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2011 Subaru

Forester AWD

Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Subaru Forester: best and worst years
2011 Subaru Forester AWD

Closest available photo (2015 model year); you're viewing the 2011.

2015 photoTTTNISCC0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
170
Power to weight
0.051 hp/lb
Axle ratio
4.11
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
Real-world MPG
26.5 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 3.5 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1C (4,001 to 5,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
16
Owner complaints
147 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
4
Theft rate
0.1 per 1,000 produced (CY 2011 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE31%
  • AIR BAGS15%
  • SERVICE BRAKES9%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER6%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 195 total.

Subaru Forester: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

219 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER01-167-08R

    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSubaruNet Announcement (R

    This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

  • Apr 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-240-26R

    This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

  • Apr 24, 2026POWER TRAIN03-97-26

    This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.

  • Apr 20, 2026STEERING05-97-26

    This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.

  • Mar 26, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10-105-25R

    This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.

  • Mar 16, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15-219-18R

    This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully

  • Mar 4, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSubaruNet Announcement (A

    This announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs.

  • and 211 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.