YearToAvoid

2009 Subaru Forester Engine Problems

NHTSA has 55 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2009 Subaru Forester, 31% of all 178 complaints for this model year. That is #10 highest engine complaint count among 21 Forester model years. These complaints report 13 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 53,250 miles.

Engine complaints
55
31% of 178
Crashes reported
13
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
5
Median mileage
53,250 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2009 Subaru Forester engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 1, 2008, latest Mar 22, 2021.

2009 Subaru Forester engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Dec 2008Mar 2010Nov 2012Mar 2014Feb 2015Jan 2017Apr 2018Nov 2019
55 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2008 to Mar 2021; peak Jun 2009 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2009 Subaru Forester

  1. NHTSA 08V460000Sep 11, 2008Engine16,715 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine

    Subaru is recalling 16,715 my 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, my 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and my 2009 forester vehicles. Some vehicles may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled.

    Risk: Vibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall began on october 20, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Engine complaints by Forester model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200526 (28%)
  2. 200637 (42%)
  3. 200722 (30%)
  4. 200814 (28%)
  5. 200955 (31%)
  6. 201059 (23%)
  7. 201179 (54%)
  8. 201246 (44%)
  9. 201333 (43%)
  10. 2014110 (27%)
  11. 2015191 (31%)
  12. 201691 (22%)
  13. 201776 (13%)
  14. 201858 (12%)
  15. 2019136 (16%)
  16. 2020105 (17%)
  17. 202142 (20%)
  18. 202218 (18%)
  19. 202310 (14%)
  20. 20242 (7%)
  21. 20258 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Subaru Forester have engine problems?
NHTSA has 55 owner complaints about the engine in the 2009 Subaru Forester, 31% of all complaints for this model year, including 13 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 53,250 miles.
Which Subaru Forester year has the most engine complaints?
The 2015 Subaru Forester has the most engine complaints (191), compared with 55 for the 2009.
Is there a engine recall for the 2009 Subaru Forester?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2009 Subaru Forester concerns the engine: 08V460000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.