2009 Subaru Forester: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Feb 1, 2023 · Fuel system · NJ

* Fuel tank leak * Could have exploded or caught fire * Confirmed at independent service center * Inspected by independent service center * Check engine light and gas tank icon on dash. Appeared 1/31/2023 This car has had so many recalls and has been a problem for a long time. We have contacted Subaru and will contact them today regarding this issue.

Filed Dec 19, 2018 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · WV · fire

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.

Filed Aug 30, 2018 · Engine · 91,000 miles · NY · fire · 1 injury

Our son bought a 2009 subaru forester on 7/13/18 from the dan perkins subaru dealership in milford, ct. He was driving it home at noon on 8/16/18 when his check engine light came on. Within seconds the car filled with smoke, and went up in flames. The entire car was lost.

Filed Aug 14, 2018 · Engine · 188,000 miles · WA · fire

Engine and vehichle caught on fire. Driving highway for about 3.5 hours. Had just refilled with fuel about 15 minutes prior to check engine light coming on. Proceeded to next exit. Check oil light came on and car was on fire. Vehicle destroyed.

Filed Aug 30, 2017 · Engine · CA · fire

Vehicle was in motion on the freeway when engine light turned on and immediately brakes stopped working and engine stopped as well. Fire and smoke came out of the engine and filled the cabin. Driver and passengers had to escape and the car within minutes was engulfed in flames.

Filed Feb 12, 2014 · Electrical · 103,000 miles · IL · fire

While vehicle was parked outside, noticed side lights were on, car was not on. After entering the vehicle noticed a smell of burned plastic. Tried multiple ways to shut off the side lights, couldn't do it. Finally traced the smell of the burning plastic to the rear of the vehicle, by the lift gate, by the spare tire. The electrical cable that connects the vehicle to the trailer hitch wiring harness was burning and smoking. Disconnected it and the power failure stopped, by then the wiring harness had melted and wires burnt. Took photos of the wiring to show it, problem seems to be with the condensation in the area and moisture caused a short in the harness. Without intervening car could have caught fire and burnt down.

Filed Jul 10, 2013 · Engine · 73,000 miles · MA

Upon returning from a short drive we pulled into my driveway and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I assumed this would have been possibly some type of overheating issue, but upon inspection I discovered it was engine oil dripping onto the exhaust heat shields and was burning off. I was stunned by this as I am very particular about the maintenance on this vehicle. I took to the dealership a few days later as it was going in anyway for a recalled cat converter. They then advised me that the engine had a blown head gasket. This needs to be repaired immediately as this is a potential fire hazard if not repaired. This vehicle only has 73,000 miles and I am now faced with am almost $2000.00 repair. I am speechless and beside myself as I bought this car specifically to get a quality vehicle that ideally would avoid issues of this nature. I am pursuing a complaint with subaru of america and wanted the federal safety agency to be aware as well. Thank you.

Filed Jun 23, 2010 · Electrical · 3,411 miles · NY · fire

2009 subaru forester. Consumer states vehicle was remote started an within seconds, the wire harness burnt, melting some plastic parts *tgw the consumer was able to turn off the vehicle. However, it wouldn't start again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and upon inspection, it was determined that the electrical wire harness going to the seat belts, air bags and other components had burned out. According to the dealer the vehicle caught fire.

Filed Aug 4, 2009 · Transmission · 2,000 miles · NY

Bought the 2009 forester in december 08. Drove fine for the first two months. Then it started to lag in its shifting. If I was about to stop at a light and the light changed, I put my foot back on the gas and car would not accelerate so I give it more gas and then it kicks in hard almost causing an accident to the car in front of me. It doesn't happen all the time. So I thought it was just me. Until I was driving on the highway about 16 miles from home got off the exit and it did it again. I have had the car in to the dealer 4 times this year for the same problem. The first time tech reset the computer and it drove fine for 3 days then started again. It happens in all types of situations when it wants to. My other mechanic felt the same thing had me take it back to dealer. I am frustrated with driving it. I am also now having the vehicle making loud noises and rough idling, mysterious acceleration that will adjust after car in turned off and on again and a burning smell coming from the engine after being driven. I drive locally a couple of days a week. Subaru dealer wants to take my vehicle home to evaluate transmission. I was told it was because it is a learning transmission, so why hasn't it learned how I drive and I'm the only one driving car.

Filed Dec 1, 2008 · Engine · 9,610 miles · MI

At 9610 miles my 2009 subaru foresters engine failed. The failure came; as best I could tell; in about 20miles of operation. Engine started to sound louder from cabin. If I was parked with the engine running and the door open the noise was very load multi tone metal banging emanating from engine bay. Burning smell also occurred. As I drove the last 20 miles engine would barely stay running at low rpms; engine banging became worse; engine power appeared to decrease and a loud metallic grinding noise increased until check engine light went on. Approx 10-15 seconds latter. Engine completely stopped and never turned over again. Dealer told me today that car needs new engine.