2012 Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 2012

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2012 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

Engine (50%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (2%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (11%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (16%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (12%)

Chart based on 92 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Subaru Forester.

2012 Subaru Forester repair cost distribution

$2500+ (6%)

$1000 - $2499 (10%)

$500 - $999 (6%)

$100 - $499 (19%)

< $100 (60%)

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

Chart based on 70 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Jun 2013 - Jan 2014
Sep 2013

10000 mi

US $100
Engine burning too much oil Car hard to start, need to try several times. Check engine light and traction watning light flashes while driving 
Jan 2014 Burning too much oil, approx 2.5 quarts every 1500 miles. TSB, dealer began process of resolution. I did not want to deal with going back and forth to the dealer, and so early. Replaced car. 

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2012 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2013 - Mar 2015
Apr 2014

12800 mi
crack in windshield due to defective rear view mirror installation. 
Jun 2014

17000 mi
crack due to rear view mirror fixed with the installation of a new windshield; earlier repair not successful. 
Mar 2015

23000 mi
persistent leak at rear view mirror and resultant replacement of front wind shield.hopefully,this resealing of front windshield will end problem!! 

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2012 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Aug 2012 - Jun 2018
Jan 2016

32200 mi

US $262
Worn right front wheel bearing, starting to make noise and vibrate during left turns. Replaced wheel bearing and hub. 
Apr 2016

68000 mi

US $1200
A/C Compressor seized over the winter. Replaced. 
Jun 2016

75000 mi
Over the last 2 oil change intervals, my Forester has started burning oil at a rate of >1 QT/3,000 miles. None prior. Brought to dealer for an oil consumption test, performed over 1200 miles. Dealer overfilled >1/2 Quart at start of test. 
Dec 2016

82000 mi
Engine continues to burn oil at a rate of ~0.5 qts/1,000 miles. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Apr 2012 - May 2018
Feb 2015

24700 mi
Engine is consuming excessive oil. Dealer started oil consumption test. Consumed .5 quarts of oil in 600 miles. Dealer topped off the oil and will recheck at 1000 miles. 
Mar 2015

26000 mi
High oil consumption continues. Dealer did not accurately measure oil consumption in 1000 miles. Restarted test and will return to dealer in 1000 miles. 
May 2015

27400 mi
Dealer determined oil consumption of 1.25 quarts in 800 miles is excessive. Subaru replaced the short block (crank case, pistons, crankshaft) under warranty. Also given an extended warranty for 8 years, 80k miles at no cost. 
Subaru Forester in Maine, United States
May 2012 - Jun 2018
Jan 2017

20000 mi

US $500
Battery needed replacing. Extream cold weather would not crank 
Dec 2017

46521 mi
Loud clacking noise from engine compartment and significant oil loss with no external signs. Diagnosed at sticking PCV valve which was replaced under oil system warrantee. Currently in the midst of 1,500 mile oil consumption test. This happened once before. 
Jan 2018

47000 mi
Vehicle failed oil consumption test with rate of 43.760Z per 1,200 miles. Engine removed and new short block installed. 
Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2012 - Jun 2017
Jul 2014

14140 mi
Excessive oil consumption; 1 litre / 1200 km on one trip. Dealer recommended oil consumption test which is in progress. No repairs performed as of yet. 
Jan 2015

11840 mi
Oil Consumption Test Completed: 1 litre 0W20 synthetic oil used in 4,000km. Dealer sitting on fence as to whether this is "excessive". Looking into whether or not Subaru will allow use of 5W30 synthetic instead. 
Mar 2015

18600 mi
5W30 Synthetic now in car. Aprox. 1000K since oil change. Oil consumption appears improved. 
Sep 2015

25420 mi
Fuel cap tether broken 
Feb 2016

27900 mi
Short block replaced under warranty due to excessive oil consumption. Engine was consuming 1 litre of oil every 2000 - 3000 km despite switching to 5W30 from 0W20 synthetic oil. Dealer was very reasonable and helpful. 
Subaru Forester in Tennessee, United States
Oct 2014 - Mar 2015
Oct 2014

72000 mi

US $60
Took car to dealer for oil consumption test. Burns 1 qt. of 0-20 every 2000 miles. Dealer over filled it with a thicker oil. No surprise, it burns less, about 1 qt. In 3000 miles. Subaru says 1 qt per 1000 miles is ok in their owners manual 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2017 - Jan 2019
Jul 2017

132060 mi
Car went into limp mode with check engine , cruise and traction control light on or flashing. 
Oct 2017

137020 mi
Oil consumption test recall from Subaru Canada. More than 1 liter per 2500km Engine will be changed under warranty in January 2018. 
Jan 2018

138880 mi

C $300
Engine changed under recall from Subaru Canada for excessive oil consumption. 

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2012 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012

29000 mi
rear headrest not locking 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
May 2012 - Jun 2017
Aug 2014

21000 mi
gas cap tether broke. gas cap replaced. 
Mar 2016

31000 mi
starting problem. often doesn't start first time. usually good, second try. brought in... told a temp gauge at fault. repaired. same problem next day. going back. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Sep 2012 - Jun 2013
Oct 2012

US $400
Wheels were shaking whole car at speeds over 60mphand car is extremely swaying on curves at freeway speeds. (swaying has not been fixed - waiting for suggestion from Subaru of America - they don't care to much if you crash or kill someone) 
Subaru Forester in South Carolina, United States
Jun 2012 - Sep 2017
Sep 2012

3000 mi
CEL, Traction Control, and Cruise Control lights blinking on dash. Dealer tech stated that the control module recorded two engine misfires. The module was re-flashed in compliance with a TSB. 
Aug 2013

13000 mi
CEL, Cruise & Traction control lights blinking. Dealer reset ECU. 
Nov 2016

51000 mi

US $385
Engine was repaired under Subaru's high oil consumption TSB. 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Dec 2011 - Dec 2013
Oct 2012

14800 mi
Backup camera and audio system would not work at times. The dealer claimed that if it did not show this at the dealership they were not allowed to replace the audio unit until if failed completely. 
Dec 2013

33000 mi
Backup camera and audio system would not work at times. 
Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
Oct 2011 - Mar 2022
Aug 2012

10080 mi
Check engine light and traction light on, then off within 15second on itself. Called dealer, said not to worry because lights are off. Wo waited two weeks for service. Tech said system parameters setting wrong. Flashed system with new memory 
Jan 2022

91760 mi
Valve cover leak observed, inspection only, only to monitor. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Dec 2011 - Nov 2015
Oct 2012

3200 mi
Rattle in rear roof area. Dealer removed head liner and secured the sunroof rails. The repair did not work and I will be taking the vehicle back. 
Apr 2015

14200 mi
Check engine light. Codes read misfires in #1 and #2 cylinders. Has occurred twice when under acceleration,computer was flashed for upgrade,and told to use only premium fuel. Interior rear view mirror kept falling off. 
Nov 2015

16000 mi
Burning oil. Dealer states normal a qt.every 1,000 miles. 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2012 - Jun 2017
Sep 2013

20000 mi
Faulty fuel cap, took 3 visits to diagnose & fix. Technician left clamp on line during 2nd visit causing 3rd visit 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2017
Jan 2014

23000 mi
Inside rear view mirror was loose since I purchased the car. It became looser so a friend tried to repair it, but could not. The whole mirror fell which was better than if I had been driving. Dealer was great and even washed my car. 
Mar 2017

36500 mi
Passenger airbag had to be replaced. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Nov 2011 - Jul 2014
Nov 2013

40000 mi

US $200
Rearview mirror was loose. has been a problem since the car was less than a year old. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
May 2012 - Mar 2014
May 2013

14400 mi
Check engine went on, and the traction control sensor showed the system was defective, also the cruise control stopped working. It was the oxygen sensor causing the check engine to be on and other dfisplay irregularities 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Dec 2011 - Oct 2014
Jun 2013

13000 mi
While accelerating up a large hill, cruise light, service engine light and traction control light came in making cruise and traction control inoperable. Read on net 26 pages of this issue. Needed an ECM flash. all good and better mileage 
May 2014

26000 mi
Driver side rear gas strut that holds opened the rear cargo door failed loosing oil and making the door unable to stay open on its own. 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Sep 2012 - Jun 2022
Oct 2017

54000 mi

US $1200
Struts reached end of life and damaged tie rods. 
Apr 2022

91000 mi

US $600
Replace serpentine belt. 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Oct 2015 - Aug 2017
May 2017

29000 mi
Air bag recall 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Oct 2011 - Feb 2018
Nov 2017

87000 mi

US $800
Front half axle replacement 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2018 - Mar 2023
Jul 2018

41540 mi
Plugs and coil to correct check engine light 
Sep 2018

42780 mi

C $1000
Replaced LF AND RF wheel bearings. RR was done 3000km ago. 
Nov 2021

58280 mi

C $3000
Multiple steering and suspension components replaced 
Jan 2023

71920 mi

C $234
left lower ball joint 
Mar 2023

72540 mi

C $1807
Front and rear pads and rotors, LF caliper, drive belt 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2013 - Mar 2017
Aug 2013

31100 mi
The lower part of the engine was replaced as a courtesy. My insurance, factory warranty (under 30,000 miles) did not apply, the extended warranty did not apply(under 30,000 miles) and my insurance policy did not cover the repair. 30,000 mile check-up. oil change and repairs as needed. 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Apr 2012 - Jul 2022
Jun 2018

68000 mi
High oil consumption. Dealer did oil change at no charge and re-checked oil consumption after 1200 miles. Within acceptable consumption rate. 
Feb 2022

100000 mi

US $300
Sensor replaced for cruise control/traction/check engine, replace some bolts,  a headlight Driver side sway bar end link was broken 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2016 - Jun 2018
Mar 2017

76238 mi

US $250
Replacement of all rotors and pads, labor only cost, parts purchased seperately 
Dec 2017

82500 mi

US $100
Engine would turn over many times before starting, corrected with ECM reflash Rattle from under vehicle, clamp on heat shield replaced 
Apr 2018

84000 mi
AC not working (blows warm air). Replaced AC Compressor under extended warranty. 
Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia
Nov 2014 - Jan 2022
Nov 2021

125860 mi

A $6800
Engine replaced due to main bearing failure 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2015 - Sep 2023
Mar 2017

59000 mi
CEL, flashing cruise, traction control lit. Cruise in. Code indicated loose gas cap. 
Jul 2017

65000 mi

US $15
One headlight out, replaced both. 
Aug 2017

71000 mi

US $200
Replaced sticking caliper and worn rotor. New pads on all wheels. 
Jul 2021

131000 mi

US $250
CEL was on, which on a Subaru means cruise and traction control disabled. Scanned the codes which indicated the Bank 1 sensor was not responding correctly to lean and rich commands. Oxygen sensor replaced, codes reset, no further issues. $250 part at Autozone!!! 
Nov 2022

144000 mi

US $2800
Reseal engine to resolve multiple oil leaks. Replace water pump. Replace one wheel bearing. Replace stabilizer links. 
Mar 2023

148000 mi

US $1700
Catalytic converter replaced. O2 sensor damaged due to overheating. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Jul 2014 - Jun 2022
Feb 2015

42000 mi

US $120
Had transmission oil replaced. Car came from lease so maintenance intervals are maintained, but the gears (1st and second) are hard to shift in 40-50s or below weather even after 3-4 minute startup. Not a prob on 97 honda in same weather Fuel mileage at 17-18 in cold weather city drving. Dealership couldn't solve problem. Also, for the first time in life, the washer fluid lines froze though at least they didn't burst like other cars. 
Feb 2018

78000 mi

US $684
wheel bearing rubber bushing was going bad so I had to pay $550 there to allow the alignment to be done. Alignment was way out of line instead of close to zero for camber and caster. Dealer didn't fix it under warranty so for the last 3 years, I was so close to selling this car. It was a hazard to drive in winter with the car slip sideways. ABS would start it clacking but I would have to pump the brakes to stop the car. The car stopped using ABS in the the last snow that we had. I'll probably find out how much of a difference was made next winter. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Jan 2014 - Jun 2014
Jan 2014

8000 mi
The chrome strip had fallen off on of the HVAC grilles. Entire unit to be replaced. Carpet pulling loose and gapping at sill plate. 
Feb 2014

8200 mi
Part came in for piece that fell off the dash, they repaired it. 
Subaru Forester in Hawaii, United States
Dec 2013 - Jun 2022
Dec 2014

13000 mi
Reloaded engine software but still have intermitant starting problems. Seal for timing belt cover leaking. 
Jun 2018

26000 mi

US $2200
AC would get very warm after 1/2 hour of operation. After AC shut down for 15 minutes, it would cool down again for another 1/2 hour. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Oct 2013 - Dec 2014
Jan 2014

17300 mi
Engine at 18,000 miles was 2.5 quarts low on oil. It now has long cold start until key is recycled and serve piston slap. Has blown blue smoke, low coolant, blown fused, and cracked windshield. Our second Subaru to crack a windshield. 
Dec 2014

24000 mi
Motor oil consumption, misfires, coolant consumption. Blows fuses and the windows go up slowly when they go up at the same time. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Jul 2015 - Mar 2019
Sep 2015

45000 mi
Vehicle would occasionally take unusually long time to start, not related to temperature or time since last drive. Dealer said there was a bulletin for the issue and applied a software update. Am waiting to see if the update fixes the issue. 
Dec 2015

47000 mi
Long/Slow start issue persisted after software flash. Took vehicle to different dealer, they indicated the flash was not done and performed the flash as well, this time it worked. Not sure if the first dealer actually flashed or not 
Subaru Forester in Utah, United States
Oct 2016 - Dec 2016
Dec 2016

78000 mi

US $2500
Head gasket failure resulting in coolant leaking along with a crack in another small part. 

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2012 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2011 - Dec 2014
Aug 2014

44100 mi
Noticed buzz from right side. Turned out to be a bad right wheel bearing. replaced under warranty 

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2011.5 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in New Zealand
Jan 2016 - Feb 2022
Dec 2017

41540 mi

$20
headlight bulb replacement. 
Feb 2021

91760 mi

$500
service + oil change and headlight bulb 

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2011 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2016 - Mar 2017
Jun 2016

103000 mi

US $100
Cam shaft cover was leakng 

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2011 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States
Mar 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011

7000 mi
Back of power driver's seat does not hold its position, seat back declines on own when car is powered off. No issues while vehicle is running. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2010 - Apr 2013
Aug 2011

4700 mi
A/C button on control panel popped out and would not fully re-seat. System actually worked okay, just a bad button Exterior window trim on passenger's side front of rear cargo compartment window - horizontal cracks. Entire piece of glass to be replaced. Known issue - learned about it on forums. Paint damaged by fix, small area repainted by paint shop 
Aug 2012

16800 mi
TSB for rerouting wiring harness in area of rear seats. 
Jan 2013

10500 mi
Drivers side visor return spring failed. Dealer ordered and replaced visor. 

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2011 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in Spain
Mar 2017 - Oct 2023
Sep 2023

166160 mi

€800
catalysts change after >250k Km 

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2011 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in New Brunswick, Canada
Sep 2017 - Jan 2022
Sep 2017

86800 mi
Short block replacement due to high oil consumption. Cost totally covered by Subaru. 
Jun 2018

95480 mi

C $950
new A/C compressor and dryer 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2013 - Apr 2014
May 2013

30000 mi
Leaking cam seal. Dealer replaced cam seal. 5 days in shop - at least there's no more oil leak... 
Dec 2013

41000 mi
High oil consumption - finished oil consumption test, clocked around 1200 miles/quart. Also in for loud engine noises, which were put off until after oil consumption test completed. Repairs to start next week 
Feb 2014

41000 mi
Engine block was replaced to fix the oil consumption issues. Still consumes oil (just not as much). Timing chain tensioner was replaced to fix the startup noises. After letting the car warm up, it is still very loud at 3K RPM, so that has not been fixed. Back to dealer... Engine block was replaced to fix the oil consumption issues. Timing chain tensioner was replaced to fix the startup noises. After letting the car warm up, it is still very loud at 3K RPM, so that has not been fixed. Back to dealer... 
Mar 2014

41000 mi
Oil leaking from passenger side cam carrier again. Also oil seepage from timing chain cover. Dealer replaced the driver's side cam intake sprocket to fix startup noise. Noise overall improved, oil leaks appear to be fixed. 
Apr 2014

41000 mi
After 500 miles, the engine is leaking oil from the cam carrier again. Subaru has agreed to repurchase due to car continuing to have problems and having been in shop for more than 30 business days in the last year. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2013 - Dec 2016
Feb 2013

15700 mi
Fuel gauge reads incorrectly. Fuel gauge shows 3/4 tank after filling. A restart or 2 will correct this. But then gauge drop very quickly,dropping from full to 3/4 of a tank after 20 miles 
Jul 2013

19700 mi
fuel tank sending unit replaced fuel level sensor replaced 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2012 - May 2015
Sep 2014

22320 mi
Minor oil leak on right side cylinder head needed to be re-sealed. Required and overnight stay. Covered under power train warranty. 
May 2015

24800 mi
Engine oil leak at right side cam cradle. Requires pulling engine and replacing gaskets and or resealing. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2012 - Mar 2015
Dec 2012

12000 mi
excessive oil burning, 2 qts every 3k, backfire when AC is on, loud vibration when traction control kicks on in snowy conditions 
Apr 2014

49000 mi
Having new small block installed to fix oil consumption. This is covered under warranty. 
Dec 2014

60000 mi
Head gasket leak. Covered from small block replacement Car now, after 60000 miles finally runs great Better than ever Finally love my car 
Feb 2015

62000 mi

US $900
Clutch needed replacing after throw-out bearing failed. Subaru did discount the job 500.00 as I had other car issues in the past. 

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2011 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2011 - Nov 2014
May 2012

10700 mi

US $25
I tried to change the oil myself. I could not get the oil drain plug off. It was on very tight. Since I was afraid of destroying the plug I took it to my normal mechanic who was able to get the plug off using an impact driver. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Dec 2011 - Mar 2013
Jan 2012

19000 mi

US $80
Going thru a 1/2 to 3/4 of oil every 1000 miles.... 
Mar 2013

30000 mi
oil consumption test. Dealing w /subaru of america directly on resolution of problem. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Sep 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012

4000 mi
Engine was making noise like a sewing machine. The vehicle was admitted for TSB 02-117-11 Left side cylinder head, intake camshaft, intake valves and rocker arm pivots needed to be replaced. Vehicle replaced, due to manufacture defect. 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2011 - Oct 2016
May 2015

42500 mi
During routine maintenance, the rear differential was not properly filled. Failed several thousand miles later and was replaced under warranty. 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Aug 2011 - Oct 2011
Sep 2011

1000 mi
Check Engine Light on, Cruise control light flashing, traction control light on. Started at 1201 miles. Dealer flashed the ecu and reset the codes. Problem came back 2 times since then. Car is back in the shop for 2 days now. no updates 2nd time in the shop. dealer could not determine cause and reset the codes. 
Oct 2011

1000 mi
Car is still in the shop without an update. Been 5 days nows. Dealer is calling Subaru engineers to assist. They gave the car back to me. Apparently a fix is out now, but it is not signed off by the government. 
Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States
Sep 2014 - Mar 2016
Oct 2015

35200 mi
Car occasionally fails to start or takes extended time to turn over. Slight clunking noise when car is put into reverse then driven forward. 
Nov 2015

36900 mi
Gaskets were leaking. 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Dec 2011 - Mar 2012
Nov 2011

1800 mi
ECM reflashed. Oil consumption test started as no sign of oil leaking/burning could be detected. 
Dec 2011

3500 mi
Replaced relay. Oil consumption check + oil change. 
Jan 2012 Rattle from the spare tire area of the vehicle. Moon roof (and driver side door) leaks. Oil consumption check. Developed engine knocking. It was explained to me that the knocking is typical of the boxer engine; some louder than others. 
Feb 2012

3900 mi
Oil consumption check plus oil change. Dealer says the fresh oil change should resolve the oil consumption now that the engine has been broken in. No start. Towed to dealer. Very rough idling at start up after the no-start repair. Smell of raw fuel. Occasional stall. Oil consumption issue not resolved. Dealership says contact Subaru of America as they cannot fix the issue. 
Mar 2012

5000 mi
Very rough idle; vehicle would not stay running. Smell of raw fuel, enough to cause eyes to burn. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Jan 2011 - Apr 2015
Oct 2011

13700 mi
Left side timing chain tensioner replaced with revised part per TSB. Caused a loud knocking sound on cold start up since new. Issue resolved. 
Nov 2011

16000 mi
Previous replacement of timing chain tensioner. Dealer did not seal timing cover properly so it was leaking oil on to the exhaust. Brought back to dealer and they removed and resealed the timing cover. Seems to be fixed for now. 
Sep 2012

32000 mi
Engine and/or transmission hesitation when turning corners and accelerating. Doesn't respond for a couple seconds, then usually... 
Aug 2013

45000 mi
Oil leak on driver side cylinder head area. Dealer found leaking valve cover gasket. Replaced gasket. They found there was still an oil leak. Found cam "cap" was was cracked. Replaced cam cap. Brought car home and found it still leaking. Returned car to dealer due to continuing oil leak. Dealer took apart valve cover and cam cap and resealed everything. Seems to be fixed now. 
May 2014

55700 mi
Oil leak from timing cover. Removed timing cover and installed a new one. Car still leaking oil from left cylinder head area. Also repaired previously. Has been to the dealer for both leaks multiple times. 
Oct 2014

60700 mi
Back for oil leak. Pulled motor out of vehicle and removed cam cap/cover, timing cover again, reseal everything. A few months later, still no leaks. Seems to finally be repaired. 
Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Mar 2011 - May 2018
Aug 2011

6000 mi
Electric moonroof would not close. Moonroof stuck open. Had to be realigned in order to close fully. 
Nov 2012

28200 mi
cam engine seals leaking resulting in oil leak and low oil levels 
Feb 2013

32000 mi
car is still leaking oil, has to go back to shop 
Apr 2013

34500 mi
Car leaks oil. Dealer repeated major repair of cam gasket seals. Hopefully this fixes the problem once and for all 
Aug 2013

39600 mi
Moonroof would not close. Dealer had to reset moonroof control in order to allow it to close 
Nov 2013

45000 mi
Oil level read below minimum level, suspecting oil is burning off. Dealer has started an oil consumption test. Vehicle seems to burn off all oil in between oil changes. 
Jun 2017

103400 mi

US $700
drive belts wore out and needed to be replaced 
Jan 2018

112000 mi

US $2000
Engine leaking oil again, cam gaskets leaking. This is the third time the engine had to be pulled for this vehicle. Repair cost aprox $2000 and I had to work very hard to get subaru to pay for this. Fortunately, subaru stood behind their defective engine 
Subaru Forester in Florida, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2018
Apr 2011

5000 mi
Rear seat recliner button came off, plastic component damaged, had to be replaced 
Oct 2011

16700 mi
Evaporator core developed a leak and had to be replaced. It took a recharge with leak detector and 2 trips to the dealer to find the problem. 
Mar 2012

22000 mi
Started oil consumption test with dealer. Oil consumption is higher than expected, using approx. 1 qt. for every 3000 miles. 
Aug 2012

37000 mi
A/C has been leaking inside vehicle since replacement of evaporator. They found pinched seal in evap housing - parts not assembled correctly in previous repair. 
Apr 2014

68500 mi
Start test to determine how much oil is leaking at valve covers. Oil is dripping on exhaust, burning and creating smoke. When car is stopped it enters the cab through a/c. Have to keep a/c on recirc. 
Oct 2015

91700 mi
Check engine light on. Dealer said sensor needed replacement but estimate was ridiculously high. Will attempt repair on my own. 
Nov 2015

94000 mi

US $110
Replaced Air/Fuel ratio sensor 
Apr 2016

99000 mi
Took car in to start Subaru-sanctioned oil consumption test, but was not eligible to start due to oil leaks from o-rings. 
Jun 2016

101000 mi

US $1150
Replace o-rings and seals to stop bsd oil leaks. 
Jul 2016

102000 mi
Problem with a/c, cooling sporadically; works fine some times, other times not at all; dealer suspected low freon - added freon and dye Oil consumption test found excessive consumption. Replaced short block and seals; replacement covered by Subaru under class-action agreement 
Aug 2016

102700 mi
A/C still not functioning properly; works intermittantly; dealer could not find freon leak, suggests replacing expansion valve and evaporator 
Oct 2016

107000 mi
Replace evaporator and expansion valve in effort to fix intermittent cooling 
Nov 2016

107000 mi
Replace evaporator temp sensor. Finally found the problem behind the intermittent cooling. Previous replacement of evaporator and expansion valve probably not necessary. 
Apr 2017

114311 mi
Replace cam seals and O-rings again. Warranty work from short block replacement (Jul 2016). 
May 2017

116419 mi
After short block replacement, A/C compressor was very noisy. Turns out the mechanic failed to add oil back into the A/C system when reassembling. Oil was added and noise was reduced significantly, but still there (compressor undoubtedly damaged at this point). 
Jul 2017

118595 mi
Returned for noisy air compressor - dealer said, despite the noise, system working as designed. In order to prove the compressor is damaged, they say we will have to just wait to see if it fails. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2010 - Feb 2019
Jan 2011

620 mi
CEL on, took to dealer, code said fuel recovery system. Dealer discovered condensation froze in the fuel vapour recovery line from the gas tank-figured it happened while sitting on lot through freeze-thaw weather-dried out line, now fixed. 
Mar 2011

1860 mi
CEL on, same as last visit. Dealer discovered condensate in the fuel vapour recovery line from the gas tank - dealer thinks either faulty installation or bad design as there is a low spot in line before the drain. Dried out, CEL off now. 
Dec 2012

19840 mi
Engine sometimes made noise on cold-starts; determined was covered by TSB for timing chain tensioner. Replaced tensioner, does not make noise anymore. 
Sep 2013

29140 mi
Car smelled mildly of burning fluid after op'n of >20 minutes - had been happening since replacement of timing chain idler pulley in May. Found minor weep of oil from bottom of oil dipstick, landing on exhaust system. Replaced seal 
Jun 2017

56420 mi

C $20
Rattling sound from muffler area below passenger cabin. Shop said common issue with Subaru's and it comes from the heat shield getting loose. No real way to tighten it, so we had them remove it. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Oct 2010 - Sep 2016
Jun 2012

28000 mi
Faulty tire sensor, replaced under warranty 
Sep 2016

103000 mi
Compete Engine replacement under warranty due to excessive oil consumption. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Apr 2011 - Nov 2014
Nov 2013

21000 mi
Leaking Cam seals and head gaskets. leaky cam seals 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
May 2011 - Mar 2014
Jun 2012

22000 mi

US $1
Needed a new bolt for the rear view mirror assembly. The mirror assembly kept on getting lose when driving over bumps. Had to replace the hex socket bolt.  
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2011 - Jul 2015
Dec 2013

35340 mi
Replaced battery under warrenty 
Feb 2015

49580 mi

C $350
horn alarm would not shut off had to replace some connection in steering column which had shorted out. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Jul 2011 - Jan 2014
Jan 2014

1000 mi
Reprogrammed transmission to correct rough shifting during extreme cold. 
Subaru Forester in Arkansas, United States
Jun 2011 - Jan 2018
Nov 2011

4000 mi
Rattles and squeaks from the cargo hold. Dealer shop removed right trim and headliner. Two of the noises were lessened. One rattle still needs to be chased down. 
Jan 2012

22200 mi
Rattle in cargo hold. The technician took down passenger side trim and installed wedges between parts of the roof metal. I think that it worked this time. 
May 2012

9700 mi
Rear side drivers window working intermittently. 
Sep 2012

14000 mi
Rear drivers side window not working. Dealership lubricated track and pronounced it repaired. We shall see. 
Apr 2013

18800 mi
Rear power window out again. Fourth time in shop. Window motor to be replaced this time. Of course the part has to be ordered so a fifth time will be needed. 
May 2013

20000 mi
Replaced drivers side rear window motor. Fifth time in shop. We will see. 
Sep 2013

24000 mi
Rear driver's side window working intermittently. Now the front passenger window not working from the driver's door switch. Sixth time in shop for this problem. As normal' part must be ordered resulting in seventh trip. Power window master switch replaced. 
Apr 2014

28700 mi
Top windshield gasket came loose and flapped in wind. Re-attached. I will reglue with silicone if it comes loose again. 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Jul 2011 - Aug 2016
Sep 2013

38000 mi
Check engine light on. Dealer tightened cap. Light came on again. Replaced canister vent valve. Check engine light back on. Found evap hose not seated properly. Dealer had car until 9/16/13. Dealer repaired evap hose. 
Oct 2013

38800 mi
Check engine light on. Found purge hose not properly connected. check engine light on. Found evap canister leaking. Dealer replaced evap canister. Check engine light on. Found vaccum line leaking and gas cap not sealing properly. Dealer replaced line and gas cap. After six trips, light finally stayed off. 
Jun 2015

68000 mi
replaced both valve cover gaskets 
Subaru Forester in Kentucky, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2017
Nov 2012

41300 mi
Check engine light, ABS light, Traction control light all illuminated. 
May 2013

59000 mi
Timing chain tensioner was leaking down overnight. 
Jun 2017

134000 mi

US $400
Factory replacement short block for oil consumption issue. Also had routine maintenance to rest of car. New hoses plugs differential fluid change. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2022
Jun 2017

91000 mi

US $135
flushed brake fluid.. also oil and filter ghange 
Jul 2017

91000 mi

US $65
replaced rear pads 
Subaru Forester in Alabama, United States
Apr 2016 - May 2017
Jun 2016

46500 mi
short block replaced due to oil consumption problem 
Jan 2017

52600 mi
engine front cover leaking. replaced all necessary o rings and seals. replaced dipstick tube seal 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Oct 2015 - Oct 2016
Sep 2016

98000 mi
Published oil consumption problem with 2011 Subaru Forester. Dealer replaced engine short block. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2017 - Mar 2018
Sep 2017

125000 mi

US $3500
replaced short block due to oil consumption 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Jan 2016 - Jun 2022
Jul 2018

78000 mi

US $470
fuel/induction service power steering service 
Aug 2021

104000 mi

US $2700
replaced steering rack driver's window switch replaced 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Dec 2015 - Jun 2022
Apr 2022

96000 mi

US $450
A/F sensor bad 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Dec 2010 - Jul 2022
Jul 2018

49000 mi

US $600
replace faulty oxygen sensor 
Jul 2022

64000 mi

US $540
Several gaskets replaced for oil leak, also one sensor repaired Replace broken glove box, reinsert mirror controls 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2014 - Jun 2022
Sep 2016

123000 mi

US $17
Blown low beam headlamp bulb 
May 2018

151000 mi

US $150
AC not cooling. Recharged system Check engine light, O2 sensor 
Jun 2022

205000 mi

US $120
P0420, catalytic converter not optimal 
Subaru Forester in Manitoba, Canada
Apr 2015 - Jun 2022
Jan 2018

C $45
Rear lift supports both crashed same day at -40 in Jan 2018. Bought replacements online for $45/ instead of $179 at dealer. 
Feb 2018

96100 mi

C $1300
Engine seal and oil sensor. Starting position required to commence official oil use monitoring process. Subaru had sent letter advising that some excessive oil consumption noticed in years including my car. Anything over 1 litre per 6000 km. My car's engine related warranty to be extended to 160k from 100k!!! My number came at about 2.4 ltr/6000 km I have a loaner 2018 Forester today while Subaru installs a new (rebuilt) short block, for free.  I have a rt. tie rod with alignment being done at same time $400.  
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
May 2013 - Jul 2022
Sep 2014

52000 mi
The sunroof malfunctioned and was repaired under warranty. The glass part somehow hopped over the cloth part (underside) and thereafter was unable to close.  
Feb 2016

79000 mi

US $65
One of the wheel stud bolts was stripped so the tire nut would not come off, which prevented having the tires on the driver's from being rotated. 
May 2016

84000 mi

US $2100
Both cam carriers (or cages) were leaking oil and needed to be resealed. This required removing the engine, 
Sep 2016

85000 mi

US $60
This was the 3rd time that a wheel stud (where lug nuts screw on) failed, requiring replacement. Either I have a really bad dealer service (AutoNation) or Discount Tire shop or the metal in the studs is poor quality. Wish I knew which. 
Oct 2017

105000 mi

US $75
Replace rear view mirror mounting kit. Apparently, one of the screws got stripped somehow, possibly when the windshield was replaced. Don’t know that I can say this was caused by normal use. But what really made me angry is for the lack of the screw, the whole mount had to be replaced. Really, Subaru didn’t have a replacement screw?!? 
Jun 2018

108000 mi

US $470
Once again one of the wheel studs broke off in the lug nut when my tires were rotated at Discount Tire. Then when Subaru mechanic was taking that wheel off, another one broke! This is at least the 5th stud to break. Subaru aluminum alloy wheels from 2011 are junk. Front break rotors were resurfaced. The idle pulleys and belt tensioner needed replacement. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2012
Oct 2012

12700 mi
oil leaking from valve cover gasket. 
Nov 2012

13000 mi
valve cover gasket replaced (warranty) 
Dec 2012

13000 mi
valve cover gasket leaking engine still leaking oil 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Jul 2014 - Sep 2015
Sep 2015

140000 mi
threw a rod and blew the engine 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Jun 2013 - Mar 2015
Sep 2014

41000 mi

US $94
radio stopped playing ipod connected via USB port. It recognized the ipod, but would not play... 
Jan 2015 Replaced transmission with remanufactured transmission 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Nov 2012 - Mar 2016
Jan 2013

16000 mi

US $300
Engine started tapping sound and then lost power while driving on highway. Was towed to a dealer. It took 5 days for them to get it fixed. Have not pick it up yet since the dealer is 2 hours drive away from my home. 
Feb 2013

23000 mi
Check engine light is on. It camplained about bank 1. Dealer said upgraded software and reset check engine light. 
Mar 2013

27000 mi
Engine light is on again. Dealer said changed both down pipes. I was told there was a leak in intake. 
Subaru Forester in Maine, United States
Jun 2014 - Oct 2014
Jun 2014

43000 mi
Vehicle started making a horrendous clapping noise. Upon towing to dealer it was determined that the engine block failed. Suspect oil consumption problem that has been reported. They never did tell me why it happened. Yay extended warranty! 
Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States
Jan 2014 - Mar 2014
Mar 2014

45000 mi
Early on it started having oil consumption issues; engine replaced at 32,000 miles; 10,000 miles later same problems again. Received $3,500 customer loyalty incentive, traded the car. 

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2011 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

148-horsepower 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in Victoria, Australia
Jan 2014 - Jan 2021
May 2014

38260 mi
Replacement of small engine due to unusual oil consumption 
Sep 2015

54560 mi
Loose tweeter on door 
Mar 2017

79360 mi

A $900
Worn components covered under extended warranty 
Jun 2017

83080 mi

A $6
Front low beam light 

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2011 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in New Brunswick, Canada
Apr 2016 - Oct 2021
Sep 2017

71572 mi

C $396
Motor vehicle inspection identified worn brake pads that did not pass. 
Apr 2018

75700 mi

C $65
check engine light on. Code P0456, evap small leak. Cleared code, cleaned around rim of gas tank filler neck 

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2011 Subaru Forester 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru Forester in Botswana
Nov 2014 - Jan 2017
Nov 2016

46580 mi
Blown head gaskets. Replaced radiator, water pump, all hoses and timing belt with this repair at my own cost. 

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2010 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in Belgium
Sep 2009 - Dec 2017
Nov 2017

69440 mi
rear central mirror oxydised all around , starting to go to the center. mirror replaced at no cost by dealer, on warranty (lifetime for such items) 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2010 - Jun 2017
Sep 2011

21080 mi
Malfunction with oil control valve. The dealer had to order the part - kept over weekend and fixed on 2nd business day. 
May 2012

27060 mi
Computer had to be reset as instruments were either wrong or not functioning - cause unknown. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jun 2009 - Feb 2014
Apr 2013

68000 mi

US $189
Intercooler Hose connecting to the Turbo engine 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2017 - Oct 2018
Oct 2017

89000 mi
90,000 mile service performed, transmission drain plug was over tightened and cracked the transmission case...transmission was then replaced by dealer. Newly installed transmission had leaky axle plug seals, dealer replaced those as well. 
Apr 2018

98000 mi

US $400
Wheel bearing was making whining noise, only left front, easy replacement. 
Oct 2018

105000 mi

US $1400
Sway bar links and bushings were bad, replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States
Sep 2010 - Apr 2018
Oct 2011

26700 mi

US $225
Key fob ceased working due to faulty button. Not covered by CPO warranty. 
Jun 2014

60000 mi

US $296
Drive belts dry and cracking. Discovered during course of scheduled maintenance. Belts replaced. 
Apr 2018

80000 mi

US $504
Radiator cracked. Shop described failure as premature given mileage. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Sep 2010 - Sep 2013
Nov 2011

22000 mi
OEM TPMS light on in cold weather while tire pressure was to OEM specs (known problem my Subaru); solved by increasing tire pressure. 

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2010 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Dec 2009 - Sep 2016
Jul 2011

41000 mi

US $60
Gas cap was loose, tripped Check Engine Light. Cost $60 at the dealer to diagnose and reset. Next time, I'm bringing it to my local guy. Only reason I brought it to the dealer was in case it was covered by a warranty, which it wasn't. 
Dec 2012

77000 mi
Battery went dead, just short of 3 years old. They don't make them like they used to. 
May 2013

89800 mi

US $175
Had car in to get all four brake pads and rotors replaced, also needed one brake caliper replaced. Brake stuck on the ride home, so I had to bring it back. 
Mar 2014

113000 mi

US $1500
Replaced clutch bearing, pressure plate, and flywheel. 
Jul 2014

120300 mi

US $640
Clunking sound when going over small bumps. Sway bars bad. 
Dec 2014

134000 mi

US $698
Replaced right front caliper, old one was sticking. Cost about $220, parts and labor. 
Jul 2015

151000 mi

US $500
Stuck caliper, replaced that, plus pads and rotors. 
Jun 2016

175000 mi

US $450
Stuck right front caliper, replaced that, plus discs and pads 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Jul 2015 - Jan 2022
Jul 2017

89000 mi

US $150
Replaced left front wheel bearing due to continuous rumbling at specific speeds 
Aug 2017

98000 mi

US $240
Right front wheel bearings replaced. 
Dec 2017

102000 mi

US $430
Throwout bearing howling and replaced. 
Jun 2018

110000 mi

US $40
Rear pads rplaced 
Jan 2022

158500 mi

US $50
Failed exhaust connection at muffler 
Subaru Forester in Maine, United States
Feb 2016 - Nov 2016
Nov 2016

71000 mi

US $35
Headlight replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Feb 2010 - Jul 2011
Feb 2011

11000 mi
Replacement of fuel tank pressure sensor after diagnostic for reason why check engine light came on. 
Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States
Apr 2016 - Sep 2019
Oct 2016

48300 mi

US $180
Replaced Battery 
Mar 2018

52960 mi

US $120
Replace fan belts 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Dec 2009 - Jun 2018
Dec 2015

72540 mi

C $50
Complained about excessive oil consumption. PCV valve replaced. 
Sep 2017

99200 mi

C $350
Ignition coil, had to go back one month later because a distribution cable unpluged. Missinstalled. Ignition coil. 
Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States
Apr 2018 - Jan 2022
Dec 2021

207000 mi

US $1000
Brakes worn. Replaced pads and rotors. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
Mar 2014 - Sep 2014
Apr 2014

54000 mi
Creaking coming from front of vehicle, especially at low speeds. Only seemed to occur warm, sunny days. Front sway bar bushings were dried out and rubbing. A little silicon grease in the bushings fixed the problem. 
Aug 2014

62000 mi

US $360
Electrical system for rear latch shorted out and hatchback would not close. Entire assembly was replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Missouri, United States
Jun 2014 - Jul 2016
Jun 2014

117000 mi

US $1000
Clutch Pressure plate and release bearing worn out. 
Subaru Forester in West Virginia, United States
Dec 2016 - Jun 2018
Jan 2017

70000 mi
OCV stuck code thrown for bank 2. Dealer first replaced OCV solenoid and it did not fix. OCV switch corrected problem. 
Feb 2017

73000 mi

US $150
Shudder in steering. Stuck brake caliper piston upon inspection. 
Aug 2017

81000 mi

US $285
Caliper pistons stuck again. 
Mar 2018

85000 mi

US $450
Both driver side calipers had pistons sticking. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Dec 2014 - Dec 2015
Nov 2015

56600 mi
Rattling heat shields. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Oct 2014 - Apr 2015
Nov 2014

116200 mi

US $1300
Clutch replacement, high pitched whine, likely throw out bearing. 
Jan 2015

119500 mi

US $155
Check oil leak...currently minor. Diagnosis is a leaking head gasket. 
Apr 2015

122000 mi
Oil leak from head gasket. 
Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Jun 2021 - Jul 2022
Jun 2022

162440 mi

C $300
O2 sensor was faulty 
Subaru Forester in New Mexico, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2012
Dec 2011

20000 mi
Dome light was not functioning properly, and was replaced by dealership under warranty. 

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2010 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Jan 2017 - Feb 2017
Feb 2017

98000 mi

US $350
Head gasket needs replacing. Front wheel bearing went bad. Right front CV Axel went bad 
Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States
May 2014 - Apr 2019
Mar 2017

62000 mi

US $50
Weld on the exhaust pipe between converter and muffler failed, allowing pipe to drop away from the muffler. Shop welded it back into place. 
Jul 2017

67000 mi

US $325
Replace master cylinder, oil change ar same time 
Feb 2018

74000 mi

US $35
Passenger side headlight keeps burning out -- on the third one in three months 
Subaru Forester in Nebraska, United States
Nov 2016 - Jun 2022
Feb 2017

61300 mi

US $4200
Replaced with rebuilt transmission 
Apr 2017

62000 mi

US $395
Replaced sway bar on front axle. Dealer that sold me the car did not take care of it. 
Jun 2017

63000 mi

US $1340
AC Air Compressor had a seal leak and had to replace entire compressor to make AC functional again. May have been results of collission car was in as this was purchased salvage title. 
Jan 2022

87000 mi

US $2000
Head gasket replacement 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
May 2015 - Jun 2017
Sep 2016

83000 mi

US $150
Alternator belt snapped, causing the battery to lose power. Replaced alternator belt and battery. 
Subaru Forester in South Carolina, United States
Apr 2014 - Sep 2021
Jun 2015

53000 mi

US $250
Replaced tie rods 
Sep 2016

64000 mi

US $400
Due to squeaking, replaced driver side strut and strut mount. 
Aug 2021

115000 mi

US $2400
Head gasket repair and timing belt 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2016 - Jun 2017
Jun 2016

92000 mi

US $200
Gasket failed around rear hatch. The new gasket was installed incorrectly the first time. On the second trip to the shop, the gasket was installed correctly. Failure of multiple Schraeder valves in the A/C system. The repair has yet to be successful. I will take the car to another shop after winter. 
May 2017

103000 mi

US $2900
Brakes replaced Condenser replaced Tie-rods replaced 
Subaru Forester in South Carolina, United States
Dec 2017 - Mar 2018
Jun 2017

39000 mi

US $900
Ac sys down Ac evaporator leaking another 1900 hundered! 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2017 - Aug 2019
Jun 2018

63813 mi

US $11
Passenger airbag replaced due to Takata recall Replaced alternator drive belt due to premature wear. 
Jul 2019

77809 mi

US $400
Replaced all 4 rotors and pads and both front calipers. Bleed fluid. 
Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States
Sep 2011 - Mar 2018
Mar 2018

109000 mi

US $20
Head Gasket leak diagnosed but not fixed. Put a stop-leak product into the oil. Waiting to see if that does it. Update: stopped drip, but will probably have to replace gasket eventually. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2022
Oct 2017

46000 mi

US $37
changed front headlight 
Apr 2018

64000 mi

US $78
power steering belt was frayed. replaced belt 
Sep 2021

89000 mi

US $9
replaced the front headlight 
Apr 2022

98000 mi

US $1500
replaced al exhaust and catalytic convertor 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2020
Jun 2019

88000 mi

US $600
Replace rear brake pads and rotors 
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
May 2020 - Jun 2022
Jun 2020

91000 mi

US $350
power steering pump and pulleys and belt were replaced 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2022 - Nov 2022
Jul 2022

152000 mi

US $250
Rusted exhaust manifold with exhaust leaks 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Jul 2009 - Jan 2022
Jul 2018

68000 mi
Head Gasket replacement done on warranty due to low mileage and less than 10 years old. 
Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States
Jan 2014 - Jun 2018
Oct 2016

103000 mi

US $3000
Scheduled timing belt replacement, brakes,leaky head gasket seal 
Jul 2017

113000 mi

US $65
Shield over muffler needed reattaching 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Aug 2009 - Jul 2018
Nov 2017

206000 mi

US $270
Power steering pump replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States
Oct 2010 - Jul 2022
May 2017

74000 mi

US $70
2300 miles after oil change at dealer, was told that oil dipstick was dry. Low Oil light did not illuminate. Added nearly about 1-1/2 quarts of oil. Subaru started an oil consumption test. They emptied the good oil and started over with synthetic oil. Charged me $70 for an oil change that I didn't need for about 5 months. Told to come back if the oil level is down to the add line, or after 1200 miles. I returned when the level was half way between full and add. They checked the oil and told me that it is completely up to the full line. The vehicle and oil was hot from driving 15 miles to get to the dealer. When I checked the oil level, the car was cool, and parked on a level garage surface. They are looking to see if the oil is consumed at or above a rate of 1 quart per 1200 miles. The car is definitely using oil at above that rate. But it will not register if they only check the car when it is hot. Useless. 
Aug 2017

80000 mi
Oil consumption test - checked oil level when car was cool. The oil level was not registering on the dipstick after 4000 miles since test began in April. I received a call that the oil consumption is deemed excessive, and Subaru is going to replace the engine. Then I get a call back an hour later to tell me that my model year is not included in the recall and that running out of oil after 2000 or 3000 miles is normal for a 2010 Forester, but excessive for a 2011 or 2012 Forester. It would have been nice to know that when the test was started and I was charged $70 for an oil change that my car was not even due to have changed. 
Sep 2017

80000 mi

US $400
Two welds on the power driver's seat broke around 74,000 miles with no accidents, no heavy occupants, nothing out of the ordinary. The seat would shift from side to side and not feel stable. The power seat controls were missing some options; felt like sitting a lot lower in the car, did not feel safe. Instead of re-welding the two front seat welds, or giving me the option of doing that, the power seat was replaced and an upholsterer hired to replace the cushion on the new power seat. The dealer and myself shared the cost equally. 
Jun 2018

89000 mi
Leaks after re-sealing windshield from interior. Glass company Should have just replaced windshield right away as dealer advised Glass company had replaced windshield April 2015. Leaking near gas pedal and passenger side. Glass sealed from interior. 2 days later rain infiltrating car in more places. Into gear shifter, passenger headliner near side window and onto passenger seat. Windshield being replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2015 - Oct 2017
Apr 2017

111000 mi

US $90
Steering Pump Pully Tensioner wasn't keeping enough tension on the accessory belt 
Oct 2017

117000 mi

US $830
Both front wheel bearings loud and needed to be replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2016 - Aug 2023
Jun 2017

123000 mi

US $1400
Catalytic converter rusting out, creating loud exhaust noise and causing fumes to enter car. Catalytic converter replaced. 
Jul 2018

127000 mi

US $300
Bent tie rod replaced 
Feb 2019

133000 mi

US $40
Replaced failed PCV valve. Found accessory belt starting to fail, replaced that as well. 
Mar 2021

164000 mi

US $360
Front-left wheel bearing replacement. 
Aug 2022

175000 mi

US $165
Transmission cooler lines rusted out, causing severe transmission fluid leak. Replaced hard lines, and two rubber lines connecting to the radiator. 
Dec 2022

178000 mi

US $50
Exhaust manifold gaskets leaking. 
Jun 2023

180000 mi

US $230
Exhaust flanges rotted out. Mechanic cut pipes around flanges and welded new pipe in place. 
Aug 2023

181000 mi

US $880
Previous exhaust repairs re-done by another shop due to poor workmanship. Mid pipe and flex pipes replaced, plus another couple leaks sealed up. One exhaust hanger replaced. 
Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada
Aug 2010 - Jun 2022
Oct 2016

44641 mi

C $200
Head lights had to be replaced 
Jun 2017

47120 mi

C $1500
Rotors, drums, pads. Jan/17 had reg. maint. done & Subaru (Edm.)said brakes, etc.were good. Jun/17 after problems with having new summer tires put on (at a local company), bolts kept loosening & front tire was almost falling off - extreme vibrating. The local tire company had to torque the bolts 3 times! There was loud screeching sound after all this & tire co. said its because of aluminum rims and its brakes, etc. 
Sep 2017

48980 mi

C $1023
rear pads, discs, rotors (nearly metal on metal) told about in June replaced in September. 
Nov 2021

64480 mi

C $1000
We were informed that the 'timing belt' required replacement 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Apr 2011 - Jul 2022
Jun 2017

60000 mi

US $520
gas tank vapor filter, diagnosed and replaced. 
Jul 2022

102000 mi

US $4300
Replaced head gaskets, timing belt, radiator and alternator. 
Subaru Forester in Washington, United States
Oct 2015 - Sep 2021
Jul 2017

61500 mi

US $360
Replace serpentine belt 
May 2018

70000 mi

US $300
move/replace spark plug wires 
Subaru Forester in Nova Scotia, Canada
Sep 2014 - Jun 2020
Jun 2017

73160 mi

C $600
replace ac compressor 
Subaru Forester in Kansas, United States
Apr 2017 - Jun 2017
Jun 2017

109500 mi

US $7
Check engine light came on and car would idle very low. After running diagnostic and searching online found that the MAF may become dirty. When inspected the MAF has what looked like a tiny hair touching the sensor element. After removal and cleaning with MAF cleaner car ran fine and symptoms have been gone for close to 1,000 miles now. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Apr 2012 - Jun 2018
Jun 2012

35000 mi
engine light came on need to replace oil flow control valve. 
May 2017

83000 mi

US $100
Replace rear brake pads. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2009 - Dec 2016
Oct 2016

43000 mi

US $40
heat shield under car vibration/rattling 
Subaru Forester in Saskatchewan, Canada
Nov 2009 - Jul 2019
Jan 2012

15500 mi
door lock on rear driver's side door came unhooked. problem fixed under warrantee. 
Jun 2013

23560 mi
Coolant leak detected. Dealer found the power steering return line was leaking fluid. It was replaced under warrantee. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2010 - Jan 2020
Nov 2010

11700 mi
In Oct. 2010 noticed a crack in pass. rear side stationary glass plastic trim. Turns out the trim cannot be replaced alone the entire glass panel must be which includes the little edge trim. Dealer replaced under warranty in Nov. 2010. 
Jun 2012

33000 mi
To correct warning lights on my dash from lighting up, it was determined that the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor was faulty. It was replaced but the lights lit up again after leaving the dealer a few hours after. When the lights on the dash lit up again the car was returned to the dealer. They determined the problem to be a faulty "Fuel Tank Pressure Control Solenoid" Part had to be ordered. Returned on the third day to have it installed. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2015
Sep 2014

48000 mi

US $110
previous tire rotation crossthreaded lug bolt so I needed a new one installed. 
May 2015

51000 mi

US $425
Carrier/center bearing, upon which the driveshaft is supported, failed. Part is only replaced as full driveshaft unit. 
Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States
Apr 2010 - Sep 2011
Jun 2010

1000 mi
rear hatch seemed to rattle a lot, but it turned out that the spare tire was not properly installed (should have been caught at PDI) and the jack was loose in the carrier in the trunk. 
Oct 2010

7000 mi
all four doors had hideous rattles, like they were made of loose change and tin cans. All were fixed by dealer under warranty. Additionally, the roof bars were replaced because they noticed a screw missing, and all were stripped. WOW. 
Nov 2010

8000 mi
Hatchback rattle/shudder constantly, TSB fix made it worse. Fixed by owner with foam insulation. Subaru dealer seems to be totally clueless on this one. So far, this car (and it's dealers) does not live up to it's reputation. 
Dec 2010

10000 mi
dash rattle, a-pillar trim rattle, rear-view mirror rattle, headliner rattle... this car seems to be made of the cheapest plastic of all time. They were "unable to isolate" rattles. Will be trying new dealer. 
Feb 2011

12000 mi
STILL they cannot find the source of the rattles in the dash. Seriously, this car had to be assembled on a Monday after way too much sake in Japan! 
Mar 2011

14000 mi
Started carrying foam tape, attacking rattles myself as they come. The dash rattle was finally discovered to be the cowling panel on the exterior of windshield. Self repair, since the dealers are clueless. Forum members helped diagnose. 
Aug 2011

24000 mi
TSB software update 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2010 - May 2014
Jun 2010

9920 mi
Switch in overhead passsenger dome light was intermitent.  
Jul 2010

10720 mi
Rattle inside driver door. The sound baffle inside the door was removed and two sided tape was inserted to prevent the rattle.  
Feb 2011

19840 mi
A service bulletin was issued since the last repair dealing with door rattle. This different dealer corrected the problem according to service bulletin. Had previously serviced driver door rattles fixed. A service bulletin was issued since the last repair dealing with door rattle. This different dealer corrected the problem according to service bulletin. 
May 2011

22480 mi
Driver heated car seat not working. Only the part that you sit on. Back part of seat still working. 
Aug 2011

29140 mi
Driver heated seat element no longer working. Part replaced on warantee. The windshield washer spray nozzle was cracked. Dealer advised that this was on warranty. To be ordered and fixed on next trip. 
Mar 2012

35960 mi

C $60
Brake inspection revealed that the brakes were sticking. Brake lubrication due at 64,000km. Dealer advised that insufficient amount of lubrication used by other dealer. 
Sep 2012

45880 mi

C $300
Leak in line from condenser to evaporator 
Nov 2012

47400 mi

C $600
Air conditioning hose replaced due leak and system recharged Front brakes sticking. Insufficient or ineffective lubrication. Brakes were not due for service for another 12,000KM. Brakes were cleaned and lubricated. 
Sep 2013

61380 mi
Clunking began in Late August. In the dealer shop mid Sep. Estimate front and rear passenger sway link will require replacement soon. 
Oct 2013

61880 mi

C $300
Driver front wheel bearing making loud hum. Diagnosed and replaced with OEM. Also fixed sway bar links. 
May 2014

67580 mi
Rear hanger bearing noisy. Diagnosed as needing replacement. Shaft and bearing one assembly piece replaced. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Nov 2009 - Jun 2022
Mar 2010

4000 mi
Trim below door came loose after putting foot on it. 
Apr 2015

76500 mi
Seat back release lever had come unscrewed. 
Apr 2016

90500 mi

US $30
a high beam and a running light were out. no labor charge. 
Feb 2022

160783 mi

US $57
One normal headlight out and one bright headlight out. 
Subaru Forester in California, United States
Oct 2009 - Oct 2011
Dec 2010

32000 mi
interior drivers door release lever 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
May 2009 - Jul 2016
Nov 2009

9920 mi
Fogging occurring in the rear right tail light assembly. Looking closer, turns out to have cracks around the edges, letting moisture in. Found on forums to be a common defect, brought it in for warranty replacement. 
May 2010

19780 mi
Front windows were shifting left/right when moved up and down half way. Subaru adjusted the window regulators, problem solved. 
Jun 2010

21700 mi
Cat heat shield was rattling at 2000RPM with the engine running with a load. Insulation between cat and shield wasn't covering properly, causing contact thus the rattle. Subaru has ordered a replacement shield. 
Sep 2011

44640 mi

C $950
Driver seat front edge would not raise evenly. Dealer reports the seat frame needs replacement - $720 part. Not under warranty. 
Jan 2015

114700 mi

C $1000
Both rear control arms were noisy, the ball joints were wearing out. 
May 2016

131720 mi
Seat Heater on the driver side malfunctioning - sporadically turning on, even when the switch is off, and the seat heater worked at random. The lumbar heater always worked. Code P0420 - Cat Efficiency Low. 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
May 2009 - Jan 2022
Jan 2015

102500 mi

US $120
Steering was squeaky. Belt was frayed. Replaced. 
Oct 2015

101500 mi

US $370
Drive belt 
Jan 2017

107700 mi

US $600
rear struts were leaking 
Mar 2017

125000 mi

US $120
Faulty wire from battery causing misfires Car was hesitating 
Dec 2017

130000 mi

US $400
Rotors replaced. Causing vibrations when braking. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
May 2009 - Oct 2011
Apr 2010

9920 mi
Check engine and traction control lights on. Also cruise control light flashing. They replaced the ignition wiring to correct the problem. 
Subaru Forester in Connecticut, United States
Jul 2009 - Mar 2016
Jan 2012

48000 mi
Driver seat heat pad went bad, delear replaced under warranty at 35,850 miles ;) 
Apr 2012

38700 mi
Seat came apart after seat heater was repaird, outside of warranty. 
Apr 2015

70000 mi

US $1000
Exhaust Cross pipe cracked needed replacement. 
Mar 2016

85000 mi
Head Gasket developed a leak. Car was traded in for a new one. 
Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States
Oct 2009 - Dec 2014
Nov 2010

6500 mi
Sunroof, and rear hatch had very obnoxious rattles.  Sunroof, and rear hatch had very obnoxious rattles.  
Subaru Forester in Texas, United States
Jul 2009 - Nov 2017
Sep 2011

25000 mi
Power steering rack was leaking and was replaced. 
Mar 2016

83000 mi

US $138
Check engine light came on. Dealer replaced the gas cap with a new gas cap. That fixed the problem. 
Nov 2017

110000 mi

US $2100
Blown head gasket 
Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States
Apr 2010 - Sep 2020
Dec 2011

13000 mi
Check engine light came on with flashing cruise indicator. Computer code indicated faulty fuel pressure sensor. Dealer replaced and repaired. Total shop time about 1.5 hr. Problem seems to be resolved. 
Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2010 - Mar 2012
Apr 2011

16000 mi
replaced brake light bulbs 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Oct 2011 - Jun 2016
Nov 2013

89560 mi

C $400
Engine flooded badly had to change plugs, cables and air filter. 
Mar 2014

94240 mi

C $650
Had to replace the thing that attaches the rear sway bar. 
May 2014

96940 mi

C $950
Oil leak in the timing belt cover. Had to replace timing belt before the planned replacement at 168 000 km 
Apr 2015

112000 mi

C $1200
The typical Subaru 2.5 l engine gasket change. There were oil and coolant leaks 
Jul 2015

115280 mi
Driveshaft bearing was grinding whole driveshaft replaced The parking brake was too tightly adjusted which resulted in overheating and warping of the rear brake disk. 
Nov 2015

123320 mi

C $1700
Head gaskets 
Subaru Forester in Chile
Dec 2011 - Dec 2012
Oct 2012

19400 mi
Rattles on the roof, over the driver's head and in the back all over the cargo area. I had filled the space between metal sheet of roof and inner roof with pieces of cloth. 
Subaru Forester in Ohio, United States
Jan 2012 - Mar 2014
Aug 2013

75000 mi
Catalytic converter needed to be replaced 
Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States
May 2013 - Sep 2017
Apr 2016

85000 mi

US $108
replace worn power steering belt replace ground straps 
Apr 2017

95000 mi

US $500
rattle on bumpy road, replaced 4 struts and strut mounts 
Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States
Nov 2012 - Mar 2016
Jan 2016

31000 mi

US $40
Noise in exhaust system. Loose heat shield. Tightened. Cost $40 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Jul 2012 - Oct 2020
Jan 2016

74000 mi

US $50
Headlight burned out. 
Nov 2016

87700 mi

US $20
Frequent burnout of headlight. 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2011 - Feb 2020
Mar 2014

21080 mi

C $70
recommended throttle maintenance as pedal a bit sticky - detected during inspection when in for 6 month maintenance 
Apr 2015

27280 mi

C $80
loose heat shield 
Jul 2015

28620 mi

C $100
cracked fan belt required replacement 
Dec 2016

37820 mi
overhead rear seat dome light not working - shop looked at and recommended not repairing as not worth the money to track down the electrical problem. 
Apr 2017

40300 mi

C $200
Battery required replacement. 
Jan 2020

49600 mi

C $500
brake repairs completed, however discovered leaking gaskets cost to repair around 4000 to 5000 so traded in car for a 2020 Outback 
Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2010 - Jun 2018
May 2013

30340 mi
30 month old car has rust along the bottom lip of tailgate. Trim around rear side windows cracked and probably letting water in. I have now waited over 2 MONTHS for Subaru Canada to get back to me on warranty claim. First and LAST Subaru! 
Sep 2013

33480 mi

C $60
Brake calipers sticking, even though servied at Subaru recommended intervals by the dealer. Front wheel bearing started making noise at 50,000km. This is the second time this has happened with this vehicle. Rusted tailgate lip and cracked rear side window trims finally being repaired under "goodwill" warranty from Subaru Canada. They will NOT accept fault for rusting on a barely 2 and a half year old car still under full warranty. 
Feb 2014

38440 mi
Smelled burning oil and some smoke coming from the engine after a recent trip. No oil loss noted on dipstick. Diagnosed as a leaking front crankshaft seal. Replaced under major component warranty along with oil contaminated timing belt. 
Jun 2014

43400 mi
Began to smell burning oil, similar to 4 months ago. ANOTHER oil leak, this time oil pump and gasket had to be replaced...covered under powertrain warranty. 70,000km and this lemon is just falling apart. I don't trust it for long trips. SAD! 
Mar 2015

52700 mi
Clunking coming from front passenger side. Diagnosed as worn stabilizer bushings (at 85,000km?? I just did them on my 1996 BMW with 400,000km on it!). Repaired under major component 5yr/100k warranty. 
Jun 2015

57040 mi

C $350
Ignition coil pack and plug wires were replaced under warranty at 52,000km. Now only 40,000km later they BOTH needed replacement again, this time at my cost. This Subaru is a POS and a lemon. I would dump it if I could afford to. Do not buy! 
Sep 2015

58900 mi

C $350
After requiring new rear calipers last year, dealer service found that the front calipers were seized and now also needed replacing. These crappy factory parts corrode immediately, and regular brake service and lubrication does not help! 
Oct 2016

76880 mi

C $1100
Ticking from brakes at low speeds was reported for a second time. Dealer could not duplicate so did nothing. I suspect that rear rotors are shot...again. They corrode badly and then eat the pads. I spend $800/yr for brake work on this car! Dealer completely missed TWO sticking calipers when we had it inspected by them in early October. My local mechanic found the problem in minutes, sticking calipers ate pads and rotors, needed full brake parts all around. 
Mar 2017

83700 mi

C $1200
Second time the same wheel bearing has required replacement. The entire exhaust system had rusted so badly at all weld points that everything needed to be replaced from the catalytic back. Yet more badly designed metal parts on this car. 
Oct 2017

91140 mi

C $300
Car started to make a ticking sound when making sharp right turns at low speed. This become worse and vibration at highway speeds started under acceleration. My mechanic diagnosed this a bad inner CV. Cost to repair and reboot the front half-shaft is more money than the difference in parts cost to replace the entire half-shaft so I went that route. Mechanic suggested an aftermarket half-shaft which are known to cause vibration issues. This one was no different and I am now waiting on the Subaru OEM part which is on back order. Not impressed that Subaru Canada does not keep a known failure part like this in stock at all times. It's common to many different models and years of Subaru! 
Feb 2018

94240 mi

C $35
Exhaust rattle again...this is a yearly event! Maybe Subaru should investigate solving this issue that their cars have had for over a decade. 
Jun 2018

99200 mi

C $135
Heat shield rattle repaired with clamps. Vibration diagnosis revealed possible issue with recently replace front half-shaft. 
Subaru Forester in New York, United States
May 2010 - Mar 2013
May 2012

14200 mi
Transmission temperature light kept coming on; transmission would not shift properly. Dealer had to order in, and replace a module. The transmission actually was not overheating. 
Nov 2012

15900 mi
The shift lever became hard to move. Parts were ordered in and replaced. 
Mar 2013

18000 mi

US $86
Right front seized caliper. Dealer serviced brakes, said they need yearly preventive service (dealer never told us that before). Infrared thermometer showed right front still running hot. Back to dealer, dealer had no explanation. Sold car. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2018
Sep 2013

40000 mi

US $500
bad tie rod end and alignment. 
Jun 2015

59000 mi

US $100
Rattle when driving, dealer tightened exhaust heat shields. Started rattling again. Car will be going back to the dealer. 
Feb 2018

96000 mi

US $500
whistling noise at speed. 
Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2010 - Aug 2015
Mar 2015

72000 mi

US $85
Battery stopped holding charge 
Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States
Aug 2010 - Aug 2012
Sep 2011

13000 mi
Rattle in drivers side rear door and rear hatch area. Repaired under warranty by dealer. Good repair, no more rattle. 
Dec 2011

15000 mi
Rattle returned in driver side passenger door and passenger side around rear hatch. Not taking it back. 
Aug 2012

25000 mi
Rattle in driver side passenger door and passenger side around rear hatch. Had gotten worse. 
Subaru Forester in Quebec, Canada
Aug 2010 - Mar 2014
Apr 2012

35340 mi

C $60
Front linkage and bushing repaired under warranty. Blown fuse for center console power socket. 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2010 - Jul 2011
Mar 2011

6000 mi
Rattle/buzz occurs behind headliner, near dome light. Dealer tightened light frame, which actually made issue worse. Taking back shortly for repair. 

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2010 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

148-horsepower 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Forester in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2016 - Jan 2017
Oct 2016

105280 mi

C $3800
Heard a slight knocking noise on front passenger side for 6+ mo. Noise got slightly louder. Took it to Subaru dealership out of town; estimated replacing front CV or U joint. Home dealer recommended replacing entire transmission-so did it 

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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 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 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 New York, United States
Jan 2010 - Feb 2017
Nov 2014

77000 mi
Diff was squeeling. 
Jan 2017

48000 mi

US $500
Cracked radiator. No blown heads, thankfully 
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 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 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
Sep 2011 - Jul 2013
May 2012

43000 mi

US $200
Check engine light on-replaced the EGR/came back on 
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. 
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 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 Ontario, Canada
Apr 2008 - Mar 2016
Jan 2010

43580 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 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 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. 

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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 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 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 Quebec, Canada
Nov 2008 - Nov 2011
Sep 2010

33480 mi
Sway bar bushings. 
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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 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 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. 

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2009 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

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

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 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 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 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 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 Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2009 - Feb 2022
Jul 2016

91500 mi

US $600
Replacement of sensor system Head gasket 
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 Oregon, United States
Jun 2008 - Mar 2010
Oct 2009

12000 mi
Pin point hole in cv boot. Boot replaced. 
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2008 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016

119040 mi
Both heads gaskets weeping externally, no sign of internal leaks. 
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 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 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 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 Ontario, Canada
Nov 2008 - Dec 2014
Jun 2013

117800 mi

C $355
Heat Shield replaced on Exhaust system 
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2016
Oct 2015

69200 mi

US $675
Front drivers side wheel bearing 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 South Carolina, United States
Feb 2018 - Jun 2018
Mar 2018

185000 mi

US $1200
The rack needed to be replaced. 
Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2008 - Aug 2011
Apr 2009

12000 mi
squeaks and rattles 
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 British Columbia, Canada
Mar 2009 - Feb 2018
Apr 2017

47683 mi

C $453
Brakes were pulsing and making grinding noise. 
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 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 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 New Hampshire, United States
Apr 2012 - Apr 2019
Jan 2013

42000 mi

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 California, United States
Jul 2011 - Mar 2014
Mar 2014

65000 mi

US $500
Chipped paint along the hood. 
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 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 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.

2012 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 2012 Subaru Forester problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.