2009 Subaru Forester Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Subaru Forester, 10% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We has the car for 10 years. Car has 114k miles and transmission failed. We spent 5 k on the car for leaking gaskets and such. Had car inspected and they reassured me my car is good to go and will last for a long time. Thats not the case.”
NHTSA complaint #11206103, filed 2019-05, 114,000 miles“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“Was driving about 20 MPH on a 2 lane secondary road when an approaching vehicle's driver got my attention and said my car was on fire. I found a place to safely pull off the road and directed my spouse to quickly get out, move away from our car and call 911. There was smoke coming from under the hood so I opened it carefully and saw a wall of flame, just above the catalytic converter, and approximately the width of the radiator and about 6 inches in height. I had a bottle of water with me which I used to douse the flames before the fire department arrived. …”
NHTSA complaint #11162616, filed 2018-12, 130,000 miles“Vehicle: 2009 Subaru Forester limited, on 6/20/09 I experienced an incident of unintended acceleration. Cruise control was on. Before our exit I canceled the cruise control but left it on . On the ramp, I let the car slow. At about 40 MPH I moved the shift lever into 'sport' mode, downshifted to 3rd gear, then 2nd, then braked to a stop. The car was stopped, in gear, idling. My foot was on the brake. Without warning, the engine raced and the car jolted forward about a foot; it would have continued but I increased pressure on the brake and stopped the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10274421, filed 2009-06, 7,064 miles“Driving east on ardsley rd. In scarsdale ny, my vehicle accelerated by itself. At the time I was starting to go downhill, curving right with a jersey barrier in the center of the roadway. I tried to go around the vehicle directly in front of me but my right rear sideswiped his left rear. It continued to accelerate around a right curve (downhill). I could not stop. I struck an s.u.v. Just starting to move with traffic. The vehicle I sideswiped sustained no damage. Both the vehicle I struck and my vehicle were heavily damaged (my auto is $4500). Both vehicles towed from the scene. …”
NHTSA complaint #10308409, filed 2010-02, 7,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032040Apr 24, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10150949Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10150924Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10234910Sep 2, 2014Replacement AT Oil Cooler Piping
- 10092742Sep 2, 2014Replacement at oil cooler piping - this bulletin will provide information regarding a change to the automatic transmission (at) fluid cooler piping and an addition to the service…
- 10068350Sep 2, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 6% |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 | 4 | 4% |
| 2021 | 15 | 7% |
| 2020 | 32 | 5% |
| 2019 | 38 | 5% |
| 2018 | 23 | 5% |
| 2017 | 46 | 8% |
| 2016 | 51 | 12% |
| 2015 | 95 | 15% |
| 2014 | 41 | 10% |
| 2013 | 6 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 17 | 10% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 11 | 15% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 5% |
| 2003 | 9 | 5% |
| 2002 | 16 | 18% |
| 2001 | 23 | 17% |
| 2000 | 21 | 28% |
| 1999 | 32 | 24% |
| 1998 | 23 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2009 Subaru Forester
40 complaintsEngine
27 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSeats
16 complaintsEngine cooling
12 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 30, 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