2009 Subaru Forester: engine failure

Filed Nov 12, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · UT

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.

Filed Jul 11, 2015 · Engine · 89,000 miles · OH

This past april, I purchased a 2009 subaru forester from byers subaru and eagerly anticipated the ownership experience subaru promises and proudly bases its reputation. Contrary to the subaru promise, my experience over the first 3 months has been a nightmare. Prior to the purchase, I had committed to having the scheduled maintenance performed by the dealer and did. The first service was performed within a few weeks of purchase ($700). A month later the vehicle stopped running and required a tow to a texas subaru dealership. Initial thoughts were a timing belt failure. $600 dollars later, I was told that the timing belt pulley had failed and would require extensive engine repairs or an engine replacement ($2500 to $6000). The timing belt was not due to be replaced for another 10,000 miles. Due to the high repair cost and the fact that the damage occurred within a short period of time after purchase, I reached out to subaru america for assistance with the repair. Subaru committed to 50% reimbursement of the initial $600 dealer charge. I approached byers subaru with the same request for the same reason and was informed by a manager, that it was not their problem and that I had an opportunity to purchase an extended warranty.

Filed May 21, 2015 · Engine · 86,526 miles · CA

Car ran out of oil. There was no warning light, until car died on the side of the road, then low oil light came on. I had been mostly keeping up with my oil changes, and was only a few thousand miles over recommended limits. Engine seized and had to be towed. My mechanic tried to rebuild it, but was unable to. He had to replace the engine with a used engine, at a cost of $6,000, and six weeks of a rental car. I reached out to subaru for help, but they would do nothing unless my car was in their shop, at which point they may be able to pay for a portion of it. They asked if I had been getting my maintenance done at their shop, and I hadn't because they want $1500 for every 20,000 mile service work done, or whatever, which I can't afford. So I assumed at that point it would be pointless, and more costly, to have the car towed there and then have to pay for a new engine, or have them try to sell me a new car. I will never buy a subaru again and will never recommend anyone ever get one. I googled incidence of repair and found there are hundreds or thousands of this happening to others, and scads of lawsuits against subaru for this. I tried to join a class action, but have heard nothing. To my mind, a car engine should not run out of oil and seize after only a few thousand miles over the limit. There have been no oil leaks in my garage or under my car.

Filed Mar 14, 2014 · Engine · 54,928 miles · CT

Their was a clunk and driver car pulled over and off highway . Had it towed to our independent garage. The engine failed. The check engine light never went on nor did the low oil pressure light go on.

Filed Apr 23, 2013 · Engine · 30,387 miles · MO

Loud knocking sound noted coming form engine while driving on highway. Pulled off of highway then all the warning lights on dashboard flickered on and engine died. Had to tow to dealer. Informed that a rod had knocked loose related to faulty bearings had to have engine replaced.

Filed Mar 5, 2012 · Engine · 39,000 miles · MD

Stopped to fill up car with gas on way to work and when I restarted the engine I heard a real loud knocking noise. As I pulled away the car was very sluggish and the noise from the engine started getting louder. I went to get off the road and turn into a parking lot and the car died and I narrowly missed hitting a baltimore city work truck as the power steering and power brakes were non responsive because the engine had cut off. I was very lucky to not crash into the work truck. I had the car towed to valley motors subaru in cockeysville and they called to inform me that I need a new at least a new lower block if not a whole engine replacement. I looked online for some information on any known issues with style of car and engine and was shocked to see that in april 2008 a " stop sale" was issued by subaru of america on my exact car. Legacy vehicles have been added to the stop sale we regret to inform you that we must place an immediate stop sale order on all of the 2008/2009 subaru impreza, forester and legacy vehicles equipped with a 2.5l turbo engine produced with the beginning chassis number and later as shown below. Model body type chassis number production date forester wagon 701045 or later 2008/01/08 or later the reason for this immediate quality assurance action is that there have been several reports of "engine knocking noise" from other markets on vehicles produced after the production dates listed. Initial investigation confirms an internal wear issue on the failed units. I bought my car in october 2009 and you can see the VIN # is pretty close in the range and I have read in forums of people with almost identical VIN's as mine of having the same exact issue.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Engine · 46,000 miles · NY

My new subaru forester had a catastrophic engine failure at 45,000 miles. There were no indications whatsoever that there was going to be a problem. The car was driving normally and no indicator lights came on to alert me that my engine would seize. I was on a major highway when this happened. I pulled over only because I heard an unusual noise from the engine compartment. Had I not pulled over, I would have broken down in the middle of the highway. Subaru has had numerous complaints about the same car with the turbo engine. They disregard this fact when I bring it up as my car does not have the turbo option. However, it does have the same engine. I searched on line and it appears that I am not the only subaru forester owner with this complaint. They will not fix the car nor do they feel it is a subaru issue. They are blaming the failure on me. I would like to stop this from happening to others. Please let me know if you can help me.

Filed Jun 30, 2009 · Engine · 20,000 miles · CA

2009 forester bought in july '08. Less than a year and 20,000 miles, the engine failed. I was driving long distance, and had stopped at a sign when I noticed a load banging noise from hood. As I placed pressure on the accelerator, the car didn't react appropriately - it was slow. The car was towed, and a replacement engine is being installed. I have called subaru of america for possible buy-back, but no return call. I've read of other similiar cases occurring with the 2009 turbo models.

Filed Jun 4, 2009 · Engine · 4,000 miles · CA

Engine failure at 4,000 miles on forester turbo. Loud engine banging on road trip lead to the need for a complete engine replacement. Dealer said that contaminated metal forging lead to weak engine components.

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.