2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X Limited 5 — Photo: IFCAR, public domain, cropped, Wikimedia Commons

Subaru Forester 2009–2013 Parts

3rd generation (SH) · 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo · AWD

70 common parts
5 with factory part numbers
21 recall campaigns
772 NHTSA complaints

YearPrice links search Amazon for Subaru Forester 2011. Confirm fitment for your engine and drive.

Engine 7

Timing kit
Chain or belt depending on the engine. Check your engine size before ordering.
Not used on the selected year
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Valve cover gasket
Oil seeping around the top of the engine or a burning-oil smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Oil pan gasket
Oil drips under the engine. Some engines are sealed with RTV instead of a gasket.
Not used on the selected year
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Engine mount
Vibration at idle or a clunk when shifting into gear.
Not used on the selected year
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Transmission mount
Clunk on acceleration or when shifting between drive and reverse.
Not used on the selected year
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PCV valve
Rough idle, oil leaks or whistling from a stuck valve.
Not used on the selected year
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Turbocharger Turbo engines
Loss of boost, whistling or blue smoke. Turbo engines only.
Not used on the selected year
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Cooling 7

Water pump
Coolant leak at the front of the engine or overheating.
Not used on the selected year
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Radiator
Leaks, clogged fins or overheating in traffic.
Not used on the selected year
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Thermostat
Temperature gauge stays low or climbs high; weak heat.
Not used on the selected year
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Upper radiator hose
Soft, swollen or cracked hose; coolant smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Lower radiator hose
Check clamps and the hose for leaks at the radiator outlet.
Not used on the selected year
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Radiator cooling fan
Overheating at idle or with the A/C on.
Not used on the selected year
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Coolant reservoir
Cracked tank or a cap that no longer holds pressure.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel 4

Fuel pump
Long cranking, stalling or loss of power under load.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel injector
Misfire on one cylinder or a fuel smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel filter
Some models use a filter built into the in-tank pump module.
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Gas cap
A loose or worn cap can turn on the check-engine light (EVAP leak).
Not used on the selected year
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Ignition 4

Spark plugs
One plug per cylinder; the EPA lists 4-cylinder engines for this generation. Check your engine before ordering.
OEM ref: 2.5L: 22401AA670
Not used on the selected year
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Ignition coil
Misfire codes, rough idle or a flashing check-engine light.
Not used on the selected year
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Camshaft position sensor
Check-engine light, hard starting or stalling.
Not used on the selected year
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Crankshaft position sensor
No-start or stalling when hot.
Not used on the selected year
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Brakes 10

Front brake rotors
Pulsing pedal or steering wheel shake when braking.
OEM ref: 2.5L: 26300SA001
Not used on the selected year
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Front brake pads
Squeal from the wear indicator or a grinding noise.
Not used on the selected year
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Front brake caliper
Car pulls to one side or a pad wears unevenly.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake rotors
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
OEM ref: 2.5L: 26700FG000
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake pads
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake caliper
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake drums If equipped
For versions with rear drum brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake shoes If equipped
For versions with rear drum brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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ABS wheel speed sensor
ABS or traction-control light on; front and rear sensors differ.
Not used on the selected year
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Brake hose
Cracked or swollen rubber lines; a soft pedal.
Not used on the selected year
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Suspension 8

Front strut assembly
Bouncing, nose-dive when braking or leaking fluid.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear shock absorber
Bouncy rear end or uneven tire wear.
Not used on the selected year
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Front lower control arm
Clunk over bumps from worn bushings.
Not used on the selected year
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Ball joint
Clunk or wander; check for play with the wheel off the ground.
Not used on the selected year
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Sway bar link
Rattle or knock over small bumps.
Not used on the selected year
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Front wheel bearing
Humming noise that changes with speed.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear wheel hub and bearing
Humming or grinding from the rear that rises with speed.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear coil spring
Sagging rear or a broken coil.
Not used on the selected year
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Steering 3

Outer tie rod end
Loose steering or uneven front tire wear.
Not used on the selected year
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Inner tie rod
Clunk when turning; replace in pairs and align.
Not used on the selected year
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Steering rack
Leaks, play in the wheel or a knock when turning.
Not used on the selected year
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Electrical 6

Battery
Slow cranking or electrical warnings. Check group size before ordering.
Not used on the selected year
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Alternator
Battery light on, dim lights or a dead battery.
Not used on the selected year
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Starter
Click or slow crank when you turn the key.
Not used on the selected year
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Blower motor
Weak or no air from the vents on some fan speeds.
Not used on the selected year
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A/C compressor
Warm air from the vents or a noisy clutch.
Not used on the selected year
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Tire pressure sensor
TPMS warning stays on after setting tire pressures.
Not used on the selected year
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Exhaust 5

Upstream oxygen sensor
Check-engine light and higher fuel use.
Not used on the selected year
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Downstream oxygen sensor
Monitors the catalytic converter; often codes P0420/P0430.
Not used on the selected year
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Catalytic converter
Rattle, sulfur smell or catalyst efficiency codes.
Not used on the selected year
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Muffler
Louder exhaust, rust holes or rattles underneath.
Not used on the selected year
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Exhaust manifold gasket
Ticking noise on cold start or exhaust smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Drivetrain 6

Front CV axle
Clicking when turning or a torn boot.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear CV axle
Clicking or vibration from the rear axle shafts.
Not used on the selected year
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Driveshaft
Vibration at speed or a clunk when taking off.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear differential
Whine or howl that changes with speed; check fluid.
Not used on the selected year
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Clutch kit Manual transmission
Slipping, high engagement point or a hard pedal.
Not used on the selected year
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Transmission fluid
EPA lists: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual. Use the fluid type in your owner's manual.
Not used on the selected year
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Body & Lighting 5

Headlight assembly
Hazy or yellowed lenses. Housings vary by year and trim; confirm fitment.
Not used on the selected year
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Headlight bulb
Check the bulb number on your old bulb or in the owner's manual. LED units have no bulb.
Not used on the selected year
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Tail light assembly
Cracked lens or moisture inside the housing.
Not used on the selected year
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Side mirror
Choose the side and features (heated, power fold, signal).
Not used on the selected year
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Wiper blades
Replace every 6–12 months; driver and passenger lengths differ.
Not used on the selected year
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Filters & Maintenance 5

Oil filter
Change with every oil service.
OEM ref: 2.5L: 15208AA100
Not used on the selected year
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Engine air filter
Check every oil change; replace when dirty.
Not used on the selected year
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Cabin air filter
Weak airflow or musty smell from the vents.
OEM ref: 2.0L, 2.5L: 72880FG000
Not used on the selected year
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Serpentine belt
Squeal or cracks across the ribs. Some engines, including many hybrids, have no accessory belt; check yours.
Not used on the selected year
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Belt tensioner
Replace with the belt if the arm shakes or the pulley is noisy (belt-driven engines).
Not used on the selected year
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Icons are generic illustrations made for this site and do not show the exact part. Parts that depend on engine, drive or powertrain are marked using EPA data for this generation; confirm fitment with your VIN before ordering. Factory part numbers are shown as a reference when available; confirm the number with your old part or VIN before ordering. Price links search by part name and vehicle.

About the 2009–2013 Forester

Overview

The 3rd generation (SH) Subaru Forester covers the 2009–2013 model years in the US. The EPA lists 2 powertrains for this generation: 2.5L 4-cyl (2009–2013) and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo (2009–2013). Drive types: AWD. Transmissions: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual.

The parts list above covers items commonly replaced on these vehicles, grouped by system.

Engines & specs

Engine	Years	Drive	Transmission	EPA MPG
2.5L 4-cyl	2009–2013	AWD	4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual	AWD: 20–21 city / 26–27 hwy / 22–23 comb.
2.5L 4-cyl turbo	2009–2013	AWD	4-speed automatic	AWD: 19 city / 23–24 hwy / 21 comb.

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov vehicle data.

Common problems reported to NHTSA

Mention in complaint	2009–10	2011–12	2013
Brake problems	75 / 440	50 / 254	12 / 78
Airbag warning or airbags	74 / 440	45 / 254	15 / 78
Oil consumption or oil leaks	13 / 440	42 / 254	9 / 78
Check-engine light	34 / 440	18 / 254	5 / 78
Rust or corrosion	26 / 440	8 / 254	1 / 78
Transmission problems	20 / 440	10 / 254	0 / 78
Stalling or loss of power	13 / 440	10 / 254	4 / 78

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA (772 for 2009–2013), counted by words in the complaint text. One complaint can mention several issues; the second number is all complaints for those years.

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Top components in complaints
2009	18	178	Air Bags, Engine, Electrical System
2010	17	262	Seats, Air Bags, Engine
2011	16	147	Engine, Air Bags, Service Brakes
2012	15	107	Engine, Air Bags, Vehicle Speed Control
2013	12	78	Engine, Air Bags, Service Brakes

Source: NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recalls and complaints data, retrieved November 2026.

Recalls (21 campaigns)

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine (2009, NHTSA 08V460000)
SUBARU IS RECALLING 16,715 MY 2007-2008 LEGACY SEDANS AND WAGONS, MY 2008 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS, AND MY 2009 FORESTER VEHICLES.
Equipment (2009, NHTSA 09E011000)
THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R.
Seat Belts: Rear / Other (2009–2012, NHTSA 12V099000)
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012.
Exterior Lighting (2009–2012, NHTSA 12V602000)
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 20…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components, Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings (2009–2013, NHTSA 14V311000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly,…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2009–2013, NHTSA 14V830000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware,…
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009–2011, NHTSA 16V358000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles…
Electrical System (2009–2013, NHTSA 16V738000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines.
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009–2012, NHTSA 17V014000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehi…
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009, NHTSA 17V026000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ev…
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009–2013, NHTSA 18V012000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, …
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009–2010, NHTSA 18V013000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Di…
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009, NHTSA 18V014000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho…
Electrical System: Ignition, Switch (2009–2013, NHTSA 19V297000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-20…
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009–2013, NHTSA 20V001000)
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 vehicle…
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009–2013, NHTSA 20V002000)
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 or…
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2009–2013, NHTSA 20V003000)
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 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicl…
Seat Belts (2009–2013, NHTSA 22V838000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles.
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2010–2013, NHTSA 19V007000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, Ca…
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2010–2013, NHTSA 19V008000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the …
Air Bags: Frontal, Passenger Side (2010–2013, NHTSA 19V009000)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the s…

Source: NHTSA. Check open recalls for your vehicle with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.