2011 Subaru Forester: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Engine · 102,000 miles · WA · 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 hospital for a stress-related gastrointestinal issue. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed May 21, 2021 · NY · 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.

Filed Apr 24, 2018 · Engine · 124,000 miles · CO

Our subaru forester began ticking, like a lifter was sticking, and the oil level of the synthetic oil was perfect. Then the car began to have a burning smell from the engine compartment. We took the car to our dealer huebueger, colo. Springs, colorado. The tech informed us that the car had technical service bulletins about these issues. The tech also said that a tsb is issued by an auto maker when there is a growing trend with an unanticipated problem, but does not warrant a recall. He said the irregular stamping of camshaft position sensor plates caused the eventual ticking and leaking from the camshaft carrier on both sides of the engine and this is what happened to our vehicle now warranting a $4,500 repair. Since the issue has been identified as a factory defect I called subaru support expecting financial help to rid the car of the defect. The woman was very obtuse and pretended not to understand the issue of responsibility of subaru. I don't understand the reason for technical service bulletins being released only to dealerships and mechanics. Isn't it logical and reasonable to alert the owners of vehicles that may develop oil leaks that could lead to a vehicle fire ? Isn't subaru admitting responsibility by issuing a tsb for a growing trend with an unanticipated problem. It seems irresponsible for the federal safety agency and subaru not to notify owners of identified problems that could lead to serious safety issues. Please respond as soon as possible, I am 69 years old and this issue and the financial strain is very important. The applicable communication #"s of the tsb is 02-131-12r of oct. 2, 2012, 060000 engine (pws). Sb-11-100 hr, november 27, 2012, irregular stamping of camshaft position sensor plate. The burning smell became overpowering on the way to the dealership. The tech advises that an oil leak is coming from the cam carriers on both sides defects

Filed Jun 19, 2014 · Body, Engine · 34,000 miles · NY · fire

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.

Filed Jun 13, 2012 · Engine · 11,440 miles · CA · crash · fire

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 such an accident would cause such an intense and fast-spreading fire. Had children been restrained in safety seats, I don't know if I would have had time to get them out of the car.