2011 Subaru Forester Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 2011 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“On two occasions when braking to a stop the engine has surged accelerating the car against the braking. This surging has caused the car to almost hit the car in front and on the other occasion caused the car to change path of travel while approaching the garage.”
NHTSA complaint #11386771, filed 2021-01, 117,000 miles“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 right of way. As I pushed on the brake, the car suddenly and without warning surged backwards as the engine revved and stuck at a high rpm level. Surprised by the sudden loss of control and to stop the lunge backwards, I immediately released the brake pedal and shifted into neutral. …”
NHTSA complaint #11624510, filed 2024-11“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 away. The Che k engine light is on. And the car uses about a quart or more of oil everytime I fill up but has no leaks. When I reduce speed the car in traffic, around corners or to stop it constantly turns itself off. Starting it it sometimes turns itself off if I don't give it some gas at the same time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11551440, filed 2023-10“2011 Subaru Forester. Consumer states fuel filler neck is rusted and there is no flapper on top of the neck the consumer returned the vehicle to the dealer to have the fuel filler neck replaced. It was soon discovered, the replacement neck had the same defect as the old one. The consumer reported the defect to Subaru and the representatives informed the consumer the discloration on the neck was not rust and they had no idea why it was designed that way. Subaru refused to offer any kind of full extended warranty because that was the design for the 2011 models.”
NHTSA complaint #10427251, filed 2011-09Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 17 | 17% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 4% |
| 2017 | 11 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 6% |
| 2015 | 57 | 9% |
| 2014 | 21 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 8 | 8% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 13 | 15% |
| 2005 | 22 | 24% |
| 2004 | 124 | 57% |
| 2003 | 57 | 30% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 10 | 7% |
| 2000 | 6 | 8% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Forester
60 complaintsAir bags
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 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 29, 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