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 was solely attributable to my long history driving manual transmissions which "teaches" your brain that as an alternative to using the brake you can clutch [or if necessary "pop"] to neutral to disengage the engine from the wheels to control the vehicle. People without manual transmission experience would probably keep pressing the brake as their only option to regain control. The car stopped but the engine continued to rev at high rpms for a few moments then returned to normal rpms. No damages. This has never happened before and I was unable to duplicate the sequence of events which I tried to do immediately after the incident. I thought the gas pedal might be mechanically compromised ... for example by the floor mat ... but found no evidence of that. The incident remains a mystery mechanically, so all I can surmise is some electrical issue.
2011 Subaru Forester brakes problems
20 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 32,000. 7 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 14%
- typical mileage
- 32,000
- crashes
- 7
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru Forester brakes problems in other years
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
- Risk
- Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Recall number 14V830000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
- Risk
- Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V‑110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Recall number 14V311000 · Recall details
What 2011 Subaru Forester owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that his wife used the parking brake to stop vehicle. The service brake warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. The contact then stated that upon inspecting under the hood of the vehicle, he noticed a brake fluid leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake line was rusted and needed to be replaced. The contact then stated that he was informed of Manufacturer Recall Number: WQK-47 and the federal safety agency Campaign Number 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru forester. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 19v008000 (air bags) and 14v830000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. John howard subaru (1730 mileground rd, morgantown, wv 26505, (866) 219-7316) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
"takata recall" I was parking my car in a regular parking space.all of a sudden the car jumped the curb . Only a tree stopped the car.their was damage on the front of the car.two other times the car jumped when I was parking but not as bad as when I hit the tree.I am now afraid to drive the car. All three times I was trying to park.
Soft brake pedal that continues down to floor after pressure applied ; especially when engine cold or when on an incline. First brought to subaru of new bern, n.c. On august 8, 2016 where they replaced brake fluid. Problem continued; on sept. 13, 2016 the master cylinder replaced under extented warrantee. Problem still exists; service manager drove car and agreed with my complaint. He also drove a 2015 model and same thing happened. On sept. 27th, manager authorized replacement again of the master cylinder and vacuum booster pump. Parts ordered. Today is october 11th, and no parts received yet. Subaru of america, cherry hill, n.j. Has been notified 9-15-16, but no action taken yet.
As I was pulling into a head on parking space, I began to apply my brakes and my car suddenly accelerated. Luckily, I was able to pump my brakes and stop the car. A witness who was sitting on a bench nearby said he heard my carburetor rev. I am now scared to death to drive my vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru forester. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 failure mileage was unknown.
I am the care taker and son of this car's elderly owner and driver, and I just got a second recall notice (14v‑830) that says, "due to incomplete repair instructions provided to our retailers, your vehicle may not have been treated with the proper amount of anti-corrosion material" (referring to first recall repair).the recall also says to contact your website "if you believe the subaru retailer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of time." it will not be without a charge, that is, cost to me. Like recall one I will have to take off work and lose pay and spend the time and expense to drive the car to and from the dealer, all because of subaru's improper manufacturing (recall one) and poor execution of the supposed repair (recall two). Therefore subaru corp should pay me or my mother, or pay the dealer to pay me for the expenses I will incur for the "without charge" repair. Amount requested is $50.
When the check engine light (cel) is activated by an emission control failure subaru has programmed a shut down of the anti-lock brake system (as well as shut down of cruise control). This ABS shut down could occur for a simple loose gas cap which is common cause of cel failure. The section 3-16 on cel warning light/malfunction indicator does not inform the owner that a cel event will be accompanied by the disabling of the ABS. The driver finds this out only because the cel is accompanied by blinking cruise light and steadily illuminated ABS light. Per owner manual section 7-23 for 2011 forester when the ABS is disabled the car/driver/passengers are a risk of loss of steering control and directional stability. Three cel events occurred from june 2013 to december 2014 for same problem because thermostat was not to be replaced per service bulletin 09-56-13/10/21/13 until ECM re-programming occurred. Therefore I was forced to drive without anti-lock brake system 3 times 6/13; 8/14 and 12/14 until repairs could be scheduled. I am requesting that subaru not be allowed to disable the ABS for cel/emission control system problems. This is because I have had multiple unpredictable cel events some during weather conditions for which ABS function was critical. The thermostat and gasket assembly wee replaced.
Questions about the 2011 Subaru Forester brakes
Does the 2011 Subaru Forester have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Subaru Forester, 14% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2011 Subaru Forester brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 32,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Subaru Forester brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 14V830000, 14V311000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Forester have bad brakes?
The Subaru Forester model years with the most brakes complaints are 2010 (37 complaints), 2015 (36 complaints) and 2014 (31 complaints).
Other 2011 Subaru Forester problems
Engine 67Airbags 29Acceleration 13Electrical 11Body 8Transmission 8Seat belts 7Fuel system 5Lights 4Seats 4Visibility 3Driver assistance 1Locks 1Steering 1
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