2011 Subaru Forester Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 60 4 crash 4 fire 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, and the vehicle began to fill with smoke, prompting her to immediately stop and exit the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact observed that the vehicle had become engulfed in flames, and local emergency services were called. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was filed, but a police report was not filed. The contact was treated at an area…”
NHTSA complaint #11574868, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“A VEHICLE 2 CARS IN FRONT OF ME DROPPED A LOAD OF FREIGHT ON THE FREEWAY--POSSIBLE ONE LANE OVER. THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES, AND ONE MAY HAVE SWERVED INTO MY LANE. I WAS ABLE TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES AND SLOW TO ABOUT 15-20 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WITHIN 20 SECONDS OF HITTING THAT CAR, FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. WITHIN 2 MINUTES MY CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND THE PASSENGER CABIN WAS FULLY INVOLVED. THIS WAS AN ALMOST BRAND-NEW CAR WITH NO AFTERMARKET PARTS, AND LITTLE FRONT-END DAMAGE. IT SEEMS SUSPICIOUS THAT SU…”
NHTSA complaint #10461403, 2012 · crash · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A TICKING NOISE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN STOPPED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, RAISED THE HOOD, AND OBSERVED SMOKE AROUND THE DIPSTICK. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE OIL AND FOUND THAT THE RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS CLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTA…”
NHTSA complaint #10978799, 2017 · fire

Air Bags 29 1 crash

“PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE CVS DRUG STORE, PINE ISLAND RD AND DEL PRADO BLVD IN CAPE CORAL FL., PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS ON ACROSS THE PARKING LOT, HITTING A PARKED CAR HEAD ON. MY AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND MY CAR HIT THE PARKED CAR SO HARD IT DROVE IT OVER A CONCRETE BARRIER OUT OF THE LOT. THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR ALONE WAS $10,000. THE OTHER CAR WAS DESTROYED. I HAVE HAD SUBARU CARS FOR 33 YEARS. THIS FORESTER WAS MY 8TH SUBARU. WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, I WAS THROWN BACK, MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL. THE CAR KEPT RUNNING AFTER THE ACCIDEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10496757, 2012 · crash

“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 notifica…”
NHTSA complaint #11479163, 2022

“I have received multiple letters to fix my Subarus air bag. It was fixed once after a long wait for parts. The second required fix is proving hard to set up. I called a Subaru fix line, waited an hour while they try to schedule, then was disconnected. I called back, same long wait and they can not call you back if disconnected (I asked if they could as I was just disconnected and had to start over). I tried to explain to them in Hawaii we live on islands and cannot drive to other ones so it must be scheduled on my (Maui) island. They said they knew that (I even gave them the address of S…”
NHTSA complaint #11418892, 2021

Service Brakes 20 7 crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11253025, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A DEALER, BUT THE REMEDY WAS NOT EFFECTIVE. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE THE CONTACT'S FOOT WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10681476, 2014 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10631997, 2014 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 13 11 crash 1 injury

“Driving a 2011 Subaru Forester, about 5mph in traffic on city street when car suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated at full gas and rammed into truck in front of me, with no pressure on the gas pedal. Slamming on brakes and pulling on hand brake was not enough to override the unexpected and unasked-for acceleration. I can only imagine what would have happened if there were pedestrians or if I'd been going faster. Subaru should be absolutely ashamed - in researching this, I've learned that they KNOW that this happens, but refuse to create a recall. Shame on you, Subaru.”
NHTSA complaint #11467901, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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!…”
NHTSA complaint #11547379, 2023 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11253025, 2019 · crash

Unknown Or Other 12 3 crash 2 fire

“As I drove into my driveway smoke started coming out of engine compartment. Behind and under vehicle was a massive leak of either oil or transmission fluid. No warning lights were observed and vehicle was running fine while we were out. The entire vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames and burned to the ground before firefighters arrived.”
NHTSA complaint #11417991, 2021 · fire

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11366797, 2020 · fire

“I WAS PULLING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE (BRAKING) AT A SHOPPING CENTER WHEN MY SUBARU SUDDENLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY, TAKING MY CAR OVER THE CURB THROUGH A HEDGEROW AND INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE, AT WHICH TIME IT STOPPED. WITNESS CONFIRMED THE SUDDEN RAPID BOLTING OF THE CAR FORWARD FROM AN ALMOST STOPPED POSITION.”
NHTSA complaint #11218101, 2019 · crash

Electrical System 11 3 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11551440, 2023 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10631997, 2014 · crash

“PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL TRAIN STATION. CAR WAS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF. NOT SURE IF KEYS WERE IN IGNITION OR NOT. WHEN REACHING OVER TO GET HANDBAG AND TOTE I HEARD THE ENGINE REV UP VERY SUDDENLY AND LOUDLY, CAR JUMPED 6" CURB AND PROPELLED FORWARD ABOUT TWO FEET WHEN RIGHT FRONT BUMPER HIT TREE AND CAR STOPPED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS NOT INJURED. BEFORE I EVEN KNEW ABOUT THIS WEBSITE I TOLD THE ADJUSTER AND THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE CAR TOOK OFF ON ITS OWN. THE ONLY REACTION I GOT WAS STRANGE LOOKS. TOLD BY BODY SHOP THAT CAR WAS "TOTALLY FIXABLE" WITHIN TWO WEEKS. $7,00…”
NHTSA complaint #10523859, 2013 · crash

Power Train 8 1 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10430338, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Thousands of Subarus are developing leaking cam carriers which can cause the vehicles to stall due to oil loss. There are online threads with many, many owners reporting their vehicles developed this problem - many with low mileage. My vehicle developed the problem with about 40,000 miles on the odometer. This vehicle should be recalled. Dealerships are making a fortune fixing these vehicles, often charging close to $3,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11458730, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A. CRIVELLI SUBARU (768 ALLEGHENY BLVD, FRANKLIN, PA 16323) AND AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE RESULT CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO PARTIALLY COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000…”
NHTSA complaint #11405611, 2020

Structure 8 4 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“ON JUNE 8 2015 I ATTENDED A MEETING. WHEN THE MEETING ENDED AT 8 PM, IT WAS RAINING HARD. I HURRIED TO THE CAR, OPENED THE DRIVER?S DOOR WITH MY LEFT HAND AND SMACKED THE CORNER OF THE DOOR INTO MY LEFT EYEBROW. THE BLEEDING WAS SUBSTANTIAL, DRIPPING LARGE DROPS ONTO THE GROUND AND ONTO MY DRESS. A STRANGER STOPPED, ADVISING ME TO KEEP CONTINUAL PRESSURE ON THE WOUND UNTIL IT STOPPED BLEEDING. EVENTUALLY IT DID SO AND I DROVE HOME ONE-HANDED WITH THE OTHER KEEPING PRESSURE ON MY FOREHEAD. SINCE THE BLEEDING HAD ENDED, A PRESSURE BANDAGE KEPT IT STOPPED FOR THE NIGHT. THE BLACK EYE HAS FADED…”
NHTSA complaint #10734995, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

“CAR WAS BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 3RD FOR KNOCKING SOUND,I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE WHICH WAS REPLACED, CAR PICKED UP JUNE 10 AFTER REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. WHILE DRIVING ON JUNE 10TH IN THE EVENING, THE CAR BEGAN TO BUCK AND KICK AND NOT RESPOND TO PUSHING ON GAS PEDAL, AT ONE POINT STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND THEN SLOWED DOWN, PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTED THAT BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING OUT FROM HOOD. CAR BURNED SIGNIFICANTLY WHILE FIREFIGHTERS TRIED TO PUT IT OUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10604609, 2014 · fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11052597, 2017 · crash

Engine And Engine Cooling 7 2 crash 1 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10430338, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY HUSBAND PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU FORESTER IN MAY OF 2011 FOR ME WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 7 YEARS. IT WAS A BIG INVESTMENT FOR US AND I HAD HOPED TO DRIVE MY NEW SUBARU FORESTER 2011 FOR SEVERAL YEARS DOWN THE ROAD. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING IT, I NOTICED THE BRAKES TO BE DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY FASHION OR QUICKLY ENOUGH. I TOLD MY HUSBAND ALL THE TIME, WHO ALSO HAPPENS TO DRIVE MY CAR, ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT ITS BRAKES. I HAD MY VEHICLE REGULARLY SERVICED AS PER THE COMPANIES WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS AND AT ONLY AUTHORIZED SUBARU SERVICE & DEALERSHIP CENTERS. I RE…”
NHTSA complaint #10567203, 2013 · crash

“The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that she noticed an abnormal odor coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the seals needed to be replaced. Additionally, the spark plug gaskets and gasket rocker needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer removed the engine and replaced both cam carrier covers. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle for the next three years and experienced a recurrence of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11449902, 2020

Seat Belts 7 2 crash

“PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE CVS DRUG STORE, PINE ISLAND RD AND DEL PRADO BLVD IN CAPE CORAL FL., PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS ON ACROSS THE PARKING LOT, HITTING A PARKED CAR HEAD ON. MY AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND MY CAR HIT THE PARKED CAR SO HARD IT DROVE IT OVER A CONCRETE BARRIER OUT OF THE LOT. THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR ALONE WAS $10,000. THE OTHER CAR WAS DESTROYED. I HAVE HAD SUBARU CARS FOR 33 YEARS. THIS FORESTER WAS MY 8TH SUBARU. WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, I WAS THROWN BACK, MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL. THE CAR KEPT RUNNING AFTER THE ACCIDEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10496757, 2012 · crash

“I HAD PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU FORESTER IN AUGUST OF 2011 WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 7 YEARS. IT WAS A BIG INVESTMENT FOR ME AND I HAD HOPED TO DRIVE MY NEW SUBARU FORESTER 2011 FOR SEVERAL YEARS DOWN THE ROAD. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING IT, I NOTICED THE BRAKES TO BE DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY FASHION OR QUICKLY ENOUGH. MY WIFE, WHO ALSO HAPPENS TO DRIVE MY CAR, ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT ITS BRAKES. I HAD MY VEHICLE REGULARLY SERVICED AS PER THE COMPANIES WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS AND AT ONLY AUTHORIZED SUBARU SERVICE & DEALERSHIP CENTERS. I BROUGHT THE DEFECTIVE BRAKES TO TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10494780, 2012 · crash

“THIS IS AN OLDER CAR BUT STILL SERVICEABLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES ACCOMPANIED BY A SEATBELT WARMING, WHENEVER A PASSENGER IS SEATED AND THE CAR IS MOVING. ALSO A MESSAGE LIGHT INDICATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A SUBARU DEALER TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE. THE ONLY REMEDY OFFERED WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT AT A COST EXCEEDING $2000. NOT COST EFFECTIVE FOR WHAT AMOUNTS TO DEFECTIVE WEIGHT SENSORS. WE HAVE NOTED THAT NEWER SUBAR'S HAVE HAD THE SENSORS RECALLED. WE REQUEST THAT THE RECALL BE EXTENDED TO ALL AFFECTED SUBARU VEHICLES.”
NHTSA complaint #11301541, 2017

Exterior Lighting 4 1 crash

“PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL TRAIN STATION. CAR WAS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF. NOT SURE IF KEYS WERE IN IGNITION OR NOT. WHEN REACHING OVER TO GET HANDBAG AND TOTE I HEARD THE ENGINE REV UP VERY SUDDENLY AND LOUDLY, CAR JUMPED 6" CURB AND PROPELLED FORWARD ABOUT TWO FEET WHEN RIGHT FRONT BUMPER HIT TREE AND CAR STOPPED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS NOT INJURED. BEFORE I EVEN KNEW ABOUT THIS WEBSITE I TOLD THE ADJUSTER AND THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE CAR TOOK OFF ON ITS OWN. THE ONLY REACTION I GOT WAS STRANGE LOOKS. TOLD BY BODY SHOP THAT CAR WAS "TOTALLY FIXABLE" WITHIN TWO WEEKS. $7,00…”
NHTSA complaint #10523859, 2013 · crash

“BRAKE SWITCH WENT BAD. NO TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, OR 4 WAYS. DURING A 300 MILE TRIP, PART OF WHICH WAS IN THE DARK. WAS STOPPED BY STATE POLICE AND TOWED TO DEALERSHIP (TOYOTA OF SCRANTON) WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10568167, 2014

“PASSENGER LOW BEAM LIGHT CONTINUES TO BURN OUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10651920, 2013

Fuel/Propulsion System 4 1 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11551440, 2023 · crash

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11624510, 2024

“ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP THE ENGINE HAS SURGED ACCELERATING THE CAR AGAINST THE BRAKING. THIS SURGING HAS CAUSED THE CAR TO ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT AND ON THE OTHER OCCASION CAUSED THE CAR TO CHANGE PATH OF TRAVEL WHILE APPROACHING THE GARAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11386771, 2021

Seats 4

“Front right side of driver’s seat has collapsed. Possibly due to a broken bracket or weld.”
NHTSA complaint #11440344, 2021

“THIS IS AN OLDER CAR BUT STILL SERVICEABLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES ACCOMPANIED BY A SEATBELT WARMING, WHENEVER A PASSENGER IS SEATED AND THE CAR IS MOVING. ALSO A MESSAGE LIGHT INDICATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A SUBARU DEALER TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE. THE ONLY REMEDY OFFERED WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT AT A COST EXCEEDING $2000. NOT COST EFFECTIVE FOR WHAT AMOUNTS TO DEFECTIVE WEIGHT SENSORS. WE HAVE NOTED THAT NEWER SUBAR'S HAVE HAD THE SENSORS RECALLED. WE REQUEST THAT THE RECALL BE EXTENDED TO ALL AFFECTED SUBARU VEHICLES.”
NHTSA complaint #11301541, 2017

“DRIVERS SEAT WELD BROKE CAUSING LEFT SIDE OF SEAT FRAME TO COLLAPSE.”
NHTSA complaint #10926025, 2016

Visibility/Wiper 3

“THE WIPERS CLOG WITH ICE AND DO NOT CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD WELL. THEY FREEZE INTO THE WELL BETWEEN THE HOOD AND THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE TO PHYSICALLY CHOP THEM LOOSE WITH AN ICE SCRAPER IN VERY COLD WEATHER. CHUNKS OF ICE STICK TO THE BLADES AND DO NOT RELEASE, RESULTING IN BLADES THAT DO NOT MAKE FULL CONTACT WITH THE GLASS. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TYPES OF BLADES INCLUDING WHATEVER THEY SELL AT THE DEALERSHIP AND WINTER ICE BLADES. THEY DRAG AND SMEAR DURING RAIN OR SNOW, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE CLEARLY. I THINK THE WIPER BODY IS NOT STIFF ENOUGH TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD EFFECTIV…”
NHTSA complaint #11310639, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN VISOR FRACTURED AND DISTRACTED THE DRIVER BRIEFLY. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE SUN VISOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10872071, 2016

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND SNOWSTORMS. WIPER BLADES FREEZE AND WILL NOT CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. SNOW AND ICE GATHER IN THE TROUGH WHERE THE BLADES REST AND BLOCK FLUID. WARMING FEATURE WILL NOT CLEAR THIS PROBLEM AS THE SNOW AND ICE CONTINUE TO ACCUMULATE IN THIS AREA. SALT CANNOT BE CLEARED FROM THE WINDSHIELD EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS FULLY WARMED UP AND THE WIPER WARMING FEATURE IS ACTIVATED. THE REAR WIPER ASSEMBLY ALSO FREEZES AND ACCUMULATES LARGE ICE CHUNKS. MY VISIBILITY BECOMES IMPAIRED BY OVER 75% CAUSING AN EXTREME HAZARD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10670823, 2015

Child Seat 1

“LATCH SYSTEM IN A 2.5X BASE MODEL IS INAPPROPRIATELY PLACED FOR AT LEAST TWO DIFFERENT COMMON CAR SEAT BASES. UNABLE TO USE LOWER LATCH ANCHORS WITH A GRACO SNUGRIDE 30 OR 35 BASE. IN ADDITION, THE SUBARU FORESTER DOG GUARD ACCESSORY WHICH INSTALLS BETWEEN THE CARGO AREA AND THE REAR SEAT INAPPROPRIATELY USES BOTH OUTSIDE UPPER LATCH ANCHORS. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10455722, 2012

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1 1 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11052597, 2017 · crash

Fuel System 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10427251, 2011

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“LATCH SYSTEM IN A 2.5X BASE MODEL IS INAPPROPRIATELY PLACED FOR AT LEAST TWO DIFFERENT COMMON CAR SEAT BASES. UNABLE TO USE LOWER LATCH ANCHORS WITH A GRACO SNUGRIDE 30 OR 35 BASE. IN ADDITION, THE SUBARU FORESTER DOG GUARD ACCESSORY WHICH INSTALLS BETWEEN THE CARGO AREA AND THE REAR SEAT INAPPROPRIATELY USES BOTH OUTSIDE UPPER LATCH ANCHORS. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10455722, 2012

Steering 1

“I bought my vehicle new from Oakland Subaru. From the beginning I had to add about a quart of oil every month and a half to two months. I thought this was normal. When my vehicle had approximately 73,800miles, I went to Fremont Subaru for a regular motor oil change. I was asked about the oil consumption. After I reported how much oil I had been replacing on a regular basis, they asked me to return after 1,200 miles to see how much oil my car had consumed. They found out that my vehicle had oil leaks and the engine had to be replaced at 75,000 miles. Subaru paid for the service to be done. To…”
NHTSA complaint #11528033, 2023