2011 Subaru Forester Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2011 Subaru Forester
- Outscores the 2010 Subaru Forester by 3 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (major severity).
- Has 16 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
2011 Subaru Forester: Buy or Avoid?
The 2011 Subaru Forester stands as a practical and capable SUV, renowned for its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and robust safety credentials. However, its Achilles' heel lies within the 2.5L EJ series engine, which carries a well-documented risk of head gasket failures and excessive oil consumption, demanding vigilant monitoring and proactive maintenance from its owners.
Biggest Strengths
- Exceptional Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Strong crash test ratings and safety features
- Practical cargo space and good visibility
2011 Subaru Forester — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2011 Subaru Forester. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2011 Subaru Forester
16 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2011 Subaru Forester?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru Forester — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Forester. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2011s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2011 Subaru Forester
Parts and accessories matched to your 2011 Subaru Forester
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Frequently Asked Questions
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