Today’s automotive market has multiple players that offer reliable cars and Subaru happens to be one of the key players to offer vehicles that last a long duration. What really sets Subaru apart from the rest is their affordable pricing and the 2011 Subaru Forester starts at an exciting $20,495. The Forester was sold to a total of over 76,000 buyers, putting it on a higher tier along with other major contenders. The Subaru Forester has recorded a total of 136 complaints, but what concerned the buyers is the fact that Subaru rolled out a total of 15 recalls. However, the majority of it was to address the same issue related to the airbag inflator. Users majorly complained about the car burning way too much oil but the fact this car also offers great value for the money keeps the sales growing. The rivals that the Forester is up against are the Honda CR-V, the Kia Sorento, and the Chevrolet Equinox.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
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Remote start – The users complained that the remote start function using the key fob had a glitch and take multiple clicks before the engine could start running. It was identified that the issue was due to poor programming in the remote start module and hence, the dealers reprogrammed the key and also replaced the battery.
Mechanical Problems
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Oil consumption – The dealers informed the buyers that the car would need an oil change only every 7,500 miles but the users found out that it was a false claim and that the car needs oil every 2,000 – 3,000 miles depending on how often the vehicle was used. The users even suspected an oil leak at a point but an oil consumption test stated it to be normal for the newly redesigned engine on Subaru.
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Fuel system – Users were driving around when they were able to get a fuel odor in the cabin. This was reported to the dealers who took a closer look at the fuel lines to find out that there was a leak. The dealers suggested getting the entire fuel line replaced to avoid facing the issue again.
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Powertrain – The contact stated the engine shut down all of a sudden while running and it was said that the vehicle would not crank back on. The mechanics were contacted and upon inspecting the car, it was found to be a valve spring failure. The mechanics stated the spring failed due to fatigue that was initiated at a high-stress point. This led to cracking the surface of the valve spring.
Exterior Problems
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Headlights – It was reported that the contact found the headlight low beam to die while in use and this made driving at night a risky task. The user took the car to a mechanic who was able to find out the bulb had burned out. This was said to happen multiple times after replacing the bulb and was said to be a known issue. It’s suspected that the headlight hosing lets moisture seep in, damaging the bulb.
Safety Problems
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Airbags – The users received a recall notification regarding the airbag but when the dealers were contacted, they stated that the repair can’t be performed as they did not have the necessary parts.
Structural Problems
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Seat – The driver’s seat was said to move while driving, making it uncomfortable and dangerous with the chances of the seat detaching during a crash very high. The dealers inspected the problem to find out that the left side bottom support bracket had broken. Dealers had to weld and install a new bracket to hold the seat in place.
2011 Subaru Forester recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
2nd January 2020 |
20V002000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may explode. |
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or the passenger and causing them serious injuries. |
Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. |
|
2. |
2nd January 2020 |
20V001000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may explode. |
The inflator could send sharp metal shards which could strike the occupants, resulting in serious injuries or even death. |
The inflator will be replaced by the dealers. |
|
3. |
2nd January 2020 |
20V003000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may explode. |
The inflator explosion could send sharp metal shards at the occupants and this can increase the risk of fatal injuries. |
The dealers will inspect the module and replace the inflator. |
|
4. |
11th April 2019 |
19V297000 |
Ignition switch may turn off. |
The ball spring inside the switch may break and cause the ignition switch to move out of run position. An unexpected engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
The ignition switch will be inspected and replaced. |
|
5. |
9th January 2019 |
19V008000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may explode. |
An explosion of the airbag inflator could result in metal pieces striking the occupant and leaving them injured with lacerations and abrasions. |
The dealers will inspect the airbag module and replace the faulty inflator. |
|
6. |
9th January 2019 |
19V009000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may explode. |
An inflator explosion may cause a sharp metal shard to strike the occupants and cause them serious injuries. |
Dealers will inspect and replace the airbag inflator. |
|
7. |
9th January 2019 |
19V007000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may explode. |
In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of airbag, the inflator may explode and shoot sharp metal fragments at the occupants. |
The affected vehicles will get a new airbag inflator installed. |
|
8. |
9th January 2018 |
18V012000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may explode. |
An inflator explosion may cause metal pieces from the components to strike the passengers or occupants. |
Dealers will replace the airbag inflator. |
|
9. |
10th January 2017 |
17V014000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may rupture. |
An Inflator rupture may lead to an improper deployment of the airbag and also shoot metal fragments at the occupants. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator. |
|
10. |
13th October 2016 |
16V738000 |
Power relay may fail, allowing the air pump to overheat. |
Air pump overheating may cause the component to melt and increase the risk of a fire. |
Dealers replace the secondary air injection pump relay. |
|
11. |
25th May 2016 |
16V358000 |
Passenger frontal airbag may explode. |
An inflator explosion may cause sharp metal shards to strike the occupants and this can even cause death. |
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. |
|
12. |
31st December 2014 |
14V830000 |
Brake line corrosion at the four-way connector. |
This may lead to a brake fluid leak, resulting in needing a longer distance to stop the vehicle. |
Dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector. |
|
13. |
10th June 2014 |
14V311000 |
Brake lines may fail due to corrosion. |
Brake line corrosion may lead to a brake fluid leak that can compromise the barking performance of the car. |
Dealers will inspect for a brake fluid leak and apply an anti-corrosion wax to the affected area after replacing the parts. |
|
14. |
26th December 2012 |
12V602000 |
Accessory puddle light may short circuit. |
The puddle light housing may let moisture seep in and this can lead to a short circuit. |
Dealers will install additional wired harnesses. |
|
15. |
13th March 2012 |
12V099000 |
Center seat automatic locking retractors. |
An insecure installation of the child restraint can increase the risk of injury. |
Dealers will replace the rear center seatbelt assembly. |
Should you buy the 2011 Subaru Forester?
The 2011 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that has been designed to be spacious and daily usable, which the car definitely can. Reports stated that Subaru would have sold an even higher number if the oil burn issue had a permanent solution. Subaru as a brand has been able to provide enough support to the users and the long recall list only suggests that the brand has constantly been working to make the car better in every way possible. The Subaru Forester sure is a handy vehicle and is also much more accessible than the other car due to its low price. However, there are certain things to keep track of when getting a Forester. It is important to check if the remote start works and also see if the cabin has an odor of fuel. It’s also advisable to get the driver’s seat checked for stability. If all these pointers have been cleared, the Subaru Forester is a great deal.
