Anyone got experience with, or heard anything about differential failure in 09 Foresters (with automatic trans)? Unfortunately this is a vehicle I only drive only very occasionally (my Father's). Symptoms: -For a long time (since summer) it seems like the center diff get's stuck/locked after being parked. The first time you turn at low speed (like pulling out of a driveway) it will lurch and chip the tires like the drivetrain bind you feel from a 4x4 vehicle that has no center diff. Obviously acts like the center diff (or front diff) is in full lock. -No obvious codes or CEL -Has bad understeer in slippery conditions (also consistent with a locked center or front diff) -However, strait line traction is poor (this makes no sense), feels like 2WD -You get the VSC dash indicator light if you spin the tires (not sure if this is normal). -Fuel mileage has also bene poor on this vehicle from day one, like 22mpg (vs. over 30mpg on my Impreza). Does this sound familiar to anyone? TSBs on this issue? Thanks, Jim
If its low miles and an 09, why arent you complaining about it to the dealer? Sounds like warranty to me.
I have had none of those issues with my 09 other than the dash lights freaking out every time you spin the tires or get it to slide. Russ
Dealer found no problems Thanks for the responses. It has been to the dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong. It's hard to believe it could be properly functioning yet handle so poorly. Having onwed and driven multiple other AT Subarus, including two other AT Foresters, I can say for certian that this Forester behaves very differently, and not in good ways. I'm just not sure if the stability control programming has been changed between the last one I dorve (2007) and this 2009 Forester of my Dad's that could be causing this wierdness. I've driven lots and lots of stuff, and my gut strongly tells me this thing is messed up. J Cox #558
