Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Subaru Forester - part 2

While driving my 2016 Subaru Forester about 70mph on 880fwy in san jose, CA, the engine suddenly stalled and I was stranded on the freeway. The fuel tank was about 3/4 full and no warning light flashed in the dashboard prior to the incident. I tried to move my vehicle to the right lane but was unable because of the vehicle's loss of power. I almost collided by a speeding truck behind me. I shut off the engine, was unable to restart. After 3 minutes later, I was able to restart and everything worked again. I suspected the cause was due to a bad fuel pump, took the vehicle to my local Subaru dealer for inspection. The technician could not find anything malfunction or repeat my problem. I just learned there was a recent lawsuit settlement of bad fuel pumps on 2017-2020 Subaru Foresters that could cause engines to stall. It sounded similar to the problem that I had just experienced, except my Forester is a 2016 model not covered by the settlement. I believe the 2016 Forester fuel pump was manufactured by the same company as in the 2017-2020 models. It probably has the same defects.

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I have a single-owner 2011 automatic-transmission Subaru Forester [145k miles]. In a parking lot, I started the car as usual and shifted into reverse. I immediately noticed another car was approaching behind me and reflexively pushed on the brake to give the oncoming vehicle the right of way. As I pushed on the brake, the car suddenly and without warning surged backwards as the engine revved and "stuck" at a high rpm level. Surprised by the sudden loss of control and to stop the lunge backwards, I immediately released the brake pedal and shifted into neutral. I believe this reflexive action was solely attributable to my long history driving manual transmissions which "teaches" your brain that as an alternative to using the brake you can clutch [or if necessary "pop"] to neutral to disengage the engine from the wheels to control the vehicle. People without manual transmission experience would probably keep pressing the brake as their only option to regain control. The car stopped but the engine continued to rev at high rpms for a few moments then returned to normal rpms. No damages. This has never happened before and I was unable to duplicate the sequence of events which I tried to do immediately after the incident. I thought the gas pedal might be mechanically compromised . . . For example by the floor mat . . . But found no evidence of that. The incident remains a mystery mechanically, so all I can surmise is some electrical issue.

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The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and several safety features failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated intermittently for over a month prior to a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where dtc code: p0420 was retrieved, and the vehicle was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The contact researched warranty extension: 09-84-22; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under any warranty programs. In addition, the contact stated that the case manager provided false information and stated that the warranty extension document did not exist. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

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Upon exiting freeway, all lights on car came on including brake light. When placed in park, the engine would rev. If placed in drive, car would drive without gas given. Car towed to Subaru dealership and diagnosed with thermo control valve defect which seems to be a known widespread issue. Thankfully I was located close to a Subaru dealership however if not, this could cause others to be stranded. Given this widespread issue, a recall should occur to fix this issue.

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After starting the car for the first time of the day, letting it warm for a minute or two, I started driving and when I went to stop at a stop sign about three blocks from my starting point I pressed the brake. The engine started to rev immediately so I had to stomp the brake to the floor and push the gear selector to the neutral position to avoid hitting a pedestrian and the dog she was walking. She was within 10 feet of the front of my car when I finally stopped. I have not taken it to a dealer yet since I am sure they will not be able to replicate the intermittent problem. There were no warnings of any kind that this was about to happen. I did note though, that the cold engine temperature indicator light on the dashboard was still illuminated.

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Went to car wash,car was in nuetral after after wash finished I put the car in drive and it accelerated into the street at a very high rate of speed my foot was not on the gas.

The automatic shutoff that occurs when the vehicle stops to prevent idling, disengaged two separate times in the span of 4 days. Both incidents occurred at very busy intersections and failed to restart both times. When attempting to restart the car, lights came up on the dash, along with beeping, and failed to restart the car after the light had turned green. To restart, the car had to be completely turned off for about 60 seconds and then could be restarted. To avoid having to experience this issue again, or worse - get into an accident - I took it to the shop where they could not recreate the issue.

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When parked on a slope, driver attempted to back SUV out of parking space. Before starting car, with key inserted, ignition on and foot on brake, driver attempted to remove gearshift from park. Car drifted backward rapidly and uncontrollably. The brakes completely failed even with foot on brake. The car was a hazard to anyone in its path and could not be stopped. The emergency brake was attempted but failed to stop the car. Power steering failed. Gearshift could not be put back into park. SUV crashed heavily into a sign protecting the gas pump, but auto suffered major damage: rear wrap around bumper, entire power lift door, and frame, were included in the damage. Driver was the wife of a couple. Very importantly, the husband had experienced the exact same uncontrollable roll-back in the same vehicle at the same place a few weeks earlier, but somehow missed the gas pump and sign. At that time, the car was uncontrollable and caused panic for both drivers in separate incidents. That's not all--of key importance was a conversation we--as a couple--had with the salesman and the dealership's lead mechanic when the auto was purchased in 2017. We pointed out that when backing out of a space on a slight downslope and changing gears, the car drifted backwards uncontrollably a number of feet--at least three to six feet. At that time in 2027, we told them we did not like this feature, and it could be a danger to children playing in the driveway. They said that the manufacturers' engineering department knew about this. And were making improvements. Subsequently we investigated this engineering/design fault online, discussed it again with the dealership, then dropped the issue. The bottom line: this seems to us to be a genuine manufacturing fault. We both experienced this uncontrollable drift back when attempting to brake the car. It is frightenening and dangerous to be in a vehicle weighing tons without any ability to control it. Please investigate.

I checked my oil level, fluids, and tire pressure before a drive on the highway. Driving on [xxx] south, faint ticking started, then a louder tapping, and I immediately pulled off, luckily, off an exit ramp. Aaa towed the Forester to a certified repair shop and the mechanic stated that the engine was blown. The 2. 5 boxster engine used little to no oil, and the oil changes had been made always earlier than needed. The Forester had been maintained perfectly, driven cautiously and it had never been subject to any adverse conditions or accidents. After speaking with a number of certified mechanics, it is known that the engine needs to be replaced. But, how can the engine be replaced, especially with a used engine, when the boxster engines are very faulty and Subaru has not engineered corrective actions/new parts ? Subaru has a serious problem with these engines and now after there are hundreds of similar owners they should do some type of recall to compensate the owners. The Forester has less than 126,000 miles, and was cared for in every possible way. Subaru, you should contact us owners to get this corrected, and to provide updated boxster engines with thicker and better, pistons, rods, cylinders, cams etc. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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At a stop light, auto stop engaged. When foot put on gas, engine died and every warning light the car has appeared on the dash board. It took several tries, but I did get the car started again. Took to dealer who confirmed the incident and replaced the starter at 38, 126 miles. The fuel pump relay was also replaced. After this incident, the cancel auto stop/start button was used most of the time when driving the car. 10 months later, forgetting to engage the cancel button, and the auto stop/start working, the car once again died at an intersection. We were able to get it restarted and it went back to the dealer. They again confirmed that the starter was faulty and once again replaced it and the fuel pump relay. This occurred at 44,770 miles. Thankfully, in both incidents, we were stopped at intersections with traffic lights. The first was in a left turn lane surrounded by cars on a hill. I was able to engage the parking brake before I rolled back into anyone. The second incident was at a flat intersection. Others were stopped around us and no one was approaching us with speed. My concern is that this will occur when waiting to make a left turn at an intersection and the car would roll forward into traffic. Another concern is if highway traffic is stopped and then starts moving again. If the car stalls and won't restart, traffic around you would go forward and traffic behind them would approach your stalled car at speed. Someone is going to be killed from this problem if they haven't been already.

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While driving, the engine stalled and many dash lights came on. The thermo control valve was the cause. There was no warning and fortunately I was able to park off of the roadway. The car was towed to the nearest Subaru dealership at a cost of $223. 00. The car was repaired under the extended warranty, but I am out the towing fee. Had the defective part been recalled, I would not have experienced this engine failure.

Vehicle traveling w on [xxx] bryan TX. Automobile suddenly started shaking and not developing power, driver was able to pull off on the shoulder barely clearing the #2 lane. The engine would crank but not sustain operation. The auto required transport to the home garaging location. Subsequent analysis of the fuel showed it to be gasoline, no water, lacked appearance of any foreign matter. With the ignition on 12v were detected at the gas tank terminal, however the in tank pump would not produce fuel flow at the connection at the top of the tank. Had the vehicle been operating in the #1 lane it may not have been possible to clear the traveled lanes thus causing a traffic safety problem. A state trooper did provide protection until the vehicle was transported. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

[xxx] driving on [xxx] at 70 mph car stopped running. Engine died. Pulled over. No warning lights, it just died. Waited for a tow but after an hour, tried to start and it started right up. Had 1/4 tank of fuel left, but got more and got home ok. Hideously dangerous thing to happen!!!!! I see there are at least 13 complaints already filed with you about this issue. Do something, willya ? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

As I said earlier: car stopped dead in the middle of I-94, going 70 mph. No reason--had 1/4 tank of gasoline, alternator working, etc. Come to find out that you all recalled 2018 Subaru Foresters for this exact same problem--cars stalling while driving. That was for a faulty fuel pump. Discussion boards by owners are full of the same exact problem from 2014-2019. You should issue a recall there too, imho, since obviously the 2018 are the tip of the iceberg!.

After running 86,000 miles (plus or minus), we had to bring the car to livermore Subaru because of the noise o the middle section of the car with out any warning lights. In turns out, after extensive diagnostics testing, “the noise is coming from the inside of the cvt transmission assembly” with the estimate of $11,784. 38 for a new transmission. We requested to extend the transmission warranty as noted service bulletin number 16-107-17r dated 06/21/17 and revised on 11/09/17 for our Subaru Forester 2014. Our records show recurring cvt transmission issues, which we have consistently reported: - March 3, 2020: at 58,543 miles, diablo Subaru noted issues with high rpm and improper shifting. Diagnostic tech notes indicated transmission problems. - November 20, 2020: at 61,023 miles, diablo Subaru addressed a transmission valve body replacement and identified a fault in the pressure control circuit. - October 5, 2022: at 72,593 miles, diablo Subaru found transmission fluid seepage . The oil leaks from front timing cover , leading to repairs and reseal costing $2,468. 51. - August 22, 2024: at approximately 84,000 miles, livermore Subaru confirmed the need for a cvt transmission replacement. Given our history of reported issues and diligent maintenance, the initial cvt transmission problems noted on March 3, 2020, should have been addressed under the warranty and extended warranty provisions. We have always adhered to recommended maintenance schedules and promptly addressed any issues. Unfortunately Subaru of America, insisted that because of the age will not extend the warranty for the transmission.

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The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while at a stop light, the brake pedal was released, but the vehicle failed to move. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jolted forward. The contact was able to drive to a parking lot. After shifting to drive, the vehicle unexpectedly reversed. While in reverse, the vehicle would shift to drive erroneously. The vehicle jolted forward. The vehicle was shaking, jerking, and skipping gear. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 11,426.

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Car shuts off while stopped at light. This has happened 3 times. I have taken it to Subaru service provider and keep being told nothing is wrong. Car must be put into park and restarted to work. It is unsafe. There are multiple reports online ([xxx] and [xxx] ) of people reporting the same issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My car accelerated on its own while I was driving slowly through a parking lot and had to slam on the brakes.

On [xxx], while driving back home in the evening, the car started to make noises, that became quite loud very fast. I was able to drive to my home, less than 3 miles away, but I could not restart the car anymore. No warning lights were on. It was around [xxx] pm and I was afraid of what might have happened it the car became disabled. The next morning, the car was towed to the mileone herb gordon Subaru dealer in silver spring, MD. I was informed that the rod crankshaft bearing had failed. The engine short block had to be replaced. It is unbelievable to me that a car that had less than 58,000 miles and have been properly maintained will have such a catastrophic failure. The cost to fix this failure: $10676. 39 since it is out of warranty for time. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Oil consumption issue starting within the first 3 years of owning the vehicle. Oil light comes on generally after driving 2,000 miles or less from the last oil change or oil fill up, but prior to the light turning on there are acceleration issues. Vehicle bucks and lunges when accelerating. Lunging seems to occur after vehicle seems to loose power to accelerate and then lunges forward shuddering as power returns. These issue worsen after oil light has come on. Vehicle feels very unsafe when trying to merge if acceleration is needed. Also almost hit from behind when car seems to lose power when trying to accelerate after stopping for a red light. Vehicle has been serviced repeatedly at dealership and oil consumption issues documented. Vehicle’s make/model with known oil consumption issues, but this vehicles VIN has not been included in recalls.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Forester 🔎.

My Subaru has a start-stop feature which automatically stops and restarts the engine when the vehicle is stationary for a short time, such as at a stop sign or red light. Several times within the last month I was stopped for a light or stop sign and the vehicle shut down completely. Engine turned off. I have attached a file showing the display on the dash. This was very unsafe as cars behind me were getting impatient while I had to figure out how to restart the car. It was very scary. After researching the problem online and taking the car to my mechanic it turns out that the battery was low. The battery was replaced and auto restart is working correctly now. It seems that with all the warning messages that are displayed (windshield washer fluid is low) that some indicator that the battery is low should display rather than this unsafe scenario.

I was driving the car, towards the end of about a 40-minute drive the car, I can best describe, lost its mind. Without any prior signs of symptoms, in about the span of 5-10 seconds, the check engine light came on, then eyesight warning came on, then traction system error appeared and I lost all power. It started braking on its own and completely acting on its own. I could still steer, but I had no other control over the vehicle! thankfully I was in a 25 mph zone, with no other vehicles or pedestrians anywhere near me. I was able to steer the piece of junk into a vacant loading dock and at least get it off the street. I shudder to think what would have happened to me if the car did this on the interstate that I had exited from not five minutes prior to this incident. The car was rendered undriveable. I had it towed to the dealership. I don't know what is wrong with it yet as the dealer is closed on Sunday. This was an extremely dangerous situation! if the car lost its mind a mere five minutes earlier than it did, I could have been killed! I am still shaking from this incident.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the vehicle started hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact activated the hazard lights and coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective thermal control valve. The contact was informed that the thermal valve was covered under an extended warranty by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Within one month the same thing happened. I turn on the car and the eyesight warning light is on (eyesight feature disabled), flashing "s" drive is on, "break" light is on, and check engine light is on. Due to this cruise control isn't working. My plan was to take it to a mechanic/dealership that Monday. By Monday morning, after about 15 minutes of driving, all warning signs disappeared. This exact thing happened a few weeks later (this morning). I started googling issues and seems like this is an issue for many customers and is just a malfunctioning thermo control valve, no actual problem. What do I do about this? this is much less important - but also seems like a quality issue, at drivers side, the seat cover is starting to crack, looking like this is car is over 10 years old, we've had it for less than 4 years and this shouldn't be happening on a car of this caliber. Photos attached.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate and then stalled. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the thermal control valve and produced dtc codes: p2682 and p26a. The mechanic replaced the cooling gasket and coolant control valve and added coolant. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and assisted with the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 52,395.

Basically, as I was driving on the freeway with my son and his brother, I got 5 lights flashing on dashboard. Abs at temp check engine cruise control hill assist vss etc. . The code were for cut but before I could check them everything shut down. Car went dark, no brakes and burning smell as well as burns oil. Front end damage on car with passenger side damage. Car started back up next day called Subaru and because it’s 2014 Forester, may not qualify but it only has 126k on the dash. Well maintained and had no issues besides the oil consumption.

P2682 engine overheating and engine gauge flashing red due to a recall related to the engine coolant bypass valve. The vehicle stopped and required a tow for $417 to the nearest Subaru dealership to repair. After towing to the dealership they charged 31% of parts to labor and would not eliminate or discount the invoice.

The auto stop/start function is erratic. Many times the function fails to start the car after a stop. The car stalls. It requires car to put in park and have to restart the car. This causes delay for traffic to move. When this happens, it creates a safety issue. The car behind may start to move and cause accident because the rest of the traffic has started to move. Sometimes the car driver behind you honks the horn as the rest of the traffic starts to move. The 2019 Subaru Forester has only 31000 miles. This has been happening once a week since June 2023. It is becoming a safety concern for me. This started to happen around 25000 miles on the car.

Car was well maintained and serviced by dealer at regular interval. It suddenly had “check engine” light on, within a few minutes the car died while driving and stopped in the middle of road. Then unable to restart. Fortunately I was just off highway with less traffic, otherwise could have been crashed and killed by other vehicles. Dealer confirmed malfunction of crankshaft sensor.

Thermo control valve defective. Not informed one week ago when I purchased car at end of lease. Problem known to Subaru since 2019 or sooner. Would not have purchased if I had been notified about this major problem.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at 60mph,a deer jumped in the roadway causing damage to the front driver-side engine compartment. No air bags had deployed. The contact had managed to pull onto the side of the road. The contact stated she and the front passenger exited the vehicle safely when shortly afterward a fire started in the front driver-side engine compartment. No injury was sustained. A police report was filed but was unavailable. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was then taken by the insurance company. The contact stated the insurance company had the vehicle in their possession for an investigation. The origin of the fire was unknown. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

I have had multiple issues with my car for the past month. First, my rear right wheel has been making a fan-like sound when going above 35mph and it gets louder until 70mph. It is most likely the wheel bearings going out but, I only have around 50,000 miles on the car. This seems to be a common issue with Foresters. Secondly, my rear harman kardon speakers have stopped working. This also appears to be a recurring issue with Forester's, with both their standard and premium sound systems. Lastly, my engine check light turned on and shut off my adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. I'm surprised that these issues are still happening to Subaru since they have been complained about by consumers for years.

Defective thermostatic control valve- this part needs to be recalled. Manufacturer has extended the warranty on the part, so it was free to replace. Otherwise, it's a $1600 part. I'm thankful they covered the price, but upset that this known issue is preventable and they've been letting people continue to be put in danger for four years now?! incident 1) I was driving 45 mph on a busy street when the car bucked & all engine lights turned on (not helpful to pinpoint a problem) eyesight turned off (when I needed it most. ) the car was worse than dead. I was desperate to get to the shoulder, so I slammed on the emergency lights. Horrified, I realized turning the wheel did almost nothing. I had to lean on the steering wheel to get to the shoulder. When I applied gas it would choppily accelerate, so instead I let the car coast. Since I had no gas, I was stuck in the middle of a side road. I put it in park and turned it off. Someone started walking up from the bad neighborhood, wanted me to get out so he could push the car. I said no, but it took a few minutes to talk him into leaving through the glass of my window. But, this time when I started it up the dash warning lights were off incident 2) between oct& Nov 2024 intermittently all the dash lights turned on, no cruise control or eyesight. Resolved on its own. No engine trouble acompanied these. Incident 3) Nov 5th, 2024. I started my car, warmed it up, and drove for about 3 minute's when all the dashlights lit up, eyesight failed, and the whole engine acted like it was on choppy seas. This was at night in a rural area and I was barely able to guide the car to the right shoulder because the accelerator was not working at all. Ended up slashing up my tire and ruining my rim on the shoulder of the road since the car was barely maneuverable. I could have been killed or in an accident - where is the recall on this part?? mileage at total failure : 46,434.

Most of the safety quiet. Motor cut out, eyesight quiet working, check engine light came on service person said the diagnostic showed a code p2682 engine coolant bypass valve control low. Steering light came on. No prior warnings. Happened while driving at speed limit on interstate.

Need new engine keeps burning oil.