Is the 2011 Subaru Forester a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B-6.5/10
The 2011 Subaru Forester is a practical choice for those needing a capable all-wheel-drive system, but be prepared for potential head gasket repairs.
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Pros
- Great all-wheel-drive system
- Spacious interior
- Excellent visibility
Cons
- Below-average fuel economy
- Head gasket issues
- Noisy engine
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
21 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,500/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Head gasket leaks
- Excessive oil consumption
- Worn out wheel bearings
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (16)
The 2011 Subaru Forester has 16 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Seat Belts (campaign 22V838000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 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, …
- Seat Belts — Rear/Other — SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR in the SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES LOCATED IN THE REAR CENTER SEAT…
- Exterior Lighting — Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles…
- Seat Belts — Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.…
Real owner data from the CarsJudge fleet
1 2011 Subaru Forester owner tracks this exact car in CarsJudge.
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.