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT COLLAPSED FOR THE SECOND TIME. A FEW MONTHS AGO THE RIGHT SIDE COLLAPSED. I FOUND THAT THE TOGGLE BRACKET ON THE UPPER RIGHT SEAT FRAME BROKE LOOSE FROM THE LOWER SCISSOR ASSEMBLY THAT RAISES AND LOWERS THE SEAT. THE TOGGLE BRACKET IS HELD THE THE SCISSOR ASSEMBLY BY TWO SPOT WELDS. THE SPOT WELDS BROKE LOOSE CAUSING THE SEAT TO FAIL. THERE WAS NO SUBARU TSB OR WARRANTY COVERAGE SO I REMOVED THE SEAT AND REWELDED IT. TODAY I NOTICED THAT THE LEFT SIDE TOGGLE HAS BROKEN LOOSE AT THE SAME TWO SPOT WELDS. THESE WELDS ARE TOO WEAK FOR THE APPLICATION AND SUBARU CORP SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. I ASK YOU: WHERE'S THE LOVE FROM SUBARU FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THIS GOVT WEBSITE AND A SEARCH ON-LINE WILL REVEAL A LOT MORE INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM!
Seats, Jan 13, 2016
WHILE SITTING ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE FRONT LEFT PORTION OF THE SEAT COLLAPSED DOWNWARD, AND NOW HAS NO SUPPORT FROM THE FRAME OF THE SEAT. DEALER HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE WELDS ON THE SEAT BRACKET HAVE FAILED. THIS SEEMS LIKELY TO BE THE RESULT OF A FACTORY DEFECT, AS THIS SEAT HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED OR HAD AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF WEIGHT SUPPORTED ON IT. MY CONCERN NOW IS IN THE SAFETY OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
Seats, Nov 8, 2015
THE BASE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN LOOSE AT THE LEFT FRONT CORNER
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Oct 6, 2015, fire
AFTER WORK, I GOT IN MY CAR AND STARTED IT UP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY TRACTION CONTROL AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS. THIS WAS ODD BECAUSE THESE LIGHTS HAD NEVER BEEN ON BEFORE. I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME--IT WAS TOO LATE TO BRING THE CAR TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I LIVE A MINUTE AND A HALF FROM WORK. THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT THEN CAME ON AND FLICKERED IN NO PARTICULAR PATTERN. THEN, ABOUT 45 SECONDS INTO MY 90 SECOND DRIVE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON. THE WEATHER WAS ABOUT 50 DEGREES AND RAINY. WHEN I GOT HOME THE ENGINE FAN WAS SPINNING REALLY FAST. I POPPED THE HOOD. NO SMOKE OR ANYTHING VISIBLY WRONG. AT ROUGHLY 2:10AM THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD BRING IT TO GET THE ISSUES LOOKED INTO. SO I LEFT THE HOOD OPEN TO LET SOME HEAT OUT AND WHEN THE FAN SLOWED AND THEN STOPPED, I CLOSED THE HOOD AND WENT INSIDE. ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES LATER, DURING WHICH TIME THE CAR HAD BEEN STATIONARY AND THE ENGINE HAD BEEN SHUT OFF, I HEARD A POP SOUND. IT WAS A STRANGE NOISE AND I GOT UP TO CHECK IT OUT. IT WAS A MASSIVE ENGINE FIRE. IT TOASTED THE ENGINE AND MELTED A GOOD PORTION OF THE FRONT END. THE FIRE DEPT SHATTERED THE WINDOWS AND PEELED THE HOOD BACK. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THE FIRE WAS JUST FEET AWAY FROM MY HOUSE ON ONE SIDE, AND THE NEIGHBOR ON THE OTHER SIDE. HAD I BEEN ASLEEP THE FIRE COULD HAVE SPREAD TO MY HOUSE OR MY NEIGHBOR'S, POTENTIALLY KILLING PEOPLE. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST THINGS I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED. THERE IS A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE WITH SOMETHING SIMILAR (SEARCH SUBARU ENGINE FIRE). THE CAR IS A 2010 FORESTER XT, COMPLETELY STOCK. IT HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS ABOUT 85,000 MILES ON IT. MY MOTHER ORIGINALLY OWNED IT. SHE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND I BOUGHT IT FROM HER.
Seats, Sep 20, 2015
I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY I FELT A CRACK OR SNAP IN THE LOWER FRONT LEFT PORTION OF MY DRIVER'S SEAT. THE FRONT LEFT PORTION OF THE SEAT FELT SOFT, WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE CAR THE SEAT SAGGING AND SHIFTING (UNLIKE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT). ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, IT WAS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A BROKEN BRACKET OR BOLT AND THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT FRAME BRACKET FOR 381.00. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS DEFECT IN 2010 FORESTERS ON THE INTERNET AND ON THIS SAFETY COMPLAINT LOG.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 19, 2015, crash
A FAMILY MEMBER WAS RE-PARKING OUR CAR NEXT TO THE HOUSE. SHE PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR LIGHTLY, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED BACKWARDS AND KEPT GOING EVEN AFTER SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, AND HIT THE HOUSE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH THE CAR AND THE HOUSE (AND CAUSING MY DAUGHTER A CONCUSSION). EARLIER, MY SON HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH THE SAME CAR. HE HAD THE CAR IN REVERSE, LIGHTLY TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR JOLTED BACKWARD BUT HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING BECAUSE HE WAS NOT CLOSE TO ANY OBJECTS OR STRUCTURES.
Power train, Sep 17, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON 10 MILES OUTSIDE OF MY DESTINATION TO BALTIMORE,MD (65 MILE FROM HOME TO DESTINATION) HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY TRANS COOLER LINE HAD RUSTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.($707.86). PICKED UP VEHICLE ON 9/15/2015 AND DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND ISSUES REOCCURRED AND I RETURNED THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY RAN A SECOND SCAN OF THE VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT THE 3 AND 4TH GEAR HAD GONE OUT AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION ($7000.00) AND THAT MAY NOT FIX THE ISSUE.
Seats, Sep 1, 2015
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CUSHION COLLAPSED ON LEFT SIDE AND BECAME LOOSE DUE TO A WELD FAILURE ON THE SEAT FRAME. I BELIEVE THAT THE LOOSE SEAT CUSHION COMPROMISES THE INTEGRITY OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND WARRANTS A SAFETY RECALL.
Seats, Aug 29, 2015
THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN AND NO LONGER PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR YOUR LEFT LEG. THIS CORNER OF THE SEAT COLLAPSES TOWARDS THE FLOOR WHEN MINIMAL FORCE IS APPLIED. AFTER INVESTIGATING, TWO SPOT WELDS UNDERNEATH THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAVE FAILED AND HAVE DETACHED.
Seats, Aug 25, 2015
FAILED SPOT WELD ON DRIVER'S SEAT LEFT SUPPORT BRACKET. LEFT SIDE OF DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSES DOWN WITHOUT SUPPORT.
Seats, Jul 26, 2015
NOTICED DRIVER'S SEAT (POWER) WAS NOT PROVIDING NORMAL SUPPORT ON LEFT SIDE. ASSUMED IT WAS JUST AGE RELATED DETERIORATION AT FIRST, BUT WHEN I INVESTIGATED I FOUND TWO WELDS ON THE SEAT FRAME ASSEMBLY (PN 64100SC001) HAD FAILED. I WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS AND CONTACTED DEALER AND SUBARU TO SEEK ASSISTANCE IN A REPAIR. NONE WAS OFFERED. I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT FACTORY PART FROM MY DEALER AND NOTICE THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY ADDING A SCREW TO THE WELDS HOLDING THE BRACKET ON. CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE SEAT FRAME, BUT THIS REQUIRES REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY OF THE SEAT WHICH IS A FAIRLY ADVANCED DIY JOB.
Service brakes, Jul 9, 2015
THE AUTO UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS CALIPERS THAT STICK, THIS IS A DANGER FROM EVERY MECHANIC I SPOKE TO, SUBARU REFUSES TO HONOR THE WARRANTY, FROM EVERYTHING I HAVE READ AND HEARD, SUBARU HAS HAD A CONSTANT CALIPER PROBLEM AND WILL NOT MAKE GOOD ON IT - THEY SAY IT IS OK TO DRIVE LIKE THIS, I HAVE TWO LITTLE CHILDREN AND I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD, SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE GOOD ON IT
Seats, Jun 30, 2015
FRONT LEFT CORNER OF DRIVER SEAT FELL/COLLAPSED. BRACKET CONNECTED TO FRAME OF SEAT BROKE AWAY. WILL HAVE TO BE RE-WELDED BACK TO FRAME.
Seats, Jun 6, 2015
THE SPOT WELD THAT SECURES THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE.
Engine, May 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE ACCELERATOR ENGAGED, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Service brakes, May 4, 2015, crash
MY MOTHER AND I WERE OUT AND ABOUT ON A FRIDAY 5/1/15 AS WE GOT READY TO LEAVE OUR LOCATION. I PLACE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND PUT IT INTO REVERSE, THEN EVER SO SLIGHTLY PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PADDLE, THEN THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACK AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND HIT ANOTHER TRUCK IN BACK OF ME, BEFORE IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. NO ONE WAS INJURED -NO POLICE WERE CALLED AS IT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. BOTH VEHICLE WERE DAMAGED. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AND FRONT BREAK PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACE AND IF I HAD NOT BROUGHT IT IN WHEN I DID I WOULD HAVE NEEDED ROTORS AS WELL. THERE WAS NO SOUND THAT THE BREAKS WERE GOING BAD, AND THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNALS OF ANY KIND. THIS IS A VERY HIGH SAFETY ISSUES AS PEOPLE LIVES ARE AT RISK. THANK GOD MY MOTHER AND I ARE OKAY. *TR
Engine, Mar 6, 2015
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER'S MANUAL. RECENTLY THE "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE PULLED INTO A LOT AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD. THE OIL WAS LOW, SO OIL WAS ADDED. IT WAS ABOUT 90 MILES HOME, SO IT WAS STARTED BACK UP AND ENTERED A TOLL ROAD. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES A SLIGHT BURNING OIL SMELL WAS NOTICED SO THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF. AFTER CHECKING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OIL WAS NOTICED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. A FLAT-BED TOW-TRUCK WAS CALLED AND TRANSPORTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP THAT NORMALLY SERVICES THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS "INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE" DUE TO THE ENGINE RUNNING LOW ON OIL. 10 MINUTES AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RECOMMENDS REPLACING ENTIRE ENGINE WITH USED ENGINE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING IN THE GARAGE, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,516.
Service brakes, Feb 6, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V830000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED BUT FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE SPECIFICS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SECOND NOTICE FOR THE RECALL INFORMING THAT THE INITIAL RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT A PERMANENT REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 03/24/15*LJ UPDATED 10/20/2015*JS