"The repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin as been updated, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles previously repaired under the WQK-47 (14V-311) brake line corrosion recall prior tothe December 23, 2014 WQK-47 recall bulletin revision."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Subaru Forester brakes problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
2crashes
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Annoucment to UPDATE ? Subaru Recall Campaign WQQ?52 Brake Line Corrosion
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO ADVISE OF RECALL WQQ-52 BEING ISSUED AS A RESULT OF INCOMPLETE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE IMPREZA, WRX, STI, AND FORESTER REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR THE WQK-47 BRAKE LINE CORROSION RECALL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2011 Subarus Forester report brake problems across a wide range of failure modes. Several owners describe brake pedal that goes soft or travels all the way to the floor when pressure is applied—a serious safety issue. One owner's master cylinder was replaced under warranty after brake fluid service triggered the problem; it recurred. Another owner had a master cylinder and vacuum booster replacement authorized but reported parts delays.
Poor stopping power is documented repeatedly: one owner needed a collision after brakes wouldn't stop the car quickly enough at 25 mph, and the dealer dismissed the issue as normal operation requiring hard pedal pressure. Another reported a 5-foot overshoot at 20 mph and increased engine RPMs during braking—dealer could not diagnose.
ABS malfunction on snow or wet roads caused at least one accident where the system kicked in inappropriately and sent the car into a skid. The owner had two mechanics inspect and both said brakes tested fine, but the computer record showed no problem.
One owner discovered a rusted brake line at 108k miles that triggered a complete loss of braking; this corresponded to a manufacturer recall (14V311000). Dealers cited recalls but in some cases did not perform repairs.
Unexplained engine surges during braking or parking maneuvers appear in two narratives, with one owner unable to reproduce the condition for diagnosis.
Same Subaru Forester brakes reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Poor brake response / inadequate stopping power
Brake pedal requires excessive pressure or pumping to achieve normal stopping, resulting in longer-than-normal stopping distances or failure to stop within expected range.
When: Early in ownership (shortly after purchase); recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal requires hard pressure or pumping to stop vehicle; Increased stopping distance (approximately 5 feet beyond intended stop point at 20 mph); Vehicle will not stop quickly enough or in timely fashion
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer at 30,000-mile service stated this was normal operation requiring hard pedal pressure; no repair performed. Vehicle not repaired in other cases despite dealer visits.
Brake pedal goes to floor / loss of braking
Brake pedal travels completely to the floor during braking while engine is running, indicating air in system or master cylinder failure. Pumping pedal restores pressure temporarily.
When: After brake fluid service/maintenance at dealership; intermittently thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floor while engine running; Loss of brake pressure requiring pedal pumping to restore function; Pedal hits floor/carpet and cannot go lower; Pedal goes to floor intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replaced under extended warranty; problem recurred. Vacuum booster pump replacement ordered but not completed within documented timeframe. Bleeding performed at wheels; owner noted this does not remove air from master cylinder or ABS system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru representative inspection requested; Subaru of America notified 9-15-16 with no action reported.
ABS malfunction causing skidding
Anti-lock brake system activates inappropriately on snowy/plowed roads, causing vehicle to skid uncontrollably rather than allowing normal braking. Front brakes appear to function while rear brakes do not engage properly.
When: On snowy/plowed downhill road conditions; mid-day
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages inappropriately when light brake pressure applied; Vehicle skids on snowy/plowed roads despite attempts to slow down; Uneven brake application (front brakes working, rear brakes not engaging); Vehicle continues to skid at low speeds (10 mph) after incident; ABS malfunctions multiple times under similar conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Two mechanics (one independent, one dealer) inspected brakes and stated they are fine. Dealer stated no computer record of problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned. Owner noted online discussions about disconnecting ABS on Subarus in winter.
Rusted/failed brake line
Brake line corroded and developed leak, resulting in loss of hydraulic pressure and complete brake failure. Requires replacement.
When: At approximately 108,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle failed to respond to brake pedal pressure; Service brake warning light illuminated; Brake fluid leak under hood; Driver used parking brake to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line diagnosed as rusted and required replacement. Vehicle not repaired per narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); Manufacturer Recall Number WQK-47 issued. Manufacturer notified; case number provided.
Unexpected engine surge during braking / loss of brake response
When brake pedal applied, engine suddenly revved to high RPM and vehicle surged backward uncontrollably. One instance involved apparent stuck throttle; another involved sudden acceleration while parking.
When: At 145,000 miles (one incident); during parking maneuvers (other incident)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to high RPM when brake pedal applied; Vehicle surges or accelerates backward uncontrollably; Engine gets stuck at high RPM for several moments; Brake pedal appears unresponsive during acceleration event; Sudden acceleration during parking maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: One owner suspected mechanical issue with gas pedal or floor mat; found no evidence. Incident not reproducible. Other owner pumped brakes to regain control and stop vehicle.
Soft brake pedal / inadequate pedal resistance
Brake pedal continues down to floor with applied pressure, particularly when engine is cold or vehicle on an incline. Indicates air in brake system or vacuum booster failure.
When: Especially when engine cold or on incline; recurring over months
Symptoms owners cite: Soft brake pedal that continues down to floor after pressure applied; Pedal presses to floor more readily when engine cold; Pedal presses to floor more readily on inclines; Recurrent issue despite repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Brake fluid replaced (August 2016); problem continued. Master cylinder replaced under extended warranty (September 2016); problem persisted. Service manager agreed with complaint and noted same issue on 2015 model tested. Master cylinder and vacuum booster pump replacement authorized (September 27, 2016); parts on order as of October 11, 2016.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty covered master cylinder replacement. Subaru of America (Cherry Hill, N.J.) notified 9-15-16 with no reported action.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Subaru forester. The contact stated that she applied the brakes at 20 MPH and the vehicle experienced an increased stopping distance. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped approximately five feet beyond where she intended to stop. The failure recurred approximately two months later while driving at a low speed. During the second failure, there was an increase in…
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…
Had brakes trouble with your 2011 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2011 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 30,295 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 37,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,295; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.