2011 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 41%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Subaru Forester, 41% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dealer says my 2011 Subaru Forester (~60,000 mi) has a cam carrier oil leak that will require a $2,500 repair to fix, as it involves removing the engine. I'm concerned that a leaking camshaft seal can compromise the timing belt, leading to a catastrophic engine failure and damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11315465, filed 2020-03, 60,000 miles“73000 miles and we had to do a full engine reseal including head gaskets, cam carriers, valve cover gaskets. All were leaking. Complaint is that the gaskets should not fail this soon, 73k miles. We were losing engine oil. Car was maintained according to Subaru.”
NHTSA complaint #11182093, filed 2019-02, 73,000 miles“Sensor light issue. Check engine, skid control, cruise control warning lights repeatedly come on. I have repaired it 3 times to no avail. On line there are 7 years of complaints regarding this issue. My cruise control, skid control are non functioning.”
NHTSA complaint #11172431, filed 2019-01, 112,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10809614, filed 2015-12, 80,878 miles“I pulled into a parking space, applied my brakes and was about to put my 2011 Subaru Forester into park when it suddenly accelerated forward and drove into a store front. The car traveled approximately 20 feet before hitting the wall and plate glass window. My driver's side airbag deployed. The car was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10564680, filed 2014-02, 23,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 34 | 16% |
| 2020 | 81 | 13% |
| 2019 | 106 | 13% |
| 2018 | 32 | 6% |
| 2017 | 47 | 8% |
| 2016 | 60 | 14% |
| 2015 | 131 | 21% |
| 2014 | 69 | 17% |
| 2013 | 27 | 35% |
| 2012 | 27 | 25% |
| 2011 | 60 | 41% |
| 2010 | 34 | 13% |
| 2009 | 27 | 15% |
| 2008 | 7 | 14% |
| 2007 | 9 | 12% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Forester
29 complaintsBrakes
20 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 27, 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