2011 Subaru Forester problems
Owners have filed 195 complaints about the 2011 Subaru Forester with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 30.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of air bags at 14.9%.
Complaints195
Crashes41
Fires7
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 30.8% · 60
Air bags 14.9% · 29
Service brakes 8.7% · 17
Vehicle speed control 6.7% · 13
Unknown or other 6.2% · 12
Electrical system 5.6% · 11
Structure 4.1% · 8
Power train 4.1% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 41 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 23 model years of the Subaru Forester in this data, 2011 sits 13th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 14 in the last three years against 30 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 54,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Abnormal oil consumption which is of the oil consumption lawsuit. The oil warning lights did not turn but the car was already out of oil in 3 months of use (supposedly 6 month window for oil changes). The car started to become jerky but still managed to get home and had it checked. If there are no warning signs, it is possible it can die in the middle of a busy highway, which is extremely dangerous. Engine · reported at 35 miles
I was driving and suddenly heard a very loud knocking noise. The car started slowing down and then stopped. Smoke was coming out from under the hood. The car was towed to a nearby dealership. They determined that the one of the connecting rods punctured the engine block which caused engine oil to shoot through the hole onto the engine block, melting the wiring, and causing the smoke. Engine · reported at 21,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,879. Engine · reported at 131,879 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…