2009 Subaru Forester Lights Problems
2 owner-reported lights complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Lights Recalls (1)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Owner Complaints (2)
RECALL FOR PUDDLE LIGHTS--SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING IN 2017--I TOOK CAR TO RAPID CITY SD COURTESY SUBARU. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PUDDLE LIGHTS HAD BEEN REMOVED, AND THERE WEREN'T ANY PUT BACK IN, NOR DID THEY HAVE ANY AND WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THEM. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THEY GOT THEM, BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM THEM.
THE 2009 SUBARU FORESTER HAS THE LIGHT AT THE TOP OF CARGO INSIDE AND IF IT IS DARK YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING BUT THE REFLECTION OF WHAT IS IN THE CARGO AREA DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHT BEING INSIDE RATHER THAN ON THE OUTSIDE LIKE OTHER MODELS I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, YOU MIGHT RUN OVER ANYTHING OR ANYBODY WHEN YOU CAN'T SEE OUT YOUR BACK WINDOW IN THE DARK. FORTUNATELY I JUST TOOK A MAILBOX DOWN, NOT A PERSON. NOW I HAVE DAMAGE TO MY NEW FORESTER AND DON'T WANT TO KEEP IT. *TR