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.
Electrical system, Feb 27, 2014, fire
OVER THE COURSE OF THE WEEKEND THE VDS AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. ON MONDAY, WENT TO START THE CAR FOR WORK AND HEARD A SLIGHT POPPING SOUND AND CAR WOULD NOT TURNOVER. SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC, BUT NO SMOKE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THAT EVENING DISCOVERED THE VINYL OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS BURN THEN REMOVED THE SPARE TIRE COVER TO DISCOVER A SMALL FIRE HAD OCCURRED IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE WIRING HARNESS HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE THERE. THE CAR WAS WIRED FOR A TRAILER HITCH BY THE DEALER.
Seats, Jan 17, 2014, fire
FRONT DRIVER SEAT, WHICH IS A HEATED SEAT, HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HOT THE PAST COUPLE DAYS WHEN TURNED ON. SO HOT THAT YOU CANNOT HAVE THE SWITCH ON HIGH AND SIT ON THE SEAT. ON JANUARY 15, 2014, WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK SHE NOTICED THE HEAT FROM THE SEAT, WHICH SHE HAD ON, WAS EXTREMELY HOT. SHE TURNED OFF THE HEAT, THE SEAT COOLED OFF. SHE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO ME, I CHECKED THE SEAT AND FOUND A SMALL BURN HOLE THROUGH THE SEATS UPHOLSTERY. MY WIVES LONG DOWN COAT SHE WAS WEARING ALSO HAD A BURN HOLE IN IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 10, 2013, crash
SUDDEN ACCELERATION FROM FULL STOP. THE VEHICLE HAD EXHIBITED SUDDEN ACCELERATION 3 WEEKS PRIOR BUT THE DEALER DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. FROM A FULL STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO REVERSE AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE REVVED TO FULL THROTTLE, OVERRIDING THE BRAKES, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE BACKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND STOPPING ON TOP OF A BOULDER WITH THE BACK WHEELS OFF THE GROUND APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET. THE INCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY A BYSTANDER. THE VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE SEVERELY DAMAGED AND NOT DRIVE-ABLE. PHOTOS AND A POLICE REPORT WERE SUBMITTED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 10, 2013
SUDDEN ACCELERATION INCIDENT. PARKED AT THE COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER, WHEN PLACED INTO DRIVE (FULL BRAKE PRESSURE REQUIRED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK), THE ENGINE ACCELERATED TO MAXIMUM POWER CAUSING THE CAR TO DRIVE AWAY UNCONTROLLABLY AND OVERRIDING THE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED BRAKE. IMMEDIATELY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL, THE CAR WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AND THEN FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE WITNESSES AND UNHARMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. NO CAUSE WAS FOUND. *TR
Power train, Sep 17, 2013
WHEN DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT A LOW SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE SPLIT, CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE DRIVING CAPABILITY. I DROVE AT LOW SPEEDS UNTIL I COULD STOP IN A SAFE PLACE. *TR
Service brakes, Sep 9, 2013
AT 23,486 MILES, I TOOK MY CAR TO MY LOCAL AND VERY REPUTABLE GARAGE THAT SPECIALIZES IN SUBARUS. ONCE THEY GOT MY CAR IN THE SHOP, THEY TOLD ME I WAS NOT GOING ANYWHERE AS THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS. IT WAS TOWED TO ST. J. SUBARU WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE LEFT REAR PAD WAS MISSING AND THE CALIPER HAD BEEN HITTING ON THE ROTOR AND RUIN THE CALIPER. AT THAT INITIAL REPAIR, THE SUBARU SERVICE PERSON SAID: "WE'VE HAD SOME PREMATURE WEAR WITH THE BACK BRAKES FOR SOME REASON." 20,000 MILES LATER, THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE DEALER GAVE THE PARTY LINE...TO BAD, WARRANTY UP. IT APPEARS THERE IS SOME MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE BRAKES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS RIGHT AWAY AS I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE BRAKES EVERY 20,000 MILES. THANK YOU. *TR
Seats, Aug 30, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AROUND A SLIGHT BEND WHEN SUDDENLY I FELT AND HEARD A CRACK OR SNAP IN THE LOWER FRONT LEFT PORTION OF MY DRIVER'S SEAT. THE FRONT LEFT PORTION OF THE SEAT FELT SOFT, AS IF IT HAD PARTIALLY COLLAPSED, AND WHEN I LATER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, I COULD FEEL IT SAGGING AND SHIFTING (UNLIKE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT). ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, IT WAS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A BRACKET OR BOLT AND THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT FRAME. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN 2010 FORESTERS ON THE INTERNET AND ON THIS SAFETY COMPLAINT LOG.
Seats, Aug 19, 2013
THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT NEAR THE FRONT (UNDER THE THIGH) MADE A NOISE. THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT ONLY WORKS UNDER THE RIGHT LEG. GETTING OUT OF THE CAR, RAISING THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT AND PUTTING PRESSURE ON IT SHOWS THAT RIGHT SIDE REMAINS SUPPORTED AND LEFT SIDE IS COMPLETELY UNSUPPORTED, THE DRIVER IS EITHER TILTED, OR SEATED AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENT. POSTURE AND SAFE DRIVING POSITION ARE COMPROMISED, I AM SEEKING TO GET THE SEAT FIXED. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER MENTIONS OF THIS PROBLEM IN SUBARU OWNERS ONLINE FORUMS. *TR
Seats, Aug 6, 2013
SAT IN DRIVER'S SEAT, STARTED IGNITION, AND AS CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT (UNDER THE THIGH) AUDIBLY POPPED. THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT NOW CLEARLY ONLY WORKS UNDER THE RIGHT LEG. GETTING OUT OF THE CAR, RAISING THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT AND PUTTING PRESSURE ON IT SHOWS THAT RIGHT SIDE REMAINS SUPPORTED AND LEFT SIDE COMPLETELY SAGS, LEAVING THE DRIVER EITHER TILTED, OR SEATED AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENT. POSTURE AND SAFE DRIVING POSITION ARE DEFINITELY COMPROMISED, AND I AM SEEKING TO GET THE SEAT FIXED. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER MENTIONS OF THIS PROBLEM IN SUBARU OWNERS ONLINE FORUMS. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 23, 2013
ON 2/24/12 MY BRAKES STARTED TO RUB AND SQUEAK SO I TOOK IT IN TO BE CHECKED. TO MY SURPRISE IT WAS MY REAR BRAKES AND THEY HAD COMPLETELY DENIGRATED. THE DEALER COULDN'T EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS HAPPENED SO THEY JUST WENT AHEAD AND REPLACED THEM UNDER WARRANTY. ON 6/21/13 (20,000 MILES LATER) SAME THING HAPPENED. BACK BRAKES DENIGRATED SO THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AGAIN WITH NO EXPLANATION. 5 DAYS LATER I HAD THE BRAKES INSPECTED BY FIRESTONE (STILL SQUEAKING) AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE BACK BRAKE PADS WERE DOWN TO 8MM AND ONE OF THE ROTORS HAD BEEN SHAVED "WAY DOWN". INQUIRED ABOUT THIS TO MY DEALER AND APPARENTLY THEY REPLACED ONLY THE PADS AND SAID THIS WAS STANDARD PRACTICE. IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD THIS CAR I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES 3X (REAR 2X AND FRONT 1X), MOTOR IN SUNROOF, HEATING UNIT, RADIO CONNECTIONS, REPLACED FRONT LIGHT BULBS 4-5 TIMES AND HAVE HAD AT LEAST 2 RECALLS. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU CORPORATE BUT THEY KEEP DIRECTING ME BACK TO THE DEALER. MY BIG CONCERN IS THAT THE REAR BRAKES ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND I DRIVE AROUND WITH A 4 YEAR OLD IN MY CAR EVERYDAY. MY UNDERSTANDING FROM ASKING AROUND AT THE DEALER IS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY CUSTOMER WHO HAS COME IN WITH REAR BRAKE ISSUES ON THE 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS DRAGGING WHEN I DRIVE IT AND SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE RUBBING WHEN I AM DRIVING. *TR
Suspension, Apr 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR STRUTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE STRUTS WERE OPERATING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,951 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000. *TR
Air bags, Mar 7, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HE LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE VEHICLE TRAVELED INTO AN EMBANKMENT, CRASHING INTO A TREE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN SHARDS, FAILING TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, SEIZURES AND BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000. *TR UPDATED 3/13/13 *CN 05/09/2013 *JS
Service brakes, Mar 5, 2013
WE WERE DRIVING ON A LEVEL INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. A NOISE BEGAN. IT WAS LIKE WE WERE ON COARSE PAVEMENT. I PULLED OVER THINKING THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. INSTEAD THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE WAS OVERHEATED AND SEIZING. WE COMPLETED OUR TRIP AT GREATLY REDUCED SPEED BECAUSE THIS OCCURRED AT NIGHT WHEN WE WERE UNABLE TO GET SERVICE, AND FINDING A MOTEL WHICH WOULD ALLOW OUR 100 LB GERMAN SHEPHERD SEEMED UNLIKELY. WE DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN UNTIL WE COULD GET A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. THE BRAKES WERE SERVICED ON 3/1/13 BY THE DEALER, WHO HAD JUST REPLACED REAR PADS AND TURNED ROTORS 2 WEEKS EARLIER. THE DEALER SAID OUR PROBLEM WAS DUE TO RUST ATTRIBUTABLE TO USE OF ROAD SALT, AND THAT THIS WORK WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY OUR WARRANTY AND THAT WE SHOULD HAVE HAD THE BRAKES SERVICED EVERY YEAR TO REMOVE RUST. WE HAD NEVER BEEN TOLD THIS BEFORE, EVEN WHEN THE SAME DEALER SERVICED THE REAR BRAKES ON 2/14/13. THE NEXT DAY, AFTER A 10 MILE DRIVE, ALERTED BY THE "HOT BRAKE SMELL", I CHECKED TEMPERATURES. RIGHT FRONT STILL OVERHEATING. NOW AFTER BEING SERVICED, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR RUNS HOT STILL. I TOOK THE CAR BACK, AND AT THE DEALERSHIP, A LASER-AIMED INFRARED THERMOMETER SHOWS RIGHT FRONT ROTOR IS 147 DEGREES, LEFT FRONT 128, RIGHT REAR 82, LEFT REAR 97 AFTER 15 TO 20 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING (AMBIENT TEMPERATURE 20 DEGREES). DEALER AGAIN CHECKED, SAYS ALL WHEELS SPIN FREELY, AND DOES NOT KNOW WHY THE RIGHT FRONT RUNS HOT. ANOTHER BRAKE SEIZURE SEEMS INEVITABLE. BRAKES SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS ON A CAR WHICH HAS LESS THAN 19,000 MILES AND LESS THAN 3 YEARS OF USE. THE CAR DOES NOT PULL TO THE RIGHT. MAYBE THE LEFT REAR IS COMPENSATING. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Feb 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID FROZE CAUSING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY TO BE OBSCURED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY STOP TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD SO THAT SHE COULD SEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.UPDATED 4/15/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TUBE WHICH LEAD TO THE NOZZLE WAS FROZEN, DUE TO A DESIGN FLW.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 19, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED WHILE STILL IN PARK. THE VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 14, 2013
AT 32,715 MILES REAR BRAKES FAILED. BOTH THE BRAKES PADS AND ROTOR HAD COMPLETELY ROTTED OR FALLEN APART. THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACES. AT 25,000 MILES I HAD A COMPLETE INSPECTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN TO ABOUT 50%. SO IN LESS THAN 8000 MILES THE THE REAR BRAKES HAD COMPLETELY FAILED, AND THE FRONT BRAKES WHERE ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A FUEL SMELL EMITTED. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT A RODENT CRAWLED INTO THE VEHICLE AND ATE THE GAS LINE AND THE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT RESPOND. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Seats, Jan 14, 2013
DRIVING WHEN WELDS HOLDING UP THE DRIVERS SEAT FAILED. THERE WERE NO POTHOLES OR BUMPS, THOUGH I-5 NEAR SEATTLE HAS PAVEMENT JUNCTURE UNEVENNESS, THOUGH NONE WHERE THE COLLAPSE HAPPENED. *TR
Service brakes, Dec 26, 2012
MY BRAKES WERE CHECKED BY MY REGULAR MECHANIC/REPAIR SHOP @ 21,788 MILES. THEY INDICATED THAT I HAD 70% LEFT ON BOTH FRONT AND REAR UNITS. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND CHECK UP @ 24,870 MILES THE SAME SHOP INDICATED THAT WHILE MY FRONT BRAKES STILL HAD 65% LEFT ON THEM THE REAR UNITS HAD ONLY 15% LEFT. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE REAR DISC BRAKE PADS, WHICH I DID. I AM NOT HARD ON MY BRAKES AND DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE REAR BRAKES SHOULD WEAR OUT SO QUICKLY OVER SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. I ALSO DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE SHOULD BE SUCH A GREAT DIFFERENCE IN THE WEAR BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. I NOTICE THAT TWO OTHER PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT NEEDING EARLY REAR BRAKE REPLACEMENTS ON 2010 FORESTERS. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES ON ANY OTHER CAR I OWNED AFTER SO FEW MILES. MY SHOP IS AAA APPROVED AND HIGHLY RATED IN MY COMMUNITY AND ARE VERY TRUSTWORTHY. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
Structure, Seats, Oct 13, 2012
THE DRIVERS SEAT CAUSES PAIN IN MY BACK, HIP, ANKLE AND FOOT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY RIGHT LEG HAS GONE NUMB OR CRAMPED UP AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER SO THAT I CAN WALK OFF THE CRAMPS AND NUMBNESS. MY HUSBAND AVOIDS DRIVING THE SUBARU BECAUSE OF THE PAIN HE EXPERIENCES. EVEN FOLKS IN THEIR 20'S THAT HAVE DRIVEN MY SUBARU EXPERIENCE PAIN IN SOME PART OF THEIR LOWER BODY. *TR
Seat belts, Equipment, Oct 10, 2012
I TOOK MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER THIS MORNING TO FARRISH SUBARU OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA TO HAVE THE CENTER SEAT BELT REPLACED PER THE ABOVE RECALL. FARRISH SUBARU REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE CENTER SEATBELT. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I INSERTED ALL MALE HANDLES INTO THE FEMALE BUCKLES. SINCE I HAD NEVER RIDDEN IN THE REAR SEAT, I DID NOT REALIZE THAT ALL REAR SEAT BELTS HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN AN UNSAFE MANNER. IN THIS SITUATION THE TWO CENTER FEMALE BUCKLES WERE TOWARD THE OUTSIDE REAR DOORS, WHILE THE RIGHT AND LEFT FEMALE SEAT BUCKLES WERE ON THE INSIDE CENTER POSITION. I RETURNED TO FARRISH SUBARU WHERE SERVICE CONSULTANT JACK LINDEMAN FOUND THAT MY REAR SEAT BELTS WERE IN AN IMPROPER ORDER. HE CALLED IT A "BIRTH DEFECT", MEANING THAT THE INSTALLATION HAD BEEN DONE IMPROPERLY AT THE FACTORY. LINDEMAN AGREED WITH MY ASSESSMENT THAT WHEN ALL THREE SEAT BELTS WERE BUCKLED, THE STRAPS CROSSED OVER THE RED RELEASE BUTTONS. THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH THE BUTTONS TO RELEASE THE BELTS FROM THE BUCKLES. I ASKED LINDEMAN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. FARRISH SUBARU PLACED THE BUCKLES IN THE CORRECT ORDER WITH BOTH FEMALE CENTER BUCKLES IN THE CENTER AND THE RIGHT AND LEFT FEMALE BUCKLES TOWARD THEIR RESPECTIVE OUTWARD POSITIONS. HOWEVER, WHEN I TRIED TO INSERT THE MALE CENTER HANDLE INTO ITS RESPECTIVE FEMALE BUCKLE, THE FEMALE CENTER BUCKLE FELL BELOW THE SEAT CUSHION. NEITHER I NOR LINDEMAN WAS ABLE TO RAISE THE FEMALE BUCKLE ABOVE THE CUSHION TO ITS PROPER HEIGHT EXCEPT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE THE MALE HANDLE CANNOT BE INSERTED INTO THE FEMALE BUCKLE WHILE THAT BUCKLE IS BELOW THE SEAT CUSHION. WHEN I ASKED SERVICE CONSULTANT LINDEMAN TO FIX THE SINKING SEATBELT PROBLEM, HE SAID HE WAS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FOR THE MOMENT I HAVE TAPED THE FEMALE BUCKLES TOGETHER TO PREVENT THEM FROM FALLING BELOW THE SEAT CUSHIONS. IF THERE IS A PERMANENT SOLUTION, I WOULD APPRECIATE LEARNING ABOUT IT. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2012
THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. TOOK TO THE DEALER. TURNS OUT I MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN TO CHANGE THE OIL FOR APPROX 14,00 MILES...HOWEVER....NO WARNING LIGHT EVER CAME ON TO REMIND ME. NO OIL LIGHT, NO ENGINE LIGHT...NOTHING. NOW I AM FACING A POSSIBLE BIG EXPENSE IN REPAIR...WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE SHOP AS I TYPE THIS. THESE WARNING SYSTEMS ARE IN PLACE TO AVOID THIS SITUATION. HAD IT WORKED PROPERLY, I WOULD HAVE BEEN REMINDED TO GET THE OIL CHANGED. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2012
SELF CANCELING TURN SIGNALS DO NOT CANCEL WHEN MAKING A PARTIAL LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. SELF CANCELING SIGNALS DO CANCEL PROPERLY WHEN MAKING A FULL TURN. SUBARU TECHNICIANS REPORT INDICATES TURN SIGNALS ARE CANCELING AS DESIGNED AND NO ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS CAN BE MADE. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jul 16, 2012
I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME ON US6 AT APPROXIMATELY 1PM LAST FRIDAY WHEN THE GLASS OF BACK WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY SHATTERED FOR NO REASON, IT EXPLODED MAKING A LOUD NOISE THAT FIRST SHOCKED ME THOUGHT I MANAGED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER I CALMED DOWN I LOOKED AROUND TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND THEN I NOTICED THAT THE GLASS IN THE BACK SHIELD WAS REDUCED TO TINY PIECES ALL OVER TO THE POINT IN WHICH THE REAR VISION WAS OBSTRUCTED. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO SUBARU, (SR#1-2037476585), AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. I REQUESTED AN APPOINTMENT WITH GROOVE SUBARU IN LITTLETON AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TODAY AT 7AM ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT EXPERTS IN FORENSICS AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT, BUT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN A ROCK (WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH ROCKS HITTING CARS HERE INN CO, SO I DO NOT THINK IT WAS THE REASON FOR THE INCIDENT) AND TO CALL ABRA TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 25, 2012
STARTED TO HEAR A GRINDING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES ON 6/24/2012. TOOK CAR TO DEALER ON 6/25/2012. DEALER REPLACED REAR BRAKE PADS AND DISKS. CAR ONLY HAS 27,000 MILES AND MOST MILEAGE IS HIGHWAY. I DO NOT OVERUSE MY BRAKES AND I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT CAN AFFECT SAFETY. *TR