2009 Subaru Forester Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the suspension of the 2009 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,500 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.
“I have love in town and have been replacing rotors and pads every 6 months. I purchased this vehicle in 2018 and have put under 30000 miles on the car. I have also been replacing wheel bearings constantly.”
NHTSA complaint #11389948, filed 2021-01, 170,000 miles“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“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10925600, filed 2016-11“2009 Subaru Forester. Consumer writes in regards to recall and other repair issues. The consumer stated the recall was performed. However, she did not understand why the drive shaft and front sway bar needed to be replaced, on a vehicle with 70,000 miles. Also, the windshield wipers and left front wheel bearing were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10652257, filed 2014-11Related service bulletins
- 11016213Mar 24, 2025Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2005-2009 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles…
- 11016210Mar 24, 2025Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the…
- 11008259Sep 4, 2024This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11005593Jul 8, 2024This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 15 | 3% |
| 2017 | 13 | 2% |
| 2016 | 14 | 3% |
| 2015 | 66 | 11% |
| 2014 | 94 | 23% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 11 | 22% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 12 | 14% |
| 2005 | 21 | 23% |
| 2004 | 25 | 11% |
| 2003 | 22 | 12% |
| 2002 | 9 | 10% |
| 2001 | 15 | 11% |
| 2000 | 19 | 25% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 17 | 17% |
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 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 29, 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