2011 Subaru Forester Problems: 5 Known Issues
2011 model year · 3,200+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 2011 Subaru Forester has 5 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.5L FB engine — bulletin 02-157-14R, Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall ($0-$0 repair), Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255) ($1,500-$3,500 repair), EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT) ($4,000-$8,000 repair) and Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738) ($0-$120 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.5L FB engine — bulletin 02-157-14R with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $1,500 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls20 recalls
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
EQUIPMENT
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
SEAT BELTS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.
+ 15 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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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 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.5L FB engine — bulletin 02-157-14R, Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall, Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2011 Subaru Forester has 5 known issues documented across 3,200+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.5L FB engine — bulletin 02-157-14R and Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (PSAN) — Safety Recall and Turbo Failure From Clogged Oil-Supply Banjo Bolt Filter (Forester XT, EJ255) and EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT) and Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738). 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. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2011-2015 Subaru Forester Excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.5L FB engine — bulletin 02-157-14R?
Subaru extended powertrain coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on certain 2.5L FB engines, defined as more than one-third of a quart (10.6 fluid ounces) in 1,200 miles by an oil consumption test; some oil consumption is normal. Applies to: 2011-2014 Subaru Forester with… Severity: high.
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 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 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 Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Failure — Overheat / Fire Risk (Turbo XT, Recall WTM-73 / NHTSA 16V-738)?
On turbocharged Forester XT models, the relay controlling the secondary air injection (SAI) pump can fail in the closed position, leaving the air pump running continuously. Sustained operation overheats the pump, which can melt surrounding components and create a fire risk even w… Repairs typically run $0-$120. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.