10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
80,206 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Subaru Forester engine problems

engine problem

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2009 Subaru Forester Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #7

Aug 172014

Forester 4-cyl

  • 105,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Shifted from park to reverse with normal brake depression; vehicle immediately accelerated to 20 mph, no brakes and the dash control center completely lit up. The only way I was able to stop vehicle was by shifting to neutral and engaging the parking brake. I then tried the same procedure in forward with the same results except this time resulting with the car colliding with the garage wall causing approximately $6000 worth of damage between the car and house.

- East Aurora, NY, USA

problem #6

Jul 272014

Forester 4-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
While traveling at highway speeds in rainy weather, vehicle began to misfire and lost power, forcing driver into an unsafe situation of coaxing car to shoulder. Check engine, stability control lights came on, and cruise light flashed. After shutting engine off and restarting, same lights remained on but engine ran normally. We have also another 2009 Forester which experiences misfires, same lights, after starting cold on a rainy day. Although we have received recall notices from Subaru on other less critical topics, there does not seem to be an inclination on their part to address this engine electrical malfunction which could have resulted in disaster. Our online researches suggest that many other Subaru owners are experiencing similar malfunctions, and we don't detect any serious effort by the manufacturer to fix this.

- Hicksville, NY, USA

problem #5

Mar 132014

Forester 4-cyl

  • 54,928 miles
Their was a clunk and driver car pulled over and off highway. Had it towed to our independent garage. The engine failed. The check engine light never went on nor did the low oil pressure light go on.

- Wilton, CT, USA

problem #4

Sep 022013

Forester

  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while traveling 40 mph, he heard a loud bang as the vehicle lost acceleration power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #3

May 012013

Forester

  • miles
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that during routine maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe was leaking oil. The contact was informed of a recall under NHTSA campaign number: 08V460000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The mileage was unknown.

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

problem #2

Jul 042013

Forester 4-cyl

  • 73,000 miles
Upon returning from a short drive we pulled into my driveway and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I assumed this would have been possibly some type of overheating issue, but upon inspection I discovered it was engine oil dripping onto the exhaust heat shields and was burning off. I was stunned by this as I am very particular about the maintenance on this vehicle. I took to the dealership a few days later as it was going in anyway for a recalled cat converter. They then advised me that the engine had a blown head gasket. This needs to be repaired immediately as this is a potential fire hazard if not repaired. This vehicle only has 73,000 miles and I am now faced with am almost $2000 repair. I am speechless and beside myself as I bought this car specifically to get a quality vehicle that ideally would avoid issues of this nature. I am pursuing a complaint with Subaru of America and wanted the NHTSA to be aware as well. Thank you.

- West Boylston, MA, USA

problem #1

Feb 062013

Forester 4-cyl

  • 30,387 miles
Loud knocking sound noted coming form engine while driving on highway. Pulled off of highway then all the warning lights on dashboard flickered on and engine died. Had to tow to dealer. Informed that a rod had knocked loose related to faulty bearings had to have engine replaced.

- St Louis , MO, USA

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