MileageCurve What breaks, and at what mileage
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Subaru Forester 2009–2013

3rd generation (SH)

NHTSA data through 13 August 2026964 complaints, 682 with mileageMethod

Reports with mileage
682
Median of reported failures
56,000 mi
Most-reported system
Engine (18.0%)
Recalls
19

Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 23,400 and 89,000 miles.

Figure 1 · Subaru Forester 2009–2013 · 682 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 10,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 104 complaints.

Mileage at failure, Subaru Forester 2009–2013Histogram of 682 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 10,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 10,000 miles with 104 complaints, 15.2 percent of the total. Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 23,400 and 89,000 miles. A further 7 complaints, 1.0 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 56,000.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 7 complaints (1.0%), plotted separately
10%
4,000
25%
23,400
Median
56,000
75%
89,000
90%
124,000

Tallest bin: 104 complaints between 0 and 10,000 miles. Based on 682 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 10,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–10,00010415.2%
10,000–20,000416.0%
20,000–30,000578.4%
30,000–40,000527.6%
40,000–50,000527.6%
50,000–60,000466.7%
60,000–70,000598.7%
70,000–80,000436.3%
80,000–90,000629.1%
90,000–100,000334.8%
100,000–110,000324.7%
110,000–120,000213.1%
120,000–130,000274.0%
130,000–140,000101.5%
140,000–150,000111.6%
150,000–160,00081.2%
160,000–170,00040.6%
170,000–180,00071.0%
180,000–190,00040.6%
190,000–200,00020.3%
200,000+71.0%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Owners filed 964 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009–2013 Subaru Forester, and 682 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 23,400 and 89,000 miles. The median is 56,000 miles.

The most-reported areas are the engine (18.0% of complaints, typically around 85,000 miles), the airbag system (14.9% of complaints, typically around 44,000 miles), seats (10.2% of complaints, typically around 78,000 miles).

19 recall campaigns cover this generation.

If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.

How many miles does a 2009–2013 Subaru Forester last?

Half of the failure reports on the 2009–2013 Subaru Forester were filed by 56,000 miles and 90% by 124,000 miles — figures drawn from 682 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.

7 reports (1%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Forester reached that mileage, not that it died there.

Before you buy a 2009–2013 Forester: the 3-minute check

Generated from 682 mileage-tagged complaints, 19 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 19 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  2. Check engine (fb25 oil consumption) on 2011–2013 cars. The FB25 introduced for MY2011 consumes oil excessively due to piston ring design, in some cases a quart every 1,000-1,200 miles, with owners reporting oil starvation risk between service intervals. Subject of a class…
  3. Check head gaskets (ej253) on 2009–2010 cars. External head gasket coolant seepage on the carry-over SOHC EJ253 in the first two model years, before the FB25 replaced it.
  4. Check airbags (takata inflator) on 2009–2013 cars. Takata ammonium-nitrate inflator recall population; rupture risk propelling metal fragments into the cabin.
  5. Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
  6. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 23,000 and 89,000 miles, with a median of 56,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the engine and the airbag system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The airbag system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 44,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

What fails, and when

Figure 2 · Subaru Forester 2009–2013

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Throttle and speed control81 reports30,0007,000–66,000Throttle and speed control: 81 reports, median 30,000 miles, middle half 7,000 to 66,000 miles.
  2. Brakes76 reports38,00025,000–75,000Brakes: 76 reports, median 38,000 miles, middle half 25,000 to 75,000 miles.
  3. Airbag system144 reports44,00030,000–99,000Airbag system: 144 reports, median 44,000 miles, middle half 30,000 to 99,000 miles.
  4. Electrical system59 reports60,00031,000–87,000Electrical system: 59 reports, median 60,000 miles, middle half 31,000 to 87,000 miles.
  5. Seats98 reports78,00051,000–91,000Seats: 98 reports, median 78,000 miles, middle half 51,000 to 91,000 miles.
  6. Engine174 reports85,00060,000–108,000Engine: 174 reports, median 85,000 miles, middle half 60,000 to 108,000 miles.
  7. Problems owners could not categorise50 reports89,00055,000–125,000Problems owners could not categorise: 50 reports, median 89,000 miles, middle half 55,000 to 125,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Engine17418.0%85,00060,000–108,000
Airbag system14414.9%44,00030,000–99,000
Seats9810.2%78,00051,000–91,000
Throttle and speed control818.4%30,0007,000–66,000
Brakes767.9%38,00025,000–75,000
Electrical system596.1%60,00031,000–87,000
Problems owners could not categorise505.2%89,00055,000–125,000
Transmission and driveline434.5%59,00010,000–99,000
Fuel and propulsion system293.0%65,00050,000–107,000
Body structure272.8%28,0003,000–61,000

Where your car sits

Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.

Figure 3 · Subaru Forester 2009–2013 · 682 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Subaru Forester 2009–2013Of 682 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 10,000-mile bin edge. 52 percent below 60,000 miles. 76 percent below 90,000 miles. 88 percent below 120,000 miles. Median 56,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 52% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 76% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 88% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it below

The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 1.0% of reports (7) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

At 60,000 miles

52% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

In the reporting window

  • Engine — middle half 60,000–108,000 mi
  • Airbag system — middle half 30,000–99,000 mi
  • Seats — middle half 51,000–91,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 7,000–66,000 mi
  • Brakes — middle half 25,000–75,000 mi
  • Electrical system — middle half 31,000–87,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 55,000–125,000 mi

At 90,000 miles

76% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Throttle and speed control — median 30,000 mi
  • Brakes — median 38,000 mi
  • Electrical system — median 60,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Engine — middle half 60,000–108,000 mi
  • Airbag system — middle half 30,000–99,000 mi
  • Seats — middle half 51,000–91,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 55,000–125,000 mi

At 120,000 miles

88% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Engine — median 85,000 mi
  • Airbag system — median 44,000 mi
  • Seats — median 78,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — median 30,000 mi
  • Brakes — median 38,000 mi
  • Electrical system — median 60,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 55,000–125,000 mi

Which systems, and when

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 56,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The engine accounts for 18.0% of complaints (174 reports, 129 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 85,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 60,000 and 108,000 miles.

The airbag system accounts for 14.9% of complaints (144 reports, 35 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 44,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 30,000 and 99,000 miles.

Seats account for 10.2% of complaints (98 reports, 83 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 78,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 51,000 and 91,000 miles.

Throttle and speed control accounts for 8.4% of complaints (81 reports, 75 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 30,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 7,000 and 66,000 miles.

The brakes account for 7.9% of complaints (76 reports, 55 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 38,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 25,000 and 75,000 miles.

The electrical system accounts for 6.1% of complaints (59 reports, 49 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 60,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 31,000 and 87,000 miles.

Differences between model years

Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2010 model year drew the most — 307 complaints — while 2013 drew the fewest at 94. The median year sits at 195.

Recalls and what they cover

NHTSA records 19 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (12), the seat belts (2), the electrical system (2). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Reported severity

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 964 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
134 (13.9%)
Fires
31
Injury reports
45
Fatality reports
1

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Documented problems

Engine (fb25 Oil Consumption) 2011–2013

The FB25 introduced for MY2011 consumes oil excessively due to piston ring design, in some cases a quart every 1,000-1,200 miles, with owners reporting oil starvation risk between service intervals. Subject of a class action settlement covering the affected build window; Subaru extended coverage and offered a short-block ring repair.

Head Gaskets (ej253) 2009–2010

External head gasket coolant seepage on the carry-over SOHC EJ253 in the first two model years, before the FB25 replaced it.

Airbags (takata Inflator) 2009–2013

Takata ammonium-nitrate inflator recall population; rupture risk propelling metal fragments into the cabin.

By model year

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileage
2009228161
2010307236
2011195127
201214089
20139469

Recalls (19) — is your car included?

Recalls are fixed free of charge at any dealer, for any owner. Check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The text below is NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Dec 2022 · 2009–2013 · Seat BeltsThe seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.

    What can happen. The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-22.

    NHTSA campaign 22V838000, reported 2022-12-01.

  2. Jan 2020 · 2009–2013 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall us

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

    NHTSA campaign 20V003000, reported 2020-01-07.

  3. Jan 2020 · 2009–2013 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

    NHTSA campaign 20V002000, reported 2020-01-07.

  4. Jan 2020 · 2009–2013 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same de

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

    NHTSA campaign 20V001000, reported 2020-01-07.

  5. May 2019 · 2009–2013 · Electrical SystemThe engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

    What can happen. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

    NHTSA campaign 19V297000, reported 2019-05-10.

  6. Jan 2019 · 2010–2013 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipm

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

    NHTSA campaign 19V009000, reported 2019-01-25.

  7. Jan 2019 · 2010–2013 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or rep

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

    NHTSA campaign 19V008000, reported 2019-01-25.

  8. Jan 2019 · 2010–2013 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating de

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

    NHTSA campaign 19V007000, reported 2019-01-25.

  9. Feb 2018 · 2009 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating de

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.

    NHTSA campaign 18V014000, reported 2018-02-09.

  10. Feb 2018 · 2009–2010 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a cra

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.

    NHTSA campaign 18V013000, reported 2018-02-09.

  11. Feb 2018 · 2009–2013 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.

    NHTSA campaign 18V012000, reported 2018-02-09.

  12. Mar 2017 · 2009 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as ori

    What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.

    NHTSA campaign 17V026000, reported 2017-03-06.

  13. Mar 2017 · 2009–2012 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original e

    What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

    NHTSA campaign 17V014000, reported 2017-03-06.

  14. Dec 2016 · 2009–2013 · Electrical SystemIf the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

    What can happen. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

    NHTSA campaign 16V738000, reported 2016-12-16.

  15. Jul 2016 · 2009–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as

    What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

    NHTSA campaign 16V358000, reported 2016-07-22.

  16. Jan 2015 · 2009–2013 · Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through

    What can happen. Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Foreste

    NHTSA campaign 14V830000, reported 2015-01-27.

  17. Jul 2014 · 2009–2013 · Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

    What can happen. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recal

    NHTSA campaign 14V311000, reported 2014-07-23.

  18. Feb 2013 · 2009–2012 · Exterior LightingOver time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a…

    The defect. Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit b

    What can happen. Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

    NHTSA campaign 12V602000, reported 2013-02-19.

  19. Mar 2012 · 2009–2012 · Seat BeltsAn insecure installation of a child restraint can increase the risk of injury to a child during a crash.

    The defect. Subaru is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Forester vehicles manufactured from november 26, 2007, through march 13, 2012. The automatic locking retractor in the seat belt assemblies located in the rear center seating of the affected vehicles do not meet lockability requirements and fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, “occupant crash protection.” specifically, the assemblies may not permit proper installation and secure attachment of a child restraint in that seating position.

    What can happen. An insecure installation of a child restraint can increase the risk of injury to a child during a crash.

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center seat belt assembly with a newly modified automatic locking retractor, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on march 26, 2012. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

    NHTSA campaign 12V099000, reported 2012-03-26.

What owners reported

the contact owns a 2009 Subaru Forester. When engaging the clutch, the manual transmission revved up to approximately 4000 RPM's and seemed as if it would surge. The failure occurred 85% of the time. The dealer also duplicated the failure. The manufacturer advised the dealer that they would write a computer program to…

2009 · 100 miles · Transmission and driveline

The Subaru moonroof system roof cavity is completely open to the elements, there is no containment of rain water, leaves, or any other debris- like insects and small animals that can all end up down between the headliner and interior walls and the outside body. This can result in all kinds of molds and fungi…

2009 · 600 miles · Body structure

The 2009 Subaru Forester has the light at the top of cargo inside and if it is dark you cannot see anything but the reflection of what is in the cargo area due to the brake light being inside rather than on the outside like other models i feel this is very dangerous, you might run over anything or anybody when you…

2009 · 675 miles · Exterior lighting

Unexplained engine acceleration. Started vehicle in a parked position, was preparing to pull out, engine suddenly accelerated to top RPM and was surging. Still in neutral, wheels turned slightly to left. Could find nothing that may have caused this, placed foot on brake upon hearing the engine acceleration, floor mats…

2009 · 1,500 miles · Transmission and driveline

Built from 682 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page

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