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Is the 2009 Subaru Forester a good year?

The 2009 Forester is generally a solid used-choice, offering standard all-wheel drive, strong practicality, and decent safety for its era. Its value depends on maintenance history and the condition of the specific vehicle you’re considering.

Overview: what makes 2009 Forester stand out

The 2009 model marks the early- to mid-point of Subaru’s third-generation Forester, noted for roomy interiors, excellent visibility, and reliable all-wheel-drive performance in a compact crossover package. For buyers, it represents a good balance of age, affordability, and capability, especially for families or outdoor-minded drivers who value cargo space and traction in varying weather.

Powertrains and trim choices

Two main engine options defined the lineup: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.5-liter 2.5XT for those seeking extra punch. Transmission choices varied by trim and market, with manuals offered on some versions and automatics on others. The turbo XT delivers stronger acceleration, but at higher maintenance and ownership costs, while the base 2.5L remains the more economical and approachable option.

Pros: standard all-wheel drive, practical cargo space, high utility for rough weather and light off-road use, strong safety credentials for its era, and comfortable ride for everyday duties.

Cons: aging interior by today’s standards, potential maintenance needs tied to a model that’s now well into its second decade, and, on some engines, historically documented head-gasket cooling and oil-leak concerns that require attentive maintenance.

In short, the Forester’s blend of practicality and all-season capability continues to appeal, but buyers should weigh age-related maintenance against the vehicle’s ongoing utility.

Reliability and issues to watch when shopping used

For buyers, understanding reliability signals and known trouble spots helps narrow down the best candidates. Independent inspectors and owner reports consistently flag a few areas to check on a 2009 Forester.

Head gasket and cooling-system wear: while less problematic than earlier Subaru 2.5Ls, cooling-system maintenance remains important to prevent overheating and gasket issues as mileage climbs.

Oil consumption and leaks: some engines may burn oil or leak from valve-cover gaskets or other seals; verify oil levels and look for signs of leakage during a test drive.

Transmission behavior: older automatics can exhibit slow or rough shifting if not regularly serviced; turbo models may demand more from the drivetrain and cooling system.

Suspension and drivetrain wear: expect potential wear in CV joints, bushings, and other suspension components with age; listen for clunks and inspect for uneven tire wear.

Rust and corrosion: depending on climate and prior care, underbody and frame areas can show rust, especially around wheel wells and pinch welds.

With a complete service history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection, a 2009 Forester can still be a dependable daily driver for years to come.

Maintenance and ownership costs to plan for

Understanding routine maintenance helps set realistic ownership costs and protect resale value. The 2009 Forester benefits from regular, attentive service, particularly for the cooling system and drivetrain components.

Timing belt and water pump service (for the 2.5L engine): replace at recommended intervals to avert costly engine damage, typically performed by a qualified shop.

Cooling-system upkeep: regular coolant flushes and radiator/hoses checks help prevent head-gasket-related issues and overheating.

Brakes, tires, and suspension: AWD models can wear brakes and tires a bit faster; budget for periodic replacements and potential suspension work as the vehicle ages.

Oil changes and filters: frequent oil changes, often with synthetic oil, are advised to maximize engine longevity.

Recalls and safety campaigns: verify that all recalls have been addressed and review VIN-status against recall databases for peace of mind.

Proactive maintenance is the best strategy to keep a 2009 Forester running reliably and preserve its resale value.

What to consider when deciding

Choosing a 2009 Forester hinges on the specific vehicle’s care history, current condition, and your budget for upcoming maintenance. If you want enduring all-wheel-drive practicality and a roomy interior at a reasonable price, it remains a strong option. If you prioritize modern infotainment and the latest safety tech, you might compare with newer used crossovers and weigh the price gap against anticipated maintenance costs.

Summary

The 2009 Subaru Forester can be a dependable, versatile used SUV, especially for buyers who value all-wheel-drive capability and practicality. Its reliability is solid when it has a documented maintenance history and if you stay on top of cooling-system and drivetrain service. The choice between the naturally aspirated 2.5L and the turbocharged 2.5XT comes down to your need for power versus ongoing maintenance costs. As with any aging vehicle, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a well-planned maintenance budget are essential to a satisfying long-term ownership experience.

Are there any bad years for the Subaru Forester?

Common Issues Affecting Subaru Forester Reliability
Excessive oil consumption: This is a problem with many 2011-2014 Foresters and can lead to engine damage if ignored. Head gasket failure: This issue caused coolant leaks and overheating in some 1998-2011 models.

How many miles will a 2009 Subaru Forester last?

A 2009 Subaru Forester's life expectancy is typically between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, but many well-maintained models can last over 300,000 miles. Longevity depends heavily on regular maintenance, especially regarding the timing belt, and avoiding common issues like head gasket failures, which are often linked to improper care or neglect. Key maintenance points include sticking to the recommended timing belt replacement schedule and monitoring the engine for oil consumption, which can cause expensive catalytic converter damage if left unchecked.

Factors affecting longevity

Maintenance: Consistent and timely maintenance is the most crucial factor. Adhering to the service schedule, especially for the timing belt, is critical.
Driving habits: Vehicles driven mostly on highways experience less wear and tear than those that are constantly stopping and starting in city traffic.
Common issues: Be aware of potential issues that can shorten the lifespan of the engine or other components if not addressed.

Key maintenance and potential issues

Timing Belt: The 2009 Forester has a timing belt that needs replacement around every 105,000 miles or 7 years. Failure to do so can lead to severe engine damage.
Head Gaskets: Head gasket failure is a significant concern, especially if the engine has been neglected or abused, and can cost thousands to repair. Proper care can help prevent this.
Oil Consumption: The flat boxer engine is known to consume oil, requiring frequent checks. Excessive oil burning can damage the catalytic converter, which is an expensive part to replace.
Turbocharger Issues: In turbocharged models, the EJ255 engine can experience turbocharger failure around 120,000 to 150,000 miles if the oil feed line's filter becomes clogged due to infrequent oil changes. A simple preventative measure is to replace the banjo bolt with a new, filterless one.
Rust: Check for rust in common spots, like the rear wheel wells near the rear doors, as this can also lead to costly repairs.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Subaru Forester?

Top 2009 Subaru Forester Problems

Subaru Front O2 Sensor Recall.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Catalytic Converter.
Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure.
Worn Out Gaskets Allowed Oil to Seep Into Spark Plugs.
Improved Spark Plug Wires for Misfire Issues.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Knock Sensor.

Is the 2009 Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2009 Subaru Forester has a reputation for reliability, with good handling and all-wheel drive capabilities, but it is prone to specific issues as it ages, such as the head gasket, timing belt replacement, and the AC compressor. Proper maintenance is crucial for its longevity, especially regarding oil changes for turbocharged models.
This video discusses common problems and reliability of used Subaru Forester XT models: 1mReDrivenYouTube · Nov 17, 2023
Common issues

Head Gasket: While the turbocharged engine is generally reliable if well-maintained, oil leaks are a common problem, often requiring expensive repairs.
Timing Belt: The timing belt needs to be replaced every 105,000 miles or seven years, which can cost between $700 and $1,000.
AC Compressor: The AC compressor can fail and require an expensive repair costing around $1,200, as it can send particles throughout the system.
Oil Consumption: Turbo models can consume oil between changes, so it is important to check the oil level frequently.

Reliability considerations

Maintenance is Key: The reliability of the 2009 Forester heavily depends on how well it has been maintained, especially for the turbocharged engine.
All-Wheel Drive: The standard all-wheel drive system is a major strength, providing great handling in snowy and icy conditions.
Longevity: With proper care, many Foresters can last 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
CVT Transmission: The CVT transmission in these models has a poor reputation for reliability.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.