2011 Subaru Forester

The 2011 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, practicality, and reliability. Available engine options included a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The naturally aspirated engine produced 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged variant delivered 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners typically appreciate the Forester’s spacious interior, good visibility, and off-road capability. Common dislikes include the somewhat bland styling, the fuel economy of the turbocharged engine, and some reports of various mechanical issues as the vehicle ages.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some 2011 Foresters with the 2.5L engine experienced excessive oil consumption, often requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warning light, and in severe cases, engine knocking or failure.
  • Solution: Subaru issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) and extended warranty coverage for some affected vehicles. The recommended fix was often a piston ring replacement or a complete engine replacement in more severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The head gasket may fail, leading to coolant leaks, overheating, and potential engine damage. Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, and engine misfires.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets and resurfacing of the cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger may fail, leading to reduced engine power, increased exhaust smoke, and potential engine damage. Symptoms include whining noises from the engine, loss of boost, and check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners sometimes report harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between gears. This can be due to wear and tear on the transmission components, low transmission fluid, or issues with the valve body.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change might improve the condition, but valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be necessary for severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for fluid flush, $800 - $2,500+ for valve body or rebuild.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Strut Mount Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear in the rear strut mounts causes a knocking or clunking noise, especially when driving over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive battery drain, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods. This can be due to a parasitic draw from an electrical component.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw, which may involve replacing a faulty sensor, module, or wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Wheel Arches
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rust developing on the rear wheel arches, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads.
  • Solution: Rust repair and repainting of the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on the severity of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the sunroof, including sticking, failing to open or close properly, or leaking.
  • Solution: Sunroof track lubrication and adjustment or replacement of sunroof motor or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the issue and required parts.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2011 Subaru Forester has a reputation for reliability, however, some issues can occur. The most significant concerns revolve around the 2.5L engine, particularly excessive oil consumption and head gasket failure. These repairs can be costly, especially if engine replacement is required. Other issues, such as suspension noise and sunroof malfunctions, are less severe but still warrant attention. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s service history, pay close attention to any symptoms of these common problems, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.