FAILS TO FUNCTION IN DRIVE WHEN PARKED OVERNITE AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 40 DEGREES. AFTER A WARM UP PERIOD THE DRIVE GEAR ENGAGES AND THE CAR IS DRIVABLE EXCEPT FOR A CLUNKING AND SLIPPAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION, ALSO REVERSE APPEARS OK UNTIL YOU PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE AND YOU A RATTLING CLUNK. THE TRANSMISSION RPM GOES INTO THE RED ZONE AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE CAR . *TR
2009 Subaru Forester powertrain problems
critical 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 APPROXIM…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A VIBRATION HARMONIC BUZZ WAS HEARD FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE HEAT SHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME FOR THE SAME FAILURE AND SAME REPAIRS WERE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS M…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 Subaru Forester?
It's a serious issue. 12 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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