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…
2011 Subaru Forester engine problems
severe 50 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2crashes
3fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 50 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 34% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 50 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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,…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2011 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 50 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 22,736 and 103,000 miles, with the median around 74,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,736; a quarter make it past 103,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.