2011 Subaru Forester

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/20/2016· AIR BAGS

  TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

• 12/14/2014· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES

  WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (CEL) IS ACTIVATED BY AN EMISSION CONTROL FAILURE SUBARU HAS PROGRAMMED A SHUT DOWN OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (AS WELL AS SHUT DOWN OF CRUISE CONTROL). THIS ABS SHUT DOWN COULD OCCUR FOR A SIMPLE LOOSE GAS CAP WHICH IS COMMON CAUSE OF CEL FAILURE. THE SECTION 3-16 ON CEL WARNING LIGHT/MALFUNCTION INDICATOR DOES NOT INFORM THE OWNER THAT A CEL EVENT WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISABLING OF THE ABS. THE DRIVER FINDS THIS OUT ONLY BECAUSE THE CEL IS ACCOMPANIED BY BLINKING CRUISE LIGHT AND STEADILY ILLUMINATED ABS LIGHT. PER OWNER MANUAL SECTION 7-23 FOR 2011 FORESTER WHEN THE ABS IS DISABLED THE CAR/DRIVER/PASSENGERS ARE A RISK OF LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND DIRECTIONAL STABILITY. THREE CEL EVENTS OCCURRED FROM JUNE 2013 TO DECEMBER 2014 FOR SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE THERMOSTAT WAS NOT TO BE REPLACED PER SERVICE BULLETIN 09-56-13/10/21/13 UNTIL ECM RE-PROGRAMMING OCCURRED. THEREFORE I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE WITHOUT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 3 TIMES 6/13; 8/14 AND 12/14 UNTIL REPAIRS COULD BE SCHEDULED. I AM REQUESTING THAT SUBARU NOT BE ALLOWED TO DISABLE THE ABS FOR CEL/EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. THIS IS BECAUSE I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE UNPREDICTABLE CEL EVENTS SOME DURING WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR WHICH ABS FUNCTION WAS CRITICAL. THE THERMOSTAT AND GASKET ASSEMBLY WEE REPLACED.

• 12/11/2015· ENGINE

  MY SUBARU IS BEING TESTED FOR OIL CONSUMPTION USE, I RETURNED WITH 1 1/2 QUART LOW AFTER 948 MILES. TECH STATED IT WAS ON FULL AFTER IT WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE. IT WAS NOT CHECKED IN OUR PRESENCE. CAR HAS NO OIL SENSOR AND I FEAR THE MOTOR WILL LOCK UP & I DO NOT TRUST THE SUBARU DEALER NOW SINCE THEY DENIED ADDING OIL.

• 12/05/2017· STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINECrash

  WHEN I PARKING MY CAR INTO THE PARKING PLACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY GAVE A ROAR AND RUSHED INTO SOMEONE'S BACKYARD. ALTHOUGH I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS DEEP AS POSSIBLE, THE CAR RUSHED AROUND 10 METERS(?) AND FULLY STOPPED AFTER THE CAR HIT THE RODS OF WOOD STAIRCASE(TWO OF THE RODS OF STAIRCASE WAS BOKEN BY MY CAR). AT THAT MOMENT I JUST WANT SHIFT THE CAR FROM "D" TO "R" (BUT NOT YET), THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAPPENED TO THIS CAR. TIME: IT HAPPENED BETWEEN 2:30 TO 3:00 PM ON NOV 30, 2017. PLACE: RUSHED INTO THE BACKYARDS OF 8352 KAVANAGH RD, DUNDALK MD 21222, THIS BACKYARDS LOCATED ON SANDY PLAINS ROAD. CONSEQUENCE: 1. SCRATCHS TO FRONT BUMPER. 2. FRONT BUMPER BECAME LOOSE AFTER COLLISION HAPPENED TO THE ROD OF STAIRCASE. 3. I HAVE STIFF MUSCLES ON BOTH THIGHS FOR TWO DAYS AFTER THIS ACCIDENT.

• 11/25/2014· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  DRIVEWAY ACROSS FROM TWO WAY STREETS, CHURCH AND MAIN STS. CARS PARKED ON EITHER SIDE OF DRIVEWAY, MAKING EXITING DIFFICULT AND PRECAUSIONS MUST BE TAKEN. UPDATED 5/1/15 *JS

• 11/22/2011· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AT 20 MPH AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STOPPED APPROXIMATELY FIVE FEET BEYOND WHERE SHE INTENDED TO STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. DURING THE SECOND FAILURE, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,500. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VIN WE HAVE IS INCORRECT. HOWEVER, SHE SUPPLIED THE CORRECT VIN TWICE, BUT IN ONCE CASE, THERE ARE TOO MANY NUMBERS AND THE SECOND CASE, THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH NUMBERS. UPDATED 02/06/12

• 11/14/2016· SEATS

  DRIVERS SEAT WELD BROKE CAUSING LEFT SIDE OF SEAT FRAME TO COLLAPSE.

• 11/13/2021· SEATS

  Front right side of driver’s seat has collapsed. Possibly due to a broken bracket or weld.

• 11/11/2024· SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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. I believe this reflexive action was solely attributable to my long history driving manual transmissions which "teaches" your brain that as an alternative to using the brake you can clutch [or if necessary "pop"] to neutral to disengage the engine from the wheels to control the vehicle. People without manual transmission experience would probably keep pressing the brake as their only option to regain control. The car stopped but the engine continued to rev at high rpms for a few moments then returned to normal rpms. No damages. This has never happened before and I was unable to duplicate the sequence of events which I tried to do immediately after the incident. I thought the gas pedal might be mechanically compromised ... for example by the floor mat ... but found no evidence of that. The incident remains a mystery mechanically, so all I can surmise is some electrical issue.

• 11/03/2014· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  WHILE BACKING UP (CAR IN REVERSE) AT ABOUT 5 MPH, ACCELERATION OCCURRED MAKING THE CAR GO BACKWARDS VERY FAST. PRESSING THE BRAKE PAD TO THE GROUND HAD NO AFFECT. THE CAR, REVERSING OUT OF CONTROL, SIDE-SWIPED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. CAR FINALLY BACKED UP INTO A HUGE FORKLIFT WHICH WENT THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW AND STOPPED THE CAR. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT THE SUBARU FORESTER WAS TOTALED. *TR

• 11/02/2014· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  PASSENGER LOW BEAM LIGHT CONTINUES TO BURN OUT. *TR

• 10/31/2016· AIR BAGS

  TAKATA RECALL. MY SUBARU DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS / AIR BAG IS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL END OF YEAR. THEY DIRECTED ME TO THEIR 1-800 NUMBER BUT I KEEP ON BEING PLACE ON HOLD AND CAN'T GET THRU. I HAVE A FAMILY OF 4 AND IT'S BEEN EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT TO NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE SIT A FRONT PASSENGER. WHEN WILL THE PARTS BE AVAILABLE? WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS A VEHICLE OWNER? IS THERE ANYWAY TO EXPEDITE THE REPLACEMENT?

• 10/28/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHERFire

  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

• 10/26/2016· AIR BAGS

  TAKATA RECALL NO RESPONSE FROM SUBARU. I CANNOT HAVE A FRONT SEAT PASSANGER-POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH. WHAT CAN I DO?

• 10/23/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMCrash

  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. It smells like burning oil constantly.

• 10/23/2018· ENGINE

  FAILED CONSUMPTION OIL TEST. ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED .I WAS TOLD BY SUBARU THAT THEIR WAS NO RECALL .MY SECOND SUBARU FORESTER 2013 HAD SAME PROBLEM AND ITS ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED.

• 10/19/2017· ENGINE

  MY 2011 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 65,700 MILES ON IT IS SLUGGISH INTO GEAR WHEN FIRST STARTING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION ($5500+). I THINK THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. I READ IN FORBES THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY (SEE HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2017/07/07/FACING-COMPLAINTS-SUBARU-OFFERS-EXTENDED-WARRANTIES-ON-1-5-MILLION-VEHICLES/#662FD3AC79DC) AND WONDER IF THIS COVERS MY VEHICLE?

• 10/16/2014· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AFTER EVERY OIL CHANGE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

• 10/15/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINCrash

  ON 5/24/11, WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, MY FORESTER WAS HIT BROADSIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT RAN A RED LIGHT. THE IMPACT OF THE SPEEDING VEHICLE CAUSED THE FORESTER TO SPIN 360 DEGREES AND FLIP-OVER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I WAS LEFT TRAPPED INSIDE THE FORESTER AND WITNESSES POINTED OUT THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO RUN AFTER THE FORESTER FLIPPED OVER. APPARENTLY THERE IS NO ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION KILL SWITCH. FURTHERMORE, THERE IS NO INTERIOR RELEASE OF THE REAR HATCH. AS A RESULT I REMAINED TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND CONCERNED ABOUT A GASOLINE LEAK AND POSSIBLE EXPLOSION. I WAS EVENTUALLY REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE BY EMTS AND BROUGHT TO THE HOSPITAL. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF SIMILAR ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN A REMOTE AREA OR IF THE DRIVER WAS MORE SERIOUSLY INJURED, MORE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE RESULTED. *TR

• 10/13/2016· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE EMITTED A STRONG BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL ON THE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD, VALVE COVER GASKET, CAMSHAFT, SPARKS PLUGS, AND ENGINE COVER SEALS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE ENGINE OIL CONTINUED TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

• 10/11/2016· SERVICE BRAKES

  SOFT BRAKE PEDAL THAT CONTINUES DOWN TO FLOOR AFTER PRESSURE APPLIED ; ESPECIALLY WHEN ENGINE COLD OR WHEN ON AN INCLINE. FIRST BROUGHT TO SUBARU OF NEW BERN, N.C. ON AUGUST 8, 2016 WHERE THEY REPLACED BRAKE FLUID. PROBLEM CONTINUED; ON SEPT. 13, 2016 THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED UNDER EXTENTED WARRANTEE. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS; SERVICE MANAGER DROVE CAR AND AGREED WITH MY COMPLAINT. HE ALSO DROVE A 2015 MODEL AND SAME THING HAPPENED. ON SEPT. 27TH, MANAGER AUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT AGAIN OF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND VACUUM BOOSTER PUMP. PARTS ORDERED. TODAY IS OCTOBER 11TH, AND NO PARTS RECEIVED YET. SUBARU OF AMERICA, CHERRY HILL, N.J. HAS BEEN NOTIFIED 9-15-16, BUT NO ACTION TAKEN YET.

• 10/11/2012· ENGINE

  PURCHASED CAR NEW 12/2010, DEALER TOLD ME IT USED SYN OIL AND ONLY NEEDED TO BE CHANGED EVERY 7500 MILES. 03/2011 THE CAR HAD 4300 MILES AND WHEN I CHECKED THE OIL IT WAS NOT SHOWING ON THE DIPSTICK. DEALER DID NOT TELL ME THAT THE FORESTERS USE OIL. IT WAS OVER 2 QUARTS LOW. IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS NOW AND SUBARU HAS STILL DONE NOTHING FOR MY CAR. ALL THEY TOLD ME WAS IT'S IN YOUR OWNERS MANUAL AND THEY USE A QT EVERY 1200 MILES. THIS IS CRAZY FOR A NEW CAR. 6 QTS FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND 5 QTS IN BETWEEN. CAN'T DEPEND ON THIS CAR. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON LONG TRIPS. ENGINE IS VERY NOISY. SUBARU DECEIVED ME AT TIME OF PURCHASE, I WOULD NEVER BOUGHT A CAR THAT USES OIL LIKE THIS. *TR

• 10/04/2011· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN BRAKING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN OCCURRENCE OF ABNORMAL ACCELERATION AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FOUNDATION OF A BUILDING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.

• 10/03/2016· AIR BAGS

  TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 09/29/2023· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  unintended sudden acceleration defects without warning without driver input. I could kill & be killed. It can happen again! I backed up a little in an angle moving away from parking. Suddenly, without any warning, the car took off and frantically flew backward, passing a stop sign (offense), crossing the main road 4 lanes, perpendicular to the marked lanes (offense), mounted on the sidewalk and landed on a private property breaking bushes. It happened sooo fast! I could not figure out what happened! If a car was travelling in the main road, both of us might have been seriously injured or died! The police gave me a citation for two civil offenses and “negligently operating MV” which is a criminal offense. The Police demanded to suspend my license! I am scheduled by the police for a court hearing, demanding to issue a criminal claim against me, arraign me as a criminal and stand a criminal trial! I few days ago I backed up in an angle out of my driveway to Rte-9 which is a major Road/highway as I have been doing for years with no problem. The same phenomena happened: the car accelerated frantically, turned in a circle and stopped by hitting a telephone pole! If the car approaching did not stop I found out that numerous complaints and more than one law-suit filed against Subaru 2012-2018. Mine is 2011. Thousands of dollars in legal fees, being sued for property damages, getting driving points, increased insurance for years, badly damaging my car. This might happen! Should I even touch this car again?

• 09/26/2016· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

  TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS) AND 12V099000 (SEAT BELTS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 09/21/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  THE REMOTE STARTER STARTS THE IGNITION AFTER ONE, TWO, THREE, OR 4 PRESSES. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MANY OCCASIONS.

• 09/20/2011· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  2011 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATES FUEL FILLER NECK IS RUSTED AND THERE IS NO FLAPPER ON TOP OF THE NECK *TGW 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. *JB

• 09/18/2014· ENGINE

  OIL LEAKING FROM VALVE COVERS. IT IS CHRONIC ACROSS OTHER MODELS. JUST SEARCH REPAIR HISTORIES OF SUBARU BOXER ENGINES. *TR

• 09/16/2020· AIR BAGS,ENGINE

  2011 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES RECEIVED FOR VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIRS. *JS

• 09/16/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE SUN VISOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FELL ON ITS OWN, OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW. WHEN I PUSHED IT BACK UP IT PROMPTLY FELL BACK DOWN - IT WOULD NOT STAY IN ANY OTHER POSITION BUT HANGING STRAIGHT DOWN. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND GET A SCREW DRIVER TO REMOVE THE VISOR TO KEEP IT FROM OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW. NOW MY DRIVER SIDE VISOR IS STARTING TO NOT STAY COMPLETELY UP AGAINST THE CEILING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN TWO WAYS, ONE BECAUSE IT DOES NOT STAY UP AND OBSTRUCTS MY VIEW, AND TWO IT CAN NOT BE USED AS A SUN VISOR (AS INTENDED) TO KEEP THE SUN FROM BLINDING ME. MY VEHICLE IS ONLY FOUR-YEARS OLD; I DID CONTACT THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL, AND IT IS NOT COVERED AS A SAFETY ISSUE. SINCE BOTH OF MY VISORS APPEAR TO BE BAD, I BELIEVE THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW AND A LOT OF VEHICLES WILL START HAVING THIS PROBLEM.

• 09/15/2022· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer performed an oil consumption test and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 02-157-14R (Surface Treatment Change to Oil Control Piston Rings) however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

• 09/15/2020· ENGINE

  WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THE INTAKE VALVE SPRING BROKE AND DROPPED THE VALVE INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR

• 09/15/2014· ENGINE

  ENGINE BEGAN MAKING LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. I PULLED OFF AND PARKED AND CALLED FOR TOW TRUCK. DEALER SERVICE REPORTS THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 63,000 MILES AND GETS REGULAR MAINTENANCE. EACH TIME I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED, THE ENGINE IS A QUART LOW. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. THIS IS HARD TO BELIEVE FOR A MODERN VEHICLE WITH REDUCED (PARTIAL ZERO) EMISSIONS. I CHECK THE OIL REGULARLY AND AM SHOCKED THAT SUBARU SELLS CARS WITH ENGINES THAT BARELY LIVE PAST THE 60000 MILE DRIVE-TRAIN WARRANTY. SOMETHING IS FUNDAMENTALLY DEFECTIVE WITH THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF SUBARU'S ENGINES IF THIS IS HOW THEY ARE ENGINEERED TO PERFORM. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ONLINE AND MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I AM FORTUNATE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE SAFELY. SUCH A SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE COULD VERY EASILY HAVE ENDED IN A CRASH. *TR

• 09/13/2019· POWER TRAIN

  THE IGNITION KEY STARTS THE CAR, BUT STICKS IN THE IGNITION AFTER DRIVING TO DESTINATION AND PUTTING IT IN PARK. THE PROBLEM IS PERSISTENT BUT INTERMITTENT. IT TYPICALLY REPEATS IN THE MORNING AFTER THE FIRST DRIVE OF THE DAY. CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE KEY OUT AND HAVE TO RETURN HOME. AFTER DRIVING AND MUCH JIGGLING THE KEY WILL EVENTUALLY COME OUT. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED A PART IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT HE CALL THE "SHIFTER PLATE," TO THE TUNE OF $550, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.

• 09/12/2016· STRUCTURE

  INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR CAME LOOSE AND DANGLED FROM THE ELECTRIC CORD IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S VISION. THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE MIRROR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.

• 09/09/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  MY CAR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND AT LEAST 2 OTHER CARS AT AROUND 4:45 P.M. ON 9-8-14. MY ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED RACING AND PULLING MY CAR TOWARD THE CAR SITTING IN FRONT OF MINE. I ALREADY HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE BECAUSE I WAS STOPPED. I PRESSED EVEN HARDER ON THE BRAKE AS THE CAR TOOK OFF OUT OF MY CONTROL. THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING AND MY CAR CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE. *TR

• 09/08/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 472 MILES. CALLED DEALER REPAIR, WHICH INSTATED THAT IT WAS JUST THE GAS CAP LOOSE, WHICH HE HAD US REMOVE AND RETIGHTEN. WE WERE ADVISED TO KEEP DRIVING IT AND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD EVENTUALLY GO OUT. WE DROVE IT FOR A FEW MORE DAYS AND THEN HAD TWO DIFFERENT LOCAL MECHANICS SHOPS CHECK THE CODE ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. BOTH SAID THAT THE ENGINE WAS MISFIRING, EITHER RANDOM MISFIRE, OR MISFIRE ON CYLINDERS 3 AND 4. WE CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN, WHO SAID THAT THE MECHANICS DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING AND WERE WRONG, BUT THAT WE SHOULD BRING THE CAR IN NEXT WEEK. WE BROUGHT THE CAR IN ON 8/30/11, WITH ABOUT 872 MILES NOW ON IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. THE DEALER CHECKED THE CAR AND SAID THE SOME CAM SHAFT ADJUSTERS WERE NOT SET PROPERLY AT THE FACTORY AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO ADD A SHIM KIT TO CORRECT THIS! (ON A NEW CAR!) THE NEXT DAY, CAR STILL DIDN'T WORK, THEY HAD TO CALLED SUBARU MANUFACTURER AND TRIED AT LEAST 5 OTHER PROCEDURES AND CAR STILL DOESN'T WORK. THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD AS A NEW CAR. THEY HAVE HAD THE COVER OVER 10 DAYS NOW AND STILL NOT FIXED. WE JUST WANT A NEW CAR, AND GET OUT OF THAT ONE. PLEASE HELP. *TR

• 09/05/2018· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SIERRA SUBARU OF MONROVIA (735 E CENTRAL AVE, MONROVIA, CA 91016, (800)-351-3188) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO PAY $1,000 TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

• 09/03/2019· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  WHILE PARKING IN A STORE'S LOT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I KEPT APPLYING THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP I ENDED UP CRASHING THROUGH A FENCE AND FALLING DOWN A 10 FOOT EMBANKMENT. *DT *TR

• 09/01/2017· ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN PORTLAND OREGON AND STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE GOING UP A SLIGHT HILL I NOTICED AN AWFUL SMELL LIKE BURNING OIL OR TRANNY FLUID. I PICKED UP A FAMILY MEMBERS TO GO TO AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY SMELLED IT ALSO. IT WENT AWAY AS I CONTINUED BUT THEN NEXT HILL AND THE SMELL CAME BACK PRETTY STRONG. I FOUND A SUBARU DEALER/SERVICE DEPT. NEAR BY AND DROVE THERE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT ENGINE SEAL AND CAM CARRIERS WERE LEAKING OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST. I ASKED IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY SAID NOT TOO FAR BECAUSE ITS LEAKING OIL. NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO MY NORMAL SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. AND THEY VERIFIED WHAT THE OTHER SERVICE DEPT. HAD TOLD ME WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SAYING IT WAS OK TO DRIVE IT. THEY COULDN'T GET ME IN FOR AT LEAST A WEEK. MY SUBARU FORESTER ONLY HAS 61,738 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE NEVER MISSED A MAINTENANCE SERVICE. I'M AFRAID NOW BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED A FEW MONTHS AGO AND I LOST MY JOB OF 10 YEARS JUST BEFORE TURNING 62. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT SUBARU WAS A GOOD LONG LASTING CAR. I'VE LOOKED AND IT APPEARS THAT REPAIRS COULD BE AS MUCH AS $2300. IT ALSO APPEARS FROM MY RESEARCH THAT THESE ENGINES HAVE OIL LEAK PROBLEMS AS WELL AS OTHER SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR THIS REPAIR. THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING. WHY ISN'T THERE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FOR THESE ENGINES AND ALL THE MONEY ITS COSTING ALL THESE FOLKS BECAUSE OF FAILURES. I AM A QUALITY REP FOR THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY AND THIS JUST WOULDN'T BE ACCEPTABLE IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM!

• 09/01/2013· SERVICE BRAKES

  TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR 30K MAINTENANCE. WHEN I PICKED IT UP DEALER HAD CHANGED BRAKE FLUID (BRAKES HAD BEEN FUNCTIONING PERFECTLY PRIOR). WHEN LEAVING DEALER LOT BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND I WENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY ONCOMING VEHICLE DODGED ME. I PUMPED PEDAL AND GOT BRAKES AND WENT BACK INTO DEALERSHIP. THEY BLED BRAKES AND SAID IT WAS READY. WHEN BACKING OUT OF SPACE BRAKE PEDAL AGAIN WENT TO FLOOR BUT VEHICLE STOPPED. I CALLED A SERVICE WRITER OVER AND SHOWED HIM PEDAL ON FLOOR. I LEFT CAR AND NEW MASTER CYLINDER WAS ORDERED AND INSTALLED NEXT DAY. I WENT TO PICK UP VEHICLE AND AGAIN PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND I HAD ANOTHER SERVICE WRITER WITNESS IT. TOOK PIC WITH CELL PHONE. SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO FLOOR IF ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING AND WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I TOLD HIM ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND BRAKE PEDAL SHOULD NEVER GO TO FLOOR IF ENGINE RUNNING OR NOT. IF BOOSTER BLEEDS DOWN PEDAL MAY GO SOMEWHAT LOWER THAN NORMAL. PEDAL HAD NEVER WENT ANYWHERE NEAR FLOOR BEFORE. I REFUSED TO DRIVE CAR AS I DEEMED IT DANGEROUS. IF PEDAL WAS PUMPED IT WOULD COME TO NORMAL POSITION. HE FINALLY AGREED TO CONTACT SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE TO LOOK AT IT NEXT WEEK. IF I HAD NOT HAD MECHANICAL BACKGROUND AND HAD LISTENED TO HIM AND DROVE A CAR WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO TO FLOOR WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE RESULTS? AT NO TIME EVEN AFTER I MENTIONED IT WAS THE ABS SYSTEM CHECKED FOR AIR TO MY KNOWLEDGE. NORMAL BLEEDING AT WHEELS WILL NOT REMOVE AIR FROM MASTER CYLINDER OR ABS SYSTEM. NOTE: BY "PEDAL GOING TO FLOOR" THE PEDAL ARM HITS FLOOR/CARPET AND PEDAL CAN GO NO LOWER. I AM WAITING FOR THE SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT CAR AT THIS POINT. I EMAILED SUBARU, BUT THEY DID NOT SEEMED TOO CONCERNED. *JS

• 08/22/2016· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL AT A HIGHER RATE THAN NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING A QUARTER OF OIL EVERY THOUSAND MILES, WHICH CAUSED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TO SURPASS SUGGESTED AMOUNTS BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE PCV VALVE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BURN OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED OTHER LEAKS WERE THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THE LOCATIONS WERE NOT SPECIFIED. THE DEALER PLACED A SHORT BLOCK ENGINE INTO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A PENDING LAWSUIT RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 938.

• 08/19/2019· ENGINE

  UNKNOWN ORIGIN. VEHICLE EMITS STRONG FOUL BURNING OIL/RUBBER SMELL. SUBARU HAS CHECKED USING AN OIL LEAK TEST SHOWS IT IS NOT BURNING OIL. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER SMELL COMPLAINTS, BUT SUBARU SAYS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE CAUSE IS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS COMPLAINT, BUT SAYS IT IS RELATED TO AN OIL LEAK. PEOPLE NEARBY MAKE COMMENTS ABOUT THE FOUL SMELLING SUBARU.

• 08/18/2023· ENGINE

  We have come to learn that our 2011 Forester with 95,229 miles is now burning (internally) oil at an alarming rate. The car was making a funny noise so we had it towed to the dealership and they found it was low by 4.8 quarts of oil. The last oil change was at 91,749 and this issue was discovered at 95,229 or 3480 miles driven and 4.8 quarts of oil is "missing". The dealer advised there is no signs of leaks from under the car and where we have it parked, there are no oil spots on the pavement. I have come to learn that in August 2014 then again in April 2016 there was a service bulletin on this engine due to oil consumption. The notice indicated that they (Subaru) was extending the powertrain warranty to 8 years / 100,000 miles. Sadly, we are past the 8 years but not the 100,000 miles.

• 08/18/2016· AIR BAGS

  TAKATA RECALL. I WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL SEVERAL WEEKS AGO AND TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE NOTIFICATION TOLD ME NOT TO USE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL WHENEVER THE PARTS MIGHT BECOME AVAILABLE (WHEN? MONTHS? YEARS?). MEANWHILE I CANNOT USE THE VEHICLE AS INTENDED AS A 5 SEAT FAMILY CAR. IS THIS NOT A VIOLATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY? I WANT TO USE THE CAR FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IS WAS SOLD AND NOT BE TOLD THAT I HAVE TO STOP USING IT FOR THAT PURPOSE WITH NO INDICATION OF WHEN, IF EVER, THIS PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED. SUBARU NEEDS TO STEP UP AND GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF.

• 08/17/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING DOWN TO QUEENS TO SEE MY WIFE'S FAMILY AND AS SOON AS I PASSED A TRUCK I HEARD SOMETHING HIT MY CAR. AS SOON AS I GOT INTO LONG ISLAND, I HEARD THE ENGINE REVVING AS IF IT WERE A DIESEL ENGINE. I STOPPED AT A SHOP AND THEY LISTENED TO IT AND SAID THAT IT IS AN INTERNAL ISSUE IN THE ENGINE AND NOT TO DRIVE IT. THEY HELPED ME OUT BY FINDING THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP AND THEY CALLED. THE GUY FROM THE SHOP CALLED SUBARU AND THEY TOLD HIM TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEIR SHOP. THAT WAS MESSED UP, HAVE A NON PARTY CALL FOR A TOW?? THEN THE GUY TAKING MY ORDER, DIDN'T GIVE ME A RECEIPT NOR MY COPIES OF THE SERVICES FROM THE PAST. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH I AM ENTITLED TO A RENTAL CAR BUT WAS STUCK WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND NEEDED A VEHICLE TO GET BACK TO WORK WHICH I LIVE 3-1/2 HOURS AWAY FROM THE SHOP AND NOW I AM STUCK PAYING FOR TOLLS AND HAVE A HOLD ON MY CREDIT CARD BECAUSE OF SUBARU. ON FRIDAY I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CALL, I HAD TO CALL BECAUSE THEY NEVER CALLED ME BACK. THEN THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS THE ENGINE AND THEY HAVE TO DROP THE OIL PAN ON MONDAY. THE WORST THING IS THAT I HAD REPORTED ENGINE PROBLEMS AT 47,000 MILES WHICH I HAVE IT DOCUMENTED FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOTHING.... JUST LIKE ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAD WITH MY WINDOW IN THE PAST... AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON IN THE PAST.... NOW AFTER THIS MAJOR ISSUE THEY WANT MORE PAPERWORK... THIS IS JUST MESSED UP. *TR

• 08/13/2022· AIR BAGS

  I have tried to get the recall on airbag replaced to no avail, just alot of lip service and never any follow-up on repair of air bag. I am extremely ticked off that the very last current notification by mail this july 2022. I included a copy of it where it states DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO SIT IN FRONT-PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE AIRBAG RECALL REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON YOUR VEHICAL. This say to me that Subaru is covering the butts by telling me it will be my fault if injury occurs yet subaru skirts around not repairing on Recall Code TKB19. Relieves them of no responsibilty. Also this notification clearly states alternative transportation options- loaner car, round trip towing, shuttles. I have yet had anyone call or address this issue other then telling me to text "FIX" or call 800 number which I have done quite a few times. I would appreciate that you will respond to me that you will do something other then ignoring me. You will be sure that if anything happens there will be an attorney involved. Subaru needs to honor this Recall or why even bother to send out notices constantly .

• 08/12/2012· ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY HEARD A VERY LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND THEN STOPPED. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP. THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ONE OF THE CONNECTING RODS PUNCTURED THE ENGINE BLOCK WHICH CAUSED ENGINE OIL TO SHOOT THROUGH THE HOLE ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK, MELTING THE WIRING, AND CAUSING THE SMOKE. *TR

• 08/07/2018· SERVICE BRAKES

  "TAKATA RECALL" I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN A REGULAR PARKING SPACE.ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUMPED THE CURB . ONLY A TREE STOPPED THE CAR.THEIR WAS DAMAGE ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR.TWO OTHER TIMES THE CAR JUMPED WHEN I WAS PARKING BUT NOT AS BAD AS WHEN I HIT THE TREE.I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. ALL THREE TIMES I WAS TRYING TO PARK.