2011 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 147 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2011 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2011 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2011 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Subaru Forester SUV AWD Later ReleaseOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Subaru Forester has 147 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 16 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 147
- Crash-related complaints
- 21
- Safety recall campaigns
- 16
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Subaru Forester?
The 2011 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and brake system repairs.
- Test drive for unintended acceleration symptoms.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and brake system repairs.
- Test drive for unintended acceleration symptoms.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2011 Subaru Forester are concentrated in engine problems, airbag malfunctions, and brake system issues. Crash-related complaints account for a notable portion of total complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with these components, though the confidence level is low.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Airbag Malfunctions are the second most reported issue.
- Brake System complaints are also significant, with 20 reports.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Brake System
All 2011 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 67 | 6 | 4 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 29 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 7 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 11 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Concerned over oil being burnt up at a significant rate, have to add a quart per tank of gas. Theres distinct burnt oil smell after driving. Concerned my car needs to be included in the oil consumption recall.
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 …
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, and the vehicle began to fill with smoke, prompting her to immediately stop and exit the vehicle. Upon exiting the veh…
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 a…
unintended sudden acceleration defects without warning without driver input. I could kill & be killed. It can happen again! I backed up a little in an angle moving away from parking. Suddenly, without any warning, the car took off and frantically flew backward, passing a stop sig…
We have come to learn that our 2011 Forester with 95,229 miles is now burning (internally) oil at an alarming rate. The car was making a funny noise so we had it towed to the dealership and they found it was low by 4.8 quarts of oil. The last oil change was at 91,749 and this i…
I bought my vehicle new from Oakland Subaru. From the beginning I had to add about a quart of oil every month and a half to two months. I thought this was normal. When my vehicle had approximately 73,800miles, I went to Fremont Subaru for a regular motor oil change. I was asked a…
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that his wife used the parking brake to stop vehicle. The service brake wa…
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, there was a rattling noise coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Findlay Subaru St. George (1453 Sunland Dr, St. George, UT…
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer performed an oil consumption test and determined that the engine needed to be repla…
I have tried to get the recall on airbag replaced to no avail, just alot of lip service and never any follow-up on repair of air bag. I am extremely ticked off that the very last current notification by mail this july 2022. I included a copy of it where it states DO NOT ALLOW …
Driving a 2011 Subaru Forester, about 5mph in traffic on city street when car suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated at full gas and rammed into truck in front of me, with no pressure on the gas pedal. Slamming on brakes and pulling on hand brake was not enough to override the un…
Thousands of Subarus are developing leaking cam carriers which can cause the vehicles to stall due to oil loss. There are online threads with many, many owners reporting their vehicles developed this problem - many with low mileage. My vehicle developed the problem with about 40,…
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that she noticed an abnormal odor coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was inf…
Front right side of driver’s seat has collapsed. Possibly due to a broken bracket or weld.
I have received multiple letters to fix my Subarus air bag. It was fixed once after a long wait for parts. The second required fix is proving hard to set up. I called a Subaru fix line, waited an hour while they try to schedule, then was disconnected. I called back, same long…
As I drove into my driveway smoke started coming out of engine compartment. Behind and under vehicle was a massive leak of either oil or transmission fluid. No warning lights were observed and vehicle was running fine while we were out. The entire vehicle was quickly engulfed in …
LEAKY CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS MADE OIL LEAK INTO COOLING SYSTEM. CAR BEGAN RATTLING AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. SUBARU KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUES WITH THIS AND MAY OTHER YEARS CARS YET REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. LOOKING AT A COSTLY $3K FIX. NOT DRIVABLE OTHERWISE. LUC…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A. CRIVELLI SUBARU (768 ALLEGHENY BLVD, FRANKLIN, PA 16323) AND AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE RESULT CONFIRMED T…
THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH COLORADO, FROM CRESTED BUTTE TO TELLURIDE. I WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVE. AS THE CAR WENT UP HILLS IT WOULD AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT DOWN, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REV INTO THE 4,000 RPM RANGE, WHICH IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SUSTAINED. IN OR…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Subaru Forester.
2011 Subaru Forester Recalls
16 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Subaru Forester. 16 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2011 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 147 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 16 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Engine Problems (67 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (29 complaints). #3: Brake System (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 21 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 147 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 16 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 16 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2011 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.