Engine squeeking, hood pops up, skips gears, brakes schreetch, electrical lights all on, window fell down, leaks horribly, heat and air alternate, concern for family safety. Dealer guaranteed verified all safe, clear car fax, and subaru service verified many major safety issues is now 'unsafe'
2009 Subaru Forester engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 39 of 39, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Takata air bag: I am writing to complaining about subaru's inability to complete two the federal safety agency recall notices: in the fall of 2016 we got two recalls on our car, 16v738000 (air injection pump) and 17v026000 (passenger airbag). We have been working for over 16 months with their customer service personnel to get the required parts shipped to a german subaru dealership to get our car back on the road. Over this time we have seen nothing concrete, had a lack of follow up, had our customer service claim number deleted in their system and reinstated again and were told all the blame was on your parent company in japan and their inability to either respond to your recall departments personnel emails and we have been told how dangerous it is to ship these parts. I have another japanese car with me in germany, a honda. Honda of america contacted honda of germany and have authorized a local dealership to order and replace the part on my honda'that process only took 6 weeks versus 16 months we have been waiting with subaru. My patience has run very thin. I know that getting american servicemen's vehicles serviced overseas is not a new problem and it should not take this long. Can you please inquire with subaru and put pressure at the right level to get these problems fixed.
Head gaskets fail around 125,000 miles. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. Did not cause an accident in my case.
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.
Head gaskets fail around 100,000 miles. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. Did not cause an accident in my case.
Car was shaking during accleration, street n highway, esp low gears, less after getting up to ~50 MPH. Cv boot leaking. Replaced axle. Car still shaking with acceleration. Mgt have to try replacing other frt axle. Only 82000. Just had to replace transmission also! I don't know what system that calls under ...transmission went about 81000, june ~8th . I had couple incidences of car not accelerating when pressing pedal. Just thought I was mb imagining it. Next morning. No forward..only reverse..=transmission! Idk, if transmission being rebuilt and removal of axles could have a relationship. Shorty thereafter..can't really say if I'm sure when shaking began but I know I said something when I picked it up and again a week later.. Idk, as a girl,.every where I go, guys keep saying,... "that's normal". I can scan docs if needed later for repairs.mo ile site doesn't allow me to add speed or mileage but listed above..
Sudden acceleration caused a serious accident. Upon pulling into a parking space the vehicle suddenly acceleration and crashed into a building. This is the second time this has happened with this vehicle.
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.
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.
Car has been going through oil since the catalytic converter recall was done in fall of 2013. First noticed around february of 2014 when oil light came on and no oil in engine. I complained to dealer and they found nothing. I kept complaining on my oil change or other appointments but they found nothing wrong. The car was going through 2-3 courts every 2-3 months, with "burn" time getting closer together - eventually checked oil every 3 weeks by summer and every week by october. When the car would not run I eventually bypassed the dealer after no solution and complained to subaru. I had a difficult time finding a dealer willing to take the car (so did subaru). Feeling it was a dealer workmanship issue I paid for the work and subaru reimbursed me to replaced the head gaskets in december 2014 - stating it was out of warranttee so that is how it has to be done. The other day (february 6, 2015) engine light came on again and no oil was in the engine - this is 2 months after work done. This car has had issues since the beginning and I feel as a first year redesigned model it is a subaru defect. I have had to replace the brakes 3 times in a short span - few years (3 maybe). It has never had good pick-up and since catalytic converter recall was done the gas mileage dropped - was 22/28 now 19/23. The dealer who replaced head gaskets made a notation on my bill (without telling me directly) that the sway bars need attention. My brother has a 2007 forester and has had to replace all of these items as well within the last few years. I needs a reliable vehicle to earn a living.
Engine and stability issues.
Shifted from park to reverse with normal brake depression; vehicle immediately accelerated to 20 MPH, no brakes and the dash control center completely lit up. The only way I was able to stop vehicle was by shifting to neutral and engaging the parking brake. I then tried the same procedure in forward with the same results except this time resulting with the car colliding with the garage wall causing approximately $6000.00 worth of damage between the car and house.
While traveling at highway speeds in rainy weather, vehicle began to misfire and lost power, forcing driver into an unsafe situation of coaxing car to shoulder. Check engine, stability control lights came on, and cruise light flashed. After shutting engine off and restarting, same lights remained on but engine ran normally. We have also another 2009 forester which experiences misfires, same lights, after starting cold on a rainy day. Although we have received recall notices from subaru on other less critical topics, there does not seem to be an inclination on their part to address this engine electrical malfunction which could have resulted in disaster. Our online researches suggest that many other subaru owners are experiencing similar malfunctions, and we don't detect any serious effort by the manufacturer to fix this.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 subaru forester. The contact stated that while traveling 40 MPH, he heard a loud bang as the vehicle lost acceleration power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 subaru forester. The contact stated that during routine maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe was leaking oil. The contact was informed of a recall under the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v460000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The mileage was unknown.
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.
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.
I was driving to work, and the car wouldn't accelerate, it also handled roughly. The check engine light, cruise control light was flashing, along with vehicle dynamics control warning light. I had my car towed, as it wasn't drivable. My local garage repaired my car, I received 4 new spark plugs, and an air filter. 9 days later the check engine light came on, as well as the cruise control light, and the vehicle dynamics warning light, again it was repaired, this had to do with the catalytic converter message, but all my local garage could find was a small leak near the manifold that they repaired. 2 days later the check engine light went on again, I now called my subaru dealership, they replaced a faulty catalyst converter, and af sensor, the also changed my oil, as it was due, and suggested I have a transmission fluid flush and refill, and that my rear and front differentials, needed a drain and refill. 5 days passed another check engine light, this time it was flashing, I had to have my car towed, the subaru dealership discovered the wrong spark plugs were put in initially, and replaced them with platinum tip spark plugs that my model takes. 4 days passed another check engine light, with being unable to accelerate, I was going up hill, so I continued on, to reach a parking lot, I could stop in but suddenly, it felt like something unblocked, this made the check engine light go away, until 2 days later, another check engine light, I once again brought my car back to the dealership, the mentioned something about the catalyst converter, but said it was 'too soon" so they left the work order open , in case it occurred again,and gave me this lecture about the grade of gas I am buying. 4 days later the check engine light returned, this time subaru discovered the my other o2 sensor was faulty, and they would replace it, when the part comes in.
For some odd reason on monday, april 23 my check engine light came on, my awd indicator, and the cruise control light started flashing all at once. I came into work and googled the above items along with my make and model of the car...much to my surprise multiple links, items, and threads appeared. So I read most of them and this appears to be a systemic problem with subaru's throughout the united states and canada. I became concerned because no recall was issued and it seems more than coincidence that many people are having the same issue. Please advise since I called the subaru dealer and they could have cared less.
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.
2009 subaru forester. Production date: 02-14-08. Initial diagnosis is internal turbo failure. The car has 34,000 miles on it and oil and filters are maintained. My wife was driving with our 2yr. Old in the car when it started making a horrible grinding sound. She described it as it sounded and felt like she was dragging something. She limps home with the car and I take it for a test drive. It sounded fine at start up. No tapping or grinding. As soon as I start up the road I could feel there was no acceleration. Like I was driving in mud. The check engine light, the traction control light and the cruise control light all stuck on. I have read many cases of this same thing happening with other 2.5 turbo engines. There was a stop sale and a recall but, according to subaru my car was not affected. The reports I've read indicate otherwise. The production date and the VIN# fall into the range of the stop sale. I am very worried about the outcome as the dealership I bought the car from and soa have not been helpful. I had to call subaru myself to get them to respond to the dealerships case concerning my car. It's been a week now and just today I got a call from subaru requesting permission to tear down the engine to find the source. A week and it's just sitting there. No offer of a rental. Nothing. This issue is not resolved yet and I hope subaru does the right thing and lives up to its reputation of being a reliable, long lasting car.
2009 subaru forester bad experience engine stall*cw when the consumer returned to his vehicle, he noticed the garage floor was filled with oil, which was dripping from the engine. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for the necessary repairs. However, on november 29th the engine suddenly stopped. It started making odd sounds on the passenger side and just within seconds, the engine was dead. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Upon diagnoses, the dealer stated a part near the engine was not working, which caused the engine to stop. *jb updated 01/07/15
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 subaru forester. While driving between 35-40 MPH, the vehicle accelerated when the brakes were applied. The contact shifted into park or neutral and the vehicle made a clunking sound. The engine went to idel. The contact waited a few minutes before restarting the vehicle and shifting into drive. The dealer has had the vehicle for the past two weeks and the contact refuses to retrieve the vehicle. The dealer performed diagnostic tests, but could not find a failure with the engine or any other component. She stated that she will not drive the vehicle because the failure has not been diagnosed. The failure mileage was 3,100. Updated 7/14/09 *cn updated 07/17/09.
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.
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.
1. Greasy film on windshield, could not see well to drive, film cannot be wiped off. Cannot be cleaned off with normal household cleaners only industrial cleaners. Film expands to get on all the glass & materials in the car, including the rear hatch. Film is more visible at night & when the ambient temperature is below freezing. Chemical poisoning. Breathing the substance(s) has caused me to be sick since the end of december. Breathing issues, cough, lungs, nose problems. 2. Being poisoned by chemicals in the car that may be leaking out of some area as yet unknown. Unable to see well to drive. This happens whenever the defrost is run. Also, heater. Not sure about A/C. Have been sick now with just running the air. There may have been enough buildup of this substance that it is on all surfaces of the car interior and/or in the ducts of the vehicle. 2a. Symptoms: coughing, sometimes uncontrollably with long rides in the car. Shortness of breath, unable to breath, congested, lung tightness, nose congestion, etc. Have been to national jewish hospital. They recommend getting rid of car. 3. For the first 4 times I brought it in, they only washed the windshield, or all the glass on the car depending upon how much had built up on it. They said it was off gassing of the vinyl. The next time I brought it in they waxed the windows in the car, this so you could breath it, but not 'see' it supposedly. It built back up again anyway. Then they replaced the heater box. Got sick again running only air. Then per my direction, they found 2 A/C valves leaking. Now, still getting sick if in car without windows open and/or if I run the defrost/heat. 4. I have never gotten sick from any other car my entire life. I was perfectly healthy, without even having had a normal cold in the past 6 years. There were no typical cold symptoms with this issue. Before this happened, I had no allergies related to breathing, lungs, etc; nor any diagnoses such as asthma.
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.
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