2011 Subaru Forester: engine failure

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Engine, Steering · CA

I bought my vehicle new from Oakland Subaru. From the beginning I had to add about a quart of oil every month and a half to two months. I thought this was normal. When my vehicle had approximately 73,800miles, I went to Fremont Subaru for a regular motor oil change. I was asked about the oil consumption. After I reported how much oil I had been replacing on a regular basis, they asked me to return after 1,200 miles to see how much oil my car had consumed. They found out that my vehicle had oil leaks and the engine had to be replaced at 75,000 miles. Subaru paid for the service to be done. Today I took my vehicle to Fremont Subaru for a regular motor oil change which I usually do. My vehicle currently has 134,605 miles. The service representative, Devon Devlugt, informed me that my vehicle is unsafe to operate due to several oil leaks from the engine. The engine has less than 60,000 miles since it was replaced. This is the second time my vehicle becomes inoperable due to engine oil leaks. Fremont Subaru dealership will repair the engine for $4,687. Kelly Blue Book estimates my vehicle to be worth $4,700. Subaru must be held accountable for the vehicles they sell to consumers. My vehicle has had this problem since I bought it. There have been enough vehicles presenting this problem that Subaru paid for my vehicle’s engine to be replaced. Please hold Subaru responsible for engine failures/malfunctions.

Filed Jun 30, 2020 · Engine · 36,001 miles · CA

This model has burned a large amount of oil. I have to refill with 1-2 quarts of oil between changes and even more if we drive car for long periods of time. I had taken vehicle at about 40,000 miles because of the smell of burnt oil would come from the block, but there wasn't a sign of leakage anywhere. The dealership held the car for a couple of days and determined that it was the main oil seals that needed to be replaced. $3200 later and the problem was not fixed. Since the vehicle was out of warranty, it was too costly to keep bringing vehicle in for the same problem. After doing some research, I found a bold forum where hundreds of owners had the same issue and subaru of america was not willing to listen and do a mandatory recall for this obvious problem. When I called corporate customer service, they told me I was over the allowed mileage for this problem to be fixed. My problem with this was that they never sent out a notice or message related the possible problem many could be encountering. They stated that the only fix was to replace the engine block which would cost me over $5000. This problem is a major one because the vehicle burns almost 2 quarts of oil every 1500 miles or so. If not regularly checked and refilled, the engine can burn due to the lack of oil. It is becoming extremely expensive since a quart of oil is about $10. I still don't understand how this problem continues to be present and subaru has not yet taken care of its loyal customers. At this point, as soon as I can afford it, I will buy another vehicle and subaru will not be on my to buy list in the future again. I will also not recommend any of my acquaintances to purchase a subaru in the future as well.

Filed Mar 1, 2020 · Engine · 60,000 miles · AZ

Dealer says my 2011 subaru forester (~60,000 mi) has a cam carrier oil leak that will require a $2,500 repair to fix, as it involves removing the engine. I'm concerned that a leaking camshaft seal can compromise the timing belt, leading to a catastrophic engine failure and damage.

Filed May 30, 2019 · Engine · 124,000 miles · CA

I bought the vehicle used with a new engine installed by subaru of america as a lemon law buyback. After only 87,000 miles, mostly highway miles under good conditions and meticulous maintenance, a rod bearing failed, destroying the engine.

Filed Jul 16, 2018 · Engine · 125,000 miles · SD

Engine burned out on interstate highway, metal filings in case, no warning lights came on the dash at any time. Come to find out there is no low oil light in this vehicle! Plus, there is a class action lawsuit against this year/make/model for excess engine oil use. Serviced this car at all recommended intervals and never let oil changes go beyond the recommended mileage. Have been very faithful with caring for this vehicle. The oil change was not due for another 1,000 miles when this occurred. Subaru dealership nearest to where the engine failed was unhelpful as was the national subaru company. Very disappointed in subaru's customer service as a whole. Did not receive communication regarding this problem and no warning from service managers at any time during servicing the vehicle.

Filed Mar 21, 2018 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CO

Catastrophic engine failure at 60,000 miles was due to valve spring failure. The valve spring failed due to fatigue. Fatigue initiated at a high stress location near a subsurface non-metallic slag particle. Surface cracking was noted on the valve spring at locations near the fracture origin.

Filed Apr 17, 2017 · Engine · 87,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru forester. While driving approximately 55 MPH, a ticking noise emerged from the engine compartment and the oil warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle started to slow down and then stopped. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the road to a complete stop. The contact exited the vehicle, raised the hood, and observed smoke around the dipstick. The contact checked the oil and found that the reservoir was empty. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but it was closed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer advised the contact of a technical service bulletin related to the oil consumption issue, but the vehicle had to be evaluated and then driven 1,200 miles in order for them to replace the engine block assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2016 · Engine · 74,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru forester. The contact stated that the engine emitted a strong burning odor and smoke while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure where it was diagnosed that the engine was leaking oil on the manifold. The dealer replaced the engine intake manifold, valve cover gasket, camshaft, sparks plugs, and engine cover seals; however, the failure was not corrected. The engine oil continued to leak. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2015 · Engine · 103,000 miles · NY

I purchased my 2011 subaru forester used from a dealership in ny. I started noticing that it was burning through oil. I took it to a subaru dealership and found out that it needs a new engine and that other people are having this problem as well. Subaru doesn't want to take responsibility for this issue though so I have to make a claim on my warranty and of course they have found a loop hole to not cover the repair (piston rings are damaged due to faulty cylinder walls and, conveniently, the cylinder walls are not considered an internal part so the warranty won't cover). Now I'm left with either replacing my engine or taking a large hit on my trade-in value. Had I known that I would've been replacing the engine less than 2 years after buying the car I would've negotiated a much lower price for the car or went with a different make/model. I cannot afford to replace an engine or buy a new car, I have no other choice than to continue to pour oil into this car and hope that I don't break down on the expressway or back roads during my 60 mile commute to and from work or when I have my child in the car.

Filed Sep 15, 2014 · Engine · 63,000 miles · CA

Engine began making loud knocking sound while driving on interstate. I pulled off and parked and called for tow truck. Dealer service reports the engine needs to be replaced. Vehicle has only 63,000 miles and gets regular maintenance. Each time I have the oil changed, the engine is a quart low. Dealer says this is normal. This is hard to believe for a modern vehicle with reduced (partial zero) emissions. I check the oil regularly and am shocked that subaru sells cars with engines that barely live past the 60000 mile drive-train warranty. Something is fundamentally defective with the design and manufacture of subaru's engines if this is how they are engineered to perform. I have been looking online and many other subaru owners are having similar problems. I am fortunate I was able to pull off the interstate safely. Such a sudden engine failure could very easily have ended in a crash.

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 Mar 6, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 22,241 miles · IN

I am being told by the manufacturer that the engine failed due to lack of oil changes. I changed the oil on 7/6/11 at 10,639 miles. The engine then failed at 22241 on 2/1/12. The engine holds 5.5 quarts of oil but per the manufacturer had none in it at the engine failure. How does a new vehicle burn 5.5 quarts of oil in 11602 miles? There was also no warning light of any kind to tell me that the engine oil was low. The manufacturer stated that the oil level had to be lower than 2 p.s.I for the light to go off and warn me and at that point the engine would already be damaged. I got no advance warning that there was a problem with my engine or the oil level. The engine simply stopped working. I am being told that I have to foot the bill in excess of $9500.00 for a new engine. How can a manufacturer have an engine that does not warn the consumer that there may be a problem? I am very puzzled by this and the fact the subaru dealership who said the warranty was voided is the same dealership charging me exorbitant rates for a new motor? Please help or give me a suggestion.