2009 Subaru Forester Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles.
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.
“Car was being driven north on I 83 when the car (Subaru Forester 2009) started swaying between two lanes. I couldn't control the steering wheel to stop the swaying until the car speed lowered considerably. Other cars along side and behind my car took evasive action to avoid hitting my car. I drove the car home safely after I was able to gain control of the steering. I am concerned about the safety of the car even after the car was examined by a collision center and the dealer could not find the direct cause of the incidence. …”
NHTSA complaint #10633245, filed 2014-09, 55,000 miles“The tire wells of my 2009 Subaru forrester fill with snow and ice to the point that the steering is affected- it is difficult to control the car. I have been living in the same area for many years and I have never experienced this with a vehicle (previously I have driven an altima, jetta, civic and celica) and the previous vehicles have not been advertised as 'snow condition' vehicles. I drive in plowed lanes (not in the mess) and I am concerned about this lack of control when the weather gets a little nasty.”
NHTSA complaint #10311193, filed 2010-02, 9,000 miles“At approx 40 MPH, on wet road (no standing water) vehicle lost control and began swerving uncontrollably across three lanes of traffic. Driver was unable to control vehicle with steering maneuvers. Immediately before incident, driver could feel traction loss in rear tires. Rear of vehicle slid to right than to left and continued fishtailing until vehicle regained traction. Driver was safely able to pull to side of road.”
NHTSA complaint #10691230, filed 2015-02, 73,332 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
- 10140549Jun 17, 2015If you encounter a vehicle that has a groaning type noise coming from the power steering pump when the wheel is turned to the full right or left position when the vehicle is…
- 10235894Oct 23, 2014Revision to Troubleshooting Information for VDC DTC C0071
- 10093509Oct 23, 2014Revision to troubleshooting information for vdc dtc c0071
- 10056871Sep 2, 2014Subaru: replacing coolant piping located adjacent to radiator that's corroded and damaged due to road salt and/or salt water accumulation and new replacement is double thick…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 11 | 2% |
| 2019 | 14 | 2% |
| 2018 | 25 | 5% |
| 2017 | 25 | 4% |
| 2016 | 19 | 5% |
| 2015 | 19 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 9 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSuspension
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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