One problem related to traction control light on has been reported for the 2008 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2008 Forester.
I bought the car in may of 2008. On Feb. 29, the check engine light and the traction control light came on, as well as the cruise control light started flashing. I thought, why? I've only had it for almost 4 years and less than 50k miles. I checked my owner's manual, and the covered warranty is 5 yrs/ 50k miles, whichever comes first. I brought it to the dealership where I had bought the car from and an employee said that it is more than likely covered by warranty. On March 7th, 2012, I left my car at the dealership for diagnosis. They called me back, and informed me that it is not covered under warranty, because CA emission warranty is 3 yrs/50k miles whichever comes first. I told them that the owner's manual suggests that the warranty is 5 yrs/50k miles. The diagnosis codes were p2441 and that not only I spent $138 on diagnosis, the total cost to repair it is $1305. I declined the repair, because I, for one cannot afford it at this time, because I am on disability. I thought that they should honor Subaru's warranty. I checked various Subaru message boards, and I am not the only one with the same problem. A known Subaru specialist in our area also posted on a message board that they've gotten numerous calls about the same problem. They took pictures and sent it to Subaru. As of right now, we haven't heard anything from Subaru about any recalls. I think it should be recalled. Thank you for your time.