2009 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 7%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,805miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2009 Subaru Forester, 7% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,805 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10485863, filed 2012-11, 52,500 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450265, filed 2012-03, 39,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10275354, filed 2009-06, 20,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10443645, filed 2012-01, 34,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10317249, filed 2010-03, 46,000 milesRelated recalls
- 08V460000Sep 11, 2008Subaru 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…Covers: Subaru Forester 2009, Legacy 2007–2008, Impreza 2008
Related service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179422Aug 31, 2020This bulletin announces availability of new master cylinder application shaft seals.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10173117Mar 10, 2020This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
- 10192930Jul 11, 2017Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 100,127 vehicles including certain 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback (turbo models only), 2008-2014 model year Impreza (turbo…
- 10131702Feb 6, 20172.5 Liter N/A engine only. REVISED. Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. A modification to the Engine…
- 10131701Feb 6, 2017REVISED. CA PZEV SPEC MODELS ONLY. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. Under certain severe…
- 10111069Dec 27, 2016This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
- 10120978Jun 24, 2016This bulletin provides a procedure for removal of the accessory Turbo Boost Gauge and restoration of the vehicle to pre-installation (OEM) condition. Due to circumstances beyond…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 8% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 14 | 16% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 2000 | 12 | 16% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2009 Subaru Forester
40 complaintsEngine
27 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSeats
16 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology