2009 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 178 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2009 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2009 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2009 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Subaru Forester has 178 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 18 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 178
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 18
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Subaru Forester?
The 2009 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls.
- Check engine for reported issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls.
- Check engine for reported issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Subaru Forester are concentrated in airbag malfunctions and engine problems, with a notable number of unintended acceleration reports. Crash-related complaints are relatively low compared to total complaints. The confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag Malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Engine Problems are the second most reported issue, closely following airbag complaints.
- Unintended Acceleration complaints are present but less frequent than airbag and engine issues.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2009 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 40 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 39 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 19 | 12 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 17 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Airbag lights have been going on and off ever since I took it into to get my airbags recalled and Subaru will not take a look at it with out me signing a form saying I am liable to pay 200 dollars if it happens to be anything else unrelated to the recall warranty.
- I bought a set of 4 Cooper Adventurer P225 55 R17 tires from Pep Boys in La Habra , CA on [XXX]. - On [XXX], I had to replace one due to a flat, and they noticed that I had a serious bulge in another. I replaced those two tires, putting the new ones in the front. - On around…
No local dealer to complete recall NHTSA Recall Number 20V002000. Vehicle is too old, too high miles to be trusted to take on an extended road trip to a dealer. Contacting Subaru wasn’t any help.
fuel tank leaking gasoline from tanks seams and hose nipple, second owned vehicle with same problem. now the vehicle has strong gas smell and is leaking gasoline when driven in a incline. It threw a p0442 "evap leak small" thats why i checked the fault. All these steel tanks seem…
* Fuel tank leak * Could have exploded or caught fire * Confirmed at independent service center * Inspected by independent service center * Check engine light and gas tank icon on dash. Appeared 1/31/2023 This car has had so many recalls and has been a problem for a long t…
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that he had initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V830000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was serviced. Recently, the contact stated that while going d…
Sudden collapse of drivers seat bottom cushion. Now lower on one side.
TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR LOST ALL POWER. WAS ABLE TO LIMP OFF THE ROAD AND WAIT 3 HOURS FOR A TOW TO DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSIS; STAGE 4 BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OR SYMPTOMS AND COULD HAVE BEEN A GREATER DANGER…
2009 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH AIRBAG. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG IS ON RECALL AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII. THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO SEND A CERTIFIED REPAIR TECHNICIAN TO THE CONSUMERS. INSTEAD, THE MANUFACTURER S…
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.
YOU REALLY NEED TO REIGN IN THE NEW HEADLIGHTS AND HOW BRIGHT THEY ARE. THEY MIGHT BE OK IN FLAT PLACES, BUT I'M HILLY AREAS, WHEN AN ONCOMING CAR IS AT A HIGHER LEVEL, IT'S LIKE GETTING HIGH BEAMED IN THE FACE. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. IT'S GOING TO GET SOM…
TURBO FAILURE CAUSED BY DESIGN FLAWS IN LUBRICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM IDENTIFIED BY MULTIPLE TSB WVF-16, TSB#02-103-07, TSB # 02-97-05. MANUFACTURE REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE TSB AND CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ABOUT 2.5 LITER TURBO CAR. LEADING $3500.00 REPAIR BEING FORCED ON CONSUMERS IN …
THE ENGINE TURNS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE MY CAR WAS IN MOTION. I STARTED MY CAR AND THEN IT SHUT OFF AFTER A FEW MINUTES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ON MY RESIDENTIAL STREET. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS AFFECTED BY RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 19V297000.
MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTER HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. IN THE PAST MONTH I'VE PUT $3,000 IN PARTS AND MAINTENANCE. RADIATOR BLEW, COOLANT SENSOR, WHOLE NEW EXHAUST, ALL NEW HUB BARINGS, 2 NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND MY MAIN PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED!!! THE CAR IDLES AT THE STOP LIGHT…
THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED/SHATTERED. WHEN ENTERING THE CAR THE REAR WINDOW WAS IN ONE PIECE. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE A CHUNK OF MY WINDOW FELL IN. THE PATTERN AROUND THE CRACKED WINDOW APPEARS AS A CLUSTER OF THERMAL BREAKS. I HA…
SUBARU DEALER (MARK SHAW SUBARU 1650 W 104TH AVE, DENVER, CO 80234, PHONE (720) 724-9280) REFUSES TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG THAT IS ON RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS DEPLOYED. THEY REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION ON WHY OR WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THEM TO PERFORM THE RECALL …
WEIRD THINGS HAVE BEEN HAPPENING WITH MY CAR, I KNOW THAT SOMEONE IS USING THE SATELLITE RADIO PORT TO TAMPER WITH THE SAFETY OF MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP IT HAS A BRAND NEW ENGINE IN IT, THE STEERING LIGHT SYSTEM FLASHING ISN'T EVEN RELEVANT TO A PROBLEM THAT IT COULD HAVE.…
THE FUNCTION OF THE RADIO AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS IS INTERMITTENT. UPON START THESE DEVICES DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ELECTRICAL POWER AND DO NOT FUNCTION. I SUSPECT THERE ARE OTHER ITEMS THAT DO NOT WORK EITHER, BUT I HAVE NOT CONFIRMED THEM. THEY BOTH FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE EN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST…
I KEEP GETTING A TIMING OVER-ADVANCED CODE WITH A BAD CAT CODE.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Subaru Forester.
2009 Subaru Forester Recalls
18 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Subaru Forester. 18 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 178 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 18 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (40 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (39 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (22 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 19 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 178 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 18 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 18 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2009 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.