2011 Subaru Forester problems
The 2011 Subaru Forester has 147 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2011 Subaru Forester has 147 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 50 complaints, typically surfacing around 71,370 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Forester | 50 | 1 |
| 2009 Forester | 178 | 2 |
| 2010 Forester | 262 | 0 |
| 2011 Forester (this page) | 147 | 0 |
| 2012 Forester | 105 | 2 |
| 2013 Forester | 77 | 3 |
| 2014 Forester | 403 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 22,736–103,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Subaru Forester SUV AWD Later Release. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 Subaru Forester? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 50 owner reports · tends to show around 71,370 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- airbags — 29 owner reports · tends to show around 35,088 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- brakes — 12 owner reports · tends to show around 48,863 mi · ~$450 to fix
- cruise control — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 34,529 mi · ~$600 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 71,370 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2011 Subaru Forester
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Subaru forester. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
When the check engine light (CEL) is activated by an emission control failure Subaru has programmed a shut down of the anti-lock brake system (as well as shut down of cruise control). This ABS shut down could occur for a simple loose gas cap which is common cause of CEL failure.…
My Subaru is being tested for oil consumption use, I returned with 1 1/2 quart low after 948 miles. Tech stated it was on full after it was taken to garage. It was not checked in our presence. Car has no oil sensor and I fear the motor will lock up & I do not trust the Subaru…
When I parking my car into the parking place, the car suddenly gave a roar and rushed into someone's backyard. Although I pushed the brake pedal as deep as possible, the car rushed around 10 meters(?) and fully stopped after the car hit the rods of wood staircase(two of the rods…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Subaru Forester reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 147 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Subaru Forester is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2011 Subaru Forester?
The 2011 Subaru Forester is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 22,736–103,000 mi; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Subaru Forester?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 50 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 71,370 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Subaru Forester a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 147 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 71,370 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Subaru Forester?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 50 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 71,370 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 71,370 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Subaru Forester has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Subaru Forester?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 147 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.