262 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Subaru Forester. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 13, 2026
The 2010 Subaru Forester when the Subaru was in reverse while being parked it accelerated (lunged) forward at a high speed and I DID NOT put the gear shift in forward! The 2010 Subaru Forester crashed into the back of a neighbor's Honda. My personal safety was put at risk due to without me doing so, the Subaru accelerated forward causing damage to both the Subaru and my neighbor's Honda. Had this happened if someone was walking by and there was not a car to block the Subaru, they would have likely been killed. Once the Subaru stopped, the gear shift was in park and I did not move it there. Then it was very challenging to put the gear shift in reverse to back the Subaru off the Honda. There are online AI generated reports of this happening to Subaru Foresters. The Subaru is now at a body shop for inspection. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Crash reported
NHTSA #11730913ENGINEDecember 9, 2025
The engine in my 2010 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a sudden and complete mechanical failure on November 15, 2025. While driving, the vehicle abruptly lost power without any warning lights or messages. I was able to pull off the roadway, but the loss of power posed a significant safety risk. Had this occurred in traffic or at highway speeds, it could have caused a collision. The vehicle was inspected the next business day by Wiygul Automotive. Their technicians found no measurable oil on the dipstick and added three quarts just to restart the engine. They confirmed no external oil leaks, and diagnosed the failure as a catastrophic internal oil consumption defect that had been occurring over time. This defect resulted in oil starvation and severe internal engine damage. The engine is fully available for inspection upon request. Wiygul provided a written diagnostic report confirming the cause of failure. The dealership has been notified but has not yet performed an inspection. No manufacturer, insurance, or law enforcement inspections have occurred to date. Importantly, the vehicle had a documented pre-purchase inspection on August 7, 2025, which noted the engine oil was significantly overfilled by approximately one quart and that all diagnostic codes had recently been cleared. These findings are consistent with an existing engine issue that would not be detectable by an ordinary consumer. On August 28, 2025, a full synthetic oil service was performed and again documented no external leaks. There were no symptoms, warnings, or drivability indications prior to the sudden loss of power. The failure occurred without warning, and the underlying defect was only discovered after the breakdown. This internal oil consumption defect rendered the vehicle unsafe and unfit for use, and the sudden engine shutdown created a clear risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEJuly 14, 2025
In brief: I purchased a used 2010 Subaru Forester in Nov. 2022. Because the vehicle gave me many problems, I decided to purchase another vehicle. In June 2025 I went to Fred Beans in Mechanicsburg, PA. They ran a Car Fax on my 2010 Subaru & found, among other things, the odometer of my 2010 Subaru had potentially been rolled back (mileage going from approx. 171,000 to 91,000) prior to my purchase. I filed a report July 03, 2025 with the PSP in Carlisle, PA: Trooper Stevens, badge 12980, Case [XXX]. I am filing this complaint with NHTSA as part of the initial report. Please refer to the PSP Case [XXX] for more details & information regarding the ongoing investigation (which includes NJ). The exact date of the rollback/tampering is unknown to me. Documented Titles or Certificate of Ownership Previously Issued To: [XXX] [XXX] DND Group Sales (NJ) Harrisburg Auction (?) Alpine Auto Sales INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGSJanuary 9, 2025
Had a collision with another vehicle and my airbags never deployed. The other vehicles airbags did deploy.
Crash reported
NHTSA #11635035AIR BAGSMarch 12, 2024
Subaru of America refuses to authorize dealer Beyer Subaru of Alexandria Virginia to do the stipulated safety repair
SEATSOctober 24, 2023
The bracket on the front right side of the drivers seat (if you're looking at the seat from the sunroof) that connects the seat (where you sit) to the seat frame (which moves the seat forward and back) has separated from the seat frame. The two tack welds have failed so the seat can move freely up and down on the right side of the seat. This issue seems to particularly affect the 2010 model year Subaru Forester as documented by the forum thread: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SEATSAugust 23, 2023
Left front of drivers seat collapsed while driving 60mph on freeway. This caused a surprise that could have resulted in an accident. This has been reported numerous times as can be referenced here: [XXX] and appears it will be an expensive replacement at my cost for a known issue. This should be considered a major safety issue and deserving of a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSMay 25, 2023
On 5/24/2023 while driving with a front passenger, the passenger seat belt warning light, chime and airbag warning came on for no reason. Stopped the car at a red traffic light and turned ignition off and then on to hopefully clear the warning. There was no power to any system. The ignition switch did not work and I could not get the transmission out of park to push the car off the road. Could not activated anything on the dash including the hazard warning. Being in a single lane road, traffic was traveling around us on both sides. We could have been rear ended. I opened the driver's door and all power to the dash came back. It took 4 attempts to start before the engine started. All settings and radio had to be reprogrammed. Stopped at the dealer and they ask if this was the first occurence. (It was) They said if it happened again to bring the car in. The car has been normal since.
SEATSMay 1, 2023
My 2010 Subaru Forester's driver seat does not raise up on with the power buttons. I can hear the motor but the front of the seat will not move. Last week, the right side was not moving and now both sides are not. I can physically move the front half of the seat up and down. I can see that the welds on the front arms are off of the frame of the seat rails. If I was in a collision, the whole seat might come off if it is not secured and my safety would be compromised. I called Subaru of America and received a case number. I also plan on taking the car into dealer for an inspection. No warning lights appeared. When I move the seats with the buttons, I sometimes hear a grinding noise. This collapsing seat issue with 2010 Foresters has been found on internet sites. The car was not involved in an accident and I am the primary driver and weigh under 160 lbs.
SEATSMarch 2, 2023
The weld on the left side of the seat broken causing the seat cushion to be loose. After quick internet searching, this seems to a be a somewhat common occurrence. I weight 170 Lbs and the car has 140K miles. This issue makes it lean far left causing an unsafe seating position and does not allow for adjustment of the seat up and down.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing out of a garage parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into several other parked vehicles before coming to a stop. During the incident, the driver sustained a mild concussion which did not require medical attention. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to the local collision center. The contact was unsure if the failure occurred while in the reverse or drive position. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #11501412SEATSJuly 10, 2022
Power adjustment of Driver's seat front left corner does not raise in synch with right side. This causes the seat to be uneven, resulting in an unsafe driving position. Apparently the weld of the adjustment arm breaking is a well known and documented issue based on even a cursory internet search.
SERVICE BRAKESJune 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the rear brakes were replaced by an independent mechanic. After 6 months, the contact noticed that the brakes needed to be replaced again. The mechanic stated that the automatic braking system was not releasing the brakes as needed, and the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the rear brakes were replaced again however, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
ENGINEJanuary 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine warning light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who advised him that the fuel tank was rusted and needed to be repaired as well as fuel lines. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he contacted the manufacturer who gave him a goodwill help credit to help contribute to the repair of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 99,552.
SEATSDecember 30, 2021
The left side of drivers seat collapsed. Upon inspection, the metal tab that was spot welded to the seat frame failed. The metal tab connects the left front of the seat to the power seat motor components and rail. The power seat no longer works and the seat sags noticeably to the front left. This failure occurred during normal driving conditions, and is typically not overloaded (the primary driver weighs approximately 105lbs). The car has low mileage - 65,380 miles at last service in August.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPERDecember 11, 2021
The Subaru Bracket for the Sun Visor and the Rod on the Sun visor itself are made very poorly and will break very often, I had to replace my driver side once a year because I went to use it when the sun was glaring in my face on the highway and it just fell off onto my hands and other time in my face. This event of having something unexpected distract my focus and trigger a startled response while driving at a time the requires focus, attention, and awareness is altered in a way my and other lives are serioulsy at risk. II have almost been I near serious accidents each time this happens; I have gotten really lucky and that's only because im always on guard bc of my anxiety, cant say anyone else would be as lucky as me. The issue is the brace uses cheap plastic and also instead of making the piece that is known to break thicker they made it as thin as possible to save money most likely. the bracket should be completely metal in my professional option considering how much force the sun visor rod that plugged into it requires. No ones life should be a risk like this, nor should any customer have to pay $100 for a new retail cost of one that is unjust for a company to make a customer pay for a defective flawed part of there vehicle that should have been recalled long ago and never was. the first one was replaced under warranty when the Subaru dealer I went to was part of Nissan, then I bought one from the new store a year later, and then from the Rafferty store, and again this week from the new Concordville part store. (I dont have my invoice from the current part I just ordered) There is more then one day of incident, one in 2017, one in 2018, 2019, 2020, and again this year 12/10/2021. cant find other invoiced. The date of incident for the previous would be same day or next day for invoice dates for new visor. Video of Flaw parts: (with audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/yxgi9qge3q487q6/Live%20Demo%20of%20flaw.mp4?dl=0
ENGINENovember 4, 2021
I bought a 2010 Subaru Forester vehicle on 05/22/2021 from AutoFair Subaru dealer at 503 Broadway, Haverhill, MA 01832. The car engine was making noises from the day 1 of this purchase. I reported this to the dealership but they denied the facts. Rather they said that I did not know how to drive and was making jokes at me. In month 3 (07/17/21), there was a warning sign on the dashboard. I took the car to them. There was a leak in the tire. It got fixed. I returned with the engine noise still in the car. In month 4 (08/21/21), again there was a safety sign on the dashboard. There was a oil leak in the engine. They charged me a huge amount of bill to repair this. Last Saturday on 10/30/2021, I was going to Walmart. I was on highway I-495 just a could of miles away from the exit, the car engine light was flashing. The engine sound gets louder. As soon as I pulled the car to the roadside, the engine stopped and the whole car was full of smoke. My life was on danger last Saturday. I called the dealer on Monday (11/01/2021). Again, they denied the facts. I demand a full refund of this purchase to avoid any life threatening car accidents in the future.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that as she attempted to park her vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated forward at a high rate of speed without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped on its own before hitting another vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home but had not driven the vehicle since the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and they informed her to tow the vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it remained in their possession and was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
ENGINEAugust 28, 2021
Head gasket suddenly failed on the highway. This is a known problem Subaru has yet to address and has been present on all their models up to 2010. This is something that Subaru should have addressed years ago but are allowing people to put the safety at risk due to negligence
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMAugust 23, 2021
Fuel pump failed (connection wiring harness burned up) inside the fuel tank. If this had happened a little later, we would have been in the middle of the interstate and could have been in a horrific wreck. Or if there had been any oxygen in the fuel tank, the car would have burned up completely. The fuel pump failure was found by my mechanic, and when I called Subaru to let them know that this occurred and that I felt unsafe, they said, well parts fail, your car has lots of miles on it and is fairly old, we can't do anything for you unless a recall is issued. I was driving and pulled up to get on to a highway (55MPH) and in construction there is a stop sign. When I stopped and then tried to pull out, my 2010 Subaru Forester died immediately. No gas pressure, no nothing. All the lights flashed and then the car stopped. I was in the middle of a big intersection and had to direct cars around me, push the car off the highway interchange and have it towed home. There were no lights/warning or anything that came on before the car failed. Australia has recalled this specific thing for subarus there, but despite many other people having this same issue, Subaru of America is not offering to back up the safety of their cars -- even tho they are 'supposidely the safest on the road, in collision or driving'. I urge you all do recall this. I cannot imagine if we had been 10 yards further in our drive and this happened, both myself and my passenger would be dead.
ENGINEAugust 20, 2021
At 90,000 miles the head gaskets need replacing (a $2600 repair) on a 2010 car that has been taken care of, all oil changes, all maintenance has been done to. Seems like a failed part. Noticed others have complained about the same issue. Just curious how long head gaskets should last under normal use?
WHEELS,ENGINEJuly 13, 2021
I purchased this 2010 Subaru Forester from a private party in 2/2021. It had about 98500 miles, ran smoothly, had service records and was up to date in maintenance. It stalled out in traffic due to low fuel and oil issues. There was oil showing on the dipstick but also oil leaking under the engine when checked at a Subaru service dept. I now found that oil leaks and problems are common according to articles on line. It will cost thousands to either replace the seals or the engine!! For a vehicle of this caliber I expected years of services not immediate oil issues. This is a potential seizing of the engine issue. It consumes too much oil due to the leaks. Is there any pending lawsuits I can join to cover these repairs? Secondly the low tire light is on at all times. Air pressure has been triple checked to no avail.
SEATSApril 25, 2021
FRONT LEFT DRIVER SEAT BRACKET COLLAPSED. SEAT HEIGHT IS UNABLE TO BE ADJUSTED, REQUIRING THE FRONT OF THE DRIVER SEAT TO ONLY BE POSITIONED N THE LOWEST SETTING. WHILE DRIVING IDLE SPEED IN A PARKING LOT, THERE WAS AN AUDIBLE POP AND THE SEAT FELL. WITH ATTEMPTS TO ADJUST THE HEIGHT, ONLY THE RIGHT SIDE WOULD MOVE UP AND DOWN.
SEATS,ENGINEMarch 12, 2021
BOTH HEAD GASKETS ARE LEAKING. 110,000 MILES DRIVER ELECTRIC SEAT NO LONGER GOES UP/DOWN IN HEIGHT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDecember 1, 2020
MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE FOR THE 3RD TIME. THIS LAST TIME IT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE DAMAGING IT AND KNOCKED DOWN A PERSON THAT REQUIRED EVALUATION AT THE ER. I WAS IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT THIS LAST TIME. I DO NOT HAVE ANY PICTURES AS I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PERSON HIT.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #11377399SERVICE BRAKESOctober 9, 2020
MY BRAKES FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING BECAUSE SUBARU DID NOT PROPERLY ADDRESS RECALL WQK47 ON MY CAR IN 2018 EVEN THOUGH THEY CLAIMED IT WAS COMPLETED. MY BRAKE LINES ARE COMPLETELY CORRODED AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO HONOR THE RECALL THAT THEY IMPROPERLY ADDRESSED 2 YEARS AGO. THEY KNEW IN 2018 WHEN THEY APPLIED THE ANTI-RUST SOLUTION THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED BUT THEY DID NOT DO ANY REPAIRS. THUS, MY CAR IS CURRENTLY NON-FUNCTIONING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 29, 2020
WHEN CAR IS IDLING MULTIPLE LIGHTS COME ON- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL , CRUISE CONTROL (BLINK) , AWD AND AT OIL TEMP LIGHTS
SEATSJuly 18, 2020
DRIVERS SEAT WELD BROKEN FROM THE FRAME. LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE SEAT RESULTING IN LITTLE SUPPORT. KNOWN PROBLEM WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED? UPON SITTING DOWN AND RESTING YOUR LEFT LEG THE LEFT FRONT SEAT CORNER WILL COLLAPSE.
AIR BAGSJune 19, 2020
I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE INTO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR THE AIRBAG RECALL. APPARENTLY THEY DIDN'T DO IT OR FAILED TO REGISTER THAT THEY DID THE WORK, AS I AM RECEIVING MAIL INDICATING THAT THE REPAIR NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKESJune 16, 2020
MARCH OF 2019 A RECALL WAS PERFORMED FOR RUSTED BRAKE LINES...THIS YEAR THE BRAKES LINES SUDDENLY FAILED...APPARENTLY IF THE BRAKE LINES AREN'T LEAKING THE SUBARU FIX IS TO SPRAY SEALER OVER THE RUST. ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD WAS NO ONE INJURED AS THE CAR WAS BEING PARKED WHEN THE BRAKES LET LOOSE. AND OF COURSE SUBARU SAID THEY WOULD REPAIR THE BRAKES PROPERLY FOR $1400.00. I REMOVED THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP FOR A PROPER REPAIR! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 28, 2020
ON QUITE A FEW OCCASIONS THE IGNITION HAS LOCKED UP. THE LAST TIME WAS YESTERDAY. EACH TIME IT GETS HARDER TO GET IT TO UNLOCK. *TR
SEATSApril 28, 2020
DRIVERS SEAT HAS BROKEN. SEEMS LIKE IT IS AN IMPROPER WELDING OF THE FRAME. BOTTOM CUSHION SUPPORT IS NO LONGER EVEN. IT ALSO SEEMS THAT PERHAPS THE INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THE SEAT IS COMPROMISED. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS EXPERIENCED THIS. HTTPS://WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/THREADS/DRIVERS-SEAT-COLLAPSE.126336/PAGE-4
SEATSApril 16, 2020
THE SEAT ON MY FORESTER IS BROKEN. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I FOUND THIS TO BE AN EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE OF THE WELDS BREAKING DUE TO INSUFFICIENT QUALITY OR STRENGTH. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN ISSUE SUBARU SHOULD HAVE REMEDIED BY NOW. CAR WAS ADULT OWNED AND DRIVEN BY A SMALL FEMALE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)March 4, 2020
AT HIGHWAY SPEED ABOVE 60 MPH SUDDENLY SEVERAL DASH WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. TRACTION CONTROL, CRUISE, TRANSMISSION OVERHEAT, CHECK ENGINE ALL BECAME ILLUMINATED. NO AFFECTS TO THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY OVERNIGHT RESOLVES THE PROBLEM FOR A DAY OR TWO. SITUATION REPEATS ON DRY OR WET ROADWAYS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ONLINE GOOGLE-YAHOO CHAT ROOMS HAS HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR ISSUES DISCUSSED WITH NO FIXES FROM DEALER OR CORPORATE SUBARU. ITS A BIT UNNERVING WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ALL OR MOST OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. ANY ASSISTANCE IS MOST APPRECIATED.
SEATSFebruary 17, 2020
WELD BROKE ON POWER SEAT; LEFT SIDE. AUDIBLE POP WAS HEARD WHEN IN MOTION, AFTER HAVING BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND DRIVING FORWARD TO EXIT PARKING LOT.
SEATSJanuary 15, 2020
DRIVER SEAT FRONT RIGHT SIDE COLLAPSED. IT'S COMPLETELY UNSUPPORTED. WELDS APPEAR TO BE BROKEN. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I FIRST NOTICED IT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WHEN I SAT ON IT AND IT LEANED TO THE RIGHT.
SERVICE BRAKESJanuary 7, 2020
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V830000 AND 14V311000: SUBARU OF AMERICA RECALL(S) WERE COMPLETED IN 2014. HOWEVER, ON JANUARY 5 2020, WHILE COMING TO A STOP ON A RURAL ROAD, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR ROLLED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. NO OTHER CARS WERE PRESENT AND NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT A BRAKE PIPE HAD RUSTED AND RUPTURED NEAR THE "4 WAY JUNCTION" AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VERY JUNCTION THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THE AFOREMENTIONED RECALLS.
ENGINEDecember 30, 2019
HESITATES WHEN DRIVING OFF OR SLOWING DOWN ,GOES DEAD WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC.SOMETIMES THE ENGINE JERKS AND SHAKES. PLUGS HAVE 30,000 ON THEM AFTER TUNING UP.YELLOW LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON AND NOTHING SHOWS UP ON DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNovember 17, 2019
ON AUGUST 2019 I PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM AN AUTO DEALERSHIP CALLED MOTOR CAR CONCEPT IN COLONIAL DRIVE IN ORLANDO, FL. THEY SCAM ME INTO BUYING A VEHICLE THAT THEY KNEW WAS NOT GOING TO BE RUNNING OR IN GOOD CONDITIONS WITHIN 6 MONTHS. I TRIED TO HAVE THEM FIX THE CAR WITHIN A DAY OF BUYING THE VEHICLE AS THE CHECK ENGINE TURNED ON. THEY WILL GIVE ME DAYS TO COME IN AND THEN I WILL SHOW UP AND NOTHING WILL BE DONE, TURNING ME DOWN AS THEY WHERE "TO BUSY". ON NOVEMBER I WAS PUT INTO A POSITION OF VOLUNTARY DOING A REPOSSESSION AS I WAS PAYING INSURANCE AND A CAR LOAN FOR A VEHICLE THAT COULD NOT BE USED. THE WHOLE PART OF THE THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR IS MOLDY AND RUSTY AND IT NEEDS TO BE FULLY REPLACED. I WENT TO GET AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS AND THE TOTAL WAS OVER $7,000. THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME FOR $13,000. IS A COMPLETE SCAM. BELOW PLEASE FIND THE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGES OF THE VEHICLE. VIN # FOR THIS CAR IS (XXXXX) REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
AIR BAGSOctober 24, 2019
GALLATIN SUBARU IN BOZEMAN MONTANA REFUSES TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR ON THE AIR BAG BECAUSE I HAD A MOUSE TRAP IN MY VEHICLE. THE MANAGER REFUSED TO LET ME RECORD WHY THEY WOULD NOT IN THE END I DID SAY GREAT YOU ARE WILLING TO RISK MY F-ING LIFE IN THE PAST WE HAVE PURCHASED 3 NEW VEHICLES FROM THEM. THEY NOW HAVE ON FILE DO NOT WORK ON MY VEHICLE OR ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. PERSONALLY I DO NOT WANT THEM TO WORK ON MY VEHICLE NOW.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKESSeptember 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. AFTER REVERSING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE TO TRAVEL DOWN A HILL AT 5-10 MPH. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL FELT STIFF AND VEERED TO THE RIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASH INTO A CURB AND TURNED COUNTER-CLOCKWISE. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED BACKWARDS AT A STEEP INCLINE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL AWAY. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AFTER THE REAR END CRASHED INTO A TREE. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 31-19-031911 WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, A BRUISED ARM, AND A FRACTURED NOSE. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND DEEMED TOTALED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD UNTIL A POLICE REPORT WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #11256651SEATSSeptember 19, 2019
DRIVER'S SEAT FRONT LEFT CORNER BRACKET APPEARS TO HAVE BROKEN. WHEN POWER SEAT IS MOVERS TO FRONT OF SEAT RAISED, THE LEFT SIDE SAGS AND IS UNSUPPORTED; WILL NOT STAY IN UP POSITION WHEN ANY PRESSURE/WEIGHT IS APPLIED TO SEAT. UNSURE WHEN THIS OCCURRED, NOTICED IT FOR FIRST TIME 2 WEEKS AGO. ON-LINE REVIEWS INDICATE SEVERAL HUNDRED OTHWEER FORESTER OWNERS EXPERIENCING IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH SEAT. DON'T SEE ANY RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FROM SUBARU -WHY NOT?
ENGINEJuly 8, 2019
LEAKY HEADGASKETS...
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 8, 2019
MY CAR ISN'T EVEN FULLY PAID OFF AND OUT OF NO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WENT! I BOUGHT A SUBARU BECAUSE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE MOST RELIABLE BUT NOW I HAVE A CAR WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON IT THAT DOESN'T EVEN MOVE. NOT ONLY IS THE TRANSMISSION BROKE. BUT A GEAR IS MISSING.
SEATSMay 25, 2019
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT -- THE BOTTOM SEAT CUSHION SUPPORT COLLAPSED. THE SEAT IS NOW FLAT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 18, 2019
THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM LOCKS ITSELF IMMEDIATELY AFTER I UNLOCK THE DOOR. I CAN'T GET MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR TO STAY UNLOCKED IN ORDER TO CLOSE THE DOOR. HAVING TO HOLD THE DOOR TIGHT WHILE DRIVING IS OBVIOUSLY NOT SAFE. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND QUITE A FEW POSTS FROM PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMay 9, 2019
WHILE DRIVING, "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT, CRUISE LIGHT & TRACTION LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. DEALER SAID CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. REPAIR DONE & DEALER SAID, "IF IT DOESN'T 'TAKE,' WE'LL KNOW SOON." THREE WEEKS LATER, SAME THING HAPPENED. THIS REPAIR IS ON TOP OF A MAJOR GASKET REPLACEMENT DONE JUST A FEW MONTHS EARLIER BECAUSE THE GASKETS WERE LEAKING. CAR HAS ABOUT 115,000 MILES & HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMApril 15, 2019
ON ROUTINE OIL VISIT CHANGE, DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING SLIGHTLY BUT DIDN'T NEED IMMEDIATE REPAIR. I HAD NOTICED NO SYMPTOMS. ON NEXT VISIT FOR AN UNRELATED PROBLEM, WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED IMMEDIATE REPAIR AT A COST OF MORE THAN $2,000. A QUICK ONLINE SEARCH CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG FORESTER OWNERS. I LET THE DEALER MAKE THE REPAIR BUT COMPLAINED TO SUBARU CORPORATE, WHICH WROTE OFF SOME OF THE COST BUT STILL COST ME HUNDREDS TO FIX.
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKESMarch 28, 2019
NHTSA RECALL NO 14V-830 (BRAKE LINES) AND RECALL TKC19 (PASSENGER AIR BAGS) DAVE WRIGHT SUBARU WILL NOT RETURN CALLS FOR ME TO SCHEDULE REPAIRS FOR THE BRAKE LINE RECALL
AIR BAGSMarch 25, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. TODAY IS 23 MARCH 2019. THE FIRST DATE FOR A SERVICE APPOIONTMENT FOR A TAKATA BAG RECALL IS IN OCTOBER 2019. IS A 7 MONTH REPAIR DELAY ACCEPTABLE? THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDS NOT USING THE PASSENGER SEAT IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. 7 MONTHS IS A LONG TIME TO PUT ME OR MY WIFE IN THE REAR SEAT.
AIR BAGSFebruary 19, 2019
TAKATA RECALL SUBARU HAS SAID IT WILL BE AT LEAST 3 MONTHS BEFORE THEY WILL HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG, AND IN THE MEANTIME NO ONE SHOULD RIDE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE LONG WAIT, SUBARU OF AMERICA SAID I SHOULD ASK FOR A LOANER, WHICH MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER IS UNABLE TO DO. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT TO FIT EVERYONE IN. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO WAIT THREE MONTHS.
AIR BAGSFebruary 19, 2019
TAKATA RECALL - SUBARU USA IS NOT ABLE/WILLING TO RESPOND IN A TIMELY FASHION TO AIRBAG RECALL. 3 DEALERS CALLED ALL HAD A LEAST A 4 WEEK WAIT TO FIX RECALL. LETTER STATES NO-ONE SHOULD RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT. NO LOANERS OFFERED IN THE MEANWHILE.
SEATSFebruary 10, 2019
ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO I HAD THE LEFT SIDE OF MY DRIVERS SEAT COLLAPSE FROM BAD WELDS. NOW THIS FEBRUARY 2019 THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SAME SEAT COLLAPSED ,THERE SEEMS TO BE OTHER 2010 SUBARU OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT JUST DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE COLLAPSE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING.
SEATSFebruary 10, 2019
DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED ON THE FRONT PART WHILE I WAS DRIVING. LUMBAR ADJUSTMENT ALSO FAILED.
ENGINEFebruary 10, 2019
LEFT SIDE HEAD GASKET LEAKING OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. SUBARU FAULTY HEAD GASKETS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE FAULTY HEAD GASKETS. ONLY 85000 MILES ON THE ENGINE.
AIR BAGSFebruary 8, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. CITYSIDE SUBARU (790 PLEASANT ST, BELMONT, MA 02478, (617) 826-5000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY AND THE NEXT APPOINTMENT WOULD BE APRIL 5, 2010. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
SEATSFebruary 4, 2019
WHILE SITTING IN MY GARAGE WITH ENGINE RUNNING THE DRIVERS SEAT GAVE WAY ON THE LEFT (DOOR) SITE AND DROPPED SEVERAL INCHES. THE WELDING POINTS ON THE BRACKET THAT LIFTS AND LOWERS THE SEAT HAVE FAILED. A DRIVER CAN ONLY SIT WITH BOTH SIDES EVEN AT ITS LOWEST SETTING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO DRIVERS' HEIGHT. LOCAL DEALER WOULD NOT EVEN INVESTIGATE WITHOUT CHARGING THE LABOR TO DIAGNOSE. I HAVE AND EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY HAVE DECLINED TO COVER THE CHARGES TO FIX OR REPLACE.
SEATSDecember 7, 2018
THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSES ON THE LEFT SIDE WHEN DRIVER GETS IN. BASED ON INTERNET SEACHES THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SUBARU FORESTER SEATS.
SEATSDecember 4, 2018
WHILE SEATING IN THE DRIVER SEAT OF THE PARKED CAR, I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE SEAT BASE. I WENT BACK OUT OF THE CAR TO CHECK THE SEAT, AND LOOKING UNDERNEATH, I SAW A TWO-INCH PIECE OF METAL HANGING, ATTACHED TO A ROD AT THE FRONT OF THE SEAT BASE. THE SEAT CUSHION WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BASE AND MOVED UP WHEN LIFTED. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THEY SAID THE SEAT FRAME AND THE RAIL ARE BROKEN AND THE SEAT BASE AND RAILS NEED REPLACING. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 50K MILES AND DRIVERS ARE UNDER 200LBS. IT LOOKS LIKE WELDS GAVE OUT, DISCONNECTING THE SEAT BASE FROM THE FRAME.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHERNovember 20, 2018
I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF ANYTHING NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF ON MY SUBARU??? TURNING HAS BEEN HARD AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S A RECALL OR NOT. I JUST HAD ALL MY STRUTS REPLACE, AND I HEARD THAT SUSPENSION WAS RECALLED????
ENGINENovember 17, 2018
DEAR SUBARU, I OWN A SUBARU 2.0 DIESEL EE20. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM GERMANY. THE CAR ENGINE BROKE IN ROMANIA AFTER 10000 K. NOT EVEN RESIST UNTIL THE REVISION. I WAS TO SUBARU ROMANIA ( SUBARUMOTORS BUCHAREST ) TO MR DANIEL SIMION BEFORE ENGINE BREAK. HE TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WILL BREAK BECAUSE OF CRANKSHAFT FAILURE. THE CAR BROKE AFTER 1 MOUNTH. ( 2000 KM). I SPOKED WITH DANIEL SIMION TO TAKE MY CAR AND APPLY GOODWILL SUBARU LAW'. HE TOLD ME TO GO TO GERMAN DEALER. I SPOKE WITH MR SUBARU DEUTSCHLAND GMBH MICHAEL CADA-VASQUEZ KUNDENDIENST EMIL-FREY-STRASSE 6 61169 FRIEDBERG E-MAIL: [XXX] [XXX] TOLD ME THAT SUBARU ROMANIA BUCHAREST CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THAT IF MY CAR IT IS REGISTER IN ROMANIA THEY CAN APPLY GOODWILL. I SPOKE AGAIN TO [XXX] CONSILIER SERVICE SUBARU MOTORS TRADING SRL THEODOR PALLADY NR. 47, SECTOR 3 BUCURESTI, ROMANIA TEL.: +040 21 345.55.35 FAX: +040 21 345.55.40 MOBIL: 0752.28.77.83 E-MAIL : [XXX] BUT MR SIMION TOLD ME THAT IS DIFFICULT TO APPLY GOODWILL ..AND THAT HE WILL COME BACK WITH A RESPONSE. HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT IS RESPONSABILITY OF THE ORIGINAL DEALER TO APPLY GOODWILL. MY CAR HAVE ALL SERVICE BOOK IN GERMANY. AND LAST REVISION WAS AT SUBARU AUTHORISED SERVICE. AUTO KEMPINGER SUBARU.DE TRACK NB FOR THIS CAR IS : [XXX] CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? IT IS A SAD SITUATION AND I DON T KNOW WHO CAN HELP ME. WITH RESPECT, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNovember 16, 2018
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR STARTS TO JERK AND HESITATE ALOT WHEN ACCELERATING HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY WHICH CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON SO THEN YOU TAKE IT GET IT PLUGGED IN ON LITTLE MACHINE TELLS YOU SOMETHING SO YOU FIX THAT ISSUE THINKING IT'S ALL BETTER BUT NOPE STILL CONTINUES TO HAPPEN MIGHT BE GOOD FOR A FEW WEEKS TO A MONTH BUT ALWAYS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GO UP HILLS OR ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE IS BARELY ANY ACCELERATION.
POWER TRAINSeptember 22, 2018
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLING PIPING RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID WITHIN MINUTES RESULTING IN A TOW TO THE SERVICE GARAGE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO SUBARU AS THEY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - SB-10056871-1025 - ON SEPT. 2, 2014 (#16-92-14). FORTUNATELY, THIS HAPPENED WITHIN ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF MY HOME WHILE DRIVING <25 MPH AND I SAW THE PUDDLE IN MY DRIVEWAY AND A STREAM OF FLUID ON THE ROAD LEADING TO MY DRIVEWAY. THE RESULT WAS A LOT OF SPILLED FLUID AND NEARLY A $500 REPAIR BILL TO REPLACE THE COOLING LINES. MY CONCERN, HOWEVER, IS THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT DETECTABLE WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD LIKELY RESULT IN NOT ONLY LOSS OF THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION, BUT I SUSPECT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY LOSS OF LIFE. IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO SUBARU AND RESULTS IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID WITHIN PROBABLY MINUTES AND COULD LEAD TO NOT ONLY MASSIVE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE BUT ALSO AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY LOSS OF LIFE, WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THIS?
SEATSAugust 29, 2018
BRACKET ON DOOR SIDE OF DRIVER'S SEAT IS NO LONGER SUPPORTING LEFT FRONT CORNER OF SEAT. APPARENTLY, 2 SMALL SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED. THEY CAN BE SEEN STRADDLING THREADS OF A BOLT TOWARDS THE BOTTOM OF THE ATTACHED PHOTO. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) AND THEY CLAIM THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF THIS ISSUE DESPITE THE RELATIVELY LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA FOR 2010 FORESTERS. ADDITIONALLY, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND THERE WAS NO OFFER FROM SOA TO MAKE A GOOD WILL REPAIR AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. IT WOULD SEEM THIS WOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT DIRECTLY INVOLVES THE DRIVER'S SEAT. I FIRST NOTICED ISSUE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND COULDN'T ADJUST MY SEAT PROPERLY.
SEATSAugust 23, 2018
WHILE IN OPERATION, DURING A LEFT HAND TURN, THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE DRIVER SEAT MADE AN AUDIBLE 'POP' AND COLLAPSED SEVERAL INCHES. THE SEAT IS AN ELECTRIC ADJUSTABLE, WHICH DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE EFFECTED BY THE SEAT BASE BREAKING. THE SEAT IS ABLE TO BE LIFTED AND PRESSED UP AND DOWN 5 OR SO INCHES, AND THE CORNER WHICH IS BROKEN SAGS UNDER WEIGHT.
SEATSAugust 10, 2018
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BOTTOM FRAME CAME UNWELDED AT THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE FRAME. THE PART BROKE WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. THE DRIVER'S LEFT LEG IS NOW UNSUPPORTED AND THE SEAT BOTTOM MOVES FREELY. NUMEROUS OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED ON OTHER WEBSITES.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 19, 2018
TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN DRIVEWAY REVERSING NOTICED SUDDEN ACCELERATION,IMMEDIATELY TRIEDTO BREAK AND PARK COULDNOT STOP THE CAR.IT STOPPED AFTER HITTING THE GARAGEWALL. BIG DAMAGE TO GARAGE WALL . IMPACT SHATTERED THE THE BACK WINDOW DAMAGED THE EXHAUST AND DENT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE ,BUMPER AND SIDE LIGHT. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT TWO INSTANCES NOTED SOME UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION.DIDNT THINK MUCH ABOUT IT. LOOKING BACK SOME ISSUE MAY BE THERE.
Crash reported
NHTSA #11112505VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE AT A LOW SPEED WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO AN ELECTRICAL JUNCTION BOX. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Crash reported
NHTSA #11105343VISIBILITY/WIPERJune 8, 2018
INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR IS NOT WELL SECURED TO WINDSHIELD. IT WOBBLES AND FALLS OFF AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE SCREW IS IN POTMETAL WHICH WEARS OUT AND WILL NOT SECURE THE MIRROR. THE INTERNET HAS MANY CASES OF THE SAME OCCURANCE.
SEATSMay 30, 2018
FRONT LEFT SEAT HAS FALLEN AND FROM RESEARCH HERE AND ON INTERNET, IT APPEARS WELD HAS BROKEN ON SEAT. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 80K MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND REPAIRS SHOULD BE COVERED ON RECALL. WE WERE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND LEFT FRONT SEAT JUST FELL.
SEATSApril 28, 2018
FRONT DRIVERS SEAT COLLAPSE ON RIGHT SIDE OF SEAT TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE. ITS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. I LOOKED IN DER SEAT AND APPEARS A BRACKET HOLDING THE SEAT HAS BROKEN , VERY UNSAFE, SUBARU NEEDS TO RECALL THIS CAR FOR REPAIRS. CAR HAS ABOUT 46,000 THOUSAND MILES.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESApril 27, 2018
WHILE BACKING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE (2-3 MPH) IN MY APARTMENT PARKING LOT. CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY OUT OF CONTROL. BRAKES FAILED. CAR ACCELERATED FTOM 3MP TO 20-35 MPH JUMPED A CURB AND HIT CAR PARKED IN STREET (IMPACT SO HIGH THAT THE CAR ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET). IMPACT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE CAR.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #11090383AIR BAGSMarch 28, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON GETTING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG REPLACED. THE NOTICE SPECIFICALLY STATES IN BOLD LETTERS "UNTIL THIS REPAIR IS PERFORMED, DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT". WHEN I CONTACTED THE MY SUBARU DEALER, MINOOKA SUBARU, THE FIRST APPOINTMENT I COULD GET WAS FRIDAY JUNE 8, 2018. THAT IS 7 WEEKS AWAY ! THAT IS AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR, IF I HAVE TO TRANSPORT 5 PASSENGERS IN MY CAR (MY WIFE AND GRANDCHILDREN, I'LL HAVE TO TAKE TWO CARS ! AGAIN THAT IS UNREASONABLE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 14, 2018
GLASS FROM SUNROOF SEPARATED, FLEW OFF AND SMASHED INTO PIECES ON A CLEAR, SUNNY 50 DEGREE DAY. IT WAS ON A SMALL ROUTE IN THE COUNTRY AND THERE WAS NO WIND. I WAS GOING 40-45 MPH. I HAD NOT OPENED THE WINDOW OF SUNROOF IN 5 YEARS I OWNED IT AS I HAVE HAD SKIN CANCERS. THIS WAS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO CARS BEHIND ME OR WE COULD HAVE HAD A PILE UP WITH SERIOUS INJURIES AND DEATHS. I WILL ATTACH A PDF FILE WITH MY NOTES TO DATE. I BELIEVE WEBASTO SHOULD REPLACE THIS AT NO CHARGE AS IT WAS CLEARLY PUT IN AFTER MARKET AND WAS NOT INSTALLED SAFELY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 7, 2018
DRIVING ALONG FREEWAY WHEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AS WELL AS, BLINKING CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT, AND BLINKING BETWEEN BLUE AND RED ON TEMPERATURE GAUGE LIGHT. CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE ODDLY AND MAKE CHIRPING NOISE. NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING BEHIND ME AND GETTING WORSE TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE BEHIND ME. SMOKE STARTED A LIGHT YELLOW, MOSTLY WHITE, BECAME WHITE AND GREY, AND IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THROUGH. TURNED ON HAZARDS, PULLED ONTO SHOULDER, TURNED OFF VEHICLE. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SMOKE. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE SAW FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD AND MOVED A GOOD DISTANCE AWAY TO CALL 911.
Fire reported
NHTSA #11076769SEATSMarch 2, 2018
I OWN A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE DRIVER SEAT BRACKET WELD FAILED WHILE UNDER LOW MILEAGE. THINKING THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN, I CAME IN TO TALK ABOUT OPTIONS. I WAS TOLD I WAS WRONG BY THINKING IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE AND THAT IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED, AND WAS PRESENTED WITH A BIT OF A COMBATIVE TONE. I UNDERSTAND THIS, THEY CAN'T GO AROUND SAYING YES TO EVERYONE THAT WALKS IN THE DOOR. WHILE THEY DID OFFER TO TAKE A LOOK, IT WAS WITH HESITATION. AT THE VERY LEAST, I WAS HOPING THEY WOULD HAVE OFFERED TO SUBMIT A CLAIM TO SUBARU OF AMERICA, BUT NO OFFER WAS GIVEN. MANY PEOPLE FROM THESE THREADS WENT TO THEIR LOCAL DEALERS AND SEEMED TO HAVE IT COVERED, AND IF NOT, AT LEAST A CLAIM SUBMITTED TO SUBARU OF AMERICA. THIS IS OF GREAT CONCERN TO ME BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE PUTTING MY FAMILY AT RISK. EVEN IF THERE WAS NO POTENTIAL FOR MONETARY COVERAGE OF THE REPAIR, I WOULD HAVE APPRECIATED SOME SIGN OF CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY WHILE IN A VEHICLE BRAND THIS DEALERSHIP REPRESENTS. HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/SUBARU/FORESTER/2010/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/SEATS.SHTML HTTP://WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/VBULLETIN/F88/DRIVER-S-SEAT-COLLAPSE-126336/INDEX3.HTML
SEATSFebruary 21, 2018
DRIVERS SEAT - FORWARD LEFT SIDE OF SEAT BASE ATTACHMENT BRACKET - BROKEN FROM SEAT PAN. THIS CAUSES THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE DOWN TO THE LEFT
POWER TRAINJanuary 22, 2018
2010 SUBARU FORRESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUBARU OF AMERICA FAILING TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSING VEHICLE ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION LINES NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER REACHING 40MPH. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO REIMBURSED. *JS
SEATSJanuary 6, 2018
BROKEN SEAT WELDS DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT SIDE NEAREST DRIVERS DOOR.SEAT LEANS CONSIDERABLY TOWARDS DOOR. SEAT CAN BE MOVED UP AND DOWN SEVERAL INCHES.THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL.IT IS VERY COMMON ON THE 2010 MODEL.SUBARU NEEDS TO BACK QUALITY.SEAT WELDS SHOULD NEVER BREAK.
SEATSDecember 21, 2017
THE LEFT SIDE WELD ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 30 MPH. THERE WAS A SNAP AND THEN MY LEFT LEG SEAT SUPPORT DROPPED BY A FEW INCHES MAKING THE SEAT CUSHION GO ON AN ANGLE. THE FORESTER HAD SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 90,000 MILES AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED. SINCE THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP DIDN'T HAVE ANY OPEN APPOINTMENTS FOR THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS I WENT TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT SHOP TO HAVE THE SEAT REPAIRED. THE COST WAS A LITTLE UNDER $200 AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS A FAULTY WELD WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO DROP.
SERVICE BRAKESDecember 21, 2017
IN FREEZING WEATHER, THE BRAKES ICE UP AND DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES IN A NORMAL FASHION, THEY DO NOT WORK. IF I PUMP THEM VERY GENTLY OVER A LONG PERIOD OF SLOWING DOWN, I CAN GET THE CAR TO STOP.
SERVICE BRAKESDecember 11, 2017
I WAS DRIVING ON A MIXTURE OF LIGHT SNOW AND ICE AND NOTICED ABS ENGAGING WHEN IT SHOULDN'T, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST SLIDE INTO AN INTERSECTION. I HADN'T LOST TRACTION AND WOULD FEEL THE SYSTEM ENGAGE THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT WOULD COME ON VERY HARD AND ACTUALLY CAUSE ME TO START SLIDING INSTEAD OF ASSISTING WITH BRAKING. IN ICY CONDITIONS, IT FEELS LIKE SUBARU'S ABS IS VERY "HEAVY HANDED" IN IT'S APPLICATION AND OVERLY SENSITIVE IN IT'S DEPLOYMENT. I WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR UNTIL THE SYSTEM ENGAGED SUDDENLY ON A DOWNHILL LEADING TO A STOP SIGN. THIS OCCURRED THE FOLLOWING DAY AT A STOP LIGHT. RELEASING THE BRAKES COMPLETELY WAS THE ONLY WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IN BOTH INSTANCES, I WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 5 AND 30 MILES PER HOUR, LEAVING MYSELF PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP. I WANT TO REITERATE THAT BOTH TIMES, I HAD GRIP AND WAS SLOWING JUST FINE UNTIL ABS ENGAGED AND STARTED A SLIDE. THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME FROM GETTING INTO A WRECK WAS A LUCKY LIGHT CHANGE. (THE 2ND TIME) AND THE DISTANCE I GAVE MYSELF TO STOP. (THE 1ST TIME) THIS ISSUE IS BAD ENOUGH THAT I'M CONSIDERING PULLING THE ABS FUSE THE NEXT TIME I HAVE TO DRIVE IN SNOW OR ICE.
STRUCTURE,SEATSDecember 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT NO REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGSDecember 4, 2017
TAKATA RECALL, THE CAR WAS DRIVING AND HIT A PARKED CAR IN THE CITY, AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED TO THE SIZE OF A SOCCER BALL, POPPED, AND JUST SAT THERE. THE CURTAIN NEVER OPENED OR CAME DOWN.THE AIRBAG NEVER REACHED MY FACE NOR DID IT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. I RECEIVED SEVERAL INJURIES BECAUSE OF IT.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #11052397SEATSNovember 29, 2017
THE FRONT LEFT WELD ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE AROUND 90,000 MILES. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT AT LEAST 40 OTHER DRIVERS HAVE BOTHERED TO REPORT ON THIS WEBSITE. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH AT THE TIME THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF MY SEAT SUNK DOWN AND IT'S BEEN STUCK LIKE THAT EVER SINCE.
AIR BAGSNovember 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PRESTIGE SUBARU IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, HUNTERS SUBARU IN HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA AND BICK BAILEY IN SPARTENBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINENovember 18, 2017
I HAD PULLED INTO MY COMPANY PARKING LOT AND WAS BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE. I PULLED FORWARD, APPLIED THE BRAKE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR ZOOMED BACKWARD. I JUMPED A CURB, WENT THROUGH VERY THICK BUSHES AND LANDED ON TOP OF A SMALL AUDI PARKED IN THE LOT BEHIND OURS. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR TO STOP THE ENGINE. I WAS TOO IN SHOCK TO TAKE PHOTOS BUT OTHERS DID AND I CAN ADD LATER, WITH THE POLICE REPORT WHEN IT'S COMPLETED, IF THAT'S POSSIBLE. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST THE CAR WAS GOING. MUCH TOO FAST TO BE BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE. AUTO BODY SHOP ACROSS THE STREET HELPED TO DISENGAGE THE CARS. NO TOWING NEC.
Crash reported
NHTSA #11047177SEATSNovember 7, 2017
127K MILES. DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED ON DRIVER SIDE. WHEN SEATED, DRIVER SLANTED TO LEFT DUE TO WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE WELDING ISSUE ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL. RIGHT SIDE OF SEAT STILL HOLDS WEIGHT, BUT LEFT SIDE DOES NOT FEEL CONNECTED TO SEAT FRAME. NO ACCIDENTS ON VEHICLE. NOTICED AFTER WIFE ADJUSTED SEAT WHEN SHE USED FOR CAR FOR DAY.
SEATSNovember 7, 2017
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME BECAME DETACHED FROM SEAT BASE WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THERE ARE TWO WELDS THAT FAILED. THE SEAT SLOPES SHARPLY TOWARDS THE DOOR AND THE DRIVER MUST SIT AT AN AWKWARD AND UNSAFE ANGLE. THE DEALER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION SHOULD THE VEHICLE BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
POWER TRAINNovember 4, 2017
ON NOVEMBER 2ND I STARTED MY CAR AND BEGAN PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY CAR STALLED OUT, AS IF I HAD STALLED A MANUAL. THE BRAKE LOCKED UP AND THE CAR WAS STILL ON BUT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT STARTED WORKING FINE SO I DROVE IT BACK TO MY HOUSE. MY DAD SAID IT PROBABLY HAPPENED BECAUSE IT WAS COLD OUT AND I DIDN'T LET MY CAR WARM UP ENOUGH. I LET IT WARM UP FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND WHEN I LEFT I DIDN'T HAVE ANY ISSUES. WHEN I LEFT MY STUDIO LATER THAT DAY, MY CAR STALLED OUT AS I WAS PULLING OUT ONTO THE MAIN HIGHWAY WHICH IS MORE LIKE AN INTERSTATE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT WORKED FINE AND I DROVE STRAIGHT HOME. I TRIED TO DRIVE MY CAR TODAY NOVEMBER 4TH, AND MY CAR ACTED LIKE THE CLUTCH WENT OUT. MY CAR WILL NOT GO FORWARD IN ANY GEAR, IT ACTS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TODAY AND THEY SAID MY WARRANTY EXPIRED 1 MONTH AND 2 DAYS AGO. MY CAR HAS JUST OVER 99,000 MILES ON IT AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR SIGNS TO ANY TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE FOR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER, I FOUND AN ARTICLE ON FORBES THAT DESCRIBES THE ISSUE WITH STALLING OUT. SEVERAL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BY SUBARU BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ONE OF THEM.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINENovember 1, 2017
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS (TRACTION CONTROL, CRUISE CONTROL AND ENGINE LIGHT) ARE LIT BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IT IS VERY COSTLY TO FIX THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. BECAUSE WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WE ARE LEFT WITH NO TRACTION CONTROL OR CRUISE CONTROL. ALSO, IF SOMETHING HORRIBLE HAPPENS TO THE CAR, WE WILL NOT BE WARNED ABOUT IT SINCE THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I AM NOT ALONE. SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM - JUST LOOK AT THE HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ON THE ONLINE SUBARU FORUM. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. WHEN SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, THEN IT IS THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I AM REQUESTING FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE ADDRESSED IN A RECALL OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR THE 2010 SUBARU FORESTER.
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKESNovember 1, 2017
TAMARA RECALL: I RECENTLY CALLED A NEARBY DEALERSHIP IN ATLANTA GA ABOUT RECEIVING A NOTICE ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL. I GAVE THEM MY VIN BUT THEY SAID THAT MY PARTICULAR CAR DOES NOT HAVE AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THE AIRBAG. HOWEVER, WHEN I CHECK ONLINE AT AIRBAGRECALL.COM, I HAVE THE RECALL LISTED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID INSTEAD, I HAVE A BRAKE LINE CORROSION UP FOR RECALL. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THIS IS TRUE.
AIR BAGSOctober 31, 2017
I HAVE RECEIVED NOTICE FROM THE LEGAL ACTION THAT MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE TANAKA AIRBAG RECALL. HOWEVER, ON MY VIN SEARCH I DO NOT SEE THE NOTIFICATION FOR A RECALL AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THE MANUFACTURER IN THE MAIL. PLEASE ADVISE.
AIR BAGSOctober 29, 2017
TAKATA RECALL BUT SUBARU DENIES THIS.
AIR BAGSOctober 16, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" THIS LETTER IS A FOLLOW UP TO MY INITIAL COMPLAINT # 10983517 DATED 5/4/2017.AS OF TODAY,OCTOBER 16, MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. LOCAL SUBARU DEALERS INFORM ME I DO NOT HAVE A DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAG;I FIND THIS SUSPECT. DO YOU HAVE A DATABASE THAT IDENTIFIES THE MANUFACTURER AND MODEL NUMBER OF MY PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG AND IF NOT WHO HAS THAT DATABASE? I HAVE BEEN TOLD CONFLICTING INFO. FROM SUBARU CORPORATE AND LOCAL DEALERS THAT NO ONE SHOULD BE SEATING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT TO "NO WORRIES".I NEED TO KNOW DEFINITIVELY IF ANYONE SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF MY CAR IS AT RISK. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY. VERY TRULY YOURS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
AIR BAGSAugust 31, 2017
TAKATA RECALL
AIR BAGSAugust 28, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET.
AIR BAGSAugust 28, 2017
I WAS CONTACTED BY AN ATTORNEY REGARDING MY AIRBAGS BEING ASSOCIATED WITH TAKATA AIRBAGS THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THIS VEHICLE BEING ASSOCIATED WITH PROBLEMS LEADING TO DEATH? HOWEVER MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP IS STATING THAT THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL FOR MY AIRBAG? I HAVE A CHILD AND DO NOT WANT TO PUT HER LIFE IN JEPRODY? WHAT SHOULD I DO?
SERVICE BRAKESAugust 22, 2017
MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER HAS ONLY 71656 MILES AND I NEED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FOR THE THIRD TIME. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR SET UP? I AM NOT A KID WITH A HEAVY FOOT ,I AM 71. I KNOW BRAKE SYSTEMS, BECAUSE I WAS AN AUTO REPAIRMAN BE FORE I RETIRED.
SEATSAugust 12, 2017
FAILURE OF WELDING POINT ON DRIVERS SIDE SEAT RESULTING IN STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF SEAT. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PHOTO. THIS HAPPENED WITH NORMAL USE OF THE CAR WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT.
ENGINEAugust 12, 2017
PROBLEM OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WITH VEHICLE IN GEAR. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. BOTH ON CITY ROADS. ONCE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AND AGAIN WHILE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME. FEARED I WOULD COLLIDE WITH CARS AHEAD OF ME, BUT EXTREMELY FIRM PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL AVOIDED THIS. ALSO HAVE CEL ON. CODE INDICATES MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 4. THAT WAS DETERMINED AT THE SERVICE CENTER OF BURDICK'S DRIVERS VILLAGE IN CICERO, WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR USED ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT DRIVERS VILLAGE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THEY COULD DO. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE IT TO ROMANO SUBARU, WHICH I DID. THE SERVICE CENTER AT ROMANO SUBARU REPLACED AN IGNITION COIL, BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINS. ROMANO WANTED TO DROP THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND INSPECT THE ENGINE, BUT I DECLINED. SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES WERE ALSO REPLACED BY MY MECHANIC. I HAVE ALSO SWITCHED TO TOP TIER FUEL, WHICH HASN'T HAD AN EFFECT. I LIKE MY FORESTER, BUT THE ISSUES WITH THE CEL AND SUDDEN ACCELERATION MAKE ME PONDER A TRADE. THE CAR IS A 2010, WITH 96,300 MILES.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMAugust 11, 2017
WE NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUBARU AND WE WERE TOLD THE GAS TANK IS ROTTING AWAY AND THERE IS A HOLE AT THE SEAM OF THE TANK. VEHICLE IS 7 YEARS OLD WITH 67,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT OR FLOOD DAMAGED AND WE ARE THE ORGINAL OWNER'S.
SEATSJuly 27, 2017
THE POWER DRIVER'S SEAT IS NOT ATTACHED AT THE FRONT OF THE SEAT ON EITHER SIDE. IT IS ONLY ATTACHED ON THE BACK SIDE. BOTH FRONT WELDS APPEAR TO BE BROKEN. IT DOES NOT RESPOND CORRECTLY WHEN USING POWER CONTROLS. IT SHIFTS WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. DOES NOT SEEM SAFE AT ALL. THERE ARE NO LOOSE PARTS APPARENT IN THE VEHICLE. I AM NOT AWARE OF EXACTLY WHEN THE WELDS BROKE. IT OCCURRED AT AROUND 74,000 MILES.
SEATSJune 29, 2017
THE WELDS ON THE BOTTOM FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT BROKE WHILE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION OR UNDER ABNORMAL STRESS. BOTTOM OF DRIVER SEAT IS NOT SECURELY FASTENED TO THE FRAME. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE.
SEATSJune 13, 2017
DRIVER SEAT SAGGING DUE TO BROKEN SEAT FRAME. THE SPOT WELD, WHERE THE CUSHION ATTACHES, IS BROKEN. THE DEALER WANTS $350 TO REPLACE.
SEATSJune 8, 2017
THE LOWER DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME SNAPPED APART AND NOW SAGS HEAVILY ON THE LEFT, MAKING IT FAR LESS SAFE IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS FORUM IS SUPER FULL OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOM: HTTP://WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/VBULLETIN/F88/DRIVER-S-SEAT-COLLAPSE-126336/INDEX2.HTML#/TOPICS/126336
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMay 12, 2017
THE FUEL TANK DOOR JAMS AND REFUSES TO OPEN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS. I HAD TO ASK A GAS STATION ATTENDANT TO OPEN IT AND HE HAD TO USE A SCREWDRIVER. TOOK CAR TO DEALER ON MAY 3RD. DID NOT FIX IT. I READ ONLINE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHERS. I CALLED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND SHE SAID THAT SHE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING.. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD HAVE A RECALL .
AIR BAGSMay 4, 2017
TAKATA RECALL: 2 MONTHS AGO PURCHASED A USED 2010 SUBARU FORESTER FROM OR, I LIVE IN GA. AFTER CONTACTING SUBARU USA, THEY SAID I WOULD GET A RECALL LETTER 1/2018; I FEEL SINCE I LIVE IN ZONE 1, I SHOULD BE MOVED UP FOR AN AIR BAG REPLACEMENT. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE?
ENGINEApril 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 5,000 MILES AND NOTICED THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE FAILED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SHORT BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
ENGINEApril 21, 2017
I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 BE INVESTIGATED FOR DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS AS THEY APPEAR TO BLOW SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. MY VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 74000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AND NEARLY EXCLUSIVELY BY THE DEALER. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, I NOTICED THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO AN OIL CHANGE SERVICE STATION TO HAVE THEM CHECK ON AND REPLACE THE COOLANT AND CHANGE THE OIL. AFTERWARD, I DROVE THE CAR HOME BUT NOTICED THAT WHEN I WAS NEARLY HOME THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I COULD HEAR A LOW WHISTLING NOISE. IT WAS TOO LATE THAT EVENING TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THE NEXT MORNING, ON MY WAY TO GET THE CAR CHECKED/SERVICED, THE LIGHTS FOR COOLANT, CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL BEGAN FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY. WAS ADVISED OF BLOWN HEAD GASKET(S) AND THAT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER DID REPAIRS, INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE BLOCK, WHICH TOOK APPROX 6 WEEKS. THIS ISSUE HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, IN A CAR THAT HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR AND HAS RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE FOR ITS AGE. THIS ISSUE RENDERED THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THE TIME IT OCCURRED. I AM UNSURE IF THE ISSUES HAVE BEEN FULLY RESOLVED YET AS I GOT THE CAR BACK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON 2 DAYS LATER. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK AT THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. HOWEVER, I WANTED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE I AM HOPING OTHER CAR OWNERS MIGHT BE PROTECTED FROM ANY POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS/SAFETY INCIDENTS DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKETS. THANK YOU AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.
ENGINEApril 18, 2017
LEAKING OIL AT 55,000 MILES, HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH HEAD GASKETS IN THIS MODEL
AIR BAGSApril 11, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
SEATSMarch 24, 2017
FRONT DRIVER SEAT -- WHILE DRIVING HEARD A METAL POP SOUND FROM THE SEAT. AFTER INVESTIGATION THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT HAS SEPARATED FROM THE SEAT TRACKS. SEAT HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED AS DRIVERS WEIGHT USING THIS VEHICLE IS < 225LBS. HAVE SEEN SEVERAL POSTS ON SUBARU SITES INDICATING LEFT SIDE OF SEAT FAILURE. THIS IS RIGHT SIDE OF SEAT. THE SEAT NO SITS LOWER ON THE RIGHT SIDE CAUSING AWKWARD SEATING POSITION, LEANING TOWARD CENTER OF VEHICLE FOR THE DRIVER. SHOULD VEHICLE BE INVOLVED IN CRASH I SUSPECT THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE PROPERLY POSITIONED FOR PROPER RESTRAINT WITH SEAT BELT AND NOT CENTER WITH THE AIRBAG POTENTIAL DEPLOYMENT. ALL RESULTING IN UNNECESSARY DRIVER INJURY. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 90,000 MILES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 21, 2017
ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON AT ONCE . THE NON SKID, CHECK ENGINE , CRUISE LIGHTS WOULDN'T GO OFF . I TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY MADE OUT LIKE IT WAS NOTHING . I TOOK IT 3 DIFFERENT TIMES THEY ENDED UP CHARGING ME $500 DOLLARS AND NEVER FIXED ANYTHING. IN A MONTHS TIME THEY CAME BACK ON. I'VE HAD THEM TURNED OFF SEVERAL TIMES FOR THEM TO COME BACK ON IN 2 DAYS TIME. I JUST RECENTLY PUT IT BACK IN THE GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THE SCANNER FOUND VARIOUS CODES. THEY CLEARED ALL CODES , BUT CODE P0057 KEPT COMING BACK FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ANTILOCK BRAKES AND ECM. POSSIBLE CAUSE- WIRING, ABS MODULE,OR ECM.
AIR BAGSMarch 21, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V014000 (AIR BAGS) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE RECALL NOTIFICATION WAS RECEIVED IN NOVEMBER OF 2016. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE HOWEVER; THEY SHOULD HAVE THE PART WITHIN THREE MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGSMarch 3, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. IN MARCH OF 2016, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, BUT NO SECOND NOTICE WAS RECEIVED ADVISING THE OWNER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. UPON CONTACTING THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A THREE MONTH WAIT TO HAVE THE PART DELIVERED AFTER THE ORDER WAS PLACED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGSFebruary 28, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
SEATSFebruary 10, 2017
THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT THAT COLLAPSES DUE TO FAULTY WELDS PARTICULARLY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT. IN WHICH THE LOWER SEAT PAD CAN BECOME LOOSE AND POTENTIALLY DETACH FROM THE CHAIR. A NUMBER OF OWNERS OWN FORUMS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME OCCURRENCES BETWEEN TYPICALLY BETWEEN 60K AND 80K MILES OF DRIVING. DEPENDING ON THE DEGREE OF THE COLLAPSE AND THE DETACHMENT IT CAN PRESENT A SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER. INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE CONDUCTED INTO THIS ISSUE.
ENGINEFebruary 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND DOWN SHIFTING FROM FIFTH TO FOURTH GEAR, THE ENGINE REVVED VERY HIGH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE OIL, BUT IT WAS DEPLETED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE DEALER WOULD BE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,662.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED, THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT PROJECT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO THE SEE THE ROAD AHEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE HEAD LAMPS WERE REALIGNED AND THE LIGHT BULBS WERE CHANGED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50.
AIR BAGSJanuary 23, 2017
THE AIRBAG TENSION PENS BROKE AT 31,583 MILES, REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAG MODULE AT. AFTER PRESSING ON THE HORN, THE HORN REMAINED ENGAGED. I REMOVED THE FUSE, TOOK THE CAR TO DON BEYER SUBARU IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA AND WAS INFORMED THE AIRBAG TENSION PENS HAD BROKEN. SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL NOT CLASSIFY THIS AS A COVERED REPAIR - EVEN UNDER THEIR GOLD PLUS WARRANTY PLAN. I FIND IT TROUBLING THAT 2 CRITICAL SAFETY MECHANISMS (HORN AND DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG) CAN BE SO EASILY COMPROMISED WITH NO CONCERN FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA.
AIR BAGSJanuary 14, 2017
TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL IN JULY 2016 INFORMING ME OF THE RECALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT AND "UNTIL THIS REPAIR IS PERFORMED, DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT." IT HAS BEEN 6 MONTHS NOW THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO USE MY CAR AS INTENDED. I HAVE EMAILED THE NHTSA 3 MONTHS AGO EXPLAINING MY FRUSTRATION WITH THE LACK OF SPEED FROM SUBARU TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE WAITED 6 MONTHS NOW AND STILL HAVE HAD NO WORD FROM ANYONE AS TO WHEN I CAN EXPECT THIS TO BE REMEDIED. I EXPECT SOME KIND OF COMMUNICATION BACK EXPLAINING THE PROCESS OF GETTING MY CAR BACK TO THE WAY I EXPECTED TO DRIVE IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. 6 MONTHS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO USE MY CAR AS INTENDED IS RIDICULOUS AND I WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF THIS IS NOT RESOLVED A.S.A.P.
AIR BAGSJanuary 11, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
POWER TRAINJanuary 9, 2017
TRANSMISSION LINES RUST OUT PREMATURELY, RESULTING IN MAJOR LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
AIR BAGSJanuary 5, 2017
TAKATA RECALL IN JUNE 2016 WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 16V358000, REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS. WE HAVE NOT YET BEEN INFORMED WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. WE HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND HAVE WRITTEN TO THE MANUFACTURER WITHOUT SUCCESS. SEE ATTACHED REPLY FROM SUBARU. WE LIVE IN ZONE A AND ARE CONCERNED ABOUT BEING ABLE TO USE THE CAR SAFELY.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJanuary 4, 2017
HELLO- I AM EXPERIENCING CONTINUED ISSUES AFTER RECALL: 16V-738. I BEGAN ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016. THE ISSUE IMPACTS THE SECONDARY AIR SYSTEM AND MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS CA SMOG. I HAVE TO HAVE A PASSING SMOG TO RENEW MY CA REGISTRATION. I FAILED SMOG AND SENT THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC PERFORMED DIAGNOSIS AND DETERMINED STORED P2441 AND P2443 CODES (SECONDARY AIR VALVES OPEN). AROUND THE SAME TIME, OCTOBER 2016, SUBARU RELEASED RECALL: 16V-738. THIS ADDRESSES A SINGLE RELAY IN THE SECONDARY AIR SERIES. I PROCEEDED TO SCHEDULE AND TAKE MY VEHICLE INTO RANCHO GRANDE SUBARU IN SAN LUIS OBISPO. I ALSO OPENED A CLAIM WITH SUBARU CORPORATE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SR #:1-19856672948). SUBARU BEGAN WORKING ON MY VEHICLE MID OCTOBER 2016 AND PLACED ME IN A RENTAL SUV. I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY COMMUNICATION FROM SUBARU, SO I FOLLOWED UP. THE TECH INFORMED ME THE VEHICLE IS READY TO BE PICKED UP MID NOVEMBER. I VISITED, PICKED UP THE VEHICLE, DROVE IT 3 MILES AND HEARD A LOUD SCREECH FROM THE SECONDARY AIR PUMP. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE, INFORMED THE TECH AND HE RUDELY RESPONDED "WAS THAT NOISE HAPPENING WHEN YOU DROPPED IT OFF". NO, I RESPONDED AND THEY RESISTED PLACING ME IN A RENTAL FOR ANOTHER 3 WEEKS. LATE DECEMBER, I FOLLOWED UP ONCE AGAIN DUE TO LACK OF COMMUNICATION AND THE VEHICLE WAS READY 3 DAYS LATER. I DROVE THE VEHICLE 200 MILES AND NOW THE SAME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS FLASHING AND VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY ACCELERATED. I CHECKED THE CODES AND THE SAME CODES REMAIN. I FEEL THE SCOPE OF COMPONENTS REQUIRES ALL COMPONENTS IN THE SECONDARY AIR SYSTEM TO BE REPLACED. THE FAULTY RELAY WAS ON THE ON POSITION AND HAS EXHAUSTED ALL THE COMPONENTS IN THE SERIES. THIS IS A NATION WIDE ISSUE DO HTTP://WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/VBULLETIN/F87/SECONDARY-AIR-VALVES-P2443-P2441-63347/. T
AIR BAGSJanuary 4, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THE PART WAS TO BE ORDERED IN OCTOBER OF 2016. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE PART WAS NOT REQUESTED TO BE ORDERED AND THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGSDecember 30, 2016
TAKATA RECALL -- REPAIR DELAYS -- HOW WORRIED SHOULD I BE? MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER IS SUBJECT TO THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL FOR ITS FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. MY SUBARU WAS PURCHASED NEW IN CALIFORNIA IN AUGUST 2010; IT IS REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA; AND I HAVE DRIVEN IT EXCLUSIVELY IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, EXCEPT FOR A WEEK-LONG TRIP TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN JULY 2014. ACCORDING TO YOUR "AMENDED ANNEX A", MY VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE IN PRIORITY GROUP 6 FOR THE RECALL; I CONFESS I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THAT MEANS IT MAY TAKE BEFORE MY CAR GETS REPAIRED. MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER HAS TOLD ME I SHOULD CONTACT THEM IN THE SECOND HALF OF JANUARY 2017 FOR FURTHER NEWS AS TO WHEN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL BE READY FOR MY VEHICLE. THEY HAD PREVIOUSLY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE THE PARTS IN NOVEMBER, AND FOR ALL I KNOW, THEY MAY DELAY THINGS FURTHER WHEN I CONTACT THEM IN JANUARY. IN THE MEANTIME, I HAVE BEEN ADVISED VIA MATERIAL FROM SUBARU THAT I SHOULD NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE RECALL WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON MY VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN AN EMBARRASSING INCONVENIENCE FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY, AND ALTHOUGH I'M WILLING TO DO WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR SAFETY'S SAKE, I MUST WONDER IF THE RISK FOR MY VEHICLE IS TRULY SUCH AS TO REQUIRE THIS MEASURE, OR IF SUBARU IS SIMPLY ACTING OUT OF AN EXTREME ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE LIABILITY. GIVEN THE SPECIFIC PART OF CALIFORNIA WHERE I LIVE AND HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE -- HARDLY AN AREA OF EXCESSIVE HUMIDITY, I WOULD THINK, GIVEN OUR LONG-STANDING DROUGHT CONDITIONS HERE -- DO YOU STILL CONCUR THAT I REALLY DO NEED TO KEEP EVERYONE OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE AIRBAG HAS BEEN REPLACED?
AIR BAGSDecember 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
SEATSDecember 29, 2016
AS I GOT IN MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH LESS THAN 60,000 MILES SNAPPED. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME, AND I WEIGH 180 POUNDS. THE WELDING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT SNAPPED AND THE SEAT THEN SAT ON THE METAL BRACKET UNDERNEATH. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
AIR BAGSNovember 28, 2016
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM SUBARU AMERICA IN JULY 2016. I CONTACTED SUBARU AT THAT TIME TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE TIMING OF THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER 2016. IT IS NOW ALMOST DECEMBER 2016 AND SUBARU HAS NO FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND IS MAKING IT SO THAT I CAN'T USE MY CAR WHEN I NEED SOMEONE TO SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I WILL HAVE TO RENT A CAR FOR THE HOLIDAYS BECAUSE I NEED TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY AND CAN'T DO IT IN THIS CAR. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
AIR BAGSNovember 16, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. WAS INFORMED IN JULY NOT TO USE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALERSHIP STILL WON'T SCHEDULE RECALL, AND HAS BEEN TELLING ME I AM NUMBER 50 ON THIER LIST FOR TWO MONTHS. MEANWHILE, ALL THE TOYOTA OWNERS ARE GETTING THEIR CARS FIXED. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO LIGHT A FIRE UNDER THESE PEOPLE.
AIR BAGSNovember 9, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGSNovember 1, 2016
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT GIVEN A REMEMDY FOR THIS RECALL YET BUT APPARENTLY THEY TELL ME THAT NO ONE CAN RIDE IN MY PASSENGERS SEAT UNTIL ITS FIXED. ITS BEEN ABOUT 4 MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SUBARU REGARDING THE RECALL. THATS TOO LONG TO NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE A PASSENGER IN MY VEHICLE. I HAVE AN ELDERLY RELATIVE THAT I HAVE TO CHAFFEUR AROUND IN THE BACK SEAT DUE TO THIS LACK OR REMEMDY OR REPAIR.
AIR BAGSOctober 25, 2016
TAKATA RECALL MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER WAS RECALLED JUNE 10, 2016. IT IS NOW OCT 25, 2016 AND ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR. MY LOCAL DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE ANY REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS. SUBARU OF AMERICA IS NOT REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS IN A REASONABLE MANNER AND YOU NEED TO FIND OUT WHEN THEY PLAN ON DOING SOMETHING.
SEATSOctober 11, 2016
DRIVERS SEAT SUPPORT FAILURE. MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED HAS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A BROKEN WELD OR SUPPORT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. WHILE THE POWER SEAT STILL FUNCTIONS, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT CUSHION/SEAT FRAME HAS COLLAPSED. IF THE POWER SEAT IS RAISED, ONLY THE RIGHT SIDE RISES CREATING AN UNEVEN SEATING SURFACE AND VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND NOT PARTICULARLY SAFE SINCE THE INTEGRITY OF THE SEAT IS NOW IN QUESTION. FROM LOOKING AT THE WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG WEB SITE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPPENED TO A NUMBER OF OTHER 2010 FORESTER OWNERS AS WELL. THE DEALER FEEDBACK INCLUDED ON THIS WEBSITE CONCLUDES THAT FAULTY/INADEQUATE WELDS IS THE CAUSE OF THE SEAT/SEAT SUPPORT FAILURES.
ENGINEOctober 5, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL AND THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
AIR BAGSSeptember 18, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MY SUBARU DEALER ABOUT THE PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG RECALL. THE LETTER INSTRUCTED ME TO CALL THE DEALER AS WELL AS NOT ALLOWING A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. I CALLED AND WAS TOLD THAT REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE SO THEY WOULDN'T MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ME TO HAVE THE AIRBAG CHECKED WITHOUT HAVING THE REPLACEMENT PART. THE SERVICE PERSON DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE REPLACEMENT PART/RECALL RESOLUTION WILL HAPPEN. I AM COMPLAINING BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE OF NOT USING MY PASSENGER FRONT SEAT WITHOUT A TIME LIMIT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THIS PROBLEM.
WHEELSSeptember 11, 2016
WHEN SWITCHING TO WINTER TIRES AND WHEELS, COST IS EXCESSIVE TO BUY NEW TPMS SENSORS AND HAVE THEM REPROGRAMMED TWICE A YEAR. DEALERS WILL NOT DO THE SWITCH BECAUSE IT WOULD BE DISABLING A SAFETY SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH THE ORIGINAL FEDERAL REQUIREMENT WAS INTENDED TO INCREASE SAFETY, IT ACTUALLY MAY DECREASE SAFETY FOR THOSE IN SNOW AREAS DUE TO DISCOURAGEMENT OF USE OF PROPER WINTER TIRES. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ORIGINAL RULEMAKING. IT APPEARS THAT THE COSTS WERE LOWBALLED (MUCH LESS THAN ACTUAL), AND THE WINTER TIRE ISSUE WAS NOT ANALYZED AT ALL. THE NHTSA SHOULD PROVIDE SOME RELIEF.
AIR BAGSSeptember 5, 2016
TAKATA RECALL: LETTER RECEIVED EARLY JULY INDICATING A RECALL FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. LETTER STATED THAT OWNER SHOULD NOT USE FRONT SEAT. ITS A MONTH AND A HALF NOW WITH NO RELIEF IN SIGHT. WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY VEHICLE??
SEATSSeptember 5, 2016
ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO THE DRIVERS SEAT STARTED MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN WOULD SIT DOWN. AFTER 2 WEEKS OF THIS SQUEAKING NOISE, PART OF THE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME BROKE, SEEMS TO BE A BAD WELD. WHEN SITTING ON THE SEAT, THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT BOTTOM SINKS DOWN. THIS SEEMS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER BREAK IN THE FIRST PLACE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND WEIGH ABOUT 170 LBS. I'M NOT PUTTING ANY UNUSUAL STRESS ON THE SEAT. LOOKING ONLINE AND DOING SOME QUICK RESEARCH, I SEE A LOT OF FELLOW 2010 OWNERS WHO ARE STARTING TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WILL CONTACT SOA SHORTLY BECAUSE I EXPECT THEM TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. A RECALL WOULD HELP, THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. I CAN'T TRUST THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE DRIVERS SEAT IN A CRASH AT THE MOMENT. THE COLLAPSE OF THE SEAT HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 1, 2016
TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE IS FAILING DUE TO RUST MAKING THE TRANSMISSION ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT - SOON TO BRAKE - DEALERSHIP COULD NOT ESTIMATE HOW LONG IT HAD BEFORE IT BRAKES - NOT SURE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT BROKE - STILL DRIVING - GETTING QUOTES TO FIX - DEALERSHIP SAID $480 PLUS TAX
SERVICE BRAKESAugust 27, 2016
REAR BRAKES WORE OUT AT 55K MILES. FRONT BRAKES STILL HAD 7MM WEAR ON THEM. TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO CORROSION OF THE CALIPERS. THE CALIPERS RUSTED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO BE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE ROTORS, WEARING THEM OUT PREMATURELY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE ROTORS. SAME THING HAPPENED ON MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. REAR BRAKES WORE OUT AT 85K MILES, WITH 6MM LEFT ON THE FRONT BRAKES. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN PROBLEM TO ME.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 27, 2016
THE HEAT SHIELDS ON MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER HAVE HAD TO BE CLAMPED TWICE DUE TO THE HEAT SHIELDS BECOMING LOOSE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THIS COULD BE A FIRE DANGER IF A HEAT SHIELD CAKE LOOSE AND RUPTURED THE GAS TANK. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE.
ENGINEAugust 19, 2016
I WAS HEADING TO WORK ON RT 80 W IN NJ WHEN MY CAR'S ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I GOT INTO THE RIGHT-HAND LANE AND EXITED RT 80 VIA EXIT 34B, RT 15N TOWARDS SPARTA NJ. I KNEW THERE WAS A GAS STATION AT THE EXIT AND WAS JUST BARELY ABLE TO PULL IN WHEN THE CAR DIED. AT THAT POINT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN AT ALL AND THE CAR DIED. THE AAA DRIVER TOLD ME THE CAR HAD BURNED THROUGH ALL THE OIL (HE CHECKED THE OIL TANK; IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY.) I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MILFORD PA WHERE MY PLACE OF BUSINESS IS AS I HAD PERISHABLES I HAD JUST BOUGHT FOR MY CAFE WITH ME THAT NEEDED TO BE REFRIGERATED. MY MECHANIC SAID EXACTLY WHAT THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD SAID. THE ENGINE BLEW DUE TO THE CAR BURNING UP ALL THE OIL. NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON BEFORE THE ENGINE DIED. SINCE BUYING THIS CAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS TWICE, BOTH TIMES BEFORE THE CAR HAD REACHED 50,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION COIL REPLACED 3 TIMES IN UNDER 3 YEARS. THE CAR IS A LEMON, BUT NO SIGNS WERE EVIDENT UNTIL I HIT 34,000 MILES OR SO. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T HIT OR HARM ANYONE ON RT 80 WHEN THE ENGINE DIED, OR THAT I WASN'T HARMED. SUBARU OF AMERICA IS VERY UNHELPFUL; THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY CAR NEEDS TO BE AT A SUBARU DEALER FOR THEM TO "OPEN A CASE", EVEN THOUGH I EXPLAINED I HAD PERISHABLES WITH ME AND HAD TO KEEP THEM COLD. I ASKED IF SUBARU WOULD TOW THE CAR FOR ME, BUT THEY SAID NO, AS IT HAS TOO MANY MILES ON IT. WHEN I ASKED THEM ABOUT WHY THE WARNING LIGHTS NEVER CAME ON, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS "NOT EQUIPPED" WITH THOSE LIGHTS, EVEN THOUGH I KNOW IT IS AS THEY CAME ON WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS MELTED AND THE DRIVER'S MANUAL FOR MY CAR INSTRUCTS THE DRIVER AS TO WHAT TO DO IF THE LIGHTS COME ON.
AIR BAGSAugust 2, 2016
WE HAVE RECEIVED THE MANDATORY RECALL LETTER OF JULY 2016. THE OPEN-ENDED STATEMENT: "WE WILL NOTIFY YOU WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE" IS INSUFFICIENT. WHY? BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR OUR 2013 LEAF WHICH IS ALREADY THREE MONTHS OLD AND THUS FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE WITH THAT. I AM ANGRY BECAUSE NOW THE "FAMILY" CAR CANNOT BE USED AS A FAMILY CAR! SO THE QUESTION IS WHEN?? WILL PARTS BE AVAILABLE NEXT YEAR? 5 YEARS FROM NOW?? WHEN???
SEATSJuly 29, 2016
IT APPEARS SEAT WELD BROKE ON DRIVER'S SEAT WHERE IT ATTACHES TO BRACKET. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THIS IS VERY COMMON. IT COULD POSE A HAZARD TO THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND POTENTIALLY COME LOOSE IN AN ACCIDENT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 1, 2016
WHILE PARKING MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO JUMP OVER A CURB SIDESWIPING A HEDGE JUMPING ANOTHER CURB THEN HITTING A LARGE RAM 150 TRUCK. THE WHOLE TIME I WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKES TRYING TO AVOID PARKED CARS. UPON IMPACT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT HIGH RPM'S. AFTER SHUTTING IT OFF I LOOKED TO SEE IF THE MATS WERE THE CAUSE AND THEY WERE NOT. COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT THE CAUSE OF ACCELERATION. THERE WAS OVER $12.000 DAMAGE TO THE FORESTER.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10882115ENGINEJune 13, 2016
THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 FAILED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST PERFORMED BY SUBARU. THE CAUSE FROM A SUBARU BULLETIN STATES THAT THE #1 AND/OR #4 INTAKE VALVE GUIDE INSERTION HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED, PERMITTING OIL TO ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. THIS OCCURRED ON THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 MODELS AS WELL AS 2011 LEGACY/OUTBACK, AND 2011 IMPREZA. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE MORE THAN 1.5 QUARTS OF OIL IS CONSUMED AFTER ONLY 1100 MILES DRIVEN. IN ALASKA YOU COULD BE STUCK IN THE FROZEN INTERIOR IF THIS DEFECT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND MALFUNCTION WHILE TRAVELING. SUBARU WILL NOT FIX THE KNOWN DEFECT. SUBARU STATES IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE BULLETIN DOESN'T APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE AND SUBARU SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY WILL ONLY PROVIDE $500.00 FOR A $5,000 FIX.
SEATSMay 22, 2016
ENTERED VEHICLE AND SAT DOWN ON DRIVERS SEAT AND THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE DRIVER SEAT DROPPED. REMOVED SIDE COVER AND FOUND TWO WELDS BROKEN FROM BRACKET THAT GOES TO THE SEAT BOTTOM. AFTER LOOKING ON SAFERCAR.GOV FOUND SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER FORESTERS. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND WAS NEVER ABUSED. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT UNTIL NOW.
SEATSApril 9, 2016
WHEN GETTING INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT I NOTICED THE LEFT SIDE OF MY SEAT WAS 1-2 INCHES LOWER THAN THE RIGHT SIDE. WHEN TRYING TO ADJUST THE SEAT, THE CONTROLS MOVED THE RIGHT SIDE UP AND DOWN, BUT THE LEFT SIDE REMAINS STATIONARY AT THE BOTTOM. ALSO THE LUMBAR SUPPORT CONTROLS NO LONGER FUNCTION.
SEATSApril 3, 2016
WHILE SITTING STATIONARY IN PARKING LOT, DRIVERS POWER SEAT SUDDENLY DROPPED A FEW INCHES. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THE FRONT BRACKET WHICH ATTACHES TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SEAT HAD SNAPPED (WELD BROKE ON THE LEFT SIDE).
SEATSMarch 5, 2016
SAT DOWN IN DRIVERS SEAT TO DRIVE, EVERYTHING NORMAL. APPROX 1.5-2 MINUTES LATER WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, APPROX. 10-15 MPH OVER A SLIGHTLY BUMPY NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, I HEAR A SMALL "SNAP" UNDERNEATH SEAT AND FRONT LEFT PART OF DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSES. SEAT FEELS VERY UNSTABLE AND OFF CENTER, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE WHILE TURNING AND USING PEDALS. UPON LOOKING UNDERNEATH THE SEAT; THE FRONT BRACKET HAD SNAPPED FROM THE 2 SPOT WELDS HOLDING IT UPRIGHT. CAN NOT FIX ON MY OWN, MUST BE WELDED.
SEATSMarch 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT FRACTURED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO SLIDE DOWNWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO HOLD HIMSELF UP USING THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
SEATSMarch 2, 2016
DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED ON FRONT LEFT SIDE OFFERING NO SUPPORT. AWKWARD SEATING POSITION. AFTER DOING RESEARCH IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON AND IS A WELDING ISSUE. IT HAPPENS WHILE I WAS DRIVING MAKING A TURN ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
SEATSFebruary 22, 2016
WHILE FASTENING SEATBELT, DRIVERS SEAT, FRONT LEFT CORNER, MADE A "SNAP" NOISE AND DROPPED SLIGHTLY UNDER DRIVER'S LEG; NOW IS UNSTABLE, DOES NOT SUPPORT DRIVER'S LEFT LEG PROPERLY, FEELS UNEVEN AND OFF BALANCE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IN PARKING LOT.
SEATSFebruary 18, 2016
THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER SEAT COLLAPSED FOR THE SECOND TIME. A FEW MONTHS AGO THE RIGHT SIDE COLLAPSED. I FOUND THAT THE TOGGLE BRACKET ON THE UPPER RIGHT SEAT FRAME BROKE LOOSE FROM THE LOWER SCISSOR ASSEMBLY THAT RAISES AND LOWERS THE SEAT. THE TOGGLE BRACKET IS HELD THE THE SCISSOR ASSEMBLY BY TWO SPOT WELDS. THE SPOT WELDS BROKE LOOSE CAUSING THE SEAT TO FAIL. THERE WAS NO SUBARU TSB OR WARRANTY COVERAGE SO I REMOVED THE SEAT AND REWELDED IT. TODAY I NOTICED THAT THE LEFT SIDE TOGGLE HAS BROKEN LOOSE AT THE SAME TWO SPOT WELDS. THESE WELDS ARE TOO WEAK FOR THE APPLICATION AND SUBARU CORP SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. I ASK YOU: WHERE'S THE LOVE FROM SUBARU FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THIS GOVT WEBSITE AND A SEARCH ON-LINE WILL REVEAL A LOT MORE INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM!
SEATSJanuary 13, 2016
WHILE SITTING ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE FRONT LEFT PORTION OF THE SEAT COLLAPSED DOWNWARD, AND NOW HAS NO SUPPORT FROM THE FRAME OF THE SEAT. DEALER HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE WELDS ON THE SEAT BRACKET HAVE FAILED. THIS SEEMS LIKELY TO BE THE RESULT OF A FACTORY DEFECT, AS THIS SEAT HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED OR HAD AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF WEIGHT SUPPORTED ON IT. MY CONCERN NOW IS IN THE SAFETY OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
SEATSNovember 8, 2015
THE BASE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN LOOSE AT THE LEFT FRONT CORNER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINEOctober 6, 2015
AFTER WORK, I GOT IN MY CAR AND STARTED IT UP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY TRACTION CONTROL AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS. THIS WAS ODD BECAUSE THESE LIGHTS HAD NEVER BEEN ON BEFORE. I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME--IT WAS TOO LATE TO BRING THE CAR TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I LIVE A MINUTE AND A HALF FROM WORK. THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT THEN CAME ON AND FLICKERED IN NO PARTICULAR PATTERN. THEN, ABOUT 45 SECONDS INTO MY 90 SECOND DRIVE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON. THE WEATHER WAS ABOUT 50 DEGREES AND RAINY. WHEN I GOT HOME THE ENGINE FAN WAS SPINNING REALLY FAST. I POPPED THE HOOD. NO SMOKE OR ANYTHING VISIBLY WRONG. AT ROUGHLY 2:10AM THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD BRING IT TO GET THE ISSUES LOOKED INTO. SO I LEFT THE HOOD OPEN TO LET SOME HEAT OUT AND WHEN THE FAN SLOWED AND THEN STOPPED, I CLOSED THE HOOD AND WENT INSIDE. ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES LATER, DURING WHICH TIME THE CAR HAD BEEN STATIONARY AND THE ENGINE HAD BEEN SHUT OFF, I HEARD A POP SOUND. IT WAS A STRANGE NOISE AND I GOT UP TO CHECK IT OUT. IT WAS A MASSIVE ENGINE FIRE. IT TOASTED THE ENGINE AND MELTED A GOOD PORTION OF THE FRONT END. THE FIRE DEPT SHATTERED THE WINDOWS AND PEELED THE HOOD BACK. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THE FIRE WAS JUST FEET AWAY FROM MY HOUSE ON ONE SIDE, AND THE NEIGHBOR ON THE OTHER SIDE. HAD I BEEN ASLEEP THE FIRE COULD HAVE SPREAD TO MY HOUSE OR MY NEIGHBOR'S, POTENTIALLY KILLING PEOPLE. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST THINGS I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED. THERE IS A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE WITH SOMETHING SIMILAR (SEARCH SUBARU ENGINE FIRE). THE CAR IS A 2010 FORESTER XT, COMPLETELY STOCK. IT HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS ABOUT 85,000 MILES ON IT. MY MOTHER ORIGINALLY OWNED IT. SHE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND I BOUGHT IT FROM HER.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10780056SEATSSeptember 20, 2015
I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY I FELT A CRACK OR SNAP IN THE LOWER FRONT LEFT PORTION OF MY DRIVER'S SEAT. THE FRONT LEFT PORTION OF THE SEAT FELT SOFT, WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE CAR THE SEAT SAGGING AND SHIFTING (UNLIKE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT). ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, IT WAS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A BROKEN BRACKET OR BOLT AND THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT FRAME BRACKET FOR 381.00. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS DEFECT IN 2010 FORESTERS ON THE INTERNET AND ON THIS SAFETY COMPLAINT LOG.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 19, 2015
A FAMILY MEMBER WAS RE-PARKING OUR CAR NEXT TO THE HOUSE. SHE PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR LIGHTLY, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED BACKWARDS AND KEPT GOING EVEN AFTER SHE TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, AND HIT THE HOUSE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH THE CAR AND THE HOUSE (AND CAUSING MY DAUGHTER A CONCUSSION). EARLIER, MY SON HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH THE SAME CAR. HE HAD THE CAR IN REVERSE, LIGHTLY TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR JOLTED BACKWARD BUT HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING BECAUSE HE WAS NOT CLOSE TO ANY OBJECTS OR STRUCTURES.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10765281POWER TRAINSeptember 17, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON 10 MILES OUTSIDE OF MY DESTINATION TO BALTIMORE,MD (65 MILE FROM HOME TO DESTINATION) HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY TRANS COOLER LINE HAD RUSTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.($707.86). PICKED UP VEHICLE ON 9/15/2015 AND DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND ISSUES REOCCURRED AND I RETURNED THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY RAN A SECOND SCAN OF THE VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT THE 3 AND 4TH GEAR HAD GONE OUT AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION ($7000.00) AND THAT MAY NOT FIX THE ISSUE.
SEATSSeptember 1, 2015
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CUSHION COLLAPSED ON LEFT SIDE AND BECAME LOOSE DUE TO A WELD FAILURE ON THE SEAT FRAME. I BELIEVE THAT THE LOOSE SEAT CUSHION COMPROMISES THE INTEGRITY OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND WARRANTS A SAFETY RECALL.
SEATSAugust 29, 2015
THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN AND NO LONGER PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR YOUR LEFT LEG. THIS CORNER OF THE SEAT COLLAPSES TOWARDS THE FLOOR WHEN MINIMAL FORCE IS APPLIED. AFTER INVESTIGATING, TWO SPOT WELDS UNDERNEATH THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAVE FAILED AND HAVE DETACHED.
SEATSAugust 25, 2015
FAILED SPOT WELD ON DRIVER'S SEAT LEFT SUPPORT BRACKET. LEFT SIDE OF DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSES DOWN WITHOUT SUPPORT.
SEATSJuly 26, 2015
NOTICED DRIVER'S SEAT (POWER) WAS NOT PROVIDING NORMAL SUPPORT ON LEFT SIDE. ASSUMED IT WAS JUST AGE RELATED DETERIORATION AT FIRST, BUT WHEN I INVESTIGATED I FOUND TWO WELDS ON THE SEAT FRAME ASSEMBLY (PN 64100SC001) HAD FAILED. I WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS AND CONTACTED DEALER AND SUBARU TO SEEK ASSISTANCE IN A REPAIR. NONE WAS OFFERED. I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT FACTORY PART FROM MY DEALER AND NOTICE THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY ADDING A SCREW TO THE WELDS HOLDING THE BRACKET ON. CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE SEAT FRAME, BUT THIS REQUIRES REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY OF THE SEAT WHICH IS A FAIRLY ADVANCED DIY JOB.
SERVICE BRAKESJuly 9, 2015
THE AUTO UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS CALIPERS THAT STICK, THIS IS A DANGER FROM EVERY MECHANIC I SPOKE TO, SUBARU REFUSES TO HONOR THE WARRANTY, FROM EVERYTHING I HAVE READ AND HEARD, SUBARU HAS HAD A CONSTANT CALIPER PROBLEM AND WILL NOT MAKE GOOD ON IT - THEY SAY IT IS OK TO DRIVE LIKE THIS, I HAVE TWO LITTLE CHILDREN AND I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD, SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE GOOD ON IT
SEATSJune 30, 2015
FRONT LEFT CORNER OF DRIVER SEAT FELL/COLLAPSED. BRACKET CONNECTED TO FRAME OF SEAT BROKE AWAY. WILL HAVE TO BE RE-WELDED BACK TO FRAME.
SEATSJune 6, 2015
THE SPOT WELD THAT SECURES THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE.
ENGINEMay 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE ACCELERATOR ENGAGED, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
SERVICE BRAKESMay 4, 2015
MY MOTHER AND I WERE OUT AND ABOUT ON A FRIDAY 5/1/15 AS WE GOT READY TO LEAVE OUR LOCATION. I PLACE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND PUT IT INTO REVERSE, THEN EVER SO SLIGHTLY PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PADDLE, THEN THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACK AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND HIT ANOTHER TRUCK IN BACK OF ME, BEFORE IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. NO ONE WAS INJURED -NO POLICE WERE CALLED AS IT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. BOTH VEHICLE WERE DAMAGED. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AND FRONT BREAK PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACE AND IF I HAD NOT BROUGHT IT IN WHEN I DID I WOULD HAVE NEEDED ROTORS AS WELL. THERE WAS NO SOUND THAT THE BREAKS WERE GOING BAD, AND THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNALS OF ANY KIND. THIS IS A VERY HIGH SAFETY ISSUES AS PEOPLE LIVES ARE AT RISK. THANK GOD MY MOTHER AND I ARE OKAY. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10714389ENGINEMarch 6, 2015
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER'S MANUAL. RECENTLY THE "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY THE VEHICLE PULLED INTO A LOT AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD. THE OIL WAS LOW, SO OIL WAS ADDED. IT WAS ABOUT 90 MILES HOME, SO IT WAS STARTED BACK UP AND ENTERED A TOLL ROAD. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES A SLIGHT BURNING OIL SMELL WAS NOTICED SO THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF. AFTER CHECKING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OIL WAS NOTICED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. A FLAT-BED TOW-TRUCK WAS CALLED AND TRANSPORTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP THAT NORMALLY SERVICES THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS "INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE" DUE TO THE ENGINE RUNNING LOW ON OIL. 10 MINUTES AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. RECOMMENDS REPLACING ENTIRE ENGINE WITH USED ENGINE. *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFebruary 23, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING IN THE GARAGE, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,516.
SERVICE BRAKESFebruary 6, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V830000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED BUT FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE SPECIFICS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SECOND NOTICE FOR THE RECALL INFORMING THAT THE INITIAL RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT A PERMANENT REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 03/24/15*LJ UPDATED 10/20/2015*JS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 30, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE ENGINE RPM'S INCREASED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
SEATSJanuary 12, 2015
I GOT IN MY CAR AND SAT ON THE DRIVERS SEAT AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT DROPPED DOWN. IT APPEARS THAT WHATEVER WAS HOLDING IT UP LET GO AND NOW THE SUPPORT IS NOT THERE. MY LEFT LEG HAS NO SUPPORT, IT'S JUST RESTING VERY LOW. NOT GOOD ON MY LEG OR BACK. *TR
SEATSDecember 22, 2014
WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, I HEARD SOMETHING SNAP UNDER MY SEAT (POWER SEAT). ALSO, THE FRONT LEFT CORNER DROPPED AND NO LONGER SUPPORTED ANY WEIGHT. ON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THAT THE LEFT FRONT SUPPORT WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BASE. IT APPEARS SOME WELD OR RIVETS FAILED. *TR
ENGINEDecember 15, 2014
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE ON 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. LAST OIL CHANGE @ 72,328 MILES. VEHICLE RAN OUT OF OIL AT 74,979 MILES. [DOCUMENTATION AVAILABLE ON CONSISTENT REGULAR MAINTENANCE.] *TR
SEATSDecember 2, 2014
RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF DRIVERS SEAT METAL FRAME BROKE AND NOW RIGHT FRONT SIDE SAGS. *JS
VISIBILITYDecember 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
WHEELSNovember 7, 2014
THE ORIGINAL FACTORY ALUMINUM WHEELS ARE EXHIBITING PRONOUNCED CORROSION AND PITTING STEMMING AT THE CENTER OF THE WHEEL AND MOVING RADIALLY OUTWARD. ALL FOUR WHEELS SHOW CORROSION. CORROSION IN UNSEEN PORTIONS OF THE WHEEL IS UNKNOWN. THE CONCERN IS THE CORROSION IS AFFECTING THE STRUCTURAL PORTIONS OF THE WHEEL. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 29, 2014
2010 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE LINE CORROSION. *SMD THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LINES TWICE, IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY ONLY SPRAYED ANTI-RUST MATERIALS ON THE BRAKE LINES. *JB
SERVICE BRAKESSeptember 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
SEATSSeptember 15, 2014
LEFT SIDE OF DRIVER'S SEAT FROZE, AND THE TILT WOULD NOT ADJUST--THIS IS THE PART OF THE SEAT THAT THE DRIVER SITS ON, NOT THE BACK OF THE SEAT. RIGHT SIDE OF SEAT TILT ADJUSTMENT CONTINUED WORKING NORMALLY. I HAD THE LEFT MOTOR IN THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT REPLACED AFTER 7 MONTHS OF GREAT DISCOMFORT (INCLUDING A MAJOR NERVE PINCH AND A COUPLE OF HERNIATED DISKS). THE CAR IS MAYBE DRIVEN 10,000 MILES ANNUALLY, AND THE MAIN DRIVER IS 180 LBS. AFTER ONLY 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, THIS WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX, BUT SAFER THAN LEAVING IT AS IS. *TR
ENGINEAugust 30, 2014
WHILE CRUISING AT 40 MPH UP A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY JERKED A FEW TIMES, THEN STOPPED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC'S GARAGE WHERE HE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT TO OPEN THE VALVE WHICH ALLOWS COOL AIR TO ENTER THE CABIN. THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT LITERALLY FROZE, RESULTING IN THE BELT WHICH ENGAGES THE ENGINE STOPPING AND CAUSING THE PISTONS TO STOP WHILE THE VALVES KEPT MOVING. SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE RESULTED WHICH REQUIRED MACHINING OF CYLINDER HEADS AND REPLACEMENT OF MANY PARTS. IF THIS INCIDENT HAD HAPPENED GOING AT HIGH SPEED ON A HIGHWAY, SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY MAY HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKESAugust 25, 2014
THE REAR BRAKES ARE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AT 29,700 MILES. THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING THE MANDATORY ANNUAL VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION. I HAVE OWNED AND DRIVEN CARS FOR 37 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN REAR BRAKES WEAR SO FAST. THE FRONT BRAKES LOOK NORMAL FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE. WHAT IS IT WITH THE REAR BRAKES ON FORESTERS? I HAVE READ OTHER OWNER'S COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE REAR BRAKES. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKESAugust 22, 2014
BRAKE WARMING LIGHT CAME ON WILL DRIVING AT 35 MPH. AFTER THE BRAKE LIGHT CAM ON I DROVE 2.5 MILES TO MY HOME ADDRESS. AFTER I PARKED THE CAR I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON THE GARAGE FLOOR UNDER THE LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) REAR TIRE. I CHECKED THE GOVERNMENT WEBSITE ON RECALLS AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V311000 INDICATING SALT WATER COULD SPLASH ON THE BRAKE LINES THROUGH A GAP IN THE FUEL TANK PROTECTOR, RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE BRAKE LINES. THE CONSEQUENCE: BRAKE LINE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. FLUID LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN LONGER DISTANCES BEING REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. I HAD RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN JULY THAT INDICATED AN ISSUE AND I WOULD BE CONTRACTED WHEN PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. RECALL CAMPAIGN WQK-47 NHTSA RECALL NO. 14V-311. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 14, 2014
2010 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE LINE CORROSION RECALL AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *SMD
SEAT BELTSAugust 3, 2014
REAR SEAT BELT FRAYING- THIS WAS A RECALL -HAD SUBARU CHECK BELT SAID DOG WAS CHEWING ON BELT. NO TEETH MARKS NOW FRONT SEAT BELT FRAYING- MY DOG DOES NOT DRIVE. CALLED SUBARU X2 WITH SAME COMPLAINT SPOKE WITH [XXX] 7/3 AND [XXX] 7/31. [XXX] SAID DEFECT LISTED AS DOG CHEWING ON A RECALL AND IT IS NOT REPAIRED AS YET I AM STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL BACK. THE TECH WHO EXAMINED THE BELT JUST LOOKED AT IT. I SAID IT IS FRAYING FROM THE CLIP THAT SECURES BELT. CAR AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION OR I CAN SEND PICTURES INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKESJuly 28, 2014
BESIDES CORROSION OF BRAKES IN RECENT RECALL, BODY PAINT BEHIND EACH WHEEL IS CORRODING SINCE 2013. FURTHERMORE, SUBARU ISSUED THE BRAKE CORROSION RECALL LETTER #1 TO A COMPANY THAT IS NOT THE REGISTERED OWNER!!! *JS
SERVICE BRAKESJuly 12, 2014
I OWN A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER WITH ONLY 31, 000 MILES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR RIGHT ROTORS AND CALIPERS AND ALL 4 BRAKE PADS. I AM VERY CONCERNED, THESE ARE NOT NORMAL WEAR AND MAINTENANCE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINEJuly 9, 2014
WHILE IN MY DRIVEWAY, I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND IT ACCELERATED. I SWERVED TO MISS A TRAILER PARKED IN FRONT OF ME, PUSHED HARDER ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE ENGINE RACED FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN IDLED NORMALLY. I GOT OUT, LOOKED AT THE FLOOR MAT AND IT WASN'T TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. IT HASN'T HAPPENED SINCE, BUT THE CAR DOESN'T GET DRIVEN MUCH. *TR
SEATSJune 23, 2014
DRIVERS SEAT FRAME COLLAPSE, RIGHT FRONT PART OF LOWER FRAME. DEALER IDENTIFIED FAILURE OF 2 WELDS. WILL ATTEMPT TO REWELD. *TR
VISIBILITY/WIPERMay 23, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SUN VISOR DROPPED INTO MY FOREHEAD CREATING A SHOCKING REACTION. I ATTEMPTED TO PLACE IT BACK UP, BUT IT KEPT FALLING DOWN. I THEN LEFT IT IN A DOWN POSITION THAT YOU WOULD PLACE IT IF SUN WAS IN YOUR EYES. I WENT OVER TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO QUITE A FEW OF THE FORESTER CARS. I ASKED IF IT WAS A RECALL AND HE SAID HE CHECKED AND IT WASN'T. BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OVER 3 YEARS OLD, IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT WOULD BE A CHARGE OF AROUND $125.00 OR SO TO BE REPAIRED. I EXPLAINED THAT THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED AND IF I PROBABLY HAD NOT USED THE VISOR MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES. HE INDICATED MAYBE THE ORIGINAL DEALER WOULD HONOR FIXING IT BECAUSE OF SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I DID GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL DEALER AND UNFORTUNATELY THEY WOULD NOT HONOR IT AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO REPAIR IT FOR AROUND THE SAME PRICE. HE ALSO TOLD ME TO BUY VELCRO AND IT SHOULD HOLD IT UP. I INVESTED IN MANY STRENGTHS OF VELCRO TO FIND OUT THAT IT WOULD NOT ADHERE TO THE CEILING MATERIAL OF THE CAR AND REPEATEDLY FLOPS DOWN IN THE SAME FASHION AS IT DID INITIALLY. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS CLEARLY IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY IN A DOWN POSITION AS IT INTERFERES WITH VISIBILITY. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED WITH SUBARU'S REACTION TO MY PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
SEATSMay 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V099000 (SEAT BELTS) DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUPPORT BOXES ATTACHED TO THE SEATBELTS CONTINUED TO POP OUT FROM THE BACK SEATS. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,689. RK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A RESIDENTIAL HOME. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10588338ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKESApril 4, 2014
AT 40 MPH FRONT LEFT BRAKES " SELF-APPLIED" AT MAXIMUM FORCE. ABS PREVENTED COMPLETE SKIDDING OF THE TIRE, SO NO FLAT SPOT ON TIRE. THE VEHICLE LURCHED INTO A " NOSEDIVE" ONTO THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. AFTER INCIDENT STEERING WHEEL COCKED TO LEFT AT ABOUT THE "10:00" POSITION. FLATBED TO DEALER. DEALER SHOWED ME BENT TIE ROD END, ANTI SWAY BAR AND LOWER CONTROL ARM. VEHICLE 100% FINE BEFORE INCIDENT. I BELIEVE THE SUDDEN VIOLENT WEIGHT TRANSFER ONTO FRONT LEFT CAUSED DAMAGES. DEALER UNABLE TO ROAD TEST CAR WITH BENT COMPONENTS. PARTS ON ORDER TO DEALER. WILL ROAD TEST AFTER REPAIRS GOT CASE # FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. WAITING TO HEAR FROM THEM. *TR
SEATSMarch 18, 2014
THE DRIVER SEAT LEFT SIDE COLLAPSED, THE SEAT IS INCLINED. NOT EASY TO DRIVE THIS WAY I AM 190 LBS. *TR
SEATSMarch 5, 2014
THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT DIPS DOWN AND DOES NOT SUPPORT ANY WEIGHT ANYMORE. IT SEEMS LIKE SOME PART OF THE SUPPORT BROKE OR FELL OFF. IT IS ALWAYS THE SAME NO MATTER WHAT POSITION THE SEAT IS IN. IT HAS BECOME VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO SIT IN NOW. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 27, 2014
OVER THE COURSE OF THE WEEKEND THE VDS AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. ON MONDAY, WENT TO START THE CAR FOR WORK AND HEARD A SLIGHT POPPING SOUND AND CAR WOULD NOT TURNOVER. SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC, BUT NO SMOKE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THAT EVENING DISCOVERED THE VINYL OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS BURN THEN REMOVED THE SPARE TIRE COVER TO DISCOVER A SMALL FIRE HAD OCCURRED IN THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE WIRING HARNESS HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE THERE. THE CAR WAS WIRED FOR A TRAILER HITCH BY THE DEALER.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10567182SEATSJanuary 17, 2014
FRONT DRIVER SEAT, WHICH IS A HEATED SEAT, HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HOT THE PAST COUPLE DAYS WHEN TURNED ON. SO HOT THAT YOU CANNOT HAVE THE SWITCH ON HIGH AND SIT ON THE SEAT. ON JANUARY 15, 2014, WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK SHE NOTICED THE HEAT FROM THE SEAT, WHICH SHE HAD ON, WAS EXTREMELY HOT. SHE TURNED OFF THE HEAT, THE SEAT COOLED OFF. SHE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO ME, I CHECKED THE SEAT AND FOUND A SMALL BURN HOLE THROUGH THE SEATS UPHOLSTERY. MY WIVES LONG DOWN COAT SHE WAS WEARING ALSO HAD A BURN HOLE IN IT. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10560371VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINEDecember 10, 2013
SUDDEN ACCELERATION FROM FULL STOP. THE VEHICLE HAD EXHIBITED SUDDEN ACCELERATION 3 WEEKS PRIOR BUT THE DEALER DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. FROM A FULL STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO REVERSE AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE REVVED TO FULL THROTTLE, OVERRIDING THE BRAKES, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE BACKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND STOPPING ON TOP OF A BOULDER WITH THE BACK WHEELS OFF THE GROUND APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET. THE INCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY A BYSTANDER. THE VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE SEVERELY DAMAGED AND NOT DRIVE-ABLE. PHOTOS AND A POLICE REPORT WERE SUBMITTED. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10555497VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINEDecember 10, 2013
SUDDEN ACCELERATION INCIDENT. PARKED AT THE COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER, WHEN PLACED INTO DRIVE (FULL BRAKE PRESSURE REQUIRED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK), THE ENGINE ACCELERATED TO MAXIMUM POWER CAUSING THE CAR TO DRIVE AWAY UNCONTROLLABLY AND OVERRIDING THE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED BRAKE. IMMEDIATELY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL, THE CAR WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AND THEN FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE WITNESSES AND UNHARMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. NO CAUSE WAS FOUND. *TR
POWER TRAINSeptember 17, 2013
WHEN DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT A LOW SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE SPLIT, CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE DRIVING CAPABILITY. I DROVE AT LOW SPEEDS UNTIL I COULD STOP IN A SAFE PLACE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKESSeptember 9, 2013
AT 23,486 MILES, I TOOK MY CAR TO MY LOCAL AND VERY REPUTABLE GARAGE THAT SPECIALIZES IN SUBARUS. ONCE THEY GOT MY CAR IN THE SHOP, THEY TOLD ME I WAS NOT GOING ANYWHERE AS THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS. IT WAS TOWED TO ST. J. SUBARU WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE LEFT REAR PAD WAS MISSING AND THE CALIPER HAD BEEN HITTING ON THE ROTOR AND RUIN THE CALIPER. AT THAT INITIAL REPAIR, THE SUBARU SERVICE PERSON SAID: "WE'VE HAD SOME PREMATURE WEAR WITH THE BACK BRAKES FOR SOME REASON." 20,000 MILES LATER, THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE DEALER GAVE THE PARTY LINE...TO BAD, WARRANTY UP. IT APPEARS THERE IS SOME MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE BRAKES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS RIGHT AWAY AS I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE BRAKES EVERY 20,000 MILES. THANK YOU. *TR
SEATSAugust 30, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AROUND A SLIGHT BEND WHEN SUDDENLY I FELT AND HEARD A CRACK OR SNAP IN THE LOWER FRONT LEFT PORTION OF MY DRIVER'S SEAT. THE FRONT LEFT PORTION OF THE SEAT FELT SOFT, AS IF IT HAD PARTIALLY COLLAPSED, AND WHEN I LATER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, I COULD FEEL IT SAGGING AND SHIFTING (UNLIKE THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT). ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, IT WAS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF A BRACKET OR BOLT AND THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT FRAME. I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN 2010 FORESTERS ON THE INTERNET AND ON THIS SAFETY COMPLAINT LOG.
SEATSAugust 19, 2013
THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT NEAR THE FRONT (UNDER THE THIGH) MADE A NOISE. THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT ONLY WORKS UNDER THE RIGHT LEG. GETTING OUT OF THE CAR, RAISING THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT AND PUTTING PRESSURE ON IT SHOWS THAT RIGHT SIDE REMAINS SUPPORTED AND LEFT SIDE IS COMPLETELY UNSUPPORTED, THE DRIVER IS EITHER TILTED, OR SEATED AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENT. POSTURE AND SAFE DRIVING POSITION ARE COMPROMISED, I AM SEEKING TO GET THE SEAT FIXED. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER MENTIONS OF THIS PROBLEM IN SUBARU OWNERS ONLINE FORUMS. *TR
SEATSAugust 6, 2013
SAT IN DRIVER'S SEAT, STARTED IGNITION, AND AS CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT (UNDER THE THIGH) AUDIBLY POPPED. THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT NOW CLEARLY ONLY WORKS UNDER THE RIGHT LEG. GETTING OUT OF THE CAR, RAISING THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT AND PUTTING PRESSURE ON IT SHOWS THAT RIGHT SIDE REMAINS SUPPORTED AND LEFT SIDE COMPLETELY SAGS, LEAVING THE DRIVER EITHER TILTED, OR SEATED AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENT. POSTURE AND SAFE DRIVING POSITION ARE DEFINITELY COMPROMISED, AND I AM SEEKING TO GET THE SEAT FIXED. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER MENTIONS OF THIS PROBLEM IN SUBARU OWNERS ONLINE FORUMS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKESJuly 23, 2013
ON 2/24/12 MY BRAKES STARTED TO RUB AND SQUEAK SO I TOOK IT IN TO BE CHECKED. TO MY SURPRISE IT WAS MY REAR BRAKES AND THEY HAD COMPLETELY DENIGRATED. THE DEALER COULDN'T EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS HAPPENED SO THEY JUST WENT AHEAD AND REPLACED THEM UNDER WARRANTY. ON 6/21/13 (20,000 MILES LATER) SAME THING HAPPENED. BACK BRAKES DENIGRATED SO THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AGAIN WITH NO EXPLANATION. 5 DAYS LATER I HAD THE BRAKES INSPECTED BY FIRESTONE (STILL SQUEAKING) AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE BACK BRAKE PADS WERE DOWN TO 8MM AND ONE OF THE ROTORS HAD BEEN SHAVED "WAY DOWN". INQUIRED ABOUT THIS TO MY DEALER AND APPARENTLY THEY REPLACED ONLY THE PADS AND SAID THIS WAS STANDARD PRACTICE. IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD THIS CAR I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES 3X (REAR 2X AND FRONT 1X), MOTOR IN SUNROOF, HEATING UNIT, RADIO CONNECTIONS, REPLACED FRONT LIGHT BULBS 4-5 TIMES AND HAVE HAD AT LEAST 2 RECALLS. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU CORPORATE BUT THEY KEEP DIRECTING ME BACK TO THE DEALER. MY BIG CONCERN IS THAT THE REAR BRAKES ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND I DRIVE AROUND WITH A 4 YEAR OLD IN MY CAR EVERYDAY. MY UNDERSTANDING FROM ASKING AROUND AT THE DEALER IS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY CUSTOMER WHO HAS COME IN WITH REAR BRAKE ISSUES ON THE 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS DRAGGING WHEN I DRIVE IT AND SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE RUBBING WHEN I AM DRIVING. *TR
SUSPENSIONApril 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR STRUTS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE STRUTS WERE OPERATING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,951 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000. *TR
AIR BAGSMarch 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HE LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE VEHICLE TRAVELED INTO AN EMBANKMENT, CRASHING INTO A TREE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN SHARDS, FAILING TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, SEIZURES AND BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000. *TR UPDATED 3/13/13 *CN 05/09/2013 *JS
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10502006SERVICE BRAKESMarch 5, 2013
WE WERE DRIVING ON A LEVEL INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. A NOISE BEGAN. IT WAS LIKE WE WERE ON COARSE PAVEMENT. I PULLED OVER THINKING THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. INSTEAD THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE WAS OVERHEATED AND SEIZING. WE COMPLETED OUR TRIP AT GREATLY REDUCED SPEED BECAUSE THIS OCCURRED AT NIGHT WHEN WE WERE UNABLE TO GET SERVICE, AND FINDING A MOTEL WHICH WOULD ALLOW OUR 100 LB GERMAN SHEPHERD SEEMED UNLIKELY. WE DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN UNTIL WE COULD GET A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. THE BRAKES WERE SERVICED ON 3/1/13 BY THE DEALER, WHO HAD JUST REPLACED REAR PADS AND TURNED ROTORS 2 WEEKS EARLIER. THE DEALER SAID OUR PROBLEM WAS DUE TO RUST ATTRIBUTABLE TO USE OF ROAD SALT, AND THAT THIS WORK WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY OUR WARRANTY AND THAT WE SHOULD HAVE HAD THE BRAKES SERVICED EVERY YEAR TO REMOVE RUST. WE HAD NEVER BEEN TOLD THIS BEFORE, EVEN WHEN THE SAME DEALER SERVICED THE REAR BRAKES ON 2/14/13. THE NEXT DAY, AFTER A 10 MILE DRIVE, ALERTED BY THE "HOT BRAKE SMELL", I CHECKED TEMPERATURES. RIGHT FRONT STILL OVERHEATING. NOW AFTER BEING SERVICED, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR RUNS HOT STILL. I TOOK THE CAR BACK, AND AT THE DEALERSHIP, A LASER-AIMED INFRARED THERMOMETER SHOWS RIGHT FRONT ROTOR IS 147 DEGREES, LEFT FRONT 128, RIGHT REAR 82, LEFT REAR 97 AFTER 15 TO 20 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING (AMBIENT TEMPERATURE 20 DEGREES). DEALER AGAIN CHECKED, SAYS ALL WHEELS SPIN FREELY, AND DOES NOT KNOW WHY THE RIGHT FRONT RUNS HOT. ANOTHER BRAKE SEIZURE SEEMS INEVITABLE. BRAKES SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS ON A CAR WHICH HAS LESS THAN 19,000 MILES AND LESS THAN 3 YEARS OF USE. THE CAR DOES NOT PULL TO THE RIGHT. MAYBE THE LEFT REAR IS COMPENSATING. *TR
VISIBILITY/WIPERFebruary 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID FROZE CAUSING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY TO BE OBSCURED. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY STOP TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD SO THAT SHE COULD SEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.UPDATED 4/15/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TUBE WHICH LEAD TO THE NOZZLE WAS FROZEN, DUE TO A DESIGN FLW.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED WHILE STILL IN PARK. THE VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10499326SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 14, 2013
AT 32,715 MILES REAR BRAKES FAILED. BOTH THE BRAKES PADS AND ROTOR HAD COMPLETELY ROTTED OR FALLEN APART. THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACES. AT 25,000 MILES I HAD A COMPLETE INSPECTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN TO ABOUT 50%. SO IN LESS THAN 8000 MILES THE THE REAR BRAKES HAD COMPLETELY FAILED, AND THE FRONT BRAKES WHERE ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFebruary 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A FUEL SMELL EMITTED. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT A RODENT CRAWLED INTO THE VEHICLE AND ATE THE GAS LINE AND THE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT RESPOND. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
SEATSJanuary 14, 2013
DRIVING WHEN WELDS HOLDING UP THE DRIVERS SEAT FAILED. THERE WERE NO POTHOLES OR BUMPS, THOUGH I-5 NEAR SEATTLE HAS PAVEMENT JUNCTURE UNEVENNESS, THOUGH NONE WHERE THE COLLAPSE HAPPENED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKESDecember 26, 2012
MY BRAKES WERE CHECKED BY MY REGULAR MECHANIC/REPAIR SHOP @ 21,788 MILES. THEY INDICATED THAT I HAD 70% LEFT ON BOTH FRONT AND REAR UNITS. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND CHECK UP @ 24,870 MILES THE SAME SHOP INDICATED THAT WHILE MY FRONT BRAKES STILL HAD 65% LEFT ON THEM THE REAR UNITS HAD ONLY 15% LEFT. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE THE REAR DISC BRAKE PADS, WHICH I DID. I AM NOT HARD ON MY BRAKES AND DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE REAR BRAKES SHOULD WEAR OUT SO QUICKLY OVER SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. I ALSO DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE SHOULD BE SUCH A GREAT DIFFERENCE IN THE WEAR BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. I NOTICE THAT TWO OTHER PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT NEEDING EARLY REAR BRAKE REPLACEMENTS ON 2010 FORESTERS. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES ON ANY OTHER CAR I OWNED AFTER SO FEW MILES. MY SHOP IS AAA APPROVED AND HIGHLY RATED IN MY COMMUNITY AND ARE VERY TRUSTWORTHY. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
STRUCTURE,SEATSOctober 13, 2012
THE DRIVERS SEAT CAUSES PAIN IN MY BACK, HIP, ANKLE AND FOOT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY RIGHT LEG HAS GONE NUMB OR CRAMPED UP AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER SO THAT I CAN WALK OFF THE CRAMPS AND NUMBNESS. MY HUSBAND AVOIDS DRIVING THE SUBARU BECAUSE OF THE PAIN HE EXPERIENCES. EVEN FOLKS IN THEIR 20'S THAT HAVE DRIVEN MY SUBARU EXPERIENCE PAIN IN SOME PART OF THEIR LOWER BODY. *TR
SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENTOctober 10, 2012
I TOOK MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER THIS MORNING TO FARRISH SUBARU OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA TO HAVE THE CENTER SEAT BELT REPLACED PER THE ABOVE RECALL. FARRISH SUBARU REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE CENTER SEATBELT. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I INSERTED ALL MALE HANDLES INTO THE FEMALE BUCKLES. SINCE I HAD NEVER RIDDEN IN THE REAR SEAT, I DID NOT REALIZE THAT ALL REAR SEAT BELTS HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN AN UNSAFE MANNER. IN THIS SITUATION THE TWO CENTER FEMALE BUCKLES WERE TOWARD THE OUTSIDE REAR DOORS, WHILE THE RIGHT AND LEFT FEMALE SEAT BUCKLES WERE ON THE INSIDE CENTER POSITION. I RETURNED TO FARRISH SUBARU WHERE SERVICE CONSULTANT JACK LINDEMAN FOUND THAT MY REAR SEAT BELTS WERE IN AN IMPROPER ORDER. HE CALLED IT A "BIRTH DEFECT", MEANING THAT THE INSTALLATION HAD BEEN DONE IMPROPERLY AT THE FACTORY. LINDEMAN AGREED WITH MY ASSESSMENT THAT WHEN ALL THREE SEAT BELTS WERE BUCKLED, THE STRAPS CROSSED OVER THE RED RELEASE BUTTONS. THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH THE BUTTONS TO RELEASE THE BELTS FROM THE BUCKLES. I ASKED LINDEMAN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. FARRISH SUBARU PLACED THE BUCKLES IN THE CORRECT ORDER WITH BOTH FEMALE CENTER BUCKLES IN THE CENTER AND THE RIGHT AND LEFT FEMALE BUCKLES TOWARD THEIR RESPECTIVE OUTWARD POSITIONS. HOWEVER, WHEN I TRIED TO INSERT THE MALE CENTER HANDLE INTO ITS RESPECTIVE FEMALE BUCKLE, THE FEMALE CENTER BUCKLE FELL BELOW THE SEAT CUSHION. NEITHER I NOR LINDEMAN WAS ABLE TO RAISE THE FEMALE BUCKLE ABOVE THE CUSHION TO ITS PROPER HEIGHT EXCEPT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE THE MALE HANDLE CANNOT BE INSERTED INTO THE FEMALE BUCKLE WHILE THAT BUCKLE IS BELOW THE SEAT CUSHION. WHEN I ASKED SERVICE CONSULTANT LINDEMAN TO FIX THE SINKING SEATBELT PROBLEM, HE SAID HE WAS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FOR THE MOMENT I HAVE TAPED THE FEMALE BUCKLES TOGETHER TO PREVENT THEM FROM FALLING BELOW THE SEAT CUSHIONS. IF THERE IS A PERMANENT SOLUTION, I WOULD APPRECIATE LEARNING ABOUT IT. *TR
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 19, 2012
SELF CANCELING TURN SIGNALS DO NOT CANCEL WHEN MAKING A PARTIAL LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. SELF CANCELING SIGNALS DO CANCEL PROPERLY WHEN MAKING A FULL TURN. SUBARU TECHNICIANS REPORT INDICATES TURN SIGNALS ARE CANCELING AS DESIGNED AND NO ADDITIONAL ADJUSTMENTS CAN BE MADE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 19, 2012
THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. TOOK TO THE DEALER. TURNS OUT I MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN TO CHANGE THE OIL FOR APPROX 14,00 MILES...HOWEVER....NO WARNING LIGHT EVER CAME ON TO REMIND ME. NO OIL LIGHT, NO ENGINE LIGHT...NOTHING. NOW I AM FACING A POSSIBLE BIG EXPENSE IN REPAIR...WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE SHOP AS I TYPE THIS. THESE WARNING SYSTEMS ARE IN PLACE TO AVOID THIS SITUATION. HAD IT WORKED PROPERLY, I WOULD HAVE BEEN REMINDED TO GET THE OIL CHANGED. *TR
VISIBILITY/WIPERJuly 16, 2012
I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME ON US6 AT APPROXIMATELY 1PM LAST FRIDAY WHEN THE GLASS OF BACK WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY SHATTERED FOR NO REASON, IT EXPLODED MAKING A LOUD NOISE THAT FIRST SHOCKED ME THOUGHT I MANAGED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER I CALMED DOWN I LOOKED AROUND TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND THEN I NOTICED THAT THE GLASS IN THE BACK SHIELD WAS REDUCED TO TINY PIECES ALL OVER TO THE POINT IN WHICH THE REAR VISION WAS OBSTRUCTED. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO SUBARU, (SR#1-2037476585), AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. I REQUESTED AN APPOINTMENT WITH GROOVE SUBARU IN LITTLETON AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TODAY AT 7AM ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT EXPERTS IN FORENSICS AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT, BUT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN A ROCK (WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH ROCKS HITTING CARS HERE INN CO, SO I DO NOT THINK IT WAS THE REASON FOR THE INCIDENT) AND TO CALL ABRA TO HAVE THE GLASS REPLACED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKESJune 25, 2012
STARTED TO HEAR A GRINDING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES ON 6/24/2012. TOOK CAR TO DEALER ON 6/25/2012. DEALER REPLACED REAR BRAKE PADS AND DISKS. CAR ONLY HAS 27,000 MILES AND MOST MILEAGE IS HIGHWAY. I DO NOT OVERUSE MY BRAKES AND I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT CAN AFFECT SAFETY. *TR
SEAT BELTSJune 8, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V099000 SUBARU'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS WQA-37. I HAD THIS RECALL DONE AND WANT TO INFORM YOU ABOUT THIS NEW SAFETY ISSUE. SUBARU HAS THIS RECALL ON REAR SEAT BELTS BUCKLES. PER THE SUBARU MECHANIC, THEY ARE EXCHANGING TWO BUCKLES AND TWISTING THE NEW ONES TOGETHER DURING THE INSTALLATION. THE NEW INSTALLED BUCKLES ARE SHORTER! IN ADDITION, THEY ARE TWISTING THEM TOGETHER WHICH IS UNSAFE AND MAKES THEM EVEN SHORTER! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! NEW BUCKLES BEING SHORTER DO NOT COME OUT OF THE SEAT MAKING IT EXTREMELY HARD IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO BUCKLE ANY ONE OR ALL THREE REAL BELTS WHEN A PERSON SITS IN THERE LET ALONE WHEN YOU HAVE A CHILD SEAT IN PLACE. BECAUSE THE BUCKLES ARE SO SHORT AND EXTREMELY HARD TO REACH AND WORK WITH, MANY TIMES UNKNOWINGLY YOU DON?T LOCK THE SEAT BELT IN THE BUCKLE BECAUSE IT STAYS IN, WHICH CREATES FALSE FEELING OF SECURITY AND A SAFETY ISSUE. SUBARU MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY HAVE RECEIVED MULTIPLE COMPLAINS FROM FORESTER OWNERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. 2010 SUBARU FORESTER, X (BASE) MODEL. *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. ALSO THE TRACTION CONTROL, CRUISE CONTROL AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER MADE NINE ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,433 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,277.
SEATSFebruary 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORRESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CAUSED PAIN TO ANYONE THAT DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ
TIRESDecember 28, 2011
2010 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TIRES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT. HE WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE COMPANY WHO REPLACED THE TIRE, THERE WAS A SPLIT ON THE SIDEWALL AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE ANOTHER TIRE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE DEFECTIVE TIRE FOR A TOTAL OF $269.13.
SEAT BELTSDecember 6, 2011
SUBARU WAS SLOWING TO A STOP BEHIND A CHEVROLET SUBURBAN WHEN IT WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY A MERCEDES SUV. THE MERCEDES WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 - 35 MPH. THE SUBARU WAS DRIVEN INTO THE REAR OF THE SUBURBAN CAUSING THE SUBARU'S AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. THE IMPACT SITE OF THE AIRBAG WAS IN THE CHEST AREA AND NOT THE FACE. UPON ARRIVAL, THE MEDICS AND FIREMEN NOTED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS TOTALLY DEPLOYED AND WERE UNABLE TO RETRACT IT INTO THE PILLAR. BRUISING WAS NOTED ACROSS THE SUBARU DRIVER'S CHEST AND UPPER THIGH AREA WHICH WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PATTERN OF A SEAT BELT. I SUSTAINED A MODERATE CONCUSSION AND MODERATE TO SEVERE NECK STRAIN. *TR
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10438799ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 5, 2011
ENGINE OIL WAS BELOW DIP STICK AFTER 5500 MILES ODOMETER AT 23566. SUBARU DID AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, USES 1/2 PINT PER 1000 MILES ON CLEAN OIL. SUBARU MECHANIC SAID THAT 1 QT PER 1000 MILES ON ENGINE IS NORMAL. OIL CHANGE RECOMMENDATION IS 7500 MILES. ENGINE HAS LESS THAN 29000 MILES AND IS IN DANGER OF SEIZING UP IF OIL IS NOT KEPT UP. SUBARU IS AWARE OF PROBLEM IN ENGINE, BUT REFUSES TO FIX THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 17, 2011
REAR BRAKES STARTED SCRAPING SLIGHTLY ON A SATURDAY (SO SLIGHTLY THAT THEY COULDN'T BE HEARD WITH THE WINDOWS UP). THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY WE TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC WHO TOLD US THAT THE REAR BRAKES PADS WERE COMPLETELY SHOT (METAL ON METAL WERE HIS EXACT WORDS). FRONT BRAKES NEEDED NEW PADS. IT'S REALISTIC TO REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS AT 32000 AS WE DO MOSTLY CITY DRIVING, HOWEVER REAR BRAKES SHOULD LAST TWICE AS LONG AS THE FRONT PADS. WE HAD NO WARNING THAT SUCH A SEVERE REAR BRAKE ISSUE EXISTED AND HAD WE NOT GONE TO THE MECHANIC AT THE FIRST SIGN OF ANY ISSUE, WE COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT ON SUBARU'S PART AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO MORE CLOSELY. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 8, 2011
DURING A ROUTINE STATE INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DISC BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS WERE NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKES WERE STILL FUNCTIONAL AT THIS POINT BUT ONLY BARELY. THERE WAS NO WEAR INDICATOR SOUND THAT EVER EMANATED FROM THE BRAKES. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD INDICATING A BRAKE PROBLEM. THERE WAS LONGER BRAKING DETECTED BUT ONLY THAT ASSOCIATED WITH NORMAL WEAR OF A VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF ANY ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES. A ROUTINE RECENT INSPECTION OF THE FRONT BRAKES BY THE OWNER TO ASSESS THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO INSPECTION REVEALED NO ISSUES WITH NORMAL WEAR OF THE FRONT PADS AND ROTORS. THE REAR DISC BRAKES WERE NOT EXAMINED AT THE TIME AS THE ASSUMPTION WAS THAT BRAKE WEAR WOULD BE NOMINALLY THE SAME AS THE FRONT. THE YEARLY STATE INSPECTION REVEALED THE EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE REAR BRAKES RELATIVE TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THIS INDICATES A VEHICLE FLAW, POSSIBLE DESIGN OR COMPONENT, AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 25,000 MILES ON IT AND THE FRONT DISK PADS AND ROTORS INDICATE ONLY NORMAL WEAR. THE ROTORS WERE WORN TOO THIN TO BE USED. THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE BRAKE COMPONENTS. THE PADS WERE PAST ACCEPTABLE WEAR. THE REAR BRAKES/PADS/ROTORS WERE EITHER DEFECTIVE, IMPROPERLY WORKING, OR IMPROPERLY DESIGNED. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS BRAKE FAILURE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE REAR DISC BRAKES. THIS SHOULD BE RED FLAGGED AS A SERIOUS ISSUE OF CONCERN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH UPHILL WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ROLLED BACKWARD UNTIL CRASHING INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION WAS NOT RECOGNIZING THE KEY AND ADVISED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A SUITABLE REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED TO PAY THE INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE AND EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN YEARS, WITH CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10424173UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 31, 2011
THE BODY CONTROL MODULE - WHICH IS HELD IN PLACE BY DOUBLE-STICK TAPE(!) - DROPPED FROM ITS PLACE UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND OBSTRUCTED THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT TOOK 20 FEET TO FIGURE OUT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE WAY OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GET MY FOOT AROUND AND UNDER IT AND STOP THE CAR. FORTUNATELY I WAS IN A FAIRLY EMPTY PARKING GARAGE AND DRIVING 15 MPH. HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED PEOPLE COULD HAVE DIED. MY MECHANIC RESECURED IT W/A HEAVIER DUTY ADHESIVE, BUT SAID IT WASN'T POSSIBLE (FOR HIM) TO PUT A BOLT OR STRAP ON IT. I HAVE ASKED SUBARU TO PLEASE FIGURE A WAY TO BOLT OR STRAP IT FOR ME.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, SHE NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS DISPLAYING A HIGH READING AND THE TEMPERATURE LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT COULD ALSO SMELL A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT A BOLT CAME LOOSE IN THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING MANUFACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. ALSO, THERE WAS AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK. THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE ENGINE SHORT BLOCK. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,412. UPDATED 09/08/11*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHORT BLOCK. UPDATED 01/20/12
Fire reported
NHTSA #10413923VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 10, 2011
THE VEHICLE IS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN THE CAR WAS PUT IN REVERSE TO BACK INTO A PARKING SPACE AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED THE CAR ACCELERATED AS IF THE GAS PEDAL HAD BEEN FLOORED. THE BRAKES WERE SLAMMED ON AND NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE FLOOR MAT WAS IN THE NORMAL POSITION AND WAS NOT INVOLVED. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED WITH MY WIFE DRIVING THE CAR ON 12/10/2010. SEE ID# 10370392. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 9, 2011
A/C COMPRESSOR HAS FAILED ON 2010 FORESTER. BOUGHT IN JULY 2009 AND HAS 43000 MILES. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJune 24, 2011
FUEL TANK DESIGN OF SUBARU FORESTER ALLOWS RODENTS TO CONSTRUCT NESTS ATOP THE TANK AND CHEW THROUGH PLASTIC FUEL LINES. LEAKING FUEL MAY PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE VAPOR ATMOSPHERES IN CLOSED GARAGES, WHICH COULD IGNITE. *TR
STRUCTUREMarch 16, 2011
WHEN WASHING MY CAR ONE DAY, I NOTICED A PAINT IMPERFECTION ON THE HOOD MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER XT. WHEN I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO BIRD DROPPINGS. THEY TOOK PICTURES (WITH A CELL PHONE CAMERA) AND SUBMITTED TO SUBARU AS PART OF A WARRANTY CLAIM. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED PAINT IMPERFECTIONS (LOOKS LIKE BLADES OF GRASS UNDERNEATH PAINT, BUBBLING UP) ON EVERY SINGLE PANEL OF THE CAR, FRONT TO BACK. FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES, I TOOK THE CAR TO 3 SEPARATE AUTO BODY SHOPS, WHO ALL CLAIM THE ISSUE IS A PAINT DEFECT AND SUBARU'S RESPONSIBILITY. SUBARU RECENTLY DENIED MY WARRANTY CLAIM. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 8, 2011
SUBARU FORESTER 2010 ENGINE WENT DEAD WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY. ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO RESTART THE CAR. A STRONG RUBBER ODOR FILLED THE CAR ALONG WITH SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. THE DRIVER HAD TO GET HERSELF AND HER TWO CHILDREN (5 MONTH OLD BABY AND A TWO YEAR OLD TODDLER) OUT OF THE CAR. WITHIN MINUTES, THE CAR WAS IN FLAMES. THE CAR BURNT DOWN TO ITS FRAME.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10389368VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, A RAPID INCREASE IN SPEED OCCURRED AND VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 UPDATED 03/31/11*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/28/11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED BACKWARD, CRASHING INTO A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND A BYSTANDER WAS REPORTED AS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED, AGAIN UPON SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE BACKWARD UNTIL HEAVY PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE AUTHORIZED DEALER REFUSED TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FLOOR MATS PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE DURING EITHER FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,900. UPDATED 06/06/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER NOTIFIED HER TO COME IN TO HAVE THE ECM REPROGRAMMED#WVU31. UPDATED 09/23/11 UPDATED 01/13/2012 *LN *TR
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10384455VISIBILITYFebruary 8, 2011
I AM WRITING TO FILE A COMPLAINT REGARDING MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL, 2010. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE MYSELF FOR ONLY 5,371 MILES AND ONLY IN THE CITY. ABOUT A WEEK AGO, I NOTED A SMALL, SMOOTH-SURFACED CRACK ABOUT 2 INCHES LONG THAT ORIGINATED AT THE TOP EDGE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE APPEARANCE OF THE CRACK WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY IMPACT. IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS, THE SMALL CRACK ELONGATED TO MORE THAN 8 INCHES. I BROUGH THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON FEBRUARY 8 FOR INSPECTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THE CRACK WAS NOT A "STRESS FRACTURE" BUT DUE TO AN IMPACT. HE STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS NOT COVERED BY EITHER MY SUBARU WARRANTY NOR MY EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A "STRESS FRACTURE". HOWEVER, IN MY JUDGEMENT, THIS CRACK ORIGINATED AS A SMOOTH-SURFACED CRACK AKIN TO A DESCRIPTION OF A "STRESS FRACTURE". I ALSO NOTE THAT A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPORTED BY CONSUMERS ABOUT THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF WINDSHIELD STRESS CRACKS IN SUBARU VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE FORESTER. REPLACEMENT OF MY WINDSHIELD ON MY RELATIVELY NEW VEHICLE WILL COST ABOUT $820 FOR PARTS AND INSTALLATION. I BOUGHT A SUBARU FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT I WOULD RECEIVE A QUALITY PRODUCT WITH EXCELLENT DURABILITY. THIS EXPERIENCE LEADS ME TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD EITHER NOT RESPOND OR WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE AT A RAPID PACE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED VIA MAIL BUT HAD NOT YET RESPONDED TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 05/13/11 *BF UPDATED 12/30/11 *CN
VISIBILITYJanuary 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT TURNED ON THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER/FAN SHE SMELLED A TOXIC, NAUSEATING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A NEW VEHICLE ODOR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE ODOR WAS PROBABLY MORE NOTICEABLE IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,834.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDecember 13, 2010
THE VEHICLE IS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL TO BACK UP, THE CAR ACCELERATED AS IF THE ACCELERATOR HAD BEEN FLOORED. THE CAR SHOT UP A SNOW BANK AND RESTED ON A GUARD RAIL STILL RUNNING FAST. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND THE WINTER MAT THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WAS ON THE LOWER PART OF THE ACCELERATOR. WE DO NOT KNOW IF THE MAT CAUSED THE RAPID ACCELERATION OR THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE CAR. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A BUSY PARKING LOT SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE MAT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE CAR. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE UNDER SIDE OF THE CAR AND FENDER. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10370392SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRESDecember 13, 2010
AT LOW SPEEDS NEAR INTERSECTIONS WITH LIGHT SNOW OR SLUSH ON THE ROAD VEHICLE'S ABS SYSTEM CAUSES LOSS OF STOPPING ABILITY AND LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING AND/OR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AT STOP SIGNS AND ON SLICK ROADS. PREMATURE ACTIVATION OF ABS SYSTEM IN SNOWY AND SLUSHY CONDITIONS. POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE STRIKING PEDESTRIANS, LEAVING THE ROAD UNEXPECTEDLY AND STOPPING IN NOT BEFORE AN INTERSECTION. DEALER INSPECTED BRAKING SYSTEM AND STATED THAT IT IS PERFORMING AS INTENDED. DEALER FURTHER DOCUMENTED THAT OEM TIRES HAD LOW TRACTION RATING CAUSING ABS SYSTEM TO OPERATE INCORRECTLY IN CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS. IN PARTICULAR ABS CAUSES DRASTICALLY INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WITH LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WITH OEM BRIDGESTONE DUELLER H/T 687 TIRES WITH 7/32 TREAD DEPTH AND CORRECT INFLATION PRESSURE. DEALER STATES THAT TIRES SHOULD BE CHANGED TO IMPROVE DRIVABILITY AND ABS FUNCTION IN SNOW AND ICE CONDITIONS. BRIDGESTONE DUELLER H/T 687 TIRES WILL BE REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND. THESE TIRES WILL BE PUT IN STORAGE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 13, 2010
ON ICY DOWNHILL GRADES WHEN BRAKING OR SLOWING ABS SYSTEM WILL CAUSE A "ROCK HARD" PEDAL AND COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES. ALL FOUR WHEELS WILL LOCKUP. THIS CAUSES LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND LOSS OF BRAKING. THIS FAILURE OCCURS WHEN ABS FAILS TO PREVENT WHEELS FROM LOCKING UP ON SLICK SURFACES. CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE REAR END COLLISION, LOSS OF CONTROL, UNEXPECTED EXIT FROM THE ROADWAY AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE ATTITUDE. VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO DEALER AND BRAKES WERE INSPECTED. NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG. BRAKES WERE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IN THAT THE SYSTEM CAUSES UNEXPECTED DRASTIC CHANGES IN THE FEEL OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, ALLOWS THE WHEELS TO LOCK AND DOES NOT GIVE THE DRIVER CLEAR EXPECTATION OF HOW TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ON LOW COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION SURFACES THE ABS SYSTEM CANNOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE VEHICLE MOVING WITH WHEELS LOCKED AND VEHICLE STATIONARY WITH BRAKES ENGAGED. VEHICLE MUST BE ACCELERATED TO START WHEELS TURNING IN ORDER FOR THE ABS TO RELEASE THE PEDAL. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 26, 2010
WE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE TWICE ON A TRIP 11/4/10 - 11/6/10. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 11/4 WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL. TO SLOW FOR A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US, I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONSIVE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL REMAINED ACTIVE. PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL IN A FEW SECONDS DEACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE BRAKES RETURNED. THIS OCCURRED WITH A NOTICEABLE JERK. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED 11/6 WHILE ON HEADING EAST ON RT 30 COMING DOWN SIDLING HILL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT IN USE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE TO REDUCE SPEED GOING DOWN THE HILL, THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO USE THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO PROVIDE ANY BRAKING. I USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO SLOW US DOWN; HOWEVER, THE PARKING BRAKE DID NOT SEEM VERY EFFECTIVE. IT TOOK A CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE TO COME TO A STOP. I PROCEEDED DOWN THE HILL IN A LOWER GEAR AND AT SOME POINT THE BRAKES RETURNED TO USE. THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY REASON AS TO WHY THEY FAILED OR HOW OR WHY THEY RETURNED. THE CAR HAS OVER 20,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT OF BRAKE FAILURE; ALTHOUGH THE SITUATION WITH THE CRUISE NOT DEACTIVATING HAD OCCURRED ONCE BEFORE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 11/7. THE DEALER CHECKED BOTH THE CRUISE AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALER REPORTED CONSULTING WITH SUBARU ON THE PROBLEM AS WELL. ON 11/12 AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE DEALER, I CONTACTED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE (REF#1-1157948155). SUBARU'S FOLLOW UP WAS THAT THE CAR WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE OK AND WE SHOULD DRIVE IT AND SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND WE OPTED FOR A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE AT CONSIDERABLE OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE SOLD TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT SHOULD BE RETURNED TO SUBARU TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURES DESCRIBED. *TR
STRUCTURENovember 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORRESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BIRD DROPPINGS WERE EATING A HOLE IN THE CLEAR COATING PAINT ON THE TOP AND HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD PERFORM A ONE TIME COURTESY SPRAY AND RE-COAT THE TOP AND HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT BIRD DROPPINGS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO FURTHER OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,600.
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 13, 2010
I HAVE A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WITH (1) THE STEERING PULLS TO THE RIGHT, (2) THE ENGINE LOSES POWER INTERMITTENTLY AND (3) THE CAR SHAKES AND SHIMMIES WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ALL THREE OF THE ISSUES HAVE BEEN WITH THE CAR SINCE I PURCHASED IT AT 6 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE STEERING ISSUE IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT MAKES IT HARD TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN 2 TIMES FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND THE ISSUE PERSISTS STILL AT 2750 MILES. THE ENGINE ISSUE HAS BEEN WITH THE CAR SINCE THE BEGINNING. WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER HEARS A CLICK SOUND COME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE CAR WILL MOMENTARILY LOSE POWER. THE ISSUE HAPPENS AS FREQUENTLY AS 6 TIMES A MINUTE AND SOMETIMES EVERY OTHER MINUTE OF DRIVING. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON OR OFF, BUT EXACERBATED WHEN DRIVING IN 3RD GEAR AND WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR IS ENGAGED. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO SAY THAT THIS IS A NORMAL FEATURE OF THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED OTHER SUBARU FORESTERS AND DRIVEN MANY OTHER 2010 SUBARU FORESTER'S AND THIS ISSUE DOES NOT HAPPEN. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE STEERING ISSUE AND THE SHAKING ISSUE. THE DEALER HAS BALANCED THE TIRES THREE TIMES NOW AND RE-ALIGNED THE TIRES TWICE. THIS HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE REMAINS. CONCERNING THE ENGINE ISSUE, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN THREE TIMES NOW AND THE DEALER HAS CHECK THE CAR AND STATED THAT THE ISSUE IR NORMAL. THE ISSUE IS NOT NORMAL WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 30, 2010
WHILE DRIVING A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER AROUND A CORNER UP A STEEP DRIVEWAY I ENCOUNTERED A VEHICLE COMING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. THE FORESTER IS MANUAL AND THERE WAS A SHOULDER IN THE DRIVEWAY BEHIND THE CORNER I HAD ROUNDED; I APPLIED THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE WHEN I SAW THE VEHICLE AND RELEASED THE BRAKE WHILE CONTINUING TO HOLD THE CLUTCH WHEN I SAW THAT I COULD ROLL BACK ONTO THE SHOULDER DIRECTLY BEHIND ME TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE SUBARU DID NOT MOVE AND I BEGAN TO PANIC AS THE ONCOMING VEHICLE APPROACHED AND MY SERVICE BRAKE HAD APPARENTLY CEASED (THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE BY GRAVITY YET THE SERVICE AND HAND BRAKES WERE BOTH OFF). I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND REVVED THE ENGINE UNUSUALLY HARD WHILE AGGRESSIVELY RELEASING THE CLUTCH TO OVERCOME THE APPARENTLY FROZEN BRAKE AND AVOID THE HEAD ON COLLISION, AT WHICH POINT THE BRAKE RELEASED AND THE CAR FLEW BACKWARDS TOWARD A STONE EMBANKMENT BEHIND THE TURN-OFF IN THE DRIVEWAY. I STOPPED IN TIME AND AVOIDED THE VEHICLE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS SOME SORT OF SAFETY FEATURE ON SUBARUS WHEREBY THE SERVICE BRAKE WILL NOT RELEASE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED ON A HILL. THE FORESTER I WAS DRIVING GIVES NO INDICATION TO THE OPERATOR THAT THE SERVICE BRAKE WILL BEHAVE IN AN UNEXPECTED WAY AND THERE IS APPARENTLY NO WAY TO DISABLE THIS BEHAVIOR IN THIS MODEL. AS A SEASONED DRIVER WITH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES OF EXPERIENCE IN MANY MAKES AND MODELS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS I FIND THIS HIGHLY UNSAFE AND TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
STEERINGSeptember 1, 2010
STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER, 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS SAID THEY WOULD ADJUST TIRE PRESSURE TO CORRECT. TIRE PRESSURE DOES NOT CORRECT ISSUE. OFF CENTER STEERING WHEEL CAN LEAD TO A CRASH. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND BEGAN INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTING GEARS. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT 35 MPH OR LESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FIVE TIMES BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE FOR A REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.
VISIBILITYApril 25, 2010
I BOUGHT A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER IN SEPT. OF 2009. AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED THAT THE LEFT OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR HAD A DISTORTION IN THE GLASS WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT IN PASSING AND BACKING UP. THE BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE IT IS LIKE LOOKING INTO A "FUN HOUSE MIRROR" AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK. I TOOK MY FORESTER BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT HE NOTICED THE DEFECT ALSO AND HE HAD ME COME IN TO HAVE THE MIRROR REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT THE DEFECT IS STILL THERE, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT SUBARU IS HAVING WITH THEIR MIRRORS AND THERE IS NO FIX FOR IT AT THIS TIME. I CONTACTED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE WEB SITE AND AFTER SOME CONVERSATIONS BACK AND FORTH I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S MY PROBLEM NOW THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM, AND THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE MIRROR. IF THERE IS NO PROBLEM THEN WHY DID THEY REPLACE IT TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM? IN MY OPINION IT IS A SERIOUS DEFECT BECAUSE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT AND UNSAFE WHEN TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY OR WHEN TRYING TO BACKUP USING A MIRROR THAT YOU CAN'T SEE A GOOD VIEW TO THE REAR. AFTER A FEW EMAILS BACK AND FORTH ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REQUESTING THEM TO LOOK AT THIS FORUM SINCE THEY SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM, THEY BECAME RUDE AND NOW, ME AND ALOT OF OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE STUCK WITH A DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE MIRROR. I WILL GIVE YOU A WEB SITE FORUM WITH OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT.: WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/VBULLETIN/F88/2010-LIGHT-ASSEMBLY-CONDENSATIONN-MIRROR-67147/ THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFebruary 6, 2010
WHEN I START MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5L NON-TURBO IN THE MORNING, THERE IS A DISTINCT SMELL OF GAS. IT ONLY HAPPENS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OVERNIGHT. I CALLED THE DEALER TO ASK ABOUT THIS AND HE SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL PEOPLE ASKING ABOUT IT. HE SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER WHICH AFFECTED THE METAL FUEL LINE TO ALLOW A SMALL AMOUNT OF VAPOR TO BE RELEASED, AND I SHOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT UNLESS IT GETS WORSE THE MORE I THOUGHT ABOUT IT, THE MORE I REALIZED THAT I HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED THAT IN ANY OTHER CAR I HAD OWNED, EXCEPT WHEN THERE WAS SOME LEAK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. HAVE YOU HAD ANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU OWNERS? IF SO, WHAT WAS THE SOLUTION RECOMMENDED TO THEM? *CN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND TWO RESIDENTIAL BACKYARDS BEFORE TRAVELING OVER A THICK PATCH OF SNOW WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4500.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 2, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2010 SUBRAU FORESTER IN AUGUST 2009,,I BOUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER CITY SIDE SUBRAU FOR THE 3500 MILE CHECKUP, AND TO HAVE E.C.M. ADJUSTED UNDER A RECALL. THIS WAS DONE ON 1/14/2010 THE NEXT DAY I WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAR BACK TO DEALER ON1/16/2010 THE FACT THAT I HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE ADJUSTING THE E.C.M.TELLS ME THAT THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION IS COMPUTER BASED PROBLEM NOT FLOOR MATS OR STICKING GAS PEDALS. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 14, 2009
I HAVE A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER AND THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS FOG UP CONSTANTLY. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE 3 WEEKS AND LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED IT, ONLY BECAUSE OF WORK OTHERWISE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BACK EVERY DAY. ON THE LAST VISIT THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED ON 12/17/2007 DUE TO A DESIGN CHANGE THE HEAD LENS AND TAIL LENS FOG UP AND WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY ,AND WON'T BE FIXED. THE BULLETIN DOES NOT MENTION YEAR 2010. *TR
SEAT BELTSNovember 18, 2009
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT STORAGE SPOOL WILL NOT RELEASE. THE SHOULDER PART OF THE BELT WAS ACROSS THE FRONT SIDE OF THE BACK REST AND THE LAP PART OF THE BELT WAS FLIPPED TO THE BACK SIDE OF THE BACK REST AND THEN BUCKLED TO KEEP THE WARNING LIGHT FROM FLASHING WHILE MY DOG WAS RIDING IN THE SEAT. THE BELT WAS LEFT IN THIS POSITION AFTER THE DOG VACATED THE SEAT. LATER, MY FATHER SAT IN THE SEAT , UNBUCKLED IT, AND SLIPPED UNDER THE SHOULDER PART OF THE BELT ONLY AS THE LAP PART WAS STILL AROUND THE BACK OF THE SEAT. HE THEN BUCKLED IT. AFTER A SHORT DRIVE HE RELEASED THE BUCKLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. THE RATCHETING SPOOL FOR THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE ANY STORED BELT. HE TRIED MOVING THE SEAT FORWARD AND BACK.ALSO TRIED MOVING THE BACK REST UP AND DOWN. THE BELT ONLY TIGHTENED. EVENTUALLY HE GOT OUT FROM UNDER THE BELT . I THEN TRIED TO GET THE STORAGE SPOOL TO RELEASE. STILL IT ONLY WOULD TIGHTEN.. I TOOK IT TO SUBARU SANTA MONICA WHERE THEY INFORMED ME IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE LIFETIME WARRANTY BUT THAT I COULD PROBABLY FIX IT MYSELF BY REMOVING A COUPLE OF BOLTS. THE BELT IS CURRENTLY STUCK VERY TIGHTLY AROUND THE SEAT REST. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 14, 2009
I HAVE A NEW 2020 SUBARU FORESTER THAT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO START----I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER 2 TIMES AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO START DUE TO THE NEW EMISSIONS ON THE CAR--I HAD A FORESTER BEFORE AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM--BUYER BEWARE--I CALLED THE HEAD OFFICE AND THEY PROMISED TO RETURN MY CALL--AS USUAL NO ONE CALLED--I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND LEFT 4 MESSAGES AND NO ONE CALLED. *TR