Loading

Is the 2011 Subaru Forester a reliable car?

The 2011 Subaru Forester is generally considered a reliable and dependable compact SUV. According to reviews and owner feedback, the 2011 Forester has a reputation for being a well-built, durable, and long-lasting vehicle.


Reliability Ratings and Owner Feedback


The 2011 Subaru Forester has received positive reliability ratings from various automotive research organizations. Consumer Reports rated the 2011 Forester as "above average" in predicted reliability, with a score of 4 out of 5. J.D. Power and Associates also gave the 2011 Forester a "better than average" reliability rating.


Owner reviews of the 2011 Forester on sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book further reinforce the vehicle's reputation for reliability. Many owners report that their Foresters have lasted for over 100,000 miles with minimal issues, and they praise the SUV's durability and dependability.


Key Factors Contributing to Reliability


There are several factors that contribute to the 2011 Subaru Forester's reliability:



  • Robust Boxer Engine: The Forester's 2.5-liter Boxer engine is known for its reliability and longevity. Boxer engines are inherently balanced, reducing vibrations and stress on the engine components.

  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: The Forester's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a proven and durable design that enhances traction and stability, reducing wear and tear on the drivetrain.

  • Sturdy Construction: The Forester's unibody construction and high-strength steel frame provide a solid, well-built foundation that contributes to the vehicle's overall reliability and durability.

  • Subaru's Reputation: Subaru has a long-standing reputation for building reliable and long-lasting vehicles, which is reflected in the 2011 Forester's performance.


Overall, the 2011 Subaru Forester is widely regarded as a reliable and dependable compact SUV, with a track record of providing owners with years of trouble-free service.

What years did the Subaru Forester have head gasket problems?


Subaru was quick to come up with an updated version of the head gaskets. Thicker and with more layers these updates MLS gaskets fixed the problems that plagued the DOHC 2.5l produced from 1995-1999 in the Subaru Legacy, Legacy Outback, Legacy GT, Impreza RS and the Subaru Forester in 1998.



How much is a 2011 Subaru Forester worth?


The value of a used 2011 Subaru Forester ranges from $1,726 to $6,953, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.



Is a Subaru Forester high maintenance?


A Subaru Forester is third on the list and will cost about $8,337 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service. This is more than the industry average for popular SUV models by $87. There is also a 23.97% chance that a Forester will require a major repair during that time.



How many miles will a 2011 Subaru Forester last?


200,000 miles
Forester models are known for their long-lasting performance, with many drivers achieving 200,000 miles with minimal issues. Impreza: The Subaru Impreza is a compact car available in both sedan and hatchback body styles.



Does the 2011 Subaru Forester have an oil consumption problem?


The 2011 Subaru Forester has two engine oil issues that owners need to be aware of: first and foremost, the engine can consume too much engine oil while operating, the other issue is oil leaks. Excessive oil consumption is a known problem for a number of vehicles, and unfortunately, 2011 Forester is one of them.



What is the most common problem for a Subaru Forester?


Most Common Subaru Forester Problems

  • Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated.
  • Transmission Problems. Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking.
  • Oil Consumption.
  • Electrical Issues.



Is Subaru Forester engine reliable?


The base engine in most Forester models is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder “boxer” engine. This naturally aspirated engine is known for being relatively reliable, with few major issues reported by owners. However, some models did experience excessive oil consumption that required more frequent oil changes.



What year of Subaru Forester is most reliable?


Second Generation (2003-2008): Owner satisfaction scores are high for the 2003-2006 model years and moderate for 2007 and 2008. Although 2003 had three recalls (the most of any model year from this generation), it ranked highest for reliability. Our nod for best from this group is the 2003 model year.



Does a 2011 Forester have a timing belt or chain?


Simply, then, a 1997 to 2011 Forester will have a timing belt, while any of the fourth-gen Foresters (from 2013 or later) will have a timing chain. And for a brief period from 2011 to 2012, the Forester was fitted with either a timing belt or a timing chain depending on which engine was fitted.



Is 2011 a good year for Subaru Forester used?


Among the 317 owners who provided feedback on the 2011 Subaru Forester for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 75% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and quality to be its weakest.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.