2009 SUBARU Forester Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
178
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
36 complaints
Airbag lights have been going on and off ever since I took it into to get my airbags recalled and Subaru will not take a look at it with out me signing a form saying I am liable to pay 200 dollars if it happens to be anything else unrelated to the recall warranty.
Mar 12, 2025
No local dealer to complete recall NHTSA Recall Number 20V002000. Vehicle is too old, too high miles to be trusted to take on an extended road trip to a dealer. Contacting Subaru wasn’t any help.
Apr 30, 2024
2009 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH AIRBAG. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG IS ON RECALL AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII. THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO SEND A CERTIFIED REPAIR TECHNICIAN TO THE CONSUMERS. INSTEAD, THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED THAT THE CONSUMERS SEND THE VEHICLE FRO LANA'I, HAWAII TO OAHU, HAWAII TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRIP WOULD COST AT LEAST 900.00 PER OWNER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE A REPAIR TECHNICIAN TO COME TO LANA'I. *JS *JS
Feb 03, 2021
SUBARU DEALER (MARK SHAW SUBARU 1650 W 104TH AVE, DENVER, CO 80234, PHONE (720) 724-9280) REFUSES TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG THAT IS ON RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS DEPLOYED. THEY REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION ON WHY OR WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THEM TO PERFORM THE RECALL WORK.
Mar 03, 2020
WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THE TAKATA AIRBAG IN OUR 2009 SUBARU FORESTER HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED YET. ESPECIALLY FRUSTRATING IS THE FACT THAT, EVERY SIX MONTHS OR SO, WE GET A NOTICE FROM TK HOLDINGS WARNING US ABOUT THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY AIRBAG (AS IF WE DIDN'T KNOW) AND URGING US TO CONTACT OUR DEALER FOR A FREE REPLACEMENT. EACH TIME WE GET THAT NOTICE, WE AGAIN CALL OUR DEALER, FOX MOTORS IN MARQUETTE, MICH., AND ARE TOLD THAT OUR REPLACEMENT AIRBAG WILL BE ORDERED. MONTHS PASS WITH NO WORD. THEN WE GET ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE. THEN WE CALL FOX MOTORS AGAIN. MONTHS PASS. REPEAT. REPEAT. WE APPRECIATE THE NEED TO REPLACE TAKATA AIRBAGS IN HOT, HUMID PLACES FIRST. IF WE LIVED IN THE SOUTH, WE WOULD CERTAINLY WANT PRIORITY IN THIS DANGEROUS MATTER. BUT IT'S BEEN NINE YEARS SINCE THE FIRST TAKATA AIRBAG DEATH, AND FIVE YEARS SINCE TAKATA ADMITTED THE DANGER. PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE NORTH DO TRAVEL IN THE SOUTH WITH TAKATA AIRBAGS LURKING IN THEIR DASHBOARDS. IT'S TIME TO GET THIS DONE FOR ALL OF US! AND, ON THE SUBJECT OF RECALLS IN GENERAL: WE ARE SCANDALIZED BY THE FACT THAT TAKATA (OR ITS BANKRUPTCY MANAGER) IS HANDLING THIS DEADLY ISSUE IN SUCH A LEISURELY MANNER, WHILE VOLKSWAGEN WAS REQUIRED TO SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS PROMPTLY REPLACING PERFECTLY FUNCTIONAL, NON-LETHAL CARS BECAUSE THE COMPANY FUDGED ITS POLLUTION NUMBERS. THESE TWO RECALLS ARE GROSSLY OUT OF PROPORTION TO THE RESPECTIVE OFFENSES. WE HAVE NO CONNECTION TO VOLKSWAGEN; HAVE NEVER EVEN OWNED ONE. BUT WE KNOW UNFAIRNESS WHEN WE SEE IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS CRITICAL MATTER. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 05, 2018
+ 31 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
15 complaints
TURBO FAILURE CAUSED BY DESIGN FLAWS IN LUBRICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM IDENTIFIED BY MULTIPLE TSB WVF-16, TSB#02-103-07, TSB # 02-97-05. MANUFACTURE REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE TSB AND CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ABOUT 2.5 LITER TURBO CAR. LEADING $3500.00 REPAIR BEING FORCED ON CONSUMERS IN SPITE OF THIS CONDITION BEING A ENGINEERING DEFECT.MY CAR HAD THE TURBO REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AT 50,000 MILES NAD NOW 50,000 MILES LATER THE TURBO HAS FAILED AGAIN. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA, WHO STATED THAT SOA WOULD NOT BE ASSISTING IN REPAIRS OF THE SAME FAILURE.
Sep 14, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Jun 21, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT COMPETITION SUBARU OF SMITHTOWN (601 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, (631) 361-4500), IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. *TT*JB CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE 3RD COMPLAINT.*JB
Mar 04, 2019
FAIRLY RECENTLY I HAD MY RADIATOR REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK. COUPLE WEEKS INTO MY NEW ONE, I WENT TO START MY CAR AND A PROOF OF WHITE SMOKE SHOT OUT THE EXHAUSTS WHICH I NEW WAS NOT OK. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN LIMO MODE AND THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS ALL STARTED BLINKING - THEY WEREN'T ON BEFORE. SO I SHUT MY CAR OFF AND TOOK MY MOM'S TO WORK. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT I HAD NO COOLANT, BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION THAT I WAS LOW. FROM THAT DAY ON MY CAR HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH FULL RESERVOIRS OF COOLANT BY THE DAY WITH NO VISIBLE LEAKS, HEATING+COOLING, FAND A ULL RADIATOR UP TO THE BRIM. I'M ASSUMING MY ISSUE IS A HEAD GASKET LEAK AT ONLY 86,000 MILES...THAT IS TERRIBLE PRODUCT QUALITY - I CAN'T JUST GO AROUND AND PAY $2000 IN REPAIRS FOR A CAR I RELIED ON AND HAVE ONLY DRIVEN FOR 10K MILES. THAT'S JUST RIDICULOUS AND THERES NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT WITHOUT $2000 TO SPEND BUT SELL IT AND SCREW SOMEONE ELSE OVER.
Jan 30, 2019
ENGINE AND VEHICHLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVING HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 3.5 HOURS. HAD JUST REFILLED WITH FUEL ABOUT 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. PROCEEDED TO NEXT EXIT. CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WAS ON FIRE. VEHICLE DESTROYED.
Aug 14, 2018
+ 10 more complaints for this component
SEATS
14 complaints
Sudden collapse of drivers seat bottom cushion. Now lower on one side.
May 22, 2021
I WAS DRIVING AND MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED. SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT WITH MY SEAT.
Oct 26, 2018
POWER DRIVER SEAT BRACKET COLLAPSES DUE TO POOR DESIGN FLAW.
Oct 04, 2018
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BRACKET ON DOOR SIDE HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM SEAT RESULTING IN A SEAT WHICH IS UNRESPONSIVE TO HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS ON THE LEFT SIDE.
Feb 14, 2018
I WAS GETTING IN INTO THE DRIVERS SEAT WHEN THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE SEAT COLLAPSED. I INSPECTED THE FRAME AND FOUND A BROKEN WELD WHERE THE MOTOR, THAT LIFTS THE FRONT OF THE SEAT MEETS THE FRAME, HAD FAILED.
May 27, 2017
+ 9 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 complaints
CAR WAS PUT INTO REVERSE. WITHOUT THE DRIVER STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR REVVED AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. ATTEMPT TO BRAKE DID NOT STOP THE CAR. CAR STOPPED ONLY WHEN IT HIT A RETAINING WALL APPROXIMATELY 20-30 FEET FROM START OF ACCELERATION. DAMAGE OCCURRED TO REAR DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR.
Feb 23, 2018
FILE DESCRIBES FOUR SEPARATE INCIDENTS IN 2017. CASE OPENED WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA. ALL UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. TWO COLLISIONS, TWO CLOSE CALLS. ALL DETAIL OF ALL FOR IS IN PDF.
Feb 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS TO THE LEFT ARM, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.
Oct 05, 2017
TWICE TODAY AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES AT A STOP SIGN THE CAR ACCELERATED HARD/RACED/LURCHED. I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARD. THE SECOND TIME I HAD TO SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE TO STOP. SCARY. THIS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.
Jan 14, 2017
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DRIVE THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Feb 11, 2015
+ 7 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 complaints
THE ENGINE TURNS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE MY CAR WAS IN MOTION. I STARTED MY CAR AND THEN IT SHUT OFF AFTER A FEW MINUTES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ON MY RESIDENTIAL STREET. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS AFFECTED BY RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 19V297000.
Jul 23, 2020
3 INSTRUMENT LIGHTS TURN ON SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED: ABS, HILL ASSIST, VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL AND REMAIN LIT UNTIL CAR IS TURNED OFF. THE 3 INDICATOR LIGHTS TURN ON TOGETHER INTERMITTENTLY DURING SUBSEQUENT DRIVING. SUBARU BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTION SHOWS UP ON DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TWICE WITH SUBARU BRAND PART. ADDITIONALLY, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ADJUSTED TWICE SUBSEQUENTLY BY DEALER REPAIR SHOP. DEALER REPAIR SHOP REPORTED FIRST SUBARU BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. THEY ADVISED SECOND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH DID NOT STAY IN PROPER PLACE AND ARE NOT CERTAIN WHY. ISSUE PRESENT OVER APPROXIMATELY PAST 6 MONTHS.
Jun 20, 2018
THREE SEPARATE TIMES MY WIPER BLADES WOULD NOT WORK, WHICH IS DANGEROUS DURING A DOWNPOUR. I'VE BROUGHT THE 2009 FORESTER IN FOR REPAIR AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE ISSUE AS IT WAS WORKING WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN. ALSO THE RADIO DID NOT WORK DURING THESE TIMES. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A FUSE, BUT THAT IS NOT THE CAUSE. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. NOW I TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, AND RESTART IT AND IT WILL SEEM TO RESOLVE, FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, SO YOU THINK THE PROBLEM RESOLVED, BUT 6 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENS AGAIN...THESE THREE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN TRAFFIC DRIVING, AND IT WAS RAINING.
Oct 14, 2017
MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING HER 2009 SUBARU FORESTER ON A DAY WITH LIGHT RAIN. SHE STOPPED FOR A WHILE, AND WHEN SHE GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND STARTED IT UP AGAIN, HER WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. SHE DROVE IT FOR A WHILE, AND STOPPED TO HAVE SOMEONE CHECK IT. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE WORKING AGAIN. THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY FOR SOMEONE HAVING TO DRIVE ON A RAINY NIGHT. *TR
Jan 24, 2017
ON 12/19/2015 AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE RADIO, CIGAR LIGHTER, TEMPERATURE/TIME, AND ELECTRONIC MIRROR CONTROL WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON A SECONDARY STREET. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON THE AFOREMENTIONED ITEMS BEGAN TO FUNCTION AGAIN. FUSES WERE CHECKED AND ALL FUSES SEEM TO BE IN TACT. THE INABILITY TO CONTROL THE EXTERNAL MIRRORS ARE A SAFETY CONCERN.
Dec 19, 2015
+ 6 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
11 complaints
WE HAS THE CAR FOR 10 YEARS. CAR HAS 114K MILES AND TRANSMISSION FAILED. WE SPENT 5 K ON THE CAR FOR LEAKING GASKETS AND SUCH. HAD CAR INSPECTED AND THEY REASSURED ME MY CAR IS GOOD TO GO AND WILL LAST FOR A LONG TIME. THATS NOT THE CASE.
May 07, 2019
WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH ON A 2 LANE SECONDARY ROAD WHEN AN APPROACHING VEHICLE'S DRIVER GOT MY ATTENTION AND SAID MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I FOUND A PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROAD AND DIRECTED MY SPOUSE TO QUICKLY GET OUT, MOVE AWAY FROM OUR CAR AND CALL 911. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO I OPENED IT CAREFULLY AND SAW A WALL OF FLAME, JUST ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND APPROXIMATELY THE WIDTH OF THE RADIATOR AND ABOUT 6 INCHES IN HEIGHT. I HAD A BOTTLE OF WATER WITH ME WHICH I USED TO DOUSE THE FLAMES BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE OUR MECHANIC FOUND A BURST TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING LINE WHICH HAD SPRAYED FLUID INTO THE LOWER ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO THE HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH IGNITED THE FLUID. JUST BEFORE I PULLED OFF THE ROAD THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED OPERATING EFFECTIVELY AS I NOW KNOW THE FLUID WOULD HAVE BEEN LOW. AT A HIGHER SPEED THE VEHICLE OPERATION WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAMATICALLY HAMPERED AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A MORE EXPLOSIVE SITUATION WOULD HAVE OCCURRED IF THE FLAMES HAD BEEN FORCED FURTHER UNDER THE VEHICLE.
Dec 19, 2018
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES HAVE LEAKS ALONG WELD SEAMS. WELD SEAMS HAVE SEVERE CORROSION.
Jul 27, 2016
MY SUBARU FORESTER WAS RECENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR NORMAL SERVICE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW DRIVESHAFT CENTER SUPPORT BEARING. UPON CHECKING FOR THE PART(A $20 PART) HE WAS ADVISED SUBARU WILL NOT SELL THE PART WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT(@$700). THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT. EVERY DEALER AND AUTO PARTS STORE GIVES THE SAME RESPONSE HEN I ASK FOR THE BEARING. IS THIS SOME SORT OF SCAM BY THE MANUFACTURER????
Mar 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A VIBRATION HARMONIC BUZZ WAS HEARD FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE HEAT SHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME FOR THE SAME FAILURE AND SAME REPAIRS WERE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000...UPDATED 01/14/13 *BF UPDATED 1/15/2013 *JS
Dec 04, 2012
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
7 complaints
STOPPED TO FILL UP CAR WITH GAS ON WAY TO WORK AND WHEN I RESTARTED THE ENGINE I HEARD A REAL LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. AS I PULLED AWAY THE CAR WAS VERY SLUGGISH AND THE NOISE FROM THE ENGINE STARTED GETTING LOUDER. I WENT TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR DIED AND I NARROWLY MISSED HITTING A BALTIMORE CITY WORK TRUCK AS THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WERE NON RESPONSIVE BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO NOT CRASH INTO THE WORK TRUCK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO VALLEY MOTORS SUBARU IN COCKEYSVILLE AND THEY CALLED TO INFORM ME THAT I NEED A NEW AT LEAST A NEW LOWER BLOCK IF NOT A WHOLE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I LOOKED ONLINE FOR SOME INFORMATION ON ANY KNOWN ISSUES WITH STYLE OF CAR AND ENGINE AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT IN APRIL 2008 A " STOP SALE" WAS ISSUED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA ON MY EXACT CAR. LEGACY VEHICLES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE STOP SALE WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT WE MUST PLACE AN IMMEDIATE STOP SALE ORDER ON ALL OF THE 2008/2009 SUBARU IMPREZA, FORESTER AND LEGACY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L TURBO ENGINE PRODUCED WITH THE BEGINNING CHASSIS NUMBER AND LATER AS SHOWN BELOW. MODEL BODY TYPE CHASSIS NUMBER PRODUCTION DATE FORESTER WAGON 701045 OR LATER 2008/01/08 OR LATER THE REASON FOR THIS IMMEDIATE QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTION IS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPORTS OF "ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE" FROM OTHER MARKETS ON VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE PRODUCTION DATES LISTED. INITIAL INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS AN INTERNAL WEAR ISSUE ON THE FAILED UNITS. I BOUGHT MY CAR IN OCTOBER 2009 AND YOU CAN SEE THE VIN # IS PRETTY CLOSE IN THE RANGE AND I HAVE READ IN FORUMS OF PEOPLE WITH ALMOST IDENTICAL VIN'S AS MINE OF HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. *TR
Mar 05, 2012
2009 SUBARU FORESTER. PRODUCTION DATE: 02-14-08. INITIAL DIAGNOSIS IS INTERNAL TURBO FAILURE. THE CAR HAS 34,000 MILES ON IT AND OIL AND FILTERS ARE MAINTAINED. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH OUR 2YR. OLD IN THE CAR WHEN IT STARTED MAKING A HORRIBLE GRINDING SOUND. SHE DESCRIBED IT AS IT SOUNDED AND FELT LIKE SHE WAS DRAGGING SOMETHING. SHE LIMPS HOME WITH THE CAR AND I TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE. IT SOUNDED FINE AT START UP. NO TAPPING OR GRINDING. AS SOON AS I START UP THE ROAD I COULD FEEL THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. LIKE I WAS DRIVING IN MUD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ALL STUCK ON. I HAVE READ MANY CASES OF THIS SAME THING HAPPENING WITH OTHER 2.5 TURBO ENGINES. THERE WAS A STOP SALE AND A RECALL BUT, ACCORDING TO SUBARU MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE REPORTS I'VE READ INDICATE OTHERWISE. THE PRODUCTION DATE AND THE VIN# FALL INTO THE RANGE OF THE STOP SALE. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE OUTCOME AS THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND SOA HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. I HAD TO CALL SUBARU MYSELF TO GET THEM TO RESPOND TO THE DEALERSHIPS CASE CONCERNING MY CAR. IT'S BEEN A WEEK NOW AND JUST TODAY I GOT A CALL FROM SUBARU REQUESTING PERMISSION TO TEAR DOWN THE ENGINE TO FIND THE SOURCE. A WEEK AND IT'S JUST SITTING THERE. NO OFFER OF A RENTAL. NOTHING. THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED YET AND I HOPE SUBARU DOES THE RIGHT THING AND LIVES UP TO ITS REPUTATION OF BEING A RELIABLE, LONG LASTING CAR. *TR
Jan 12, 2012
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
Mar 10, 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
Mar 05, 2010
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
Jun 30, 2009
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 complaints
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that he had initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V830000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was serviced. Recently, the contact stated that while going downhill in the reverse(R) position, he heard an abnormal popping sound upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The brake pedal failed as it depressed to the floorboard; the contact managed to stop the vehicle with his hand brake. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who discovered that the brake lines had failed. The mechanic also informed him that there was no evidence that any rust prevention sealant was applied to the brake lines. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,340.
Nov 08, 2022
SINCE THE PURCHASE - WE NEEDED TO PUSH BRAKE PEDAL DOWN TOO FAR TO APPLY BRAKES. WE COMPLAINED TO SUBARU - THEY CHECKED BUT SAID NOTHING WRONG. BUT I AM UNHAPPY. *TR
Jul 03, 2014
THE ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE IS THAT WE HAVE TO PUSH THE BRAKES TOO FAR BEFORE THE BRAKES START WORKING. I REPORTED THE MATTER TO SUBARU SERVICE DEALER IN RAPID CITY, SD AND TO SUBARU (COMPLAINED THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE), THE SUBARU DEALER CHECKED THE BRAKES AND THEY SAY THEY ARE ALL GOOD AND NORMAL. SO FAR WE DID NOT HAVE ANY INCIDENT CAUSED BY THIS BUT WE ARE NOT HAPPY AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE. WE HAVE DRIVEN A NO. OF VEHICLES BUT THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE WHERE WE NEED TO PUSH THE BRAKES SO MUCH DOWN. *TR
Mar 07, 2012
2009 SUBARU FORESTER ENCOUNTERED REAR BRAKE FAILURE AT 22555 MI.. BRAKE PADS DESTROYED BY CALIPER HARDWARE THAT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE DUE TO CORROSION. BRAKE ROTORS SCORED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT BECAUSE FAULTY WEAR SENSORS DESIGN FAILED TO ALERT TO PROBLEM. *TR
Feb 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORRESTER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE BUT DID NOT COME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUALLY LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY GONE. THE DEALER ADVISED HE BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT BRAKE PADS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Sep 27, 2010
VISIBILITY
5 complaints
HI - I OWN A 2009 FORESTER 56K MY WINDSHIELD HAS A VERY BIG CRACK BECAUSE OF A PEBBLE FROM A TRUCK. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. I ALWAYS BELIEVED THIS CAR HAD THIN GLASS EVEN THOUGH I KNOW IT IS SAFETY GLASS. I ALSO OWN A HONDA AND IT HAS THICK GLASS AND THERE IS NO HOLES IN THE WINDSHIELD FROM PEBBLES. HAVE YOU HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS BECAUSE I AM COMPLAINING! *TR
Apr 27, 2014
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
Feb 28, 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.
Feb 24, 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
Jan 02, 2010
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.
Apr 03, 2009
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
fuel tank leaking gasoline from tanks seams and hose nipple, second owned vehicle with same problem. now the vehicle has strong gas smell and is leaking gasoline when driven in a incline. It threw a p0442 "evap leak small" thats why i checked the fault. All these steel tanks seem to rust where the seam of the tank is, and also the filler neck tube connects to the tank, one of the evap hoses was just hanging next to the fuel tank, the nipple that holds it to the tank rusted and came off.
Jul 31, 2023
* Fuel tank leak * Could have exploded or caught fire * Confirmed at independent service center * Inspected by independent service center * Check engine light and gas tank icon on dash. Appeared 1/31/2023 This car has had so many recalls and has been a problem for a long time. We have contacted Subaru and will contact them today regarding this issue.
Feb 01, 2023
GAS TANK CORRODED AND IS LEAKING GASOLINE. CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD, IS REGULARLY WASHED AND STORED IN A GARAGE WHEN NOT IN USE. CAR IS 9 YEARS OLD AND HAS 105,000 MILES ON IT. ALTHOUGH OUT OF WARRANTY, SERIOUSNESS OF LEAKING GASOLINE WARRANTS A LOOK AT THESE TANKS, ARE THEY PROPERLY "RUST PROOFED"? TANK HANDS DOWN UNDER CAR, REAR SEAT AREA AND IS EXPOSED TO ROAD SALTS, WATER AND MUD.
Nov 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Jan 15, 2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
YOU REALLY NEED TO REIGN IN THE NEW HEADLIGHTS AND HOW BRIGHT THEY ARE. THEY MIGHT BE OK IN FLAT PLACES, BUT I'M HILLY AREAS, WHEN AN ONCOMING CAR IS AT A HIGHER LEVEL, IT'S LIKE GETTING HIGH BEAMED IN THE FACE. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. IT'S GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED. ALSO, I DON'T KNOW IF NEW CARD HAVE AUTOMATICALLY CHANGING HIGH AND LOW BEAMS, BUT I HAVE NOTICED THAT PEOPLE ARE BECOMING VERY LAST IN TURNING DOWN THERE LIGHTS WHEN APPROACHING ME. IT'S CROSSED MY MIND THAT IT'S PROBABLY A NEW AUTOMATIC SYSTEM THAT DOESN'T WORK VERY WELL. BUT THE NEW HEADLIGHTS THAT ARE REALLY BRIGHT DOWN LOW, THAT IS HUGE SAFETY RISK. AT THE RIGHT SPOTS IN THE ROAD, IT'S ABSOLUTELY BLINDING. CARS WITH THE OLDER STYLE LIGHTS, NO PROBLEM. NEW ONES, BUT PROBLEM.
Jan 23, 2021
I PURCHASED A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER THROUGH THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN WEST CHESTER, PA. I PAID $5,600 FOR THIS USED CAR, BELIEVING IT WAS A GOOD DEAL BASED ON THE SALESMAN'S RECOMMENDATION. DURING THE PROCESS, THEY TOLD ME OF THE REPAIRS THAT MAY BE NEEDED, BUT WITH NO MENTION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM SPECIFICALLY. FIVE WEEKS LATER, I WAS DRIVING HOME ON BACK ROADS AND HEARD A LOUD SOUND. I DISCOVERED THE CAR'S EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD BROKEN OFF, DUE TO SEVERE RUST. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WAS RUSTED OUT AND FALLING APART. MY MECHANIC LATER INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOLD GIVEN THIS DANGEROUS, TERMINAL ISSUE AND THAT IT WAS NOT AT ALL SAFE TO OPERATE. I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THIS OUT. I WAS DISTINCTLY TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE A VERY SAFE AND RELIABLE CAR FOR MY FAMILY TO OWN. THE SALES PERSON EXPRESSED HOW THOROUGH THE UPKEEP OF THE CAR HAD BEEN OVER ITS LIFETIME AND EXPRESSED THAT IT COULD GO ANOTHER 50,000 TO 100,000 MILES. I COULD NOT PICK IT UP UNTIL THE NEXT DAY, SO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD PERFORM A THOROUGH VISUAL AND MECHANICAL INSPECTION. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A THOROUGH INSPECTION GIVEN THE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE SALESPERSON I DEALT WITH IS NO LONGER EMPLOYED AND THERE WAS A NEW GENERAL SALES MANAGER WHO WAS VERY RUDE, UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNWILLING TO HELP ME. IN ADDITION, I SUBSEQUENTLY NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MAJOR DISCREPANCIES WITH THE DATES ON THE INSPECTION/EMISSION STICKERS ON THE CAR. THE DATES INDICATED ARE 2017, 2018, AND 2019. IT IS UNCLEAR WHAT INSPECTIONS WERE ACTUALLY COMPLETED ON THIS VEHICLE. AS A CONSUMER, I WAS RELYING ON THE EXPERTISE OF THE DEALERSHIP TO FULLY DISCLOSE ANY AND ALL SAFETY CONDITIONS CONCERNING A USED VEHICLE. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT SEEKING HELP. (PICTURES ATTACHED)
Dec 11, 2018
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN OUR CAR NEEDS REPLACED AND IS COMPLETELY FAILING THAT WE CAN NO LONGER EVEN GO UP HILLS WELL. ACCORDING TO SUBARU, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS THAT WAS ALREADY COMPLETED IN 2013 BUT THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING PROOF THAT IT WAS COMPLETED OTHER THAN JUST THE YEAR. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS THAT ALL SAY THAT THIS SHOULD NOT NEED REPLACED AGAIN 5 YEARS LATER IF IT WAS REPLACED CORRECTLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. EITHER SUBARU IS LYING AND IT WAS NOT COMPLETED OR THEY DID NOT FIX IT PROPERLY WHEN IT WAS REPLACED.
Nov 12, 2018
AFTER A DAY OF HEAVY RAIN WE FOUND A PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR, WITH ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS CLOSED. NO SUNROOF. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE WITH HEAVY RAIN AUGUST 2011. *TT
May 23, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
BOUGHT USED WITH 46K MILES ON IT. BRAKES HAVE BEEN WEAK EVER SINCE I GOT IT. HAS NEVER CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, BUT IT SURE HAS HAD ME WORRIED ABOUT GETTING STOPPED NUMEROUS TIMES. DEALERS BLOW ME OFF WHEN I ASK ABOUT FIXING IT. MAYBE PREMIUM PADS? I THINK IT'S THE HYDRAULICS THAT ARE WEAK, DON'T KNOW IF PADS WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THIS IS STRAIGHT STOPS FROM ALL SPEEDS.
Feb 22, 2017
THE BRAKE LINE AND BRAKE CALIPER RUSTED, CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND CHECKED REGULARLY, WHILE DRIVING WE LOST REAR BRAKES, ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, SPENT AT LEAST 900.00 IN REPAIR, SUBARU REFUSED TO REFUND MONEY, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR BRAKES LINES.PLEASE HELP.
May 17, 2015
REGARDING: SUBARU RECALL CAMPAIGN WQK-47 / NHTSA RECALL NO. 14V-311 / JULY 2014. THE REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL IS INSPECTION AND TESTING OF THE BRAKE LINES. IF THERE IS NO ACTIVE BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, THE LINES/CONNECTIONS WILL BE SPRAYED WITH ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL. IT IS VERY CLEAR IN THE DOCUMENTS THAT REPLACEMENT WILL NOT BE DONE UNDER ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH RUST/CORROSION IS ALREADY PRESENT IN THE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM. I FIND THIS ABSOLUTELY APPALLING, AND AN EXTREME DANGER TO UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS OF THESE VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE LINES COULD BE ONE DAY AWAY FROM LEAKING, BUT IF THEY ARE NOT LEAKING AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, THEY WILL NOT BE REPLACED. THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE THAT HAS ALREADY OCCURRED TO THE BRAKE LINES IN THE FORM OF OBVIOUS CORROSION. THIS REMEDY DOES NOT FIX ANYTHING IF RUSTED/CORRODED PARTS ARE GOING TO BE LEFT IN PLACE, WITH MOST OWNERS COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF THE HIDDEN DANGER. I WOULD LIKE FEEDBACK FROM THE GOVERNMENT REGARDING THIS SERIOUS CONCERN. *TR
Aug 08, 2014
SINCE FROM THE BEGINNING, I HAVE TO PUSH MY BRAKE PEDAL TOO DOWN TO APPLY THE BRAKES, I REPORTED IT SEVERAL TIMES TO MY SUBARU DEALER BUT THEY SEEMS TO BE NOT SERIOUS IN DEALING THIS. *TR
Apr 04, 2013
TIRES
2 complaints
- I bought a set of 4 Cooper Adventurer P225 55 R17 tires from Pep Boys in La Habra , CA on [XXX]. - On [XXX], I had to replace one due to a flat, and they noticed that I had a serious bulge in another. I replaced those two tires, putting the new ones in the front. - On around [XXX], friends helping me with adjusting my side mirror noticed that I had two serious bulges, one in each of the front tires that had been replaced. - They were suspicious about the same damage in two tires, so they checked & found that similar number Cooper Adventurers sold at Pep Boys at the same time as mine were among a number of Cooper tires that had been recalled for sidewall separation bulges. They suggested I contact you. - There are already 5 complaints about these particular tires for sidewall bulges; mine will make 6. Yet one of the recalled tires only had 2 complaints. - I have photographs of the tire bulges in my phone, but I'm having trouble sending them to my laptop. I will contact you to add the pictures to this report as soon as I sort out the difficulty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
May 10, 2024
WE ARE 15,000 MILES INTO 4 NEW (APRIL 2012 PURCHASED, MOUNTED MAY 2012) P225/55ZR -17 PIRELLI P6 ALL-ROAD 2007 PRODUCTION TIRES. I HAVE HAD THE TIRES INSPECTED AND BALANCED AT REGULAR SERVICE INTERVALS AND ON THIS OCCASION (FEB2013) WAS ASKED HOW OLD MY TIRES WERE BECAUSE THEY WERE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AND WOULD LIKELY RESULT IN A TICKET BY GERMAN POLICE IF STOPPED. BY OUR MECHANICS ESTIMATE OUR TIRES LOOKED THREE-FOUR YEARS OLD. BECAUSE WE LIVE OCONUS WE PURCHASED OUR TIRES THROUGH TIRERACK.COM. HE RECOMMENDED WE TRY WORKING WITH THEM TO SEEK RESOLUTION, BECAUSE OUR TIRES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH GERMAN LAW AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE. *TR
Feb 15, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
THE FUNCTION OF THE RADIO AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS IS INTERMITTENT. UPON START THESE DEVICES DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ELECTRICAL POWER AND DO NOT FUNCTION. I SUSPECT THERE ARE OTHER ITEMS THAT DO NOT WORK EITHER, BUT I HAVE NOT CONFIRMED THEM. THEY BOTH FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS RESTARTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 2 OCCASIONS OVER A 1 WEEK PERIOD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IN A RAINSTORM, THE VISIBILITY WOULD BE NIL. OTHERWISE THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONS NORMALLY.
Sep 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, SUCH AS SOME WARNING INDICATORS, WIPERS, AND THE DEFROSTER, CEASED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD CORRECT THEMSELVES ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS MANUALLY RESTARTED. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. AUTONATION SUBARU IN SPOKANE VALLEY, WA COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Nov 15, 2017
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
TAKATA RECALL: REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT
Nov 21, 2018
DRIVERS SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE . YOU HAVE TO KEEP WORKING WITH IT & PULLING ON IT TO FINALLY GET IT TO RELEASE . THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED AT 0 MPH . THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE LAST 4 MONTHS .I FELL THIS IS VERY UNSAFE INCASE OF FIRE, OR FOR ANOTHER REASON YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN A HURRY . *TR
Mar 24, 2013
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
OUR SON BOUGHT A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER ON 7/13/18 FROM THE DAN PERKINS SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN MILFORD, CT. HE WAS DRIVING IT HOME AT NOON ON 8/16/18 WHEN HIS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WITHIN SECONDS THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE, AND WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE ENTIRE CAR WAS LOST.
Aug 30, 2018
CAR RAN OUT OF OIL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT, UNTIL CAR DIED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEN LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD BEEN MOSTLY KEEPING UP WITH MY OIL CHANGES, AND WAS ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES OVER RECOMMENDED LIMITS. ENGINE SEIZED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. MY MECHANIC TRIED TO REBUILD IT, BUT WAS UNABLE TO. HE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH A USED ENGINE, AT A COST OF $6,000, AND SIX WEEKS OF A RENTAL CAR. I REACHED OUT TO SUBARU FOR HELP, BUT THEY WOULD DO NOTHING UNLESS MY CAR WAS IN THEIR SHOP, AT WHICH POINT THEY MAY BE ABLE TO PAY FOR A PORTION OF IT. THEY ASKED IF I HAD BEEN GETTING MY MAINTENANCE DONE AT THEIR SHOP, AND I HADN'T BECAUSE THEY WANT $1500 FOR EVERY 20,000 MILE SERVICE WORK DONE, OR WHATEVER, WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD. SO I ASSUMED AT THAT POINT IT WOULD BE POINTLESS, AND MORE COSTLY, TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED THERE AND THEN HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE, OR HAVE THEM TRY TO SELL ME A NEW CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY A SUBARU AGAIN AND WILL NEVER RECOMMEND ANYONE EVER GET ONE. I GOOGLED INCIDENCE OF REPAIR AND FOUND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS, AND SCADS OF LAWSUITS AGAINST SUBARU FOR THIS. I TRIED TO JOIN A CLASS ACTION, BUT HAVE HEARD NOTHING. TO MY MIND, A CAR ENGINE SHOULD NOT RUN OUT OF OIL AND SEIZE AFTER ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES OVER THE LIMIT. THERE HAVE BEEN NO OIL LEAKS IN MY GARAGE OR UNDER MY CAR.
May 21, 2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
RECALL FOR PUDDLE LIGHTS--SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING IN 2017--I TOOK CAR TO RAPID CITY SD COURTESY SUBARU. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PUDDLE LIGHTS HAD BEEN REMOVED, AND THERE WEREN'T ANY PUT BACK IN, NOR DID THEY HAVE ANY AND WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THEM. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THEY GOT THEM, BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM THEM.
Dec 22, 2017
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
Jan 05, 2010
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) BUT HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THEM FOR WEEKS DUE TO A HIGH CALL VOLUME. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Jul 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AS A RESULT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GARAGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (BRAKES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Aug 27, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
COMPASS DISPLAY IN REAR VIEW MIRROR WENT OUT, NO LONGER DISPLAYS DIRECTION. MY FRIEND HAS THE SAME VEHICLE AND HIS WENT OUT ALSO. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE BECAUSE IT HELPS TELL THE DRIVER WHAT DIRECTION HE'S TRAVELING WHEN TRAVELING IN UNFAMILIAR PLACE. *TR
Jun 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT PROVIDE A DATE THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Jun 20, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND STAYED ON. THAT MEANT SOMETHING WAS AMISS WITH THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM, PROBABLY A LOOSE GAS CAP. I CHECKED THE CAP, TOOK IT OFF AND RETIGHTENED IT UNTIL I HEARD THE PROPER CLICKING SOUND. THE LIGHT REMAINED ON THE REST OF THE TRIP HOME. TWICE MORE BEFORE SERVICING, I REPEATED THE PROCESS OF CHECKING THE CAP. BOTH TIMES I HEARD THE CLICKING SOUND. THE LIGHT REMAINED ON. I HAD THE PROBLEM LOOKED AT BY A SUBARU DEALER. AFTER 2 HOURS THEY TOLD ME I WAS EITHER OVERFILLING THE TANK - I NEVER TOP OFF - OR NOT PUTTING THE CAP ON PROPERLY. I TOLD THEM I KNOW HOW TO PUT A GAS CAP ON, EXPLAINED HOW I DO IT, AND IF THERE IS A BETTER WAY, PLEASE SHOW ME. THEY ONLY REPEATED THAT IT MUST BE ME BECAUSE THE CAP WAS LOOSE ENOUGH TO BE LEAKING GAS. DESPITE MY INSISTING THAT SOMETHING ELSE WAS WRONG, THEY SAID BRING IT BACK IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I WILL REPEAT THAT THE GAS CAP WAS PUT ON AS PROPERLY AS IT CAN BE DONE. THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE GOING ON HERE AND IT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. I REPLACED THE OLD CAP WITH A NEW ONE AND HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM. *TR
Jun 03, 2013
GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE VEHICLE WHEN STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS CAUSING HEADACHES,AND FEAR OF FIRE! *TR
Feb 24, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, AND THE CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE, IT ALSO HANDLED ROUGHLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS FLASHING, ALONG WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED, AS IT WASN'T DRIVABLE. MY LOCAL GARAGE REPAIRED MY CAR, I RECEIVED 4 NEW SPARK PLUGS, AND AN AIR FILTER. 9 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AS WELL AS THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT, AND THE VEHICLE DYNAMICS WARNING LIGHT, AGAIN IT WAS REPAIRED, THIS HAD TO DO WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MESSAGE, BUT ALL MY LOCAL GARAGE COULD FIND WAS A SMALL LEAK NEAR THE MANIFOLD THAT THEY REPAIRED. 2 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN, I NOW CALLED MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED A FAULTY CATALYST CONVERTER, AND AF SENSOR, THE ALSO CHANGED MY OIL, AS IT WAS DUE, AND SUGGESTED I HAVE A TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSH AND REFILL, AND THAT MY REAR AND FRONT DIFFERENTIALS, NEEDED A DRAIN AND REFILL. 5 DAYS PASSED ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THIS TIME IT WAS FLASHING, I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED, THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED THE WRONG SPARK PLUGS WERE PUT IN INITIALLY, AND REPLACED THEM WITH PLATINUM TIP SPARK PLUGS THAT MY MODEL TAKES. 4 DAYS PASSED ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WITH BEING UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, I WAS GOING UP HILL, SO I CONTINUED ON, TO REACH A PARKING LOT, I COULD STOP IN BUT SUDDENLY, IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING UNBLOCKED, THIS MADE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GO AWAY, UNTIL 2 DAYS LATER, ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, I ONCE AGAIN BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT THE CATALYST CONVERTER, BUT SAID IT WAS 'TOO SOON" SO THEY LEFT THE WORK ORDER OPEN , IN CASE IT OCCURRED AGAIN,AND GAVE ME THIS LECTURE ABOUT THE GRADE OF GAS I AM BUYING. 4 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RETURNED, THIS TIME SUBARU DISCOVERED THE MY OTHER O2 SENSOR WAS FAULTY, AND THEY WOULD REPLACE IT, WHEN THE PART COMES IN. *TR
Nov 23, 2012
FOR SOME ODD REASON ON MONDAY, APRIL 23 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, MY AWD INDICATOR, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ALL AT ONCE. I CAME INTO WORK AND GOOGLED THE ABOVE ITEMS ALONG WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL OF THE CAR...MUCH TO MY SURPRISE MULTIPLE LINKS, ITEMS, AND THREADS APPEARED. SO I READ MOST OF THEM AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH SUBARU'S THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. I BECAME CONCERNED BECAUSE NO RECALL WAS ISSUED AND IT SEEMS MORE THAN COINCIDENCE THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE SINCE I CALLED THE SUBARU DEALER AND THEY COULD HAVE CARED LESS. *TR
Apr 26, 2012
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR LOST ALL POWER. WAS ABLE TO LIMP OFF THE ROAD AND WAIT 3 HOURS FOR A TOW TO DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSIS; STAGE 4 BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OR SYMPTOMS AND COULD HAVE BEEN A GREATER DANGER IF HEAVIER TRAFFIC. HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS KNOW ON EARLY MODEL SUBARU'S.
Mar 22, 2021
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I HAVE LOVE IN TOWN AND HAVE BEEN REPLACING ROTORS AND PADS EVERY 6 MONTHS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2018 AND HAVE PUT UNDER 30000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO BEEN REPLACING WHEEL BEARINGS CONSTANTLY.
Jan 26, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTER HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. IN THE PAST MONTH I'VE PUT $3,000 IN PARTS AND MAINTENANCE. RADIATOR BLEW, COOLANT SENSOR, WHOLE NEW EXHAUST, ALL NEW HUB BARINGS, 2 NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND MY MAIN PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED!!! THE CAR IDLES AT THE STOP LIGHT AND DURING THE ACCELERATION IT STALLS! I TOOK IT TO 4 DEALERS AND THEY TELL ME MY GAS IS TO RICH???? WHAT IS THAT???? I'M UPSET WITH THIS CAR AND IT SUCKS. I'VE HAD THIS CAR NOT EVEN A YEAR.
Jul 22, 2020
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED/SHATTERED. WHEN ENTERING THE CAR THE REAR WINDOW WAS IN ONE PIECE. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE A CHUNK OF MY WINDOW FELL IN. THE PATTERN AROUND THE CRACKED WINDOW APPEARS AS A CLUSTER OF THERMAL BREAKS. I HAVE LOOKED AND THERE ARE MORE SUBARU'S REPORTED WITH THIS ISSUE AS WELL WHICH HAS TO DEAL WITH HOW THE CAR DE-FROSTS THE GLASS. *TR
Jun 23, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WEIRD THINGS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WITH MY CAR, I KNOW THAT SOMEONE IS USING THE SATELLITE RADIO PORT TO TAMPER WITH THE SAFETY OF MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP IT HAS A BRAND NEW ENGINE IN IT, THE STEERING LIGHT SYSTEM FLASHING ISN'T EVEN RELEVANT TO A PROBLEM THAT IT COULD HAVE. EVERYTHING LISTED ON TARGETED CARS, HAS HAPPENED WITH MY CAR.
Nov 12, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I KEEP GETTING A TIMING OVER-ADVANCED CODE WITH A BAD CAT CODE.
May 08, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) THAT IS FAULTY AND UNNECESSARY. WHEN THE TIRES ARE AT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE THE TPMS LIGHT APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING COLD WEATHER AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. IF YOU WANT IT TO GO AWAY YOU HAVE TO PAY A TECHNICIAN TO RESET IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER MADE IT SO IT CANNOT BE DISABLED. AS I STATED IT IS FAULTY AND UNNECESSARY AND PEOPLE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTINUALLY PAY TO HAVE IT RESET OR REPLACED. AS WELL I OWN A 2008 IMPREZA WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE WINDSHIELD DEFROST/WIPER SITUATION IS ALSO A SERIOUS ISSUE! EITHER THE DEFROST DOES NOT HEAT THE WINDSHIELD ENOUGH FOR THE WIPERS TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD OR THE WIPER ARMS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO APPLY ENOUGH PRESSURE TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. IN RAIN AND SNOW CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIELD IS VERY HARD TO SEE THROUGH AND QUITE FRANKLY DANGEROUS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE COVERING MANY GENERATIONS WITH VERY FEW TO VERY HIGH MILES AND THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH ALL GENERATIONS OF THIS MODEL.
Feb 07, 2019
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
ENGINE SQUEEKING, HOOD POPS UP, SKIPS GEARS, BRAKES SCHREETCH, ELECTRICAL LIGHTS ALL ON, WINDOW FELL DOWN, LEAKS HORRIBLY, HEAT AND AIR ALTERNATE, CONCERN FOR FAMILY SAFETY. DEALER GUARANTEED VERIFIED ALL SAFE, CLEAR CAR FAX, AND SUBARU SERVICE VERIFIED MANY MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES IS NOW 'UNSAFE'
Apr 25, 2018
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
TAKATA AIR BAG: I AM WRITING TO COMPLAINING ABOUT SUBARU'S INABILITY TO COMPLETE TWO NHTSA RECALL NOTICES: IN THE FALL OF 2016 WE GOT TWO RECALLS ON OUR CAR, 16V738000 (AIR INJECTION PUMP) AND 17V026000 (PASSENGER AIRBAG). WE HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR OVER 16 MONTHS WITH THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSONNEL TO GET THE REQUIRED PARTS SHIPPED TO A GERMAN SUBARU DEALERSHIP TO GET OUR CAR BACK ON THE ROAD. OVER THIS TIME WE HAVE SEEN NOTHING CONCRETE, HAD A LACK OF FOLLOW UP, HAD OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE CLAIM NUMBER DELETED IN THEIR SYSTEM AND REINSTATED AGAIN AND WERE TOLD ALL THE BLAME WAS ON YOUR PARENT COMPANY IN JAPAN AND THEIR INABILITY TO EITHER RESPOND TO YOUR RECALL DEPARTMENTS PERSONNEL EMAILS AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD HOW DANGEROUS IT IS TO SHIP THESE PARTS. I HAVE ANOTHER JAPANESE CAR WITH ME IN GERMANY, A HONDA. HONDA OF AMERICA CONTACTED HONDA OF GERMANY AND HAVE AUTHORIZED A LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO ORDER AND REPLACE THE PART ON MY HONDA'THAT PROCESS ONLY TOOK 6 WEEKS VERSUS 16 MONTHS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING WITH SUBARU. MY PATIENCE HAS RUN VERY THIN. I KNOW THAT GETTING AMERICAN SERVICEMEN'S VEHICLES SERVICED OVERSEAS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS LONG. CAN YOU PLEASE INQUIRE WITH SUBARU AND PUT PRESSURE AT THE RIGHT LEVEL TO GET THESE PROBLEMS FIXED.
Jan 05, 2018
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR WAS SHAKING DURING ACCLERATION, STREET N HIGHWAY, ESP LOW GEARS, LESS AFTER GETTING UP TO ~50 MPH. CV BOOT LEAKING. REPLACED AXLE. CAR STILL SHAKING WITH ACCELERATION. MGT HAVE TO TRY REPLACING OTHER FRT AXLE. ONLY 82000. JUST HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION ALSO! I DON'T KNOW WHAT SYSTEM THAT CALLS UNDER ...TRANSMISSION WENT ABOUT 81000, JUNE ~8TH . I HAD COUPLE INCIDENCES OF CAR NOT ACCELERATING WHEN PRESSING PEDAL. JUST THOUGHT I WAS MB IMAGINING IT. NEXT MORNING. NO FORWARD..ONLY REVERSE..=TRANSMISSION! IDK, IF TRANSMISSION BEING REBUILT AND REMOVAL OF AXLES COULD HAVE A RELATIONSHIP. SHORTY THEREAFTER..CAN'T REALLY SAY IF I'M SURE WHEN SHAKING BEGAN BUT I KNOW I SAID SOMETHING WHEN I PICKED IT UP AND AGAIN A WEEK LATER.. IDK, AS A GIRL,.EVERY WHERE I GO, GUYS KEEP SAYING,... "THAT'S NORMAL". I CAN SCAN DOCS IF NEEDED LATER FOR REPAIRS.MO ILE SITE DOESN'T ALLOW ME TO ADD SPEED OR MILEAGE BUT LISTED ABOVE..
Nov 12, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED OCCASIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BOTTOM HAD A SHORT IN THE ODS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIT UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE DEALER WORKED ON THE BATTERY TERMINALS. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN, TWICE. UPDATED 07/14/16.*JB
May 18, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
1 complaint
THE PAST MONTH OR SO I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER DIDN'T SEEM TO FEEL RIGHT ON MY BUTT. THE SEAT SEEMED TO ALMOST BURN ME IN ONE SPOT. I THOUGHT IT WAS ODD, BUT DIDN'T LOOK INTO IT FURTHER. JUST THIS PAST WEEK I NOTICED THAT ONLY THE BACK HEATER WAS WORKING. WHILE CLEANING THE CAR OUT TODAY I NOTICED A VERY SMALL BURN HOLE IN THE CLOTH SEAT. I DECIDED TO REMOVE THE SEAT AND INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. DURING MY INVESTIGATION I NOTICED THAT IT WAS DEFINITELY A BURN MARK AND THERE WAS MELTED/BLACK AREAS UNDER THE CLOTH. I DID NOT DIG TOO DEEP INTO THE SEAT SINCE I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE AN ISSUE PUTTING IT ALL BACK TOGETHER. I HAVE TWO PICTURES. ONE OF THE HOLE AND ONE UNDER THE CLOTH. I DID THE BEST I COULD PHOTOGRAPHING UNDER THE CLOTH. I REMOVED THE POWER TO THE SEAT HEATER.
Feb 28, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE SECONDARY AIR PUMP IN FORESTER/WRX AND OTHER SUBARU, TURBO MODELS ACCUMULATES MOISTURE, AS A RESULT OF WHICH, IN MANY VEHICLES THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM BECOMES INOPERATIVE WITH ENGINE MALFUNCTION CODES P2444, P2444B, P0410, P2440 AND OTHER SUCH CODES. THIS APPEARS TO BE A RECURRING AND AN ENGINEERING DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF SUBARU TURBO MODELS WHICH REQUIRES EXPENSIVE FIX (UPTO $1500) AND WITHOUT WHICH, THE AFOREMENTIONED SUBARU VEHICLES WILL NOT PASS EMISSION CONTROLS. MOST OWNERS ARE FORCED TO RESORT TO WORK AROUNDS SUCH AS GETTING RID OF THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM ALTOGETHER, BUT THIS INCREASES EMISSIONS ABOVE EPA NORMS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE INTO THIS ISSUE. *TR
Apr 24, 2015
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I STARTED THE CAR FROM A PARKED POSITION ON A FAIRLY LEVEL DRIVEWAY(SLIGHT UPGRADE), IN ORDER TO BRING IT INTO MY GARAGE--APPROXIMATE DISTANCE 20 FEET. STARTED ENGINE AND WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL WHICH IS REQUIRED, I ENGAGED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE ENGINE ROARED, RPMS SOARED, AND WITH MY FOOT STILL FIRMLY PLANTED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR RAN THROUGH THE GARAGE, CRASHED INTO MY ATV, WHICH WAS PARKED PARALLEL TO BACK WALL OF GARAGE. THE CAR HIT THE ATV WITH SUCH FORCE, THAT THE REAR WHEEL OF THE ATV WAS PROPELLED OVER A 6" POURED CONCRETE FOOTER AND THE THROUGH REAR WALL OF MY ATTACHED FRAMED AND DRYWALLED GARAGE(GROUND LEVEL). WHEN THE SECOND REAR WHEEL OF THE ATV BECAME PINNED AGAINST THE SAME FOOTER AND WOULD NOT LEAP IT, APPARENTLY BECAUSE OF THE REAR WALL DEBRIS FIELD, I WAS ABLE TO THROW THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURN IGNITION TO OFF POSITION. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. I IMMEDIATELY LEFT THE VEHICLE AND MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS TO CHECK FLOOR MAT POSITIONING--- NOT A PROBLEM. RESULTS OF THE CRASH SO FAR IS THAT I HAVE A CRUMPLED FRONT END OF THE FORESTER AND THE HOOD WON'T CLOSE FIRMLY. I HAVE AN ATV THAT MAY HAVE A BENT REAR AXLE, RUINED WHEEL(S), DENTED PLASTIC PARTS, AND POSSIBLY THE FRAME OF THE ATV. THERE IS A PLOW ATTACHMENT WHICH WILL ALSO NEED TO BE CHECKED ON THE ATV. THE GARAGE REAR WALL HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT, AND NOW SITS ABOUT THREE FEET INTO THE BACKYARD. ALL THESE ITEMS ARE CURRENTLY BEING LOOKED AT BY INSURANCE ADJUSTERS AND CONTRACTORS, SO I AM UNABLE TO GIVE FINAL COST OF DAMAGES. FORTUNATELY, MY WIFE AND DOG WERE NOT NEAR THE ATV OR BEHIND THE EXTERIOR WALL WHEN THIS HAPPENED, OTHERWISE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURIES, I'M SURE. I CALLED THE NHTSA TOLL-FREE # YESTERDAY, LEFT MESSAGE, BUT DID NOT HEAR BACK. THUS, THIS REPORT IS 1 DAY LATER. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *TR
Apr 07, 2015
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
AT APPROX 40 MPH, ON WET ROAD (NO STANDING WATER) VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND BEGAN SWERVING UNCONTROLLABLY ACROSS THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE WITH STEERING MANEUVERS. IMMEDIATELY BEFORE INCIDENT, DRIVER COULD FEEL TRACTION LOSS IN REAR TIRES. REAR OF VEHICLE SLID TO RIGHT THAN TO LEFT AND CONTINUED FISHTAILING UNTIL VEHICLE REGAINED TRACTION. DRIVER WAS SAFELY ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD. *TR
Feb 28, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH OIL SINCE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL WAS DONE IN FALL OF 2013. FIRST NOTICED AROUND FEBRUARY OF 2014 WHEN OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND NO OIL IN ENGINE. I COMPLAINED TO DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING. I KEPT COMPLAINING ON MY OIL CHANGE OR OTHER APPOINTMENTS BUT THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE CAR WAS GOING THROUGH 2-3 COURTS EVERY 2-3 MONTHS, WITH "BURN" TIME GETTING CLOSER TOGETHER - EVENTUALLY CHECKED OIL EVERY 3 WEEKS BY SUMMER AND EVERY WEEK BY OCTOBER. WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN I EVENTUALLY BYPASSED THE DEALER AFTER NO SOLUTION AND COMPLAINED TO SUBARU. I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME FINDING A DEALER WILLING TO TAKE THE CAR (SO DID SUBARU). FEELING IT WAS A DEALER WORKMANSHIP ISSUE I PAID FOR THE WORK AND SUBARU REIMBURSED ME TO REPLACED THE HEAD GASKETS IN DECEMBER 2014 - STATING IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTTEE SO THAT IS HOW IT HAS TO BE DONE. THE OTHER DAY (FEBRUARY 6, 2015) ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND NO OIL WAS IN THE ENGINE - THIS IS 2 MONTHS AFTER WORK DONE. THIS CAR HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE THE BEGINNING AND I FEEL AS A FIRST YEAR REDESIGNED MODEL IT IS A SUBARU DEFECT. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES 3 TIMES IN A SHORT SPAN - FEW YEARS (3 MAYBE). IT HAS NEVER HAD GOOD PICK-UP AND SINCE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL WAS DONE THE GAS MILEAGE DROPPED - WAS 22/28 NOW 19/23. THE DEALER WHO REPLACED HEAD GASKETS MADE A NOTATION ON MY BILL (WITHOUT TELLING ME DIRECTLY) THAT THE SWAY BARS NEED ATTENTION. MY BROTHER HAS A 2007 FORESTER AND HAS HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THESE ITEMS AS WELL WITHIN THE LAST FEW YEARS. I NEEDS A RELIABLE VEHICLE TO EARN A LIVING. *JS
Feb 08, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ENGINE AND STABILITY ISSUES.
Dec 22, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I HAVE A SUBARU 2009 THAT I BOUGHT LAST YEAY WITH AROUND 25000 MILES UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY . VIN [XXX] . AND THIS AS HAPPENED TE TIMES SO FAR . WHILE DRIVING OR JUST STARTING OF THE CAR SHAKES VERY HARD , AND THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON THE CHECK ENGINE AD CRUISE CONTROL AND AS THE CAR TRIES TO SHIFT THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES . THEN AS YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IT LOSES POWER ALMOST AS IF IT IS STALLING OUT . IT DID THIS TO ME ON INTERSTATE 85 AT 65 MPH AND I BARELY MISSED A TRUCK. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER SHIP TWICE AND TAKEN IT IN ONCE AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG ? NOW THAT I ALMOST WRECKED LAST NIGHT I AM CONTACTING YOU . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Nov 23, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS GOING AROUND A CUP-DE-SAC TO STOP TO A HAVE MY PASSENGER EXIT THE CAR TO HER HOUSE, I HEARD ENGINE REV AND PUSH FORWARD INTO HER HOLLOW TILE WALL, GARDEN AND DOWN THE OTHER SIDE OF HER PROPERTY AND STOP ON THE WALL BEFORE I THOUGHT OF TURNING THE ENGINE OFF. *TR
Nov 18, 2014
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2009 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL AND OTHER REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. HOWEVER, SHE DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE DRIVE SHAFT AND FRONT SWAY BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ON A VEHICLE WITH 70,000 MILES. ALSO, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WERE REPLACED. *JB
Nov 12, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN NORTH ON I 83 WHEN THE CAR (SUBARU FORESTER 2009) STARTED SWAYING BETWEEN TWO LANES. I COULDN'T CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL TO STOP THE SWAYING UNTIL THE CAR SPEED LOWERED CONSIDERABLY. OTHER CARS ALONG SIDE AND BEHIND MY CAR TOOK EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID HITTING MY CAR. I DROVE THE CAR HOME SAFELY AFTER I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR EVEN AFTER THE CAR WAS EXAMINED BY A COLLISION CENTER AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE DIRECT CAUSE OF THE INCIDENCE. THE COLLISION CENTER SUGGESTED REALIGNMENT AND ROTATION OF THE WHEELS. THEY ALSO RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF A BUSHING AT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE CAR DIDN'T AGREE THAT THE BUSHING REPLACEMENT WAS NECESSARY. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE AUTO. *TR
Sep 15, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH NORMAL BRAKE DEPRESSION; VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH, NO BRAKES AND THE DASH CONTROL CENTER COMPLETELY LIT UP. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WAS BY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL AND ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE. I THEN TRIED THE SAME PROCEDURE IN FORWARD WITH THE SAME RESULTS EXCEPT THIS TIME RESULTING WITH THE CAR COLLIDING WITH THE GARAGE WALL CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $6000.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE BETWEEN THE CAR AND HOUSE. *TR
Aug 28, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN RAINY WEATHER, VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND LOST POWER, FORCING DRIVER INTO AN UNSAFE SITUATION OF COAXING CAR TO SHOULDER. CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON, AND CRUISE LIGHT FLASHED. AFTER SHUTTING ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING, SAME LIGHTS REMAINED ON BUT ENGINE RAN NORMALLY. WE HAVE ALSO ANOTHER 2009 FORESTER WHICH EXPERIENCES MISFIRES, SAME LIGHTS, AFTER STARTING COLD ON A RAINY DAY. ALTHOUGH WE HAVE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES FROM SUBARU ON OTHER LESS CRITICAL TOPICS, THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN INCLINATION ON THEIR PART TO ADDRESS THIS ENGINE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN DISASTER. OUR ONLINE RESEARCHES SUGGEST THAT MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR MALFUNCTIONS, AND WE DON'T DETECT ANY SERIOUS EFFORT BY THE MANUFACTURER TO FIX THIS. *TR
Jul 30, 2014
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND POT HOLES, I HEARD A SOUND COMING FROM THE CARS SUSPENSION. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SPEED YOU DRIVE YOU HEAR IT ANYWAYS. *TR
Jul 19, 2013
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
THE SUPERLATCH LOOSENS AS SOON AS YOU TOUCH THE ADJUSTER OR BUMP THE SEAT. IT DOES NOT LOCK AT ALL IN MY VEHICLE. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2009, MAKE=SUBARU, MODEL=FORESTER). *TR
Apr 23, 2011
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
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
Feb 17, 2010
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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
Feb 10, 2010
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
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
Dec 03, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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
Jul 10, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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
Jun 20, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
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
May 14, 2009
STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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
Jan 19, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2009 SUBARU Forester have?
The 2009 SUBARU Forester currently has 178 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2009 SUBARU Forester?
The most common problems reported for the 2009 SUBARU Forester are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2009 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2009 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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