2011 Subaru Forester Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Subaru Forester, 7% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When my head lights got turned on none of my taillights or my dash lights came in 1200 dollar repair. Also my head gasket went with 1500 dollar repair which Subaru in known for if you do your research.”
NHTSA complaint #11323891, filed 2020-05, 150,000 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“My wife's car locked itself with keys and baby inside on two occasions. The first time was in winter (don't remember the date) and our baby was locked in the cold car for more than an hour while we waited for aaa. My wife thought she had somehow kneeled on the key/remote in her handbag while putting the baby in his car seat. Since then she has taken care not to touch the key (and remote) before she gets in the car to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10576890, filed 2014-04, 27,000 miles“While taking a right turn approx 10-15 MPH, the engine shut off, but no other systems were effected. The radio never turned off, the car never stuttered , I didn't know the vehicle turned off untill the power steering went out. Immediately after realizing the engine was off I looked at dash panel and all system lights were on as if key was in accessory mode. I put vehicle in neutral and turned ignition and car started up with no issues as if nothing was wrong. I drove another 15 mins to work making left and right turns with no issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11222539, filed 2019-06, 105,000 miles“I was driving down to queens to see my wife's family and as soon as I passed a truck I heard something hit my car. As soon as I got into long island, I heard the engine revving as if it were a diesel engine. I stopped at a shop and they listened to it and said that it is an internal issue in the engine and not to drive it. They helped me out by finding the closest dealership and they called. The guy from the shop called Subaru and they told him to call the tow truck to get the vehicle towed to their shop. That was messed up, have a non party call for a tow?? …”
NHTSA complaint #10625856, filed 2014-08, 76,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy…Covers: Subaru Forester 2009–2013, Legacy 2005–2014, Outback 2005–2014 +3 more
- 16V738000Oct 13, 2016Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013…Covers: Subaru Forester 2009–2013, Impreza 2008–2014, Outback 2007–2009 +1 more
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 25% |
| 2025 | 9 | 9% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 34 | 16% |
| 2020 | 103 | 17% |
| 2019 | 134 | 16% |
| 2018 | 71 | 14% |
| 2017 | 106 | 18% |
| 2016 | 93 | 22% |
| 2015 | 82 | 13% |
| 2014 | 42 | 10% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 9% |
| 2011 | 11 | 7% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 22 | 12% |
| 2008 | 5 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 7% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Forester
60 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 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 28, 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