Driver was backing up vehicle, when it accelerated rapidly, causing loss of control and traffic crash where a pedestrian was backed over, pinned and killed. Drive had no explanation of why this happened. Passenger in vehicle claims there had to have been mechanical defect.

- Boyne City, MI, USA

Car engine races sometimes when slowing down.

- Richmond, VA, USA

Bought the 2009 Forester in December 08. Drove fine for the first two months. Then it started to lag in its shifting. If I was about to stop at a light and the light changed, I put my foot back on the gas and car would not accelerate so I give it more gas and then it kicks in hard almost causing an accident to the car in front of me. It doesn't happen all the time. So I thought it was just me. Until I was driving on the highway about 16 miles from home got off the exit and it did it again. I have had the car in to the dealer 4 times this year for the same problem. The first time tech reset the computer and it drove fine for 3 days then started again. It happens in all types of situations when it wants to. My other mechanic felt the same thing had me take it back to dealer. I am frustrated with driving it. I am also now having the vehicle making loud noises and rough idling, mysterious acceleration that will adjust after car in turned off and on again and a burning smell coming from the engine after being driven. I drive locally a couple of days a week. Subaru dealer wants to take my vehicle home to evaluate transmission. I was told it was because it is a learning transmission, so why hasn't it learned how I drive and I'm the only one driving car.

- Horseheads, NY, USA

Vehicle: 2009 Subaru Forester limited, on 6/20/09 I experienced an incident of unintended acceleration. Cruise control was on. Before our exit I canceled the cruise control but left it "on". on the ramp, I let the car slow. At about 40 mph I moved the shift lever into 'sport' mode, downshifted to 3rd gear, then 2nd, then braked to a stop. The car was stopped, in gear, idling. My foot was on the brake. Without warning, the engine raced and the car jolted forward about a foot; it would have continued but I increased pressure on the brake and stopped the car. The engine, with the car stopped and in gear, ran up over 2000 RPM. I immediately shifted into regular drive mode and then into neutral. Once in neutral, the engine briefly raced higher but then dropped to idle at about 700 RPM. I switched the cruise control off. Please note: To stop the car I did not move my foot; it was already on the brake, and I merely pressed harder. This is not a case of pedal confusion. The floor mats are in place. This is not a case of a floor mat interfering with the accelerator. At the time of the incident, we were not moving. I was not on the phone. I was not looking over my shoulder. I was not otherwise distracted. I was sitting still, waiting for the light to change, with my Focus on the traffic stopped in front of me. In my view, this represents a dangerous defect in the vehicle, and needs to be corrected immediately. Please advise regarding your proposed resolution. I have advised Subaru via their website today but have not heard back. I am happy to be contacted for further details if needed.

- Sammamish, WA, USA