What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall?

Certain 2009-2013 Foresters are equipped with a Takata-sourced front passenger frontal airbag inflator using non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN). Over years of exposure to heat and humidity, moisture intrusion can degrade the propellant so the inflator over-pr… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2013 Subaru Forester EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT)?

The turbocharged EJ255 has thin, cast-piston ringlands that crack under detonation. The large bore, high cylinder temperatures and a flat oil pan that lets oil slosh away from the pickup under cornering make the engine vulnerable: a single knock event (low-octane fuel, poor tune,… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255)?

The turbocharger oil-feed line on the EJ255 uses a banjo (union) bolt containing a fine mesh screen meant to keep debris out of the turbo. As the engine ages or oil-change intervals stretch, sludge and carbon clog the screen and starve the turbo of oil. The turbo bearing then ove… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Premature Front and Rear Wheel Bearing/Hub Failure (Faulty Backing Plate Design)?

Forester wheel bearings (both front and rear hub assemblies) fail prematurely, often well before 100,000 miles. The most consistent symptom is a low-pitched grinding, humming or 'airplane' droning noise from the affected corner that grows louder with speed; rear bearing wear is o… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2022 Subaru Forester Ignition Coil Failure Causing Misfire and Hard Cold-Weather Starting?

Coil-on-plug ignition coils on the Forester are a common failure point. As the coil's internal epoxy/resin cracks with heat and age, the coil produces erratic or insufficient spark, causing single-cylinder misfires, rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced fuel economy and… Repairs typically run $60-$350. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2021 Subaru Forester Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420) — Often Triggered by Oil-Burning Contamination?

Foresters commonly throw a P0420 'Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)' code and an illuminated check-engine light. While the converter itself is the part that degrades, the underlying root cause on FB25 Foresters is frequently the well-documented excessive-oil-con… Repairs typically run $200-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2024 Subaru Forester Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfires (FB25)?

The boxer engine's two valve covers face outward and sit low on each side, exposing the cork/rubber valve cover gaskets and the spark plug tube seals to heat cycling and the path of any leaking oil. As these seals harden and shrink, oil seeps out and visibly drips onto the exhaus… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2021 Subaru Forester Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping / Brake Judder — Steering-Wheel Shudder When Braking?

Foresters are prone to early front brake rotor distortion (thickness variation) that produces a pronounced pulsation/judder felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal when braking, often appearing at relatively low mileage. Owners across multiple generations report warped/ju… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2019 Subaru Forester Front CV Axle Boot Tearing and Grease Leak Causing Clicking on Turns?

The front CV (constant-velocity) axle boots on Foresters crack and tear with age and from suspension flex and road debris. Once the boot splits, grease slings out and dirt/water get in, so the now-dry CV joint wears and produces a clicking or popping that is loudest during tight,… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2018 Subaru Forester FB25 Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle?

The FB25's hydraulic timing-chain tensioners can bleed down overnight, so on a cold start the chain is momentarily slack and slaps the chain cover/guides, producing a metallic rattle for the first few seconds until oil pressure builds. A brief rattle is common; a rattle that pers… Repairs typically run $800-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Rear Suspension Bushing Clunk Over Bumps?

Foresters from 2009-2018 develop a persistent clunking or knocking noise from the rear suspension when going over bumps, rough roads, or speed bumps. The cause is worn rear lateral link bushings and rear stabilizer bar end links. The rubber bushings dry out and crack, allowing me… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: low.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Front Air/Fuel Ratio (Wideband O2) Sensor Heater Circuit Failure — P0031/P0037?

Foresters commonly throw front oxygen/air-fuel-ratio sensor heater-circuit codes (P0031 low, P0037 downstream) as the sensors age. The sensors live on the hot exhaust, so the wiring harness near them turns brittle and chafes, and the internal heater element degrades. The result i… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: low.

Subaru · Known Issues

2011 Subaru Forester Problems: 14 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2011 model year · 3,200+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2011 Subaru Forester has 14 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$4,500 repair), Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738) ($0-$120 repair), Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall ($0-$0 repair), EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT) ($4,000-$8,000 repair) and Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255) ($1,500-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2011 Subaru Forester has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738), Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2011 Subaru Forester has 14 known issues documented across 3,200+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738) and Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall and EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT) and Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2011-2018 Subaru Forester FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?

The 2.5L FB25 engine in 2011-2018 Foresters is widely reported for excessive oil consumption, often burning 1 quart every 1,000-1,500 miles. The root cause is defective piston rings that fail to maintain proper oil control. Subaru acknowledged the issue with TSB 02-157-14R and ex… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.

All 14 Known Issues

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

What is the 2011-2018 Subaru Forester FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?

What is the 2009-2013 Subaru Forester Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738)?

2011-2018 Subaru Forester: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption#

2004-2013 Subaru Forester: EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT)#

2009-2013 Subaru Forester: Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255)#

2009-2022 Subaru Forester: Ignition Coil Failure Causing Misfire and Hard Cold-Weather Starting#

2011-2024 Subaru Forester: Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfires (FB25)#

2011-2018 Subaru Forester: FB25 Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle#

2009-2013 Subaru Forester: Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738)#

2009-2013 Subaru Forester: Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Premature Front and Rear Wheel Bearing/Hub Failure (Faulty Backing Plate Design)#

2009-2019 Subaru Forester: Front CV Axle Boot Tearing and Grease Leak Causing Clicking on Turns#

2011-2021 Subaru Forester: Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420) — Often Triggered by Oil-Burning Contamination#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Front Air/Fuel Ratio (Wideband O2) Sensor Heater Circuit Failure — P0031/P0037#

2009-2021 Subaru Forester: Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping / Brake Judder — Steering-Wheel Shudder When Braking#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Rear Suspension Bushing Clunk Over Bumps#