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.
2011 Subaru Forester engine complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 67 of 67, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My wife and I currently own a 2011 subaru forester we purchased new from hatfield subaru in columbus, ohio. We have always had it serviced at byers dublin subaru in columbus ohio. At the 25,000 mile mark both head gaskets were leaking so the mechanics at byers pulled the motor and replaced them. Just recently at the 33,000 mile mark I brought in my vehicle to byers for my 30,000 maintenance check also complaining of a strange noise. They informed me the head gasket was leaking again and the noise we heard was the transmission running low on fluid. They again pulled the motor and made repairs, however, when placing the motor back in the car a strange noise developed in the engine, they again pulled the motor adjusting the tensioning on the timing chain yet the noise was still present. They then contacted subaru technical support asking for assistance. They are currently pulling the motor for the fourth time with the intention on replacing the cylinder heads and cam shaft. Up until now I have been in contact with both dealerships expressing my concerns. I have also spoken with customer service, a supervisor, and a manager at subaru of america. The manager at subaru headquarters said they could only offer me 2500.00 towards the purchase of a new vehicle the manager at hatfield where I purchased my vehicle from passed me off to a sales associate who only wanted to sell me a new subaru at full price to meet his end of the month february sales quota. The manager at byers where my car is being serviced has been less then forth coming as to the true status of my vehicle and I have not heard from him as to the status of my vehicle as promised in the last four business days. What concerns me the most is my wife and I now own a subaru with a long list of engine problems so early in its life and a transmission which has been ex
Abnormal oil consumption which is of the oil consumption lawsuit. The oil warning lights did not turn but the car was already out of oil in 3 months of use (supposedly 6 month window for oil changes). The car started to become jerky but still managed to get home and had it checked. If there are no warning signs, it is possible it can die in the middle of a busy highway, which is extremely dangerous.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru forester. The contact stated that the vehicle was burning oil at a higher rate than normal. The contact stated that the vehicle was burning a quarter of oil every thousand miles, which caused the oil consumption to surpass suggested amounts by the manufacturer. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle was leaking oil from the pcv valve, causing the vehicle to burn oil. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed other leaks were the cause; however, the locations were not specified. The dealer placed a short block engine into the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who informed the contact of a pending lawsuit related to the failure. The failure mileage was 938.
My subaru is being tested for oil consumption use, I returned with 1 1/2 quart low after 948 miles. Tech stated it was on full after it was taken to garage. It was not checked in our presence. Car has no oil sensor and I fear the motor will lock up & I do not trust the subaru dealer now since they denied adding oil.
Vehicle has had abnormally high oil consumption since purchased.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru forester. The contact stated that the vehicle's oil consumption was excessive and that the engine oil would be depleted multiple times per week. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil consumption was normal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru forester. The contact stated that there was an excessive oil consumption after every oil change. The failure occurred on multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.
Oil leaking from valve covers. It is chronic across other models. Just search repair histories of subaru boxer engines.
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.
I was driving down to queens to see my wife's family and as soon as I passed a truck I heard something hit my car. As soon as I got into long island, I heard the engine revving as if it were a diesel engine. I stopped at a shop and they listened to it and said that it is an internal issue in the engine and not to drive it. They helped me out by finding the closest dealership and they called. The guy from the shop called subaru and they told him to call the tow truck to get the vehicle towed to their shop. That was messed up, have a non party call for a tow?? Then the guy taking my order, didn't give me a receipt nor my copies of the services from the past. I have extended warranty which I am entitled to a rental car but was stuck without a vehicle and needed a vehicle to get back to work which I live 3-1/2 hours away from the shop and now I am stuck paying for tolls and have a hold on my credit card because of subaru. On friday I was told that they would call, I had to call because they never called me back. Then they tell me that it is the engine and they have to drop the oil pan on monday. The worst thing is that I had reported engine problems at 47,000 miles which I have it documented from the dealership and they said that it was nothing.... Just like all of the electrical problems I had with my window in the past... And check engine light coming on in the past.... Now after this major issue they want more paperwork... This is just messed up.
My vehicle is consuming/ burning oil rapidly, adding in 2-4 quarts between recommended oil changes. There is no evidence under engine to suggest a leak. Multiple oil changes and mechanic unable to find any evidence of a leak further investigation reveals there is a class action lawsuit for this particular problem in multiple subaru engines.
Every time I get my oil changed the dealer informs me I am down a quart of oil which they say is normal. I have owned 20 cars and this has never happened before and I think I am getting the run-around. Can you help?
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.
My husband purchased a new subaru forester in may of 2011 for me with an extended warranty for 7 years. It was a big investment for us and I had hoped to drive my new subaru forester 2011 for several years down the road. Shortly after purchasing it, I noticed the brakes to be defective and would not stop the vehicle in a timely fashion or quickly enough. I told my husband all the time, who also happens to drive my car, also complained about its brakes. I had my vehicle regularly serviced as per the companies warranty requirements and at only authorized subaru service & dealership centers. I recently told the service dept at my 30,000 mile servicing about the brakes issues I had again, to their attention but they said that- 'that was the way the forester's brakes were and that I had to push the pedal hard to the floor(pump the brakes) to stop it quickly enough" and my brakes were fine according 30,000 mile servicing, and I was disappointed with their response I was driving on a local road 25 MPH when another vehicle suddenly appeared in front of me to stop to make a left turn. I pushed the brakes but my vehicle just would not stop quickly enough. I was involved in a accident hitting the car in front of me. To discover that my front bumper now had a huge crack in it. I do not feel safe driving a vehicle whose brakes are so bad that it will not stop the vehicle quickly enough and needs to be pumped to stop it sooner(which may not be possible in many circumstances such as the one above) , .after the car came out from the body shop I had a recent occurence but this time it was a rainy day I started to slow down pressing the brake to turn to my road which I had the same issue, instead of stopping or slowing down the brakes are accelerating. Please investigate the brakes at the very least to prevent future accidents. I am determined to trade in my vehicle for safe car.
I pulled into a parking space, applied my brakes and was about to put my 2011 subaru forester into park when it suddenly accelerated forward and drove into a store front. The car traveled approximately 20 feet before hitting the wall and plate glass window. My driver's side airbag deployed. The car was totaled.
After owning 3 other subarus, we figured it was a great idea to buy a 4th. Well, subaru has changed the engine design enough where as the oil needed is a super light weight synthetic 0w20. After about 2000 miles consistently, the car will always need oil. We have 40,000 on it now and after multiple oil changes the car still uses way too much oil. Not a great choice of a car is what I am thinking now. Someone needs to step in from the federal safety agency and determine why a new car would be losing oil as fast as the subaru does. I have read other similar complaints. Maybe it is time to start an online petition to help nudge the federal safety agency and subaru.
On the last two dates this vehicle started up by itself without input from key or remote. The vehicle was unlocked by remote which is the manufacturer remote. The door was opened then the "lock" button in the door was pressed and the door closed. After the door was shut the engine started up. This happened on two separate occasions. On other occasions the engine would still keep running even though the key is removed from the ignition. This vehicle was fitted with a remote starter by the dealer (not factory). The remote start was changed twice, I'm on the third set. The dealer asked me to bring in the vehicle again on friday march 29th so that the remote start installer can look at it again. Originally when the engine kept running I would have to disconnect the wire from the battery to stop the engine as everything else failed to stop it. Subsequently when the engine kept running it would only be shut off with the remote starter. This problem still keeps happening occasionally.
Purchased car new 12/2010, dealer told me it used syn oil and only needed to be changed every 7500 miles. 03/2011 the car had 4300 miles and when I checked the oil it was not showing on the dipstick. Dealer did not tell me that the foresters use oil. It was over 2 quarts low. It has been two years now and subaru has still done nothing for my car. All they told me was it's in your owners manual and they use a qt every 1200 miles. This is crazy for a new car. 6 qts for an oil change and 5 qts in between. Can't depend on this car. Not safe to drive on long trips. Engine is very noisy. Subaru deceived me at time of purchase, I would never bought a car that uses oil like this.
I was driving and suddenly heard a very loud knocking noise. The car started slowing down and then stopped. Smoke was coming out from under the hood. The car was towed to a nearby dealership. They determined that the one of the connecting rods punctured the engine block which caused engine oil to shoot through the hole onto the engine block, melting the wiring, and causing the smoke.
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.
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.
On 5/24/11, while driving through an intersection, my forester was hit broadside by another vehicle that ran a red light. The impact of the speeding vehicle caused the forester to spin 360 degrees and flip-over on the driver's side. I was left trapped inside the forester and witnesses pointed out that the engine and transmission continued to run after the forester flipped over. Apparently there is no engine or transmission kill switch. Furthermore, there is no interior release of the rear hatch. As a result I remained trapped inside the vehicle and concerned about a gasoline leak and possible explosion. I was eventually removed from the vehicle by emts and brought to the hospital. My concern is that if similar accident occurred in a remote area or if the driver was more seriously injured, more serious consequences could have resulted.
Check engine light came on after driving the car about 472 miles. Called dealer repair, which instated that it was just the gas cap loose, which he had us remove and retighten. We were advised to keep driving it and that the check engine light would eventually go out. We drove it for a few more days and then had two different local mechanics shops check the code on the check engine light. Both said that the engine was misfiring, either random misfire, or misfire on cylinders 3 and 4. We called the dealer again, who said that the mechanics didn't know what they were doing and were wrong, but that we should bring the car in next week. We brought the car in on 8/30/11, with about 872 miles now on it and the check engine light still on. The dealer checked the car and said the some cam shaft adjusters were not set properly at the factory and that they would have to add a shim kit to correct this! (on a new car!) the next day, car still didn't work, they had to called subaru manufacturer and tried at least 5 other procedures and car still doesn't work. The car is defective and should not have been sold as a new car. They have had the cover over 10 days now and still not fixed. We just want a new car, and get out of that one. Please help.
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