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.
The 2011 Subaru Forester can be a great, capable vehicle, especially if you need its legendary AWD. However, its engine issues are a significant caveat. Buy one with a meticulous service history, evidence of proactive head gasket work, or be prepared to address these known problems. It's not a 'set it and forget it'…
Best Model Years
2014-2018 (re-designed with FB engine, addressing many EJ engine issues)
Years to Avoid
2006-2011 (most prone to EJ25 engine head gasket and oil consumption issues)
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 tend to fail first on the 2011 Subaru Forester, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The 2.5L naturally aspirated EJ engine is prone to external oil and coolant leaks from the head gaskets, typically due to original gasket material failing. Left unaddressed, this can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine damage.
Many 2011 Foresters, particularly with the EJ25 engine, experience higher-than-normal oil consumption between changes, often attributed to piston ring design. Regular oil level checks are critical to prevent low oil levels and subsequent…
Premature wear of front wheel bearings is a common complaint, often resulting in a noticeable humming or grinding noise at highway speeds. While not catastrophic, replacement can be costly if ignored.
2011 Subaru Forester Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2011 Subaru Forester most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the vehicle should still be in excellent condition, primarily requiring routine fluid changes, tire rotations, and general inspections. Minor issues are unlikely.
Maintenance Zone
Key maintenance items like spark plugs and differential fluids are due. This is also when some owners start noticing the initial signs of higher-than-normal oil consumption, making regular checks crucial.
Elevated Risk Zone
The 105,000-mile timing belt service looms, and head gasket issues often begin to manifest around this period. Be extra diligent in inspecting for leaks and monitoring fluid levels.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this point, the likelihood of significant engine work (head gaskets, excessive oil consumption related issues) increases substantially. Other wear items like suspension components and accessory drive systems will also need attention.
2011 Subaru Forester Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2011 Subaru Forester on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$500-800
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., wheel bearings, AC compressor)
How Long Does the 2011 Subaru Forester Last?
For a 2011 Forester, I'd generally recommend purchasing one that has either already had its head gaskets replaced with multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets, or has meticulous records showing extremely low oil consumption and no evidence of leaks. Low mileage isn't always better if the maintenance history is unknown, as t…
What 2011 Subaru Forester Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Excellent all-weather capability with Symmetrical AWD
- Great visibility and comfortable driving position
- Spacious cargo area for its size
- Strong safety ratings and a feeling of security
Common Frustrations
- Concerns over engine oil consumption
- Expensive head gasket repairs are common
- Interior materials feel a bit cheap/dated
- Road noise can be pronounced at highway speeds
Who Should Buy the 2011 Subaru Forester?
Best For
- Buyers in snowy or wet climates needing reliable traction
- Outdoor enthusiasts and light adventurers
- Safety-conscious families on a budget
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking ultimate long-term reliability with minimal fuss
- Those unwilling to meticulously check oil levels
How the 2011 Subaru Forester Compares to Rivals
The Forester offers superior AWD capability compared to many FWD-biased competitors, but its engine reliability lags behind class leaders like the CR-V and RAV4 of the same era.
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Rogue (CVT reliability issues)
- Ford Escape (some transmission issues in certain model years)
- Jeep Compass/Patriot (less refined, lower reliability scores)
Comparable To
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Hyundai Tucson
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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