What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation (2009–2013) Forester?

Forester owners have made 149 complaints about the 2009–2013 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 34th out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability, with real engine and interior concerns.

Compare With Other Forester Generations

Common 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Problems

Some of the worst issues 3rd generation Forester owners have to deal with.

  2. Leaky Head Gaskets

    Why can't Subaru build a decent head gasket? The automaker has had issues with leaky gaskets in their 4-cylinder engines since the 1980's. And repairing the issue is expensive as it requires the engine to be removed.

    Continue reading article "Leaky Head Gaskets" A close-up of a clean black head gasket above two silver pistons.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation (2009–2013) Forester Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 149 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 34th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 38 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 3rd Generation Forester Owners

  • Bare, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc.

    1:2021cv00478

    1. Case Filed

      Lawsuit alleges Subaru Forester, Legacy and Outback vehicles in California have defects that cause sudden unintended acceleration problems. Included in the California class action lawsuit are the 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy, 2012-2018 Subaru Forester and 2015-2019 Subaru Outback which allegedly have software problems.

  • Settled

    Yaeger, et al. v. Subaru of America Inc., et al.

    1. Settled

      Lawsuit claims some of its most popular models burn oil at an expensive and excessive rate. The lawsuit, filed in a New Jersey federal court, alleges the cars are defective because the piston rings wear out early and can cause engine failure while on the road.

    Problem
    Excessive Oil Consumption
    Class Vehicles
    • 2011-2014 Forester
    • 2013 Legacy
    • 2013 Outback
    • 2012-2013 Impreza
    • 2013 XV Crosstrek
    Location
    New Jersey

Recent 3rd Generation (2009–2013) Forester News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Subaru is recalling 783,000 vehicles to replace dangerous Takata airbag inflators.

    This campaign is part of an industry-wide effort involving more than a dozen automakers and 1.7 million vehicles. The chemical inside of Takata airbag inflators can become unstable over time, leading to violent and sometimes deadly airbag deployments. The recall is for both driver and passenger side inflators in certain 2010-2014 model years, but is limited to certain states.

    keep reading article "The Latest 783,000 Subaru Vehicles Recalled with Takata Inflators"