"The repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin as been updated, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles previously repaired under the WQK-47 (14V-311) brake line corrosion recall prior tothe December 23, 2014 WQK-47 recall bulletin revision."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Subaru Forester brakes problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Annoucment to UPDATE ? Subaru Recall Campaign WQQ?52 Brake Line Corrosion
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS RECALL IS BEING ISSUED AS A RESULT OF INCOMPLETE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE IMPREZA AND FORESTER REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR THE WQK-47 BRAKE LINE CORROSION RECALL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Ten 2009 Forester owners describe recurring brake system failures centered on corrosion and weak hydraulic response. The most serious issue involves brake line rust leading to fluid leaks and complete brake failure. One owner lost rear brakes while driving at an unknown speed; another heard a popping sound going downhill in reverse before the pedal dropped to the floor. A mechanic found no rust-prevention sealant applied during the recall (NHTSA 14V-311), despite that being the stated remedy. Subaru's recall explicitly refuses to replace corroded lines unless actively leaking at inspection—owners correctly identify this as inadequate, since corrosion can progress to failure within days.
Rear calipers seize from corrosion, destroying pads and scoring rotors by 22,555 miles in one case. Wear sensors failed to warn the driver. One owner paid $900 for repairs after a recall existed; Subaru refused reimbursement.
Five owners independently report excessive brake pedal travel from purchase or early ownership—needing to push the pedal much farther than normal to stop. Dealers consistently inspect and declare the brakes normal. One owner suspects weak hydraulics rather than pads; another notes this is unique among all vehicles they've driven. Owners feel unsafe but haven't experienced accidents.
One early narrative mentions replacing brakes three times in a few years, consistent with the caliper corrosion pattern.
Same Subaru Forester brakes reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Brake line corrosion and failure
Brake lines develop rust and corrosion, leading to leaks or complete hydraulic failure. Owners report that the recall (14V-311) only applies anti-corrosion coating if an active leak is present; corroded lines that haven't yet failed are not replaced, leaving vehicles at risk.
When: 76,340 miles reported in one case; failures occur well within typical vehicle lifespan
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floorboard without stopping the vehicle; Abnormal popping sound when depressing brake pedal; Loss of rear brakes while driving; Brake fluid leaks; Visible rust and corrosion on brake lines and calipers
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported spending at least $900 on brake line and caliper replacement; Subaru refused reimbursement despite recall existing. Independent mechanic found no evidence rust prevention sealant was applied per recall procedure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 14V-311 (WQK-47, July 2014) and Campaign 14V830000 for Service Brakes, Hydraulics. Recall limits replacement to lines with active leaks; corroded but intact lines are only sprayed with anti-corrosion material. Manufacturer declined assistance in case #3; advised brake pads not covered under warranty in case #4.
Excessive brake pedal travel
Brake pedal requires abnormally firm and deep pressure to apply brakes. Dealer inspection finds no defect. Multiple owners describe needing to push the pedal much farther than in other vehicles they've driven.
When: Present from purchase or early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal must be pushed too far down to apply brakes; Reduced braking responsiveness; Drivers feel unsafe despite no accidents occurring; Straight stops from all speeds affected
Repairs/costs cited: One owner speculates weak hydraulics rather than worn pads; dealers have not offered repairs and claim brakes are normal upon inspection.
Rear caliper corrosion and seizure
Rear brake calipers corrode and hardware seizes, preventing disengagement. Corroded calipers destroy brake pads and score rotors, requiring pad and rotor replacement.
When: 22,555 miles in one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pads destroyed prematurely; Brake rotors scored and damaged; Wear sensor design failed to alert driver to problem; Caliper hardware corroded and stuck
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors and pads required replacement due to caliper hardware corrosion.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2009 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2009 Subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 42,983 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.