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ProblemsByVin Index / 2011-SUBARU-FORESTER / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2011 Subaru Forester owner complaints

147 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 6 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

engine 7 complaints shown

50 total in this category · severe · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
12/14/2014 22,736 mi ODI #10664131.0

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. The section 3-16 on CEL warning light/malfunction indicator does not inform the owner that a CEL event will be accompanied by the disabling of the ABS. The driver finds this out only because the CEL is accompanied by blinking cruise light and steadily illuminated ABS light. Per owner manual section 7-23 for 2011 forester when the ABS is disabled the car/driver/passengers are a risk of loss of steering control and directional stability. Three CEL events occurred from june 2013 to december 2014 for same problem

12/11/2015 80,878 mi ODI #10809614.0

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 dealer now since they denied adding oil.

10/23/2018 76,498 mi ODI #11142152.0

Failed consumption oil test. Engine had to be replaced .I was told by Subaru that their was no recall .my second Subaru forester 2013 had same problem and its engine had to be replaced.

10/19/2017 65,700 mi ODI #11034637.0

My 2011 Subaru forester with 65,700 miles on it is sluggish into gear when first starting. I took it to the dealer who informed me it needed a new transmission ($5500+). I think this is outrageous. I read in forbes that there was an extension of the warranty (see https://www.forbes.com/sites/jensen/2017/07/07/facing-complaints-Subaru-offers-extended-warranties-on-1-5-million-vehicles/#662fd3ac79dc) and wonder if this covers my vehicle?

10/16/2014 14,000 mi ODI #10645025.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Subaru forester. The contact stated that there was an excessive oil consumption after every oil change. The failure occurred on multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.

10/15/2011 2,837 mi Crash ODI #10430338.0

On 5/24/11, while driving through an intersection, my forester was hit broadside by another vehicle that ran a red light. The impact of the speeding vehicle caused the forester to spin 360 degrees and flip-over on the driver's side. I was left trapped inside the forester and witnesses pointed out that the engine and transmission continued to run after the forester flipped over. Apparently there is no engine or transmission kill switch. Furthermore, there is no interior release of the rear hatch. As a result I remained trapped inside the vehicle and concerned about a gasoline leak and possible explosion. I was eventually removed from the vehicle by emts and brought to the hospital. My concern is that if similar accident occurred in a remote area or if the driver was more seriously injured,

10/13/2016 74,000 mi ODI #10915727.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Subaru forester. The contact stated that the engine emitted a strong burning odor and smoke while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure where it was diagnosed that the engine was leaking oil on the manifold. The dealer replaced the engine intake manifold, valve cover gasket, camshaft, sparks plugs, and engine cover seals; however, the failure was not corrected. The engine oil continued to leak. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 74,000.

other 4 complaints shown

11/25/2014 Crash ODI #10661683.0

Driveway across from two way streets, church and main sts. Cars parked on either side of driveway, making exiting difficult and precausions must be taken. Updated 5/1/15 *js

11/14/2016 ODI #10926025.0

Drivers seat weld broke causing left side of seat frame to collapse.

11/13/2021 ODI #11440344.0

Front right side of driver’s seat has collapsed. Possibly due to a broken bracket or weld.

10/28/2020 Fire ODI #11366797.0

A fire started in the engine compartment after a few minutes of apparently normal driving. The fire eventually destroyed the vehicle. The cause(s) of the fire was not determined

airbags 3 complaints shown

29 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
12/20/2016 ODI #10936558.0

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 recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

10/31/2016 ODI #10920140.0

Takata recall. My Subaru dealer is telling me that the replacement parts / air bag is not available until end of year. They directed me to their 1-800 number but I keep on being place on hold and can't get thru. I have a family of 4 and it's been extremely inconvenient to not be able to have sit a front passenger. When will the parts be available? What are my rights as a vehicle owner? Is there anyway to expedite the replacement?

10/26/2016 44,000 mi ODI #10919202.0

Takata recall no response from Subaru. I cannot have a front seat passanger-possible injury or death. What can I do?

brakes 2 complaints shown

12 total in this category · severe · avg repair $450 · see brakes cluster analysis →
11/22/2011 ODI #10436755.0

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 the engine rpms. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 300 and the current mileage was 2,500. The consumer stated the VIN we have is incorrect. However, she supplied the correct VIN twice, but in once case, there are too many numbers and the

11/11/2024 ODI #11624510.0

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 "stuck" at a high rpm level. Surprised by the sudden loss of control and to stop the lunge backwards, I immediately released the brake pedal and shifted into neutral. I believe this reflexive action was solely attributable to my long history driving manual transmissions which "teaches" your brain that as an alternative to using the brake you can clutch [or if necessary "pop"] to neutral to disenga

body 1 complaint shown

5 total in this category · severe · avg repair $1,500 · see body cluster analysis →
12/05/2017 Crash ODI #11052597.0

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 of staircase was boken by my car). At that moment I just want shift the car from "d" to "r" (but not yet), the unintended acceleration happened to this car. Time: it happened between 2:30 to 3:00 pm on nov 30, 2017. Place: rushed into the backyards of 8352 kavanagh rd, dundalk md 21222, this backyards located on sandy plains road. Consequence: 1. Scratchs to front bumper. 2. Front bumper became loose after collision happened to the rod of staircase. 3. I have stiff muscles on both thighs for two days afte

cruise control 1 complaint shown

10 total in this category · severe · avg repair $600 · see cruise control cluster analysis →
11/03/2014 22,000 mi Crash ODI #10652155.0

While backing up (car in reverse) at about 5 MPH, acceleration occurred making the car go backwards very fast. Pressing the brake pad to the ground had no affect. The car, reversing out of control, side-swiped another vehicle and a piece of equipment. Car finally backed up into a huge forklift which went through the rear window and stopped the car. Luckily no one was hurt but the Subaru forester was totaled. *tr

lighting 1 complaint shown

11/02/2014 50,000 mi ODI #10651920.0

Passenger low beam light continues to burn out. *tr

electrical 1 complaint shown

9 total in this category · severe · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
10/23/2023 Crash ODI #11551440.0

My car randomly turns off when reducing speed. It caused an accident a few days ago. I have had multiple mechanics try to figure out the problem but the only thing that comes up on the diagnostic tool is it needed 1 coil replaced. They have all been replaced and still won't go away. The Che k engine light is on. And the car uses about a quart or more of oil everytime I fill up but has no leaks. When I reduce speed the car in traffic, around corners or to stop it constantly turns itself off. Starting it it sometimes turns itself off if I don't give it some gas at the same time. It smells like burning oil constantly.

Showing 300 of 147 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Subaru/Forester#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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