IllustrationWE HAS THE CAR FOR 10 YEARS. CAR HAS 114K MILES AND TRANSMISSION FAILED. WE SPENT 5 K ON THE CAR FOR LEAKING GASKETS AND SUCH. HAD CAR INSPECTED AND THEY REASSURED ME MY CAR IS GOOD TO GO AND WILL LAST FOR A LONG TIME. THATS NOT THE CASE.
2009 Subaru Forester
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Subaru Forester do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 131.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Forester years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
290–25K
2025–50K
2650–75K
1975–100K
18100–150K
9150K+
121 reports with mileage · 57 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
19 crash reports7 fire reports5 injury reports
What owners actually said
178 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT COMPETITION SUBARU OF SMITHTOWN (601 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, (631) 361-4500), IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT COMPETITION SUBARU OF SMITHTOWN (601 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, (631) 361-4500), IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. *TT*JB CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE 3RD COMPLAINT.*JB
THIS VEHICLE HAS A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) THAT IS FAULTY AND UNNECESSARY. WHEN THE TIRES ARE AT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE THE TPMS LIGHT APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING COLD WEATHER AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. IF YOU WANT IT TO GO AWAY YOU HAVE TO PAY A TECHNICIAN TO RESET IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MAN…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) THAT IS FAULTY AND UNNECESSARY. WHEN THE TIRES ARE AT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PRESSURE THE TPMS LIGHT APPEARS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING COLD WEATHER AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. IF YOU WANT IT TO GO AWAY YOU HAVE TO PAY A TECHNICIAN TO RESET IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER MADE IT SO IT CANNOT BE DISABLED. AS I STATED IT IS FAULTY AND UNNECESSARY AND PEOPLE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTINUALLY PAY TO HAVE IT RESET OR REPLACED. AS WELL I OWN A 2008 IMPREZA WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE WINDSHIELD DEFROST/WIPER SITUATION IS ALSO A SERIOUS ISSUE! EITHER THE DEFROST DOES NOT HEAT THE WINDSHIELD ENOUGH FOR THE WIPERS TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD OR THE WIPER ARMS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO APPLY ENOUGH PRESSURE TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. IN RAIN AND SNOW CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIELD IS VERY HARD TO SEE THROUGH AND QUITE FRANKLY DANGEROUS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE COVERING MANY GENERATIONS WITH VERY FEW TO VERY HIGH MILES AND THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH ALL GENERATIONS OF THIS MODEL.
FAIRLY RECENTLY I HAD MY RADIATOR REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK. COUPLE WEEKS INTO MY NEW ONE, I WENT TO START MY CAR AND A PROOF OF WHITE SMOKE SHOT OUT THE EXHAUSTS WHICH I NEW WAS NOT OK. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN LIMO MODE AND THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS …
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FAIRLY RECENTLY I HAD MY RADIATOR REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK. COUPLE WEEKS INTO MY NEW ONE, I WENT TO START MY CAR AND A PROOF OF WHITE SMOKE SHOT OUT THE EXHAUSTS WHICH I NEW WAS NOT OK. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN LIMO MODE AND THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS ALL STARTED BLINKING - THEY WEREN'T ON BEFORE. SO I SHUT MY CAR OFF AND TOOK MY MOM'S TO WORK. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT I HAD NO COOLANT, BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION THAT I WAS LOW. FROM THAT DAY ON MY CAR HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH FULL RESERVOIRS OF COOLANT BY THE DAY WITH NO VISIBLE LEAKS, HEATING+COOLING, FAND A ULL RADIATOR UP TO THE BRIM. I'M ASSUMING MY ISSUE IS A HEAD GASKET LEAK AT ONLY 86,000 MILES...THAT IS TERRIBLE PRODUCT QUALITY - I CAN'T JUST GO AROUND AND PAY $2000 IN REPAIRS FOR A CAR I RELIED ON AND HAVE ONLY DRIVEN FOR 10K MILES. THAT'S JUST RIDICULOUS AND THERES NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT WITHOUT $2000 TO SPEND BUT SELL IT AND SCREW SOMEONE ELSE OVER.
WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH ON A 2 LANE SECONDARY ROAD WHEN AN APPROACHING VEHICLE'S DRIVER GOT MY ATTENTION AND SAID MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I FOUND A PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROAD AND DIRECTED MY SPOUSE TO QUICKLY GET OUT, MOVE AWAY FROM OUR CAR AND CALL 911. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO I OPENED IT CAREFULLY AND…
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WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH ON A 2 LANE SECONDARY ROAD WHEN AN APPROACHING VEHICLE'S DRIVER GOT MY ATTENTION AND SAID MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I FOUND A PLACE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROAD AND DIRECTED MY SPOUSE TO QUICKLY GET OUT, MOVE AWAY FROM OUR CAR AND CALL 911. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO I OPENED IT CAREFULLY AND SAW A WALL OF FLAME, JUST ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND APPROXIMATELY THE WIDTH OF THE RADIATOR AND ABOUT 6 INCHES IN HEIGHT. I HAD A BOTTLE OF WATER WITH ME WHICH I USED TO DOUSE THE FLAMES BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE OUR MECHANIC FOUND A BURST TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING LINE WHICH HAD SPRAYED FLUID INTO THE LOWER ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ONTO THE HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH IGNITED THE FLUID. JUST BEFORE I PULLED OFF THE ROAD THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED OPERATING EFFECTIVELY AS I NOW KNOW THE FLUID WOULD HAVE BEEN LOW. AT A HIGHER SPEED THE VEHICLE OPERATION WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAMATICALLY HAMPERED AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A MORE EXPLOSIVE SITUATION WOULD HAVE OCCURRED IF THE FLAMES HAD BEEN FORCED FURTHER UNDER THE VEHICLE.
I PURCHASED A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER THROUGH THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN WEST CHESTER, PA. I PAID $5,600 FOR THIS USED CAR, BELIEVING IT WAS A GOOD DEAL BASED ON THE SALESMAN'S RECOMMENDATION. DURING THE PROCESS, THEY TOLD ME OF THE REPAIRS THAT MAY BE NEEDED, BUT WITH NO MENTION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM SPECIFICALLY. FIVE WEEKS LATER, …
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I PURCHASED A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER THROUGH THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN WEST CHESTER, PA. I PAID $5,600 FOR THIS USED CAR, BELIEVING IT WAS A GOOD DEAL BASED ON THE SALESMAN'S RECOMMENDATION. DURING THE PROCESS, THEY TOLD ME OF THE REPAIRS THAT MAY BE NEEDED, BUT WITH NO MENTION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM SPECIFICALLY. FIVE WEEKS LATER, I WAS DRIVING HOME ON BACK ROADS AND HEARD A LOUD SOUND. I DISCOVERED THE CAR'S EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD BROKEN OFF, DUE TO SEVERE RUST. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WAS RUSTED OUT AND FALLING APART. MY MECHANIC LATER INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOLD GIVEN THIS DANGEROUS, TERMINAL ISSUE AND THAT IT WAS NOT AT ALL SAFE TO OPERATE. I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THIS OUT. I WAS DISTINCTLY TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE A VERY SAFE AND RELIABLE CAR FOR MY FAMILY TO OWN. THE SALES PERSON EXPRESSED HOW THOROUGH THE UPKEEP OF THE CAR HAD BEEN OVER ITS LIFETIME AND EXPRESSED THAT IT COULD GO ANOTHER 50,000 TO 100,000 MILES. I COULD NOT PICK IT UP UNTIL THE NEXT DAY, SO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD PERFORM A THOROUGH VISUAL AND MECHANICAL INSPECTION. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A THOROUGH INSPECTION GIVEN THE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE SALESPERSON I DEALT WITH IS NO LONGER EMPLOYED AND THERE WAS A NEW GENERAL SALES MANAGER WHO WAS VERY RUDE, UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNWILLING TO HELP ME. IN ADDITION, I SUBSEQUENTLY NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MAJOR DISCREPANCIES WITH THE DATES ON THE INSPECTION/EMISSION STICKERS ON THE CAR. THE DATES INDICATED ARE 2017, 2018, AND 2019. IT IS UNCLEAR WHAT INSPECTIONS WERE ACTUALLY COMPLETED ON THIS VEHICLE. AS A CONSUMER, I WAS RELYING ON THE EXPERTISE OF THE DEALERSHIP TO FULLY DISCLOSE ANY AND ALL SAFETY CONDITIONS CONCERNING A USED VEHICLE. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT SEEKING HELP. (PICTURES ATTACHED)
TAKATA RECALL: REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN OUR CAR NEEDS REPLACED AND IS COMPLETELY FAILING THAT WE CAN NO LONGER EVEN GO UP HILLS WELL. ACCORDING TO SUBARU, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS THAT WAS ALREADY COMPLETED IN 2013 BUT THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING PROOF THAT IT WAS COMPLETED OTHER THAN JUST THE YEAR. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS THAT ALL…
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THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN OUR CAR NEEDS REPLACED AND IS COMPLETELY FAILING THAT WE CAN NO LONGER EVEN GO UP HILLS WELL. ACCORDING TO SUBARU, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS THAT WAS ALREADY COMPLETED IN 2013 BUT THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING PROOF THAT IT WAS COMPLETED OTHER THAN JUST THE YEAR. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS THAT ALL SAY THAT THIS SHOULD NOT NEED REPLACED AGAIN 5 YEARS LATER IF IT WAS REPLACED CORRECTLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. EITHER SUBARU IS LYING AND IT WAS NOT COMPLETED OR THEY DID NOT FIX IT PROPERLY WHEN IT WAS REPLACED.
I WAS DRIVING AND MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED. SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT WITH MY SEAT.
POWER DRIVER SEAT BRACKET COLLAPSES DUE TO POOR DESIGN FLAW.
Official recalls
1722V838000 · Seat Belts
Nov 10, 2022
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-22.
20V001000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
20V002000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
20V003000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
19V297000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
Apr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
18V012000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
18V013000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
18V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.
17V026000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 11, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
17V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 10, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
16V738000 · Electrical System
Oct 13, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
16V358000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
May 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
14V830000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Dec 31, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
14V311000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Jun 10, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
12V602000 · Exterior Lighting
Dec 26, 2012
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
12V099000 · Seat Belts:rear/other
Mar 13, 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR in the SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES LOCATED IN THE REAR CENTER SEATING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DO NOT MEET LOCKABILITY REQUIREMENTS AND FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION. SPECIFICALLY, THE ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT PERMIT PROPER INSTALLATION AND SECURE ATTACHMENT OF A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN INSECURE INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WITH A NEWLY MODIFIED AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
08V460000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Sep 11, 2008
SUBARU IS RECALLING 16,715 MY 2007-2008 LEGACY SEDANS AND WAGONS, MY 2008 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS, AND MY 2009 FORESTER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE OIL SUPPLY PIPE AND TURBOCHARGER-SIDE PIPE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: VIBRATION WOULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND, OVER TIME, COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN CRACKING THE PIPE WHICH WOULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK. IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKING OR AN OIL LEAK AT THE OIL SUPPLY PIPE AT THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE. AN ADDITIONAL BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF THE PIPE AND THE PIPE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED PART. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.