2011 Subaru Forester Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 9%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2011 Subaru Forester, 9% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, 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.
“I was pulling slowly into a parking space (braking) at a shopping center when my Subaru suddenly accelerated rapidly, taking my car over the curb through a hedgerow and into another parked vehicle, at which time it stopped. Witness confirmed the sudden rapid bolting of the car forward from an almost stopped position.”
NHTSA complaint #11218101, filed 2019-06, 80,000 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“Our Forester has been burning an excessive amount of oil. Thought it was leaks at first and have spent about 2500 fixing those. Keeps losing oil so must be burning it. Took an oil consumption test at dealer which lasts 1200 miles. Failed because it didn't make it 650 miles before it ran out of oil. Subaru did nothing to help with this problem. Soon after it is now starting to throw check engine lights. Twice now the engine has also died while I am in the middle of driving. Once was on the highway and the other was luckily before turning into a parking lot”
NHTSA complaint #11190469, filed 2019-03, 125,000 miles“Cam carrier oil seepage leaking onto manifold and causing oil smell. This appears to be a very common problem in these cars starting with little mileage. Oil seeps out onto the manifold, and burn causing an oil smell every time we come to a stop, particularly downhill. Possible fire hazard”
NHTSA complaint #11057950, filed 2018-01, 51,000 miles“A fire started in the engine compartment after a few minutes of apparently normal driving. The fire eventually destroyed the vehicle. The cause(s) of the fire was not determined”
NHTSA complaint #11366797, filed 2020-10, 2 milesRelated service bulletins
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Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 22% |
| 2025 | 21 | 21% |
| 2024 | 9 | 29% |
| 2023 | 20 | 27% |
| 2022 | 18 | 18% |
| 2021 | 43 | 20% |
| 2020 | 108 | 18% |
| 2019 | 145 | 17% |
| 2018 | 85 | 17% |
| 2017 | 97 | 16% |
| 2016 | 70 | 17% |
| 2015 | 74 | 12% |
| 2014 | 46 | 11% |
| 2013 | 7 | 9% |
| 2012 | 9 | 8% |
| 2011 | 13 | 9% |
| 2010 | 12 | 5% |
| 2009 | 11 | 6% |
| 2008 | 8 | 16% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Forester
60 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsBrakes
20 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 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