2011 Subaru Forester Brake Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  427%
• 25k–50k
  747%
• 50k–75k
  17%
• 75k–100k
  213%
• 100k–150k
  17%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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 NHTSA 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.

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. …

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.

Anti-lock brakes have malfunctioned for me numerous times and I will now only drive my Subaru (despite all wheel drive, which works well) when road conditions are good. Accident occurred when driving mid-day on plowed but snowy road; downhill; I was not turning, but wanted to go more slowly and tapped brakes. Anti lock brakes kicked in and car began to skid; skidded off road and into a mailbox; needed to be towed out. After being pulled out, and continuing down hill, at 10 MPH, car began to skid again. Friend following me said it appeared front brakes were working and back brakes were not. Had two mechanics look at the brakes (one I trust and the dealer) and both told me they are fine. Dealer said the computer record didn't record a problem but I think software that manages the ABS is malfunctioning. …

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). …

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Subaru Forester. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.

My car was stopped at a red light behind at least 2 other cars at around 4:45 p.m. On 9-8-14. My engine suddenly started racing and pulling my car toward the car sitting in front of mine. I already had my foot on the brake because I was stopped. I pressed even harder on the brake as the car took off out of my control. The brakes stopped working and my car crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of mine.

While backing up (car in reverse) at about 5 MPH, acceleration occurred making the car go backwards very fast. Pressing the brake pad to the ground had no affect. The car, reversing out of control, side-swiped another vehicle and a piece of equipment. Car finally backed up into a huge forklift which went through the rear window and stopped the car. Luckily no one was hurt but the Subaru Forester was totaled.

"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.

Related recalls

Brake complaints in other Forester years