2009 Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 2009

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2009 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

Engine (31%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (13%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 322 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2009 Subaru Forester.

2009 Subaru Forester repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (10%)

$500 - $999 (15%)

$100 - $499 (27%)

< $100 (44%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 227 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2009 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

Subaru Forester in Georgia (nation)
Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

$328
left rear door actuator replaced 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2016 - Feb 2016
Feb 2016

144460 mi

C $1400
Wheel bearings 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2015 - Oct 2015
Oct 2015

143220 mi
Head gaskets starting to leak. Temperature gage on dash doesn't work. 

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2009 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Romania
Oct 2012 - Dec 2017
Apr 2013

42560 mi

$600
Front left brake caliper replaced (one piston blocked). 
Jan 2014

42300 mi

$330
All silent blocks (front and rear) were replaced. 
Aug 2014

55800 mi

$1500
Replace the viscous center differential 
Dec 2014

60140 mi
Replace the self leveling system for xenon headlights 
May 2015

62000 mi
Capital repair of the engine. 
Jun 2015

63240 mi
Replace the bumpers (shock absorbers) front and rear 
Nov 2015

67580 mi

$625
Radiator replacement 

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2009 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States
May 2009 - Sep 2017
Dec 2009

24000 mi
Excessive rock chips on paint just in front of rear tires caused by too small of a protector installed at factory. Repainted sides of car and installed new 3M protection to match those used in current production. 
Oct 2016

132500 mi

US $450
Replaced lower control arm bushings as suggested by dealer. Normal wear item. 
Subaru Forester in Nebraska, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2014
Dec 2013

104000 mi
had the head gaskets changed, also the belts and fuel filter 
Jun 2014

108000 mi
had front shocks changed 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2011 - Sep 2012
Aug 2012

45200 mi
noise in engine has to be torn down to find problem dealer giving run around if it should be by the drive train warranty 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Mar 2008 - Mar 2013
Apr 2008

1000 mi

US $10
Overhead light assembly wires squeaked against housing. Added separators and silicon lubricant to reduce noise. 
Aug 2008

4000 mi
HVAC blower motor generated clicking noise after warmup. 
Sep 2008

4000 mi
Clicking HVAC fan motor. This was replaced per warranty. 
Dec 2008

6000 mi
Rebuilt upper light console with silicon components, and added silicon seal between headliner fasten point, holding snap, and metal roof assembly, to get rid of creaking due to temperature changes. 
Jan 2009

6000 mi
Dealer added additional door insulation to stop rattles but damaged driver door tweeter in process. Followup appointment was scheduled. Tweeter successfully remounted, door insulation properly fitted. Rear fender paint gravel shields too small. TSB authorized larger ones as replacements. Technician damaged new parts on installation. Service writer scheduled 2nd install with body shop (covered by warranty). Loaner vehicle to be provided. Larger paint gravel shields successfully fitted and installed. 
Feb 2009

7000 mi
Paint has worn off inside of drivers armrest. Service provider took picture, is requesting feedback from service manager as to whether paint is warranty item. 
Mar 2009

7000 mi
Paint had worn off inside of door arm rest. Arm rest was replaced. 
Jul 2010

21700 mi
Side airbag brackets causing clunks/rattles in rear of vehicle. Dealer performed TSB to correct problem. 
Oct 2010

25000 mi
Gas cap broke and no longer sealed tank, causing check engine light to come on. Was replaced under warranty - no further problems with fuel system. rattles under rear seat. bolts tightened, rear seat realigned. 
Feb 2011

29000 mi
Left front visor was not staying in position. Visor was replaced with improved model. Rough shifting transmission. Was told Forester transmissions often become rough with wear and that the shifting fell within factory specifications. 
May 2011

30000 mi
Transmission shifts had become excessively rough. Reset transmission controller to default state so it could relearn shifting. Transmission shifting reverted to what it was when car was new - relatively smooth. 
Jan 2012

20800 mi
brake light in rear replaced 
Mar 2013

52000 mi
rattles from rear interior of vehicle, mainly when rear of vehicle went over bumps. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2013
Jun 2012

26000 mi

US $250
Front sway bar end links rusted out and replaced 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2012 - Feb 2016
Sep 2012

66000 mi

US $30
Went to dealer to have differential oil changed. They would only do rear diff as the front diff dipstick was stuck in filler tube and would not come out. I bought a new one and with much effort removed the stuck one. The original was corroded. 
Dec 2014

118000 mi
Took my Forester in to have differential axle seals replaced. 4 days after I noticed a strong smell of diff fluid. Took it back to dealer after Christmas and they found that tech had not tightend seal cover properly. Found loose axle nut After last repair and ensuing return to tighten seal. I heard a loud grinding noise at right front,same one previous return for loose seal. Tech had not tightened axle nut causing wheel bearing to be destroyed. Dealer replaced. Seems good. 
Apr 2015

124500 mi
Previously replaced right axle seal leaking,when removed found it had been torn on install.Replaced under warrenty. 
Sep 2015

131000 mi

US $350
Bushing on lower control arms worn badly. I replaced both control arms and had a alignment performed. 
Feb 2016

142000 mi

US $300
INNER TIE ROD REPLACED 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Dec 2009 - Apr 2011
Jan 2010

60000 mi
Slight coolant leak from radiator cap. Cap was replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2011 - Jul 2013
May 2012

43000 mi

US $200
Check engine light on-replaced the EGR/came back on 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Jan 2010 - Feb 2017
Nov 2014

77000 mi
Diff was squeeling. 
Jan 2017

78000 mi

US $500
Cracked radiator. No blown heads, thankfully 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Dec 2010 - Apr 2012
Sep 2011

27000 mi
The cosmetic hard plastic piece on the outside of the wheel well came off. The dealership knows this is a problem and Subaru is trying to get a long term fix. 
Apr 2012

37000 mi
Another cosmetic hard plastic piece on the outside of the wheel well came off. The dealership knows this is a problem and Subaru is trying to get a long term fix...no solution yet 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Dec 2011 - Dec 2013
Mar 2012

55000 mi

US $850
Turbo failure due to oil blockage in banjo bolts. Car burning oil. Required turbo replacement. 
Feb 2013

78200 mi

US $700
Lower control arms were cracked and replaced. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
- May 2009
Jan 2009

5518 mi
Blown engine and damaged turbo. 
Feb 2009

5549 mi
Repainted due to rust. 
Mar 2009

8060 mi
Secondary air pump failure. 
Apr 2009

7502 mi
CEL, ABS, Cruise light malfunctions. 
May 2009

8060 mi
Stereo malfunction and replacement. 
Subaru Forester in Hawaii, United States
Apr 2009 - Jun 2011
Dec 2009

10000 mi
Replaced CD changer (error, wouldn't play) 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2008 - Mar 2016
Jan 2010

33280 mi
CD changer wouldn't work. Otherwise the audio system functions normally. The system was replaced and so far so good. 
Mar 2011

24180 mi
Stabilizer bar was replaced. 
Jul 2012

33260 mi
drive shaft noise due to loose part digital thermometer 
Feb 2013

37800 mi

C $74
sun visor cracked and broke on the driver side. 
Jun 2014

48360 mi
O2 sensor broke. $500 to replace. Some belt need to be replaced. Another $200. All brakes rusted. Need $700. 
Aug 2014

48460 mi

C $400
windshield washer tubes kinked and couldn`t spray 
Mar 2015

52080 mi
car won`t start without noise and electricity available. Car started without repair after 30 mins. Brought to the mechanic for check up. Recall from the dealer on the brake line. 
Jul 2015

52900 mi

C $500
Appliance bushing 
Subaru Forester in Northwest Territory, Canada
Apr 2011 - Jun 2011
Jun 2011

39680 mi

C $6800
Connecting Rod broken. Catastrophic engine failure. Known problem with 09 Subarus. 

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2009 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

turbocharged 145hp 2.0L H4 Diesel 6-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Romania
Jun 2013 - Nov 2017
Jun 2013

43400 mi

$400
A/C radiator had a small hole and was replaced and the installation was recharced 
Jun 2014

62000 mi

$650
Center differential was broken. It was not replaced but repaired 
Nov 2014

66340 mi

$450
Check engine warning light was light-on. Mass air flow sensor was changed but the problem was not solved. Then a mechanic problem was discovered. A tube for air which come from the turbine was broken. Tube was replaced and problem solved 
Jul 2016

82540 mi

$50
Headlight senzor broken arm. The arm was repaired, Senzor was good. 
Sep 2016

85560 mi

$100
A rubber tube was broken. Tube was replaced 
Nov 2016

86280 mi

$300
Check engine was light on EGR valve was cleaned Then DPF Management problem occured DPF was dismounted, manually cleaned and mounted back After driving 500 Km, EGR valve causes problems again 
Dec 2016

86800 mi

$400
EGR valve was replaced 
Oct 2017

86800 mi

$3000
Short block was dismounted, examined. Because it was cracked the short block was replaced with a second hand short block. Unfortunately my mechanic cheated me and replaced the short block with a defect short block. I had to take the car and I went to a Subaru service finally where they discovered that the short block replaced was damaged too. I don't want to spend any other money for this car anymore. I sold it finally. 

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2009 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Vermont, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2015
Jul 2010

22000 mi
Gas cap line snapped, was replaced.  Dealer visit was due to ecu flash though. 
Aug 2014

76700 mi

US $350
Rear rotor and pads corroded due to leaking rear brake lines. Later found to be a recall. 
Subaru Forester in North Dakota, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2022
Mar 2010

29000 mi
Power steering hose replaced. Power steering hose replaced 
Dec 2016

127000 mi

US $4000
Replace Transmission Replace clutch 
Jun 2018

160000 mi

US $500
Front break pads, rotors, calipers replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
May 2008 - Sep 2015
Mar 2009

7440 mi
Sometimes a crackle noise when in cold conditions, but cannot be replicated very easy. Will see what happens next winter. 
Aug 2010

21700 mi
Factory CD player sometimes lost track of cd's (what song it was at before I turned vehicle off) then would go back to the start of cd when vehicle turned on. Very random when it happened but annoying. CD player replaced. 
Sep 2014

52700 mi

C $100
sway bar links broken 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Sep 2011 - Jun 2015
Nov 2012

27900 mi
My wife had a tire monitor sensor replaced at Wal-Mart. It caused of an air leak that existed since the car was purchased, the dealer service department ignored it. She also bought a new tire. Now we need 3 more, because of AWD system. 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Apr 2012 - Mar 2014
May 2012

28000 mi

US $1980
Engine stopped without warning (engine light came on as it shuddered to a stop); towed to nearest dealer; diagnosed 1 & 2 misfire (no explanation) - replaced engine coil and spark plugs. Engine stopped without warning (engine light came on as it shuddered to a stop); towed to nearest dealer; diagnosed 1 & 2 misfire (no explanation) - replaced engine coil and spark plugs. Had to apply for warranty reimbursement - not granted. 
Apr 2013

37000 mi

US $5250
Discovered transmission case was cracked after brakes were replaced, apparently due to getting a flat tire on the highway a couple of weeks earlier. Covered by warranty. 
Sep 2013

42000 mi
Catalytic converter replaced - initially damaged when the engine failed in May, 2012. Repair was covered by warranty (unlike the engine repair). 
Mar 2014

44000 mi

US $150
Fuse for heated seats, power mirrors One thing I never reported because there was never a diagnosis was the car continually lost oil and had as long as I owned it. I was told it wasn't burning and there was no evidence of a leak, but the oil was consistently low every 3-4K miles. 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Oct 2014 - Mar 2018
Mar 2016

99200 mi

C $1200
Replaced oil pressure switch (leak), removed oil pump to change leaking o-ring and redo RTV gasket. 
Feb 2017

109120 mi

C $100
Passenger side rear oil pressure sensor leaking. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Jan 2017 - Jun 2018
May 2017

45136 mi
Tire Pressure Sensor failed. Chose not to replace. 
Apr 2018

53576 mi
Wheel lug bolts cross threaded. Had to break bolts to remove wheel. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Aug 2008 - Jun 2018
Nov 2010

34400 mi
chirping noise, maybe from a pulley or belt-driven accessory (power steering pump, alternator, etc) 
Sep 2011

47000 mi

US $500
A/C Compressor clutch failed, as in disintegrated. Dealer replaced compressor, belts, recharged system, a couple o-rings, etc. Manufacturer (SOA) offered $300 in "goodwill" on an $800 repair bill. Disappointing repair on a 3-year-old car 
Oct 2012

58300 mi

US $300
Small oil leak from valve cover gasket and spark plug seals Driver's-side caliper sticking, causing abnormal pad wear. Replaced caliper, front brake rotors, front brake pads. Replaced brake fluid & bled system. 
Mar 2014

78000 mi

US $200
F/R End links worn, replaced. 
Apr 2014

78300 mi

US $250
Torn Driver's side CV boot. Replaced. Shop did alignment as well. 
Sep 2015

89000 mi

US $150
Car would intermittently not start--no cranking, no sound whatsoever. No ECM codes. Diagnosed (guessed) that I had a bad solenoid. Replaced starter/solenoid with reman unit from NAPA. Car starts every time. 
Mar 2016

95000 mi

US $200
Ball joints shot. R&R. 4-wheel Alignment by Goodyear. 
Nov 2016

100000 mi

US $2000
Cardone remanufactured steering pump leaked all over front of engine & exhaust. Less than one year old. Mechanic replaced it with OEM Subaru pump. Lower control arm bushings replaced. 
Jan 2017

79800 mi

US $3000
Clutch R&R. The lining wore out. My replacement may have been somewhat premature, it probably would have lasted another 5,000 miles or so. New struts/shocks Front & rear 
Feb 2017

103000 mi
New EGR valve; check engine light indicated problem 
Dec 2017

110000 mi

US $700
R&R 2 motor mounts and transmission mount. Valve Cover gaskets R&R 
Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia
Mar 2016 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016

58280 mi

A $280
Replaced fuel injectors as the engine was running relatively rough and rich. Injector change reduced the severity of the roughness and made the car run less rich, but not fully rectified. No trouble codes were displayed at any time Further to changing fuel injectors to prevent engine roughness, changed air/fuel ratio sensor to rectify potential misreading of air/fuel ratio. rear oxygen sensor reading appropriately. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Jul 2008 - Jun 2018
Dec 2015

68000 mi
Worn bushings and end-links replaced. 
Dec 2016

77000 mi

US $1800
Exhaust , heat shield , and header repair. 
Jul 2017

88000 mi

US $1750
Worn shocks; replaced with KYB aftermarket performance shocks and at same time installed aftermarket Swift springs. 
Sep 2017

91000 mi

US $740
Replaced spark plugs due to misfire.(and.check engine light).  Also replaced leaking driveshaft seal. Total includes.other fluid and filter annual maintenance. 
Jan 2018

94000 mi

US $1700
Replaced clutch due to wear 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Aug 2008 - Jun 2011
Dec 2008

7000 mi
Went in to have the ipod jack fixed, it had never worked since the day the car was purchased, apparently a wire had not been correctly connected so they fixed it for free and it works fine now 
Dec 2009

28000 mi
The stick shift frequently sticks and refuses to go into reverse. Dealership says that it's just the nature of the transmission and there's nothing they can do. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Dec 2014 - Dec 2015
Jul 2015

90800 mi

US $2300
3 Trips to correctly repair catalytic converter.  Also had to replace Oxygen sensors, valve gaskets and coil. 
Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2008 - Aug 2014
Apr 2009

12000 mi
Car would turn over but would not start. Towed to dealer, where it promptly started up. Dealer checked charging system, but made no repair. Problem has not occurred since. 
Jul 2012

60000 mi
Repaired loose exhaust heat shield 
Mar 2013

67000 mi

US $28
Sway bar links were worn, replaced. 
Jun 2014

89000 mi

US $24
Valve cover gasket leak - oil leaking into spark plug well caused ignition failure. 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Nov 2008 - Nov 2011
Sep 2010

33480 mi
Sway bar bushings. 

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2009 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Apr 2012 - Apr 2019
Jan 2013

42000 mi

US $468
exhaust flex pipe connector, corroded and not flexing. 
Jan 2014

62800 mi

US $325
Replaced both sway bar links. Replaced warn drive belts, they were cracking and making squealing noise when attempting to exit parking spaces. 
Mar 2015

65000 mi

US $6
Needed use 3 stainless steel worm gear clamps on exhaust heat shield. The bolts and nuts rotting off. 
May 2015

65900 mi

US $779
Front Control arm bushings needed replacement. 
Jan 2017

79000 mi

US $1104
pads & rotors front, pads rear and right front caliper. replaced coil, spark plugs and wires 
Jul 2017

84000 mi

US $650
Exhaust pipe broke off cat converter. They replaced the catalytic converter and twin exhausts with non-oem parts. 
Jan 2018

84500 mi

US $509
Replaced 4 tires and front and rear alignment. 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Feb 2012 - Jul 2018
Apr 2012

48000 mi

US $750
Bad Evaporator core Slipping in transmission. Transmission flushed. 
Oct 2013

70500 mi

US $177
Replaced front sway bar bushings and fixed rattle in heat shield. 
Feb 2014

78000 mi
Inner fender panel and shield came loose. Installed a new push pin. Panel still loose, however. Push pins for inner body panel shields are loose. Poor design on the part of Subaru. 
May 2014

84000 mi
Body clips or push pins holding together various shields and from bumper are loose, very poor design. There is no way to tighten them up. I have put in new pins, and they will not tighten up. 
Dec 2014

92000 mi
Synthetic transmission flush. Note: Car hasn't shifted right since this was done. Throttle body service Left side muffler going out Clicking in front brakes Car shifts really rough going into 3ed gear (automatic). Transmission can't seem to find correct ratio and shifts up too soon. 
Sep 2015

104000 mi
Head gaskets 
Aug 2017

139000 mi

US $150
Control arm bushings bad, along with tie rod ends and sway bar links.  Car has a rattle in front end that no one has been able to fix. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
May 2012 - Jun 2018
Aug 2013

52000 mi

US $500
A small hole was found in the condenser which had to be replaced, after that a worn out connector/gasket had to be replaced. 
Sep 2015

79000 mi

US $600
Rear brakes were stuck on and completely worn down, had to replace brake pads and shoes, re-work and lubricate the joint that applies the brakes. 
Mar 2017

93000 mi

US $250
brake calipers on front wheel was stuck on, had to be removed, cleaned and oiled and new brakes and rotors put on. 
Jun 2017

100000 mi

US $2000
Warped head gaskets Sway bar links broken Timing belt 
Dec 2017

108000 mi

US $800
brake calipers were stuck on, had to replace as well as new brake pads, rotors etc. 
Apr 2018

108000 mi

US $1100
brake line leak tire pressure sensors needed to be replaced due to low battery, 3/4 sensors low gas mileage noted, needed new spark plugs and a fuel system cleaning 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
May 2012 - Apr 2018
Mar 2014

58900 mi

C $200
Hatch door lock failed. Only way into the hatch is by the automatic door unlock button (no key access). Made accessing the hatch impossible, as there is no manual lock/handle override. 
Jun 2015

80600 mi

C $900
Oil leaked into combustion chamber because of leaky gasket. 
Jun 2016

91760 mi

C $300
Sway bar, rear, caused excess rebound. 
Sep 2017

105400 mi

C $30
loose heat shields 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Apr 2014 - Jun 2018
Aug 2014

105100 mi

US $25
Replaced both low beam headlight bulbs because one was out of commission. 
Mar 2015

110000 mi

US $6
One of the license plate light bulbs and one of the parking light bulbs were both not working. Replaced both license plate bulbs and both parking light bulbs with new bulbs. 
May 2015

113400 mi

US $50
Replaced the front sway bar bushings with the new improved OEM bushings from Subaru. Also replaced both front sway bar end links due to one visibly damaged. 
Aug 2015

121000 mi

US $15
Replaced both front brake calipers. Flushed brake system with new brake fluid. Driver side rear brake stuck (outside pad not moving) and once car was driven for about 20 minutes, made loud squeal noise and smelled like hot burning brake pads. Disassembled, cleaned, and lubed everything then reassembled. 
Dec 2015

125000 mi

US $15
Low beam headlight on passenger side was not working. Replaced the bulb. 
May 2016

135000 mi

US $15
The left rear brake was making noise and smelling like brake pad was rubbing on the disc. Disassembled and discovered the pad was sticking. removed all parts and cleaned, lubed everything then reassembled. Test drive was satisfactory. 
Dec 2017

171000 mi

US $60
Engine fault code showed probable leaking gas cap, car running a little rough. Replaced gas cap and fault code was cleared. Replaced the spark plugs and spark plug wires. Spark plugs showed signs of oil so I replaced the spark plug tube seals. I also replaced the valve cover gaskets due to an oil leak on the passenger side. Performed idle reset learn procedure. Car now running great again. 
Feb 2018

175000 mi
TPMS light is lit constantly. Tire pressures verified correct with high quality gauge. Brought to tire shop and they reset TPMS system and said the light would go out within 15 minutes of driving, but it has not. Problem is still there. Believe it to be a bad TPMS sensor and probably time to replace all four of the TPMS sensors due to the age of the car. Will call around for estimates. 
Apr 2018

177500 mi

US $140
TPMS light was lit constantly. Bought new TPMS sensors for all 4 tires. Had local tire shop repalce the sensors in the tires and TPMS light is now off. 
May 2018

178000 mi

US $75
CEL was on for the oil switching pressure solenoid and oil pressure switch for Bank 1. Code was P0026. Replaced both the VVT oil pressure solenoid and the associated oil pressure switch for Bank #1. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
- Aug 2010
Aug 2010

28000 mi
Window fluid for back window did not work correctly. Manufacturing problem - hose was leading to spray was bent. 
Subaru Forester in Arkansas, United States
Oct 2015 - Jun 2016
Jan 2016

US $120
Headlight and daytime running light not working. Oil change, air filters. 
Feb 2016

107700 mi

US $670
Driver headlight flickering/not staying on. Headlight wiring harness was melted and required replacement. Rear passenger window not working. Diagnosed by dealer as window regulator, parts ordered. Upon repair dealer stated regulator Okay but window was broken and bad switch. Initial Dealer diagnosis error and suspect dealer broke window. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Mar 2009 - Feb 2018
Apr 2017

47683 mi

C $453
Brakes were pulsing and making grinding noise. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2008 - Jun 2018
May 2017

71000 mi

US $270
Replaced pads rotors and one front right brake caliper 
Sep 2017

78000 mi

US $150
iNSTALL NEW STRUTS AND END LINKS TO GET RID OF FROND END CLUNKNG 
Apr 2018

85500 mi

US $80
had exhaust leak at rear left muffler welded up 
Subaru Forester in South Carolina, United States
Feb 2018 - Jun 2018
Mar 2018

185000 mi

US $1200
The rack needed to be replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Feb 2015 - Jan 2017
Nov 2016

76400 mi

US $3600
Head gasket leaked. Had to be replaced. During replacement, several other ~100k mile maintenance conducted, such as replacing a water pump. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2016
Oct 2015

69200 mi

US $675
Front drivers side wheel bearing replaced 
Subaru Forester in Kansas, United States
Jan 2013 - Sep 2017
Jun 2014

76000 mi

US $160
Sway bar linkage was squeaking and was replaced. 
Jun 2017

112000 mi

US $400
Replaced catalytic converter 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2013
Nov 2013

58000 mi

US $90
Faulty safety neutral switch. After driving two hours to reach the dealer, they didn't have a required special tool. I bought the part from them and will have it installed by a dealer that has the tool. 
Dec 2013

58000 mi
Problem with starter engaging. Neutral safety switch replaced. Problem now fixed. 
Subaru Forester in Maine, United States
Oct 2013 - Mar 2014
Dec 2013

121000 mi

US $275
Wire from main wiring harness to transmission speed sensor was broken. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jul 2011 - Mar 2014
Mar 2014

65000 mi

US $500
Chipped paint along the hood. 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Oct 2012 - Oct 2017
Nov 2013

55000 mi
tightened accessory belt for power steering / alternator; was squealing on cold starts and squeaking a bit when warm. Sound is gone, belt still looks good. 
Mar 2014

58000 mi

US $150
battery up and died 
Jun 2017

82000 mi

US $1500
AC CLUTCH AND COMPRESSOR TOTALLY BURNT OUT, COMPLETE REPLACEMENT REQ'D 
Subaru Forester in Tennessee, United States
Aug 2010 - Dec 2019
Mar 2011

53000 mi
Vehicle had a whine from about 5 to 50mph or so, after which it was drowned out by wind/road noise. The noise changed pitch with speed. The dealer dx the problem as faulty transfer gear and tailshaft bearings and replaced under warranty. 
Mar 2017

173000 mi

US $75
Plugs and wires 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2009

8000 mi
Squeak in passenger side door. 
Jan 2010

20500 mi
Engine disengages when attempting to pass and then re-accelerating. Will have car in for at least 3 days to overhaul tranny and ? 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Oct 2008 - Jun 2013
Nov 2008

9300 mi
Rattle in passenger door. 
Dec 2008

9300 mi
Rattle in driver's door, rattle around the middle rear safety belt device. 
Jan 2009

9300 mi
Replacement of the Bumper Rear step pad (stainless steel)that was not glue well. They also scratch the bumper paint when they try to take off the bumper step pad and had to paint the bumper. 
Sep 2009

19840 mi
Engine lost power. erase memory of TCM and ECM, idle learn AT transmission learning. Runs much better now. Even better than new. Rattle in the dashboard near radio and ventilation exit under radio. 
Jul 2010

29760 mi
Rattle in the dash. Same problem occur in the last part of 2009. Even now, I have to go again tomorrow.The rattle still exist. 
Sep 2010

33480 mi
Rattle in the dash: attach correctly the loose part 
Dec 2010

37200 mi
Rattle in the driver's door 
Apr 2011

42780 mi
Bushing stabilizor bars (warranty TSB), crack in the windshield, crack in the fog light,  
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Oct 2008 - Mar 2014
Mar 2009

3000 mi
Front doors were rattling madly. Dash making noises. Car clanks and creaks loudly when turned off. Clicking in steering wheel when running rear wipers. Voices on radio sound buzzy. 
Mar 2010

16000 mi

US $200
Driver manual door lock stopped functioning. It would lock with the electric switch but not the manual. Determined that it was detached. Puddle lights were stuck on all the time rattle near glove box that comes and goes Rear wiper was repeatedly and predictably going into full speed when various electrical things were used and when car was turned off and on while they were on. Shop couldn't replicate and problem has stopped. 
Apr 2010

16000 mi
Central control unit was replaced after puddle lights staying on all the time and 1 not lighting. All keys were replaced to work with new control unit. 
Jun 2010

18000 mi
center armrest fell apart. I took it to dealer and they snapped it back together. Nice side effect was that one of the mysterious rattles went away with the re-assembly. 
Sep 2010

20000 mi

US $43
musty smell out of air vents 
Sep 2011

32000 mi
puddle light was replaced as it was out speakers cutting our or playing at VERY reduced volume. new radio head unit has been ordered Auto dim mirror compass no longer working. New mirror has been ordered. 
Oct 2011

34000 mi
Compass was not working. Mirror replaced. radio speakers were cutting out or playing at very reduced volume 
Aug 2013

58200 mi

US $400
running rough, flashing engine light, traction control off light was on. Found nothing. Going home from the shop the check engine, cruise control, and traction control lights on. Went back in and the catalytic converter was replaced. Replaced spark plug wires and ignition coil 
Sep 2013

56000 mi
Puddle lights out AGAIN. This time there was a recall on the car and they were replaced AGAIN 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Nov 2008 - Jun 2018
Nov 2010

26100 mi
passenger door rattle fixed 
May 2018

115000 mi

US $3000
Head gasket leak. Needed full replacement plus water pump, heads resurfaced. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2008 - Dec 2014
Jun 2013

117800 mi

C $355
Heat Shield replaced on Exhaust system 
Subaru Forester in Bulgaria
Jan 2009 - Jun 2015
Nov 2011

26660 mi

$500
Changed both rear shock absorbers 
Feb 2012

27280 mi

$200
Shock absorbers failed again 
May 2014

38320 mi

$500
Replaced failing rear shock absorbers 
Jul 2014

38640 mi

$200
replaced front shock absorbers 
May 2015

43400 mi
One of the bolts holding the A/C compressor was lose, causing the belt to squeak in despair. Heat shields were lose, causing loud rattling. 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Jan 2009 - Jul 2017
May 2010

17000 mi
Gas cap strap broke in half for no reason. 
Aug 2010

20000 mi
Rug coming out from under passenger door sill 
Sep 2013

52000 mi
Strap to gas cap broke for the second time. Part replaced under extended warranty. 
Feb 2016

70900 mi
Leak in rear brake light causing moisture in light assembly 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Dec 2008 - Mar 2018
Feb 2009

1000 mi
Drivers side door lock stopped functioning. Froze in either locked or unlocked position and was unable to either open door, or lock it once closed. Dealer determined the linkage between lock control and door lock became disconnected. Drivers side-view mirror is significantly distorted. After dealer ordered replacement mirror, it was determined that the factory producing the mirrors is having an issue and no good glass is available. Will replace when good part is available. 
Dec 2010

20000 mi
external temperature sensor failed. Was replaced under warranty. List price was $150. 
May 2015

55700 mi

US $150
Replace wheel hub unit include wheel bearing. Significant corrosion required removing knuckle from vehicle to press out wheel hub. Had to replace ball joint as well. 
Sep 2016

66000 mi

US $1550
Both head gaskets were externally leaking significant oil. 2 transmission lines between tranny and cooler behind radiator were corroded and leaking, both were replaced. 
Jan 2017

66000 mi

US $1500
Subaru comped half the cost of head gasket replacement, both sides. Also replaced timing belt, associated gaskets, transmission cooler line. 
Feb 2017

69000 mi

US $40
Replaced propeller shaft (driveshaft) due to worn center carrier bearing. Replaced driver side sway bar end link 
Jan 2018

72000 mi
Car had flashing “at oil temp” light after a rough 1-2 upshift under normal acceleration. Dealer diagnosed an at temp sensor failure which required an internal wiring harness replacement. Dealer upon disassembly realized that the valve body required replacement as an electronic component there had failed. Was covered under enhanced emissions warranty and was no charge. 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2018
Aug 2009

11000 mi
Noise heard accelerating and turning wheel; power steering fluid leaked into bellows from pinched seal during assembly 
Oct 2015

62200 mi
Problem found at 60k service checkup Lower control arm bushings are worn Drive belt shows wear and cracks 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2008 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016

119040 mi
Both heads gaskets weeping externally, no sign of internal leaks. 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
May 2008 - Aug 2012
Jun 2009

11000 mi
Tire Pressure warning light came on a couple of times and went off shortly after coming on. Dealer could not replicate. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Apr 2008 - Sep 2009
Aug 2009

24000 mi
New ball joints. Extreme loud clunking when the car was making turns and when driving over uneven pavement. The Subaru Dealership Service Department drove the car for 5 minutes and confirmed the ball joints were completely shot. New axles. 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Mar 2008 - Jul 2017
Oct 2014

86500 mi

US $44
Heat shield on bottom of car came loose. 
Jul 2015

94700 mi

US $350
Lines to transmission were leaking, had to be replaced. 
Dec 2016

111000 mi

US $1300
Head gasket replacement 
Jun 2017

114000 mi

US $800
Front control arms replaced 
Jul 2017

114500 mi

US $583
Hoses failed. Thermostat replaced 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
May 2008 - Jun 2018
Mar 2009

4000 mi
Tire pressure sensor light on despite tires correctly inflated; shop reset sensor system computer and light went out. 
Feb 2011

22000 mi
Leaking seal on front axle at transmission - seal ordered. Chrome peeling from badge on rear of car - replacement ordered. Badge replaced - replacement looks fine. Transmission seal on front axle replaced and leak was eliminated. CD player in audio unit not working. New unit ordered and will be installed when it arrives. 
Jun 2016

65000 mi

US $120
Head gasket is weeping on one side. Mechanic installed stop-leak fluid and told us to come back in a month or two to check to see if that fixed the problem. Update: When the car went in for its next oil change two months later the leak had stopped. 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2008 - Mar 2010
Aug 2008

1000 mi
Rear Speakers inoperative. Speakers still not operating when radio in enhanced surround sound mode. Will be contacting manufacturer. 
Sep 2008

2000 mi
Radio replaced, rear speakers work, but sound is unsatisfactory. Spoke to manufacturer and they stated "that's the way the radio workss". nothing they can do right now. Subaru is going to try to get a better answer from Panasonic, the radio manufacturer. 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Jul 2008 - Jan 2018
Feb 2010

12700 mi
rattle near passenger sun visor. determined cause, no time to fix. will fix at next service interval. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2008 - Feb 2014
Jun 2010

20000 mi
Stone chips on fenders in front of rear wheels. Not big enough protective clear coating. Fixed stone chips, repainted back doors, replaced protective clear coating with larger ones. 
May 2013

38900 mi
evap coil leaking 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
May 2011 - Sep 2015
Oct 2014

57540 mi

C $600
Car noise. Had to replace joining racket part of exhaust system. Noise underground thé engineering due to Heat Dover basket underground thé engine 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Jun 2008 - Mar 2010
Oct 2009

12000 mi
Pin point hole in cv boot. Boot replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Jan 2011 - Jun 2014
Feb 2014

99000 mi

US $110
error code: Misfire cylinder #3. A friend/mechanic pulled #3 spark plug & found oil pooled and also on plug boot. Oil was cleaned up,code cancelled, then car driven to dealer who initially said nothing wrong,then replaced coil. 
Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States
Nov 2010 - Jan 2022
Mar 2016

43000 mi
R & R Valve cover gasket 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Jan 2010 - Apr 2022
Jul 2016

107000 mi

US $325
Replace HVAC fan motor. 
Aug 2016

108300 mi

US $1200
A/C compressor went out. 
Feb 2018

134000 mi

US $22
Replaced burned out headlight. 
Oct 2021

150000 mi

US $800
Radiator replacement, had leak. Power steering pump replacement. 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2008 - Aug 2011
Apr 2009

12000 mi
squeaks and rattles 
Subaru Forester in Idaho, United States
Jan 2011 - Sep 2015
Nov 2011

54000 mi
Headlight replaced. 
Nov 2012

68300 mi

US $340
Drivers side headlight replaced. Cracked windshield replaced 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Jun 2011 - Jul 2012
Jun 2012

44000 mi

US $100
It was not cooling. Dealer had to order parts 
Jul 2012

44000 mi
Traded car without repairing A/C. 
Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States
Mar 2011 - Jul 2012
Sep 2011

60000 mi

US $950
Freon was leaking into ventilation system with a strong odor. Evaporator core had to be replaced which required removing the dash. $500 part and $400 labor.  
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Feb 2009 - Jun 2022
Sep 2011

35000 mi

US $210
outside temperature sensor stopped working, replaced under warranty 
Oct 2021

109000 mi

US $2000
leaking steering rack, bad bushings replace head gaskets 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2021
Jul 2012

44800 mi
AC would not blow cold air, compressor replaced under extended Subaru warranty (6yr/60000 miles) 
Oct 2013

60000 mi
Catalytic converter failed. Check engine light came on which simultaneously caused VDC and cruise to shut off. repaired under extended warranty. Failed catalytic converter, replaced under extended dealer warranty for no cost. Dealer attempted to clean converter but engine warning light returned. One week later dealer replaced converter which fixed problem. 
Apr 2014

66300 mi

US $185
Continued problem with car suddenly shutting off that was supposedly repaired in Oct 2013 with replacement of cat converter. spark plugs and wires replaced. 
Jul 2016

86500 mi
water leakage from front windshield due to blocked water drain. 
Dec 2017

100000 mi

US $50
Door handle front passenger stopped opening door. Repaired cable 
Jun 2018

104000 mi

US $100
Ignition Key would stick in place when turning car off, could not remove key. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2009 - Feb 2022
Jul 2016

91500 mi

US $600
Replacement of sensor system Head gasket 
Subaru Forester in Missouri, United States
Feb 2009 - Dec 2016
Jun 2010

28000 mi

US $400
rattling sound in the central part of the exhaust pipe 
Jun 2013

91000 mi

US $30
Ac did not work. Leak in the system 
May 2014

112000 mi

US $150
exhaust heat shield bolts were loose 
Dec 2015

150000 mi

US $1300
transmission stopped working. Installed a used transmission. 
Feb 2016

150000 mi

US $2000
The head gaskets were blown and the car was leaking oil. It is a common problem with the engine that is in the 2009 Subaru 
Dec 2016

172000 mi

US $460
replace two wheel bearings 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Apr 2009 - Mar 2015
Aug 2014

80000 mi

US $100
AC compressor noise. Replaced under extended warranty. Paid $100 deductible. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
May 2009 - Mar 2018
Feb 2016

106640 mi

C $200
Front end-link was broken. Both Front links were replaced. 
Jul 2016

108900 mi

C $250
Crankshaft boot leaking so was replaced 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2009 - Jan 2016
Jan 2014

92700 mi

US $25
repair of the rattling heat shield. 
Dec 2015

98000 mi

US $60
replaced AC compressor clutch spring 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Aug 2009 - Dec 2017
Apr 2010

10300 mi
1 of 4 LED "puddle-lamps" ceased to function due to "open circuit." Entire lamp assembly replaced. No charge. 
Jan 2012

10800 mi
Puddle lamp LED replaced 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Jun 2011 - Jun 2021
Feb 2013

37700 mi

C $300
Check engine light came on. Was running rough and misfiring. Injector flush, and a full service which includes plugs etc. Fan stopped working in speeds 1, 2, and 3. Worked in 4 
Apr 2014

47520 mi

C $900
Engine is misfiring on 2 cylinders 
Sep 2015

68820 mi

C $2500
Stumbling, hesitating, check engine light coming on. Replaced spark plugs, wire, and ignition system. This was caused by the Subaru dealer when they did a major service and replaced these same parts. 
May 2016

81700 mi

C $600
Engine was misfiring, running on 2 of 4 cylinders. Replaced coil packs and wires again. 

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2009 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

148-horsepower 2.0L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Norway
Dec 2015 - Jan 2017
Jan 2017

66340 mi
Lambda probe in front of catalyzer needed replacement. cost was $250 approx. common problem on Forester.. 

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2009 Subaru Forester 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Yugoslavia
Jan 2012 - Feb 2012
Feb 2012

49600 mi

$2450
I had crankshaft broken! They exchanged so called down half of a motor The fuel turbine was broken. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2009 Subaru Forester Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2009 Subaru Forester problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.