2009 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
- 24
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 24 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 3 indicate fire
What owners report
- check engine · 6 records
- engine light · 4 records
- light came · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 7 |
| 30–60k mi | 4 |
| 100–150k mi | 3 |
| 150–400k mi | 3 |
| 1–30k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Electronic Stability Control · Engine · Service Brakes
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.
ODI 11279714
Engine
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.
ODI 11221748
Engine · Unknown Or Other · Vehicle Speed Control
I keep getting a timing over-advanced code with a bad cat code.
ODI 11206339
Engine
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…
ODI 11172994
Engine · Unknown Or Other
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.
Fire reported · 1 injury
ODI 11123557
Engine
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.
Fire reported
ODI 11119869
Engine · Service Brakes · Suspension
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'
ODI 11090141
Engine
Head gaskets fail around 125,000 miles. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. Did not cause an accident in my case.
ODI 11035281
Engine
Vehicle was in motion on the freeway when engine light turned on and immediately brakes stopped working and engine stopped as well. Fire and smoke came out of the engine and filled the cabin. Driver and passengers had to escape and the car within minutes was engulfed in flames.
Fire reported
ODI 11020679
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 subaru forester. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance at competition subaru of smithtown ([redacted], st james, ny 11780, [redacted]), 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
ODI 11184000
Engine
Head gaskets fail around 100,000 miles. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. Did not cause an accident in my case.
ODI 10954066
Engine · Power Train · Suspension
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…
ODI 10925600
Air Bags · Engine
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…
ODI 11060717
Engine
Sudden acceleration caused a serious accident. Upon pulling into a parking space the vehicle suddenly acceleration and crashed into a building. This is the second time this has happened with this vehicle.
Crash reported
ODI 10872291
Engine
This past april, i purchased a 2009 subaru forester from byers subaru and eagerly anticipated the ownership experience subaru promises and proudly bases its reputation. Contrary to the subaru promise, my experience over the first 3 months has been a nightmare. Prior to the purchase, i had committed to having the scheduled maintenance performed by the dealer and did. The first service was performed within a few weeks…
ODI 10733435
Engine · Unknown Or Other
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…
ODI 10717757
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System · Vehicle Speed Control
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…
Crash reported
ODI 10629193
Electrical System · Engine
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…
ODI 10617596
Engine
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. *tr
ODI 10569298
Engine · Service Brakes
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 -…
ODI 10682014
Engine
Tl* 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.
ODI 10544250
Engine
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…
ODI 10524073
Engine
Tl* 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…
ODI 10537346
Engine
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. *tr
ODI 10509264