What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall?

Certain 2009-2013 Foresters are equipped with a Takata-sourced front passenger frontal airbag inflator using non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN). Over years of exposure to heat and humidity, moisture intrusion can degrade the propellant so the inflator over-pr… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2013 Subaru Forester EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT)?

The turbocharged EJ255 has thin, cast-piston ringlands that crack under detonation. The large bore, high cylinder temperatures and a flat oil pan that lets oil slosh away from the pickup under cornering make the engine vulnerable: a single knock event (low-octane fuel, poor tune,… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255)?

The turbocharger oil-feed line on the EJ255 uses a banjo (union) bolt containing a fine mesh screen meant to keep debris out of the turbo. As the engine ages or oil-change intervals stretch, sludge and carbon clog the screen and starve the turbo of oil. The turbo bearing then ove… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Premature Front and Rear Wheel Bearing/Hub Failure (Faulty Backing Plate Design)?

Forester wheel bearings (both front and rear hub assemblies) fail prematurely, often well before 100,000 miles. The most consistent symptom is a low-pitched grinding, humming or 'airplane' droning noise from the affected corner that grows louder with speed; rear bearing wear is o… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2022 Subaru Forester Ignition Coil Failure Causing Misfire and Hard Cold-Weather Starting?

Coil-on-plug ignition coils on the Forester are a common failure point. As the coil's internal epoxy/resin cracks with heat and age, the coil produces erratic or insufficient spark, causing single-cylinder misfires, rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced fuel economy and… Repairs typically run $60-$350. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2021 Subaru Forester Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping / Brake Judder — Steering-Wheel Shudder When Braking?

Foresters are prone to early front brake rotor distortion (thickness variation) that produces a pronounced pulsation/judder felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal when braking, often appearing at relatively low mileage. Owners across multiple generations report warped/ju… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2019 Subaru Forester Front CV Axle Boot Tearing and Grease Leak Causing Clicking on Turns?

The front CV (constant-velocity) axle boots on Foresters crack and tear with age and from suspension flex and road debris. Once the boot splits, grease slings out and dirt/water get in, so the now-dry CV joint wears and produces a clicking or popping that is loudest during tight,… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Rear Suspension Bushing Clunk Over Bumps?

Foresters from 2009-2018 develop a persistent clunking or knocking noise from the rear suspension when going over bumps, rough roads, or speed bumps. The cause is worn rear lateral link bushings and rear stabilizer bar end links. The rubber bushings dry out and crack, allowing me… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: low.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Front Air/Fuel Ratio (Wideband O2) Sensor Heater Circuit Failure — P0031/P0037?

Foresters commonly throw front oxygen/air-fuel-ratio sensor heater-circuit codes (P0031 low, P0037 downstream) as the sensors age. The sensors live on the hot exhaust, so the wiring harness near them turns brittle and chafes, and the internal heater element degrades. The result i… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: low.

Subaru · Known Issues

2009 Subaru Forester Problems: 11 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2009 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Subaru Forester has 11 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) ($1,800-$3,500 repair), Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738) ($0-$120 repair), Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall ($0-$0 repair), EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT) ($4,000-$8,000 repair) and Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255) ($1,500-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Subaru Forester has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738), Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2009 Subaru Forester has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) and Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738) and Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall and EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT) and Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), typically costs $1,800-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1998-2010 Subaru Forester EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)?

The EJ25 2.5L horizontally-opposed engine in 1998-2010 Foresters is notorious for external head gasket failure. Unlike typical blown head gaskets that cause overheating, the Subaru EJ25 gaskets fail externally, leaking coolant and oil down the sides of the engine. The failure is… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: high.

All 11 Known Issues

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

What is the 1998-2010 Subaru Forester EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)?

What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738)?

1998-2010 Subaru Forester: EJ25 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)#

2004-2013 Subaru Forester: EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT)#

2009-2013 Subaru Forester: Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255)#

2009-2022 Subaru Forester: Ignition Coil Failure Causing Misfire and Hard Cold-Weather Starting#

2009-2013 Subaru Forester: Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738)#

2009-2013 Subaru Forester: Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Premature Front and Rear Wheel Bearing/Hub Failure (Faulty Backing Plate Design)#

2009-2019 Subaru Forester: Front CV Axle Boot Tearing and Grease Leak Causing Clicking on Turns#

2009-2021 Subaru Forester: Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping / Brake Judder — Steering-Wheel Shudder When Braking#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Rear Suspension Bushing Clunk Over Bumps#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Front Air/Fuel Ratio (Wideband O2) Sensor Heater Circuit Failure — P0031/P0037#