Is the 2009 Subaru Forester reliable?

It’s generally reliable for a compact SUV of its era when maintained, especially with consistent oil service and on-time timing belt replacement. Neglect and missed major services are the biggest reasons these vehicles develop expensive problems.

What are the most common 2009 Subaru Forester problems?

Common issues include timing belt service being overdue, external oil leaks from gaskets/seals, suspension wear (struts/bushings) at higher mileage, and turbo-related wear on XT models when oil maintenance hasn’t been consistent.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2009 Forester?

Costs are usually moderate, but budget for milestone services like the timing belt/water pump and for wear items such as tires, brakes, and suspension components. Keeping up with preventative maintenance is typically cheaper than catching up after problems appear.

What are the best years of Subaru Forester to buy?

Many shoppers like the third-generation Forester for space and visibility, including 2009, but the “best” year depends on maintenance history and trim. A well-documented service history often matters more than the exact year.

What should I check before buying a used 2009 Subaru Forester?

Confirm timing belt service records, inspect for oil leaks, listen for wheel bearing hum or suspension clunks on a test drive, and verify all four tires match in brand/model and tread depth. For XT models, prioritize oil-change documentation and check for smoke or unusual turbo noises. For a deeper dive, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim details, and the recommended maintenance schedules for the 2009 Subaru Forester.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2009 Subaru Forester Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A capable and safe crossover, but its core engine design presents notable long-term ownership risks.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2009 Subaru Forester

Scores 5 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2008 Subaru Forester earns a 83.
The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (na 2.5l) (major severity).
Has 18 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.

2009 Subaru Forester: Buy or Avoid?

The 2009 Subaru Forester offers impressive all-weather capability and a reputation for safety, making it a compelling choice for many. However, prospective buyers must be acutely aware of a few significant engine-related vulnerabilities that can lead to costly repairs if neglected or unaddressed. Approach with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection to ensure you're getting a well-maintained example.

Biggest Strengths

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
Excellent crash test ratings and safety features
Practical cargo space and good visibility

2009 Subaru Forester — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 2009 Subaru Forester. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Engine Head Gaskets (NA 2.5L)major

A/C Compressormoderate

Suspension Componentsmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 2009 Subaru Forester

18 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

What breaks on the 2009 Subaru Forester?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Subaru Forester — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Forester. Click any year for its full report.

All Subaru Forester years ranked →Subaru Forester years to avoid →Subaru Forester common problems →

Competing 2009s Worth a Look

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

2007 ToyotaLand Cruiser

2007 ChevroletCorvette

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Frequently Asked Questions

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