Traveling on an interstate at 70mph, car check engine light came on and car lost all power. Was able to limp off the road and wait 3 hours for a tow to dealership. Diagnosis; stage 4 blown head gasket. There was no prior warning or symptoms and could have been a greater danger if heavier traffic. Head gasket problems know on early model subaru's.
2009 Subaru Forester engine problems
39 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 73,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 39
- of this car's complaints
- 22%
- typical mileage
- 73,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Engine3
- Cooling system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Subaru Forester engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Subaru Forester engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 08V460000 · Recall details
What 2009 Subaru Forester owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Turbo failure caused by design flaws in lubrication delivery system identified by multiple tsb wvf-16, tsb#02-103-07, tsb # 02-97-05. Manufacture refuses to acknowledge tsb and class action law suit about 2.5 liter turbo car. Leading $3500.00 repair being forced on consumers in spite of this condition being a engineering defect.my car had the turbo replaced by dealership at 50,000 miles nad now 50,000 miles later the turbo has failed again. Contacted subaru of america, who stated that soa would not be assisting in repairs of the same failure.
My 2009 subaru forester has been nothing but problems. In the past month I've put $3,000 in parts and maintenance. Radiator blew, coolant sensor, whole new exhaust, all new hub barings, 2 new catalytic converters and my main problem is not fixed!!! The car idles at the stop light and during the acceleration it stalls! I took it to 4 dealers and they tell me my gas is to rich???? What is that???? I'm upset with this car and it sucks. I've had this car not even a year.
Weird things have been happening with my car, I know that someone is using the satellite radio port to tamper with the safety of my car. I took it to the shop it has a brand new engine in it, the steering light system flashing isn't even relevant to a problem that it could have. Everything listed on targeted cars, has happened with my car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 subaru forester. While driving 60 MPH, the engine stalled and the check engine and traction control indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 108,000.
I keep getting a timing over-advanced code with a bad cat code.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions about the 2009 Subaru Forester engine
Does the 2009 Subaru Forester have engine problems?
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Subaru Forester, 22% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2009 Subaru Forester engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 73,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Subaru Forester engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 08V460000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Forester have bad engine?
The Subaru Forester model years with the most engine complaints are 2015 (136 complaints), 2019 (111 complaints) and 2020 (85 complaints).
Other 2009 Subaru Forester problems
Airbags 40Electrical 22Acceleration 19Transmission 17Brakes 16Seats 16Visibility 11Fuel system 10Suspension 6Driver assistance 5Lights 4Steering 3Body 2Seat belts 2Tires 2Wheels 2Locks 1
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