2011 Subaru Forester Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 14%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Subaru Forester, 14% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall I was parking my car in a regular parking space.all of a sudden the car jumped the curb . Only a tree stopped the car.their was damage on the front of the car.two other times the car jumped when I was parking but not as bad as when I hit the tree.I am now afraid to drive the car. All three times I was trying to park.”
NHTSA complaint #11118358, filed 2018-08, 90,000 miles“While parking in a store's lot with my foot on the brake, my vehicle suddenly accelerated. I kept applying the brakes but the car wouldn't stop I ended up crashing through a fence and falling down a 10 foot embankment.”
NHTSA complaint #11253025, filed 2019-09, 54,000 miles“As I was pulling into a head on parking space, I began to apply my brakes and my car suddenly accelerated. Luckily, I was able to pump my brakes and stop the car. A witness who was sitting on a bench nearby said he heard my carburetor rev. I am now scared to death to drive my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10726433, filed 2015-06, 37,000 miles“My car was stopped at a red light behind at least 2 other cars at around 4:45 p.m. On 9-8-14. My engine suddenly started racing and pulling my car toward the car sitting in front of mine. I already had my foot on the brake because I was stopped. I pressed even harder on the brake as the car took off out of my control. The brakes stopped working and my car crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of mine.”
NHTSA complaint #10631997, filed 2014-09, 81,743 miles“I am the care taker and son of this car's elderly owner and driver, and I just got a second recall notice (14v-830) that says, due to incomplete repair instructions provided to our retailers, your vehicle may not have been treated with the proper amount of anti-corrosion material (referring to first recall repair).the recall also says to contact your website if you believe the Subaru retailer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of time. It will not be without a charge, that is, cost to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10681371, filed 2015-02, 25,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V830000Dec 31, 2014Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or…Covers: Subaru Forester 2009–2013, WRX 2008–2014, WRX STI 2008–2014 +1 more
- 14V311000Jun 10, 2014Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013…Covers: Subaru Forester 2009–2013, WRX 2008–2014, WRX STI 2008–2014 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11018903May 6, 2025"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…
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
- 10141514Apr 24, 2015Annoucment to UPDATE ? Subaru Recall Campaign WQQ?52 Brake Line Corrosion
- 10080880Jan 26, 2015This recall is being issued as a result of incomplete repair instructions provided in the impreza and forester repair procedure for the wqk-47 brake line corrosion recall.
- 10080783Jan 26, 2015This 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 29 | 7% |
| 2015 | 36 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 8% |
| 2013 | 9 | 12% |
| 2012 | 16 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 14% |
| 2010 | 37 | 14% |
| 2009 | 16 | 9% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 14% |
| 1998 | 15 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Forester
60 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology