Subaru’s success has been largely attributed to its aptitude for satisfying the requirements of niche markets of devoted automobile purchasers. But more lately, the company has worked to provide cars that appeal to a wider, more mainstream market. The Subaru Forester from 2011 is a prime illustration. We will talk more about the Subaru Forester 2011 problems later on.
Sport sedans like the WRX were designed for car enthusiasts, whilst models like the Outback were typically targeted at individuals who wanted something refined enough for unremarkable urban travel but tough enough for snow and minor off-roading.
The most recent Subaru Forester, which was last redesigned three years ago, will suit the needs of the normal crossover customer very well. Its stylish cabin has adequate space for passengers to ride in comfort, and the back seat is notably roomy and comfortable.
One of the highest in the segment is the cargo capacity. Last but not least, this crossover offers a nice, comfy ride.
But the Subaru Forester 2011 model isn’t perfect, just like every other automobile model. Let’s learn more.
- 2011 Subaru Forester
- Forester Years To Avoid
- 2011 Forester Problems
- Best Forester Year
- Used Subaru Forester
- Frequently Asked Questions
2011 Subaru Forester
The wonderful outdoors is still a priority for the Forester. This crossover is ideally suited for inclement weather or light-duty off-road tracks because of its class-leading 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive.
One of the few small crossovers with a turbocharged engine is the Forester, which may be particularly appealing to folks who frequently travel at high elevations.
However, buyers looking for a compact or midsize crossover have a lot of excellent options to select from. The Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-7 are probably better choices for folks who want to drive, while the Toyota RAV4 has a gutsy engine (the optional V6) and optional third-row seating.
Both vehicles have livelier handling than the Forester. The stunning Chevrolet Equinox and elegant Honda CR-V are two more top picks. Still, the Forester merits a spot on your selection list given its diverse set of skills.
Subaru Forester 2011 Problems, Specs #1: MPG And Performance
All-wheel drive is a standard feature on every Subaru, and the Forester is no exception. A horizontally opposed (flat) 2.5-liter engine with 4 cylinders that produces 170 horsepower as well as 174 pound-feet of torque powers the 2.5X versions.
A turbocharged model with 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque is available on the XT grades. The 2.5X and 2.5X Premium come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic transmission available as an option.
The only gearbox offered in the 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5X Touring, and 2.5XT Touring models is automatic.
The EPA ratings for 2.5X vehicles with both manual and automatic transmissions are 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the interstate, and 23 mpg overall, which is exactly what you’d get with the similarly powered AWD Honda CR-V.
A spotless PZEV rating is given to 2.5X models that are marketed in states with stricter emissions regulations. Fuel economy drops to 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the XT’s turbocharged engine. A 2.5XT achieved a speed from 0 to 60 mph in a remarkable 6.8 seconds during Edmunds’ performance tests.
Subaru Forester 2011 Problems, Specs #2: Safety
Antilock brakes with braking assist, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags are all standard safety equipment on every 2011 Subaru Forester. The Forester 2.5XT stopped from 60 mph in 125 feet during Edmunds’ testing, which is a respectable distance for this section.
The government’s new, more rigorous 2011 crash-testing techniques did not grade the Forester. In all front- and side-impact categories, it received flawless five-star ratings in its 2010 tests (which are not equivalent to those conducted in 2011).
Additionally, the Forester received “Good” ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) in its side-impact, frontal offset, as well as roof strength tests.
Subaru Forester 2011 Problems, Specs #3: Driving
One of the smoothest rides in its class is seen in the 2011 Forester. It is surprisingly nimble in confined spaces because of its sharp steering and usefully tight turning circle.
In terms of power and fuel efficiency, both engine options are very competitive, although an automatic transmission with more speeds than the Forester’s four would significantly improve things.
Theoretically, narrower ratios would enhance acceleration and fuel efficiency while also facilitating smoother, less visible downshifts. The 2011 Subaru Forester, particularly in the 2.5XT versions, is a capable performer.
Subaru Forester 2011 Problems, Specs #4: Interior
Although its fit and finish can be hit or miss, the 2011 Subaru Forester’s cabin is attractive and extremely useful. Most controls are simple to use and accessible.
When compared positively to the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mitsubishi Outlander, all of which sit between compact and medium SUVs, the Forester is one of the roomiest cars in its class.
A special note should be made of the split-folding rear seat with available reclining seatbacks in this crossover. This seat is rightly referred to as a throne because the cushion is so high, giving the impression that back passengers are peering down on those up front.
The majority of people, barring those with the longest legs, will be able to rest their hamstrings flush on the cushion, which is unusual for vehicles in this class.
When you lift the 60/40-split rear seatback, the cargo area has a capacity of 33.5 cubic feet, and when it is folded, it has a capacity of 68.3 cubic feet.
Subaru Forester Years To Avoid
2003 Subaru Forester
Problems:
- Damaged door seal
- Power window shortcomings
- Failed airbag
Breaking door seals and wind noise from the window seal are the two most prevalent Subaru Forester concerns for this year, both of which are rather simple and fixable.
The only real solution for this was to effectively replace the door; otherwise, you can get issues concerning the power window refusing to roll up. This is an irritating issue that shouldn’t be affecting drivers with today’s technology, even at the reported 80,000-mile threshold.
Two consumer complaints that often come up on the seatbelts and the airbags are the airbag light turning on and the airbag failing to deploy.
These Subaru Forester 2011 problems often arise at 60,000 miles and are classified as having a severity of 3.0 out of 10. The head gasket failing, the automobile misfiring while accelerating, and the engine dying are the three main issues with your Subaru Forester’s engine system. abrupt decrease of power causing braking.
2010 Subaru Forester
The most frequent engine issues reported by 2010 Forester customers were engine failure, blown head gaskets, blown turbo engines, cold starts, as well as the diesel filter warning light turning on while driving.
Repairing a blown head gasket will usually cost $2,380. This is for the head gasket replacement at 91,000 miles. The driver’s seat collapsing, the compass not functioning, and the crucial lock-in malfunctioning is the main problems with the inside accessories.
Collapsing of the seat, breaking of the hatch arm, as well as the check engine light appearing on the dashboard while driving are the inside accessories of the 2010 Forester that receive the most criticism. The only solution to the collapse of the seat at around 64,000 miles is to install a new seat.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should you replace the brakes? We have solutions.
2011 Subaru Forester
Problems:
- Fuel economy
- Motor failure
- Handling oil
2011 Subaru Forester engine problems include too much oil consumption, failure of the engine, burnt oil smell, oil leaks, as well as unexpected acceleration. These flaws were far worse for the 2014 model, but they started to become serious issues for consumers this year.
The most common remedy for high oil consumption is replacing the engine or adding oil (make sure you’re wary about should your car be running when adding more oil); this repair typically costs $1,640 and happens approximately 46,000 miles.
2014 Subaru Forester
The 2014 Forester model is the one to stay away from. This was one of the worst model years because of the numerous engine failures, excessive oil consumption, suspension issues, and gearbox issues.
Even if a bad suspension is awful, it is worse when there are also gearbox issues. The majority of suspension faults for 2014 were due to broken coil springs. Strut, spring, as well as rear coil spring replacements normally cost roughly $1,200 and were common after only 50,000 miles.
Due to a faulty clutch, the car may roll backward while parked, and becoming stuck in the park are the most typical transmission issue.
The manufacturer and dealers resolved the issues since they were most familiar with defective issues.
With numerous electrical issues, blown fuses, and warning lights that don’t work properly, the 2014 Forester model year is the one to steer clear of. Even though they aren’t the most expensive fixes, anytime there is one electrical issue, there are usually many more that require addressing.
2011 Subaru Forester Problems
The Subaru Forester had a better year in 2011 than earlier model years since there were fewer complaints. Airbag recalls plague the 2011 Subaru Forester, and one of the most frequently seen issues is high oil consumption.
As a result, the engine may experience extra wear and tear. Always top off the oil in your Forester; it is a smart suggestion. Owners have also complained about a mushy brake pedal and troubles with the external lights.
The 2011 Forester is subject to fifteen recalls. All cars have airbag inflators, hence the majority of recalls concern these. Problems with relays, brake lines, and ignition switches are among the additional recalls.
The most frequent Subaru Forester 2011 problems include engine failure, oil leakage, burnt oil odor, and unexpected acceleration. These flaws were far worse for the 2014 model, but they started to become serious issues for consumers this year.
The most common remedy for high oil consumption is replacing the engine or adding oil; this repair typically costs $1,640 and happens approximately 46,000 miles.
Best Subaru Forester Year
Focuses our attention away from the Subaru Forester 2011 problems, the greatest Subaru Forester years to purchase are those from 2019, 2018, and 2016. These model years are among the most dependable and come with premium features and amenities, making them the Subaru lineup’s go-to SUVs.
There are five trim levels for the Subaru Forester SUVs: Forester (basic), Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring.
All Subaru vehicles uphold safety, performance, dependability, and usability in mind.
An SUV that combines all these attributes to provide its admirers with an exceptional driving experience and a smooth ride is the Subaru Forester.
But how nice are the Subaru Forester model years 2019, 2018, and 2016?
2019 Subaru Forester
On the list of the Subaru Forester’s best years, the 2019 model is at the top. This SUV strikes an amazing combination between luxury, comfort, and outstanding off-road performance.
The Forester series had a thorough redesign for the 2019 model, giving it a stylish exterior and interior.
It also has a ton of technological features that set it apart from most of its competitors in the same class.
The Premium, base trim, and Sport trim levels are available on the 2019 Subaru Forester model line.
The new Forester Sport Trim level made its debut this year, and Subaru SUV fans were very pleased with it.
Although it was the first of its sort in the current generation of Subaru Foresters, the sport trim was uncommon.
2018 Subaru Forester
Due to its timeless external design, the 2018 Subaru Forester was named one of the most stylish SUVs by Consumer Reports.
The 2018 Forester’s interior offered significantly greater room and conveniences, according to real Subaru owners’ reviews on Consumer Reports.
It demonstrated good interior space utilization, which is typical of all Subaru vehicle models.
Further evidence of the consumers’ favorable comments about Forester’s visibility and usability is provided by Consumer Report.
The driver and passengers both get a great vision thanks to this.
It also had plenty of headroom and legroom for its passengers, making it the perfect SUV for families.
The 2018 Forester has a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower.
It features a manual transmission. The XT trim level, which boasts a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates a whopping 250 horsepower, is an excellent choice for those who want the excitement of a little extra power.
This SUV is economical with fuel, getting a combined 26 mpg. For a car with an AWD drivetrain, this is quite outstanding.
A sophisticated entertainment system with an HD Radio, Bluetooth, and a 6.2-inch touchscreen is standard equipment inside the cabin of the 2018 Forester.
The Forester 2.5i Premium is an upgrade over the standard Forester 2.5i model. It offers additional features such as an advanced infotainment system. This is with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and a voice recognition system for comfort and ease of use.
Other features for this model year include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and Subaru’s Eyesight advanced safety systems.
2016 Subaru Forester
The classic 2016 model year is an excellent place to start if you have a limited budget but still want to enjoy the comfort and performance of the Subaru Forester that has been around for a long time.
Subaru’s attention to detail and capacity to provide comfort without sacrificing performance is exemplified by this SUV.
You may have the advanced features of a Subaru at a very low cost by purchasing the 2016 Subaru Forester.
This SUV has a luxury interior with a premium-styled cabin and several additional features.
The 2016 Forester has comparable engine selections and AWD to the 2018 model year under the hood.
Along with the enhanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, it also includes the standard touchscreen infotainment system.
The majority of these safety features debuted in the 2016 Subaru Forester model year. Later they became features that were part of the standard equipment in all subsequent versions.
Buying A Used Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is among the most well-liked small crossover SUVs in North America since its introduction in 1997. The Forester versatile SUV is great for weekend fun in addition to daily commuting.
The Forester is the ideal car for off-road excursions. This is thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which enables it to travel anywhere.
The Subaru Forester is renowned for its roominess, standard all-wheel drive, and exceptional resale value. It is difficult to contest the Subaru Forester’s superiority in its market given its strong safety ratings.
The same holds if you decide to purchase a used car. When buying a pre-owned Subaru Forester, there are a few factors to take into account.
Let’s take a look at which Subaru Forester model years you need to avoid.
The Subaru Forester’s most problematic model years are 2014, 2015, and 2017.
The 2014 and 2015 Subaru Forester models are among the three most problematic. This is according to actual owner complaints on the Car Complaints website. The Subaru Forester has generally experienced the worst engine issues. The average engine problem costs $3,800 to repair and manifests itself after going 59,000 miles.
The 2014 model year has a poor rank on the Car Complaints website. This is because of increased repair costs and more issues at lesser mileage. This is even if the Subaru Forester 2015 model has received the highest number of complaints overall. The excessive oil consumption of the 2014 model has the largest press coverage.
2015 Subaru Forester
The engine of the Subaru Forester 2015 model has had complaints from over 170 owners. The check engine light blinking continuously, using too much oil, accelerating suddenly, having an engine die while driving, and others are examples.
The inside accessories of the 2015 Subaru Forester have also drawn criticism. This is particularly for issues with voice recognition and Bluetooth connectivity. Some owners claim that their computers have misled them into believing that their RAM is full when it isn’t.
2017 Subaru Forester
The 2017 Subaru Forester also has several defects, such as problems with the electrical, heating, cooling, and transmission systems. There are reports of various speeds of shaking, jerking, and hesitating. The car has a history of stalling out when accelerating and uses a lot of oil.
You need to be aware of these before purchasing a Subaru Forester.
A Subaru Forester’s lifespan can rise to 250,000 miles with regular maintenance.
If properly driven and cared for, the Subaru Forester may go between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. This demonstrates that with an average yearly mileage of 15,000 miles, you can anticipate the Subaru Forester to last 13 to 17 years. Because of its durability, this car can perform better than these averages with regular maintenance.
The Japanese automaker’s dedication to building enduring automobiles is demonstrated by the fact that certain original Forester models from 1997 are still in use today and that some Foresters with well over 300,000 miles on them still run on their original engines.
Keep in mind that a Subaru Forester with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer may be regarded as a dangerous buy if the previous owners did not perform the recommended maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Low Long Do Subaru Foresters Last
According to the manufacturer, a Subaru Forester will still be operating even after 200,000 to 250,000 miles if you perform regular maintenance such as changing the oil and tune-ups. And it’s rather typical to accomplish such goals without putting in a lot of effort.
How Many Miles Do Subaru Foresters Last
Throughout its 24-year of existence, the Subaru Forester got a reputation as a car with a 200,000-300,000-mile lifespan. Since the year 1998, Subaru Forester has earned a superb reputation among its loyal following. Early models were said to have a 300,000-mile lifespan.
What Are Common Problems With Subarus
The most frequent issue with Subarus is with the transmission, but other problems have been reported with the airbags, fuel pumps, windscreen, and electrical systems. Subaru has a long history of producing incredibly dependable cars, and that reputation is undoubtedly well-deserved.
