Subaru Forester Third generation (SH) - Facelift (2011 - 2013)



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Third generation (SH) - Facelift of Subaru Forester has been in production since 2011 by 2013.

In addition to external changes, the model has undergone changes in technical terms.


Subaru Forester Third generation (SH) - Facelift dimensions and specs


Compare two Subaru Forester generations





Third generation (SH) - Facelift
Body style SUV, Crossover
Engine options FB25BA, 2.5L H-4, 170 HP, 174 lb/ft
EJ255 Turbo, 2.5L H-4, 240 HP,
Length 179.50 in
Width 70.10 in
Height 65.9 - 66.9 in
Wheelbase 103.00 in
Curb weight 3250 - 3460 lbs
Number of doors 4
Seating capacity 5
Front hip room 52.90 in
Rear hip room 52.70 in
Front Headroom 40 - 41.6 in
Rear Headroom 37.7 - 40.4 in
Front shoulder room 56.10 in
Rear shoulder room 55.60 in
Fuel tank capacity 16.90 gal
MPG (City/Highway) 19 - 21/24 - 27
Payload capacity 900 lb
Towing capacity 2400 lbs
0-60 mph / 0-100 kph 6.9 - 8.4 sec
¼ mile time 15.3 - 16.7 sec

Subaru Forester Common Problems generations


Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect car. Each car has its own design flaws and problems that the user has to deal with. During the Subaru Forester Third generation (SH) - Facelift production period from 2011 to 2013 drivers have reported 248 complaints. The most common problems are ENGINE, AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES.
Model Year Complaints
2013 Forester
53
2012 Forester
80
2011 Forester
115

Problem Category Number of Problems
ENGINE
my car has been consuming excessive amounts of oil since i have been made aware of the problem in april...
76
~ 72252 miles
AIR BAGS
i had a side impact on the driver's side that crushed the driver and passenger doors and blew out the...
53
~ 5715 miles
SERVICE BRAKES
2013 subaru forester. 07/25/14 car had difficulty time accelerating on highway.reported to the dealer that right front wheel started vibrating...
31
~ 25736 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru forester (n/a). the contact stated that while driving 10 mph the vehicle independently...
29
~ 22540 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru forester. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift out of park....
18
~ 79475 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
came out of a car wash and shifted from neutral to drive the subaru forester accelerated at full speed without...
15
~ 65573 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE
i had a side impact on the driver's side that crushed the driver and passenger doors and blew out the...
13
~ 36290 miles
SEAT BELTS
driving down the road did not see a ups truck parked along side of. road . rear ended the truck...
12
~ 35567 miles
POWER TRAIN
tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru forester. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift out of park....
10
~ 42781 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
rear tail lights constantly have moisture in them. they say this will evaporate when it warms up. doesn't warm up
8
~ 27222 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
when turning off engine loud rapid pinging noise from front of the car for about 20 minutes. per subaru home...
8
~ 10604 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
in june while driving to la from yosemite my oil light began flickering engine had about 46k then came on...
7
~ 46924 miles
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
i took my car to the mechanic to have a busted radiator hose repaired. they found oil in the coolant...
6
~ 153321 miles
VISIBILITY/WIPER
i was driving in heavy snow and using the heater for the windshield wipers which is built into the windshield....
4
~ 36248 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
our forester has an inconsistent brake pedal. sometimes the pedal is firm and responsive. sometimes the pedal goes towards the...
4
~ 19095 miles
SEATS
drivers side bottom left side of seat is not supported. bracket is broken....
3
~ 20000 miles
REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY
hi during my driving to office this morning the rear-view mirror fell off. i drove the car immediately to austin...
3
~ 12496 miles
GLASS, SIDE/REAR > VISIBILITY
2012 subaru forester. consumer stated the windows glass will not close. the head rest is not installed properly. rear hatch...
2
~ 40000 miles
EQUIPMENT
the ?lookup? for the vin no. on your websites is dysfunctional. my vin is [xxx] (subaru forester) information redacted pursuant
1
SUSPENSION
purchased vehical 3-4 months ago w/ 86k miles. oil leaks in head gasket ( quart every 6 weeks..researched this and...
1
~ 86000 miles
STEERING
purchased vehical 3-4 months ago w/ 86k miles. oil leaks in head gasket ( quart every 6 weeks..researched this and...
1
~ 86000 miles
SEAT HEATER/COOLER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS
tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. while driving approximately 30 mph a burning odor filled the inside of...
1
~ 90000 miles
ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. while driving 5 mph the accelerator pedal became stuck to the floorboard...
1
~ 30000 miles
HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE > BODY > STRUCTURE
2012 subaru forester. consumer stated the windows glass will not close. the head rest is not installed properly. rear hatch...
1
HEAD RESTRAINT > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS
2012 subaru forester. consumer stated the windows glass will not close. the head rest is not installed properly. rear hatch...
1
EXTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY
when turning into our driveway the rear view mirror fell off. started swinging wildly until we stopped it. *js...
1
~ 16200 miles
EXTERNAL > WARNINGS > BACK OVER PREVENTION
in my vehicle i have a backup camera and i'm thankful for it but also i strongly wish that vehicle...
1
~ 1 miles
WHEELS
i was a block from home after having had driven the vehicle approximately 40 minutes from work when i heard...
1
~ 25861 miles
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru forester. the contact stated whenever he drove the vehicle during the daytime there...
1
~ 10000 miles
FUEL PUMP > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2012 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to ignition problems. *smd the dealer claimed there was nothing wrong with the...
1
TIRES
notice two blemishes on tire side wall after buying new car 1 year later bulging is bigger. *tr...
1
~ 10000 miles
SIDEWALL > TIRES
notice two blemishes on tire side wall after buying new car 1 year later bulging is bigger. *tr...
1
~ 10000 miles
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN
tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru forester. while driving at various speeds the vehicle would not shift into any...
1
~ 4000 miles
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN
2012 forester 2.5x 4-spd automatic transmission: when traveling at highway speeds 50+ mph any attempt to quickly accelerate causes the...
1
~ 11500 miles
HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2012 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to brake system failure recall notice. *smd the consumer stated from the day...
1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
latch system in a 2.5x base model is inappropriately placed for at least two different common car seat bases. unable...
1
LATCH STRAP > CHILD SEAT
latch system in a 2.5x base model is inappropriately placed for at least two different common car seat bases. unable...
1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
while driving on a main route check engine light kicked on and proceeded to flash while the stability/traction control light...
1
~ 1600 miles
FILLER PIPE AND CAP > TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE
2011 subaru forester. consumer states fuel filler neck is rusted and there is no flapper on top of the neck...
1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
fuel mileage way out of whack. on highway at 100-110 kmh averages 11 l/100km sunroof leaks when going through car
1
~ 3000 miles
SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY > VISIBILITY
fuel mileage way out of whack. on highway at 100-110 kmh averages 11 l/100km sunroof leaks when going through car
1
~ 3000 miles
ROOF AND PILLARS > BODY > STRUCTURE
fuel mileage way out of whack. on highway at 100-110 kmh averages 11 l/100km sunroof leaks when going through car
1
~ 3000 miles

How to improve the appearance of your Subaru Forester and to make it look younger?


Time goes on, and the automobile industry does not stand still. The cars that were trendy just a few years ago no longer make people look at you with such enthusiasm. However, you won't love your car any less because it's getting old. But if you want your Subaru Forester to stand out from the crowd and still catch the eye, transform its appearance. Put on nice rims - it'll make it more noticeable right away. Install coilovers - lowered cars always look cooler. Add fender flares to the kit and you get a sportier look. Put decals on it and people passing by won't be able to take their eyes off of you.

However, you can not only change the appearance of your car beyond recognition, but also to rejuvenate it. If you want, you can make your car a couple of generations younger. To do this you should buy a body kit - a set of body elements that repeat the outlines of cars of later versions. It won't make the car go faster, but it will be extremely difficult to notice the differences externally.

Body kits

  • GOOACC 240PCS Bumper Retainer Clips Car Plastic Rivets Fasteners Push Retainer Kit Most Popular Sizes Auto Push Pin Rivets Set -Door Trim Panel Fender Clips for GM Ford Toyota Honda Chrysler

    GOOACC 240PCS Bumper Retainer Clips Car ...

    • UNIVERSAL FIT KIT - Great Assortment Push Retainer Kit with 12 popular size, fitting for door trim, radiator shield yoke, fender, bumper and splash shield retainers replacement for Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and more.
  • iJDMTOY 30W High Power 10-LED LEDayFlex Style Flexible Free Style LED Daytime Running Light Kit, Xenon White Color

    iJDMTOY 30W High Power 10-LED LEDayFlex ...

    • All new Free-style flexible design
    • 10 pieces super bright 3W each eagle eye LED lights (30W total)
    • Each LED light is measured at 0.94" in diameter and 1.00" in length
    • Free style mounting to bumper...
  • Bumper Trunk Quick Release Front Rear Bumper Fastener Kit(blue) …

    Bumper Trunk Quick Release Front Rear Bu...

    • Need to attach and detach your bumper quickly? Quick release fasteners are great for front bumpers, rear bumpers, and hatch lids that need to be frequently removed. They are perfect for people who go to...
  • 2 PCS Car Rear Bumper Guard Diffuser Splitter Front Bumper Lip Body Kit Vehicle Blade Rear Shovel, Side Fender Skirt Lip Splitter Guard Protector Universal Size for Most Cars (Carbon Fiber Black)

    2 PCS Car Rear Bumper Guard Diffuser Spl...

    • ✔ Material: Made of premium quality PP material with carbon fiber pattern coating, the product is enough to prevent cracking with gloss powder-coated finish with an easy bolt-on underneath installation, superior craftsmanship and durability.
    • ✔...
  • Mega Racer Universal JDM Racing Style Glossy Black Hood Scoop Body Kit, Decorative and Functional for Air Flow Intake, Cars and Trucks Vent Accessories

    Mega Racer Universal JDM Racing Style Gl...

    • ? UNIVERSAL FIT: Our Hood Scoop Is Ultra Light Weight And Designed To Be A Universal Fit With Every Car With A Flat Hood Type. Upgrade The Look Of Your Vehicle With No Cutting Or...
  • Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler Splitter Diffuser Protector Body Kit with Adjustable 10'-13' Support Splitter Rod Compatible with Honda Accord Civic, Volkswagen MK5 MK6 MK7, Black w/Red

    Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler...

    • 【Material】Made of updated durable and sturdy ABS, no deformation in long-term use, physically strong firm and durable, anti-collision and scratch-resistant
    • 【Special Design】DIY installation, different cool style reveal no matter you install the White spoiler or...

Fender flares

  • EZ Flares – The Original Universal Flexible Foam Rubber 1-Inch Fender Flares

    EZ Flares – The Original Universal Fle...

    • ENHANCE & PROTECT YOUR RIDE – The universal fender EZ Flares are a fast, easy, and low-cost way to give your car an aggressive, off-road look! Universal compatibility allows it to be installed on virtually...
  • EZ Flares XL – The Original Universal Flexible Foam Rubber 2-Inch Fender Flares

    EZ Flares XL – The Original Universal ...

    • MAXIMUM PROTECTION & TIRE COVERAGE – The universal EZ Flares XL are fast, easy way to give your truck an aggressive, off-road look and stay legal! Universal compatibility allows it to be installed on virtually...
  • GOOACC Blind Rivet,Fender Flare & Rocker Moulding Clip,Bumper Shield Retainer Clip Assortment 6506007AA 68039280-AA 6030441 for Jeep Wrangler Chrysler Ford GMC [60 Pcs] + Bonus Fastener Remover

    GOOACC Blind Rivet,Fender Flare & Rocker...

    • 20 Pieces of Nylon Blind Rivets: Replaces GM: 10184895, 20452072 Ford: N803862-S, Chrysler: 6501559, 6506007-AA
    • 20 Pieces of Fender Flare & Rocker Moulding Clip:Replaces Chrysler: 68039280-AA Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK 2007 -
  • Mean Mug Auto 23181-6133A 50x Fender Flare Moulding Clips - Compatible with: Chrysler, Jeep - Wrangler, Liberty - Replaces OEM #: 55157055-AA, 55157065-AA, 68039280-AA

    Mean Mug Auto 23181-6133A 50x Fender Fla...

    • Precision-engineered to push firmly into a 10 mm hole and lock into place.
    • Ready to fit snuggly into your vehicle with the 14 mm stem length and the 38 mm head diameter.
    • Compatible with Chrysler:...
  • 50PCS Fender Flare Clips, Push Door Trim Fastener, Fender Flare Retainer Clips Compatible with 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, RAV4, Tacoma - Replace OEM: 75495-35010 75397-35010

    50PCS Fender Flare Clips, Push Door Trim...

    • [High quality material]: Fender Flare Clips are made of high quality Nylon material, which is wear-resistant and corrosion resistant. It is equipped with black foam for better sealing, smaller swing, and is not easy to...
  • A-Premium 4 Pcs Black Universal Splash Guards Mud Flaps Mudflaps Mudguard Fender Flares for Car Pickup Truck SUV with Hardware Front and Rear

    A-Premium 4 Pcs Black Universal Splash G...

    • Upgraded Universal Mud Flaps Splash Guards; Drilling Holes Required
    • Compatible Makes: Universal; For All Body Styles: Car, Pickup, SUV, Van, Truck, etc.
    • Package Includes: 4 Pcs (1 Set) --- Front and Rear
    • Color: Black; Material:...

Rims

  • All-Fit Rim Trim Wheel Protection Strips for Curb Rash Prevention – Universal Fit (Black)

    All-Fit Rim Trim Wheel Protection Strips...

    • Car Wheel Rim Protection Strips Available In 7 Standout Colors ?
    • 25 Feet of OEM Grade Wheel Rim Material That Won't Rip Or Tear
    • Package Includes Enough Rim Trim Wheel Protection For Four 24 inch...
  • Tallew 4 Pcs Push Through Wheel Center Caps 4.25 Inch Stainless Steel Push Through Center Caps Car Trailer Wheel Center Caps for Truck Auto Wheels and Rims, Silver

    Tallew 4 Pcs Push Through Wheel Center C...

    • Quality Material Selection: made of quality stainless steel, the wheel center cap is sturdy and solid, reliable and long lasting, strong enough against breakage, deformation and abrasion, serving you for long
    • Notable Size Details: the...
  • VARGTR 4 Pcs Tire Valve Stem Caps,Luminous Skull Tire Air Valves Stem Caps,Night Glow Luminous Wheels Cap Tire Valve Stem,Tire Valve Caps Wheel Rim Dust Cover for Car Truck Motorcycles SUVs (Red)

    VARGTR 4 Pcs Tire Valve Stem Caps,Lumino...

    • [Material] The valve dust cap is made of high-quality and durable ABS plastic, which is dustproof and waterproof and can be used for a long time.
    • [Fluorescent Design] The wheel tire valve absorbs light when...
  • Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch Up Paint Rim Scratch Repair Pen Quick And Easy Wheel(BLACK)

    Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch U...

    • If you are parking sideways, your wheels are easily scratched, the kits help you repair scratches and slight dents.
    • It has never been easier to repair your wheels quickly! No need to take your wheels...
  • Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch Up Paint Rim Scratch Repair Pen Quick And Easy Wheel(silver)

    Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch U...

    • If you are parking sideways, your wheels are easily scratched, the kits help you repair scratches and slight dents.
    • It has never been easier to repair your wheels quickly! No need to take your wheels...
  • BDK (4-Pack) Premium 16' Wheel Rim Cover Hubcaps OEM Style Replacement Snap On Car Truck SUV Hub Cap - 16 Inch Set

    BDK (4-Pack) Premium 16" Wheel Rim Cover...

    • Please Ensure to Check your Tire/Wheel Size Before Purchase! Designed for (P16) 16” Stock Steel Wheels and will not fit over alloy wheels
    • Designed from OEM Replica Style Wheels– For Replacement with Fast & Easy...

Coilovers

  • iJDMTOY Universal Fit Gun Metal Grey Finish JDM Quick Release Fastener Kit Compatible With Car Bumper Trunk Fender Hatch Lid

    iJDMTOY Universal Fit Gun Metal Grey Fin...

    • Universal fit for most cars (sedan/coupe/convertible)
    • Come with (4) gunmetal grey color powder-coated anodized finish aluminum fasteners, (4) sets of stainless bolts/nuts/washers, (2) high strength fastener O-ring rubber bands
    • Made with T6 6061 high quality...
  • Rev9 R9-HPX-1059_1 Hyper-Street ONE Adjustable Coilovers Lowering Kit, 32 Damping Levels, Compatible With Subaru Forester (SH) 2009-13

    Rev9 R9-HPX-1059_1 Hyper-Street ONE Adju...

    • Compatible With Subaru Forester (S12) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
    • Spring Rate (Front/Rear) : 8 kg/mm (448 lbs/inch)/8 kg/mm (448 lbs/inch); Damping Levels: 16 Levels
    • Mono-Tube Shock Design With 16 Levels of Damping Force Adjustment...
  • Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler Splitter Diffuser Protector Body Kit with Adjustable 10'-13' Support Splitter Rod Compatible with Honda Accord Civic, Volkswagen MK5 MK6 MK7, Black w/White

    Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler...

    • 【Material】Made of updated durable and sturdy ABS, no deformation in long-term use, physically strong firm and durable, anti-collision and scratch-resistant
    • 【Special Design】DIY installation, different cool style reveal no matter you install the White spoiler or...
  • Godspeed MMX2930 MAXX Coilovers Suspsension Lowering Kit, 40 Levels Damping, Full Adjustable

    Godspeed MMX2930 MAXX Coilovers Suspsens...

    • Compatible With Subaru Forester (SH) 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013; Exclude Self-Leveling Suspensions; Spring Rate (F/R): 10 kg/mm (560 lbs/inch)/6 kg/mm (336 lbs/inch)
    • Top Mount(Front): Yes, Adjustable Camber Plate With Pillow Ball /// Top...
  • Godspeed MSS0159-A MonoSS Coilover Lowering Kit, Fully Adjustable, Ride Height, Spring Tension And 16 Click Damping, compatible with Subaru Forester (SH) 2009-13

    Godspeed MSS0159-A MonoSS Coilover Lower...

    • Compatible With Subaru Forester(SH) 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
    • Spring Rate (Front/Rear) : 10 kg/mm || 6 kg/mm; Damping Levels: 16 Rebound Force Levels
    • 52mm Mono-Tube Stainless Steel Shock With 16 Levels of Damping Adjustment...
  • Emotion Coilover Suspension 24-Level Fully Adjustable High Performance Kit, compatible with Suzuki Swift (ZC32S), 2012-2017 (set of 4)

    Emotion Coilover Suspension 24-Level Ful...

    • Fitment compatible with Suzuki Swift (ZC32S), 2012-2017. NOT compatible with vehicles using Air Suspension
    • Front Spring Rate 4.5K, Rear Spring Rate 3K - Separate Spring
    • Front uses the Stock Top Mount Plate, Rear uses the...

Decals

  • 24 x 6.6 Inches Giant Car Bumper Sticker Large Funny Bandage Vinyl Decal for Car Truck Vehicle Window Funny Decals Automotive Decals

    24 x 6.6 Inches Giant Car Bumper Sticker...

    • What Will You Get: this package contains 2 pieces 24 x 6.6 inches of large size car stickers for easy replacement and sharing, this will be the ideal present option, and if you have a...
  • Arrow Reflective Stickers for Car, 24PCS Safety Warning Stripe Adhesive Decals, Night Visibility Diamond Grade Reflective Decoration for Bumper, Universal for Car, Truck, Motorcycle, Bicycle

    Arrow Reflective Stickers for Car, 24PCS...

    • 【Safety Warning Stickers】: This car sticker is designed with a diamond-grade, high-brightness reflective prism structure, which can have a good reflective effect even in low light. It is not only a cool decorative item, but...
  • Frienda 6 Pieces Small Flame Decals Stickers Car Fire Breather Decals Waterproof Transfer Stickers for Motorcycle Helmet, 6 x 7 Inch

    Frienda 6 Pieces Small Flame Decals Stic...

    • Adorn your cars: these transfer decals are the fastest and easiest way to customize your car, can add more shine and personality to your vehicles and win more compliments from others
    • Easy to use: the...
  • 3D Aluminum Alloy American US Flag Decal, 2PCS 3.8' X 0.6' Patriotic Stars Stripe USA Flag Car Stickers for Laptop/Car/Truck/Window/Bumper

    3D Aluminum Alloy American US Flag Decal...

    • Note: Please refer to picture 2 for size. The size of each shape is different. Please confirm the shape and size you need carefully before purchasing.Waterproof, light, no shrinkage, no fading, no rust.
    • Quality: High...
  • 7 inch Snow Mountain Tree Stickers for Car, Mountains Graphic Logo Decals, Premium Badge Decals for Car Trunk Tailgate Emblem, Auto Decoration Accessories Universal for Truck, SUV, Laptop, Wall

    7 inch Snow Mountain Tree Stickers for C...

    • 【Works for A Long Time】: This forest snow mountain sticker is made of high quality PVC material, not only waterproof and anti-fading, but also not easy to fade very durable. We use a high level...
  • SINGARO 4PCS Aluminum Valve Stem Cap, Grenade Decorative Tire Valve Stem Cap Exterior Accessories for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Motorcycles and Bicycles (Black)

    SINGARO 4PCS Aluminum Valve Stem Cap, Gr...

    • High quality: High quality aluminum alloy is used to replace the original bad valve cap of the tire, which can keep the wheel working well.
    • Convenience: The valve cover is easy to install and disassemble....


Subaru Forester specs
Compare

Performance

Engine
0-60 times
Horsepower
Upgrades

Exterior

Wheels
Wheel Interchange
Bulbs
Dimensions
Ground clearance
Weight
Upgrades

Interior

Steering wheel
Speakers size
Upgrades

Maintenance

Towing Capacity
Oil Capacity
Wipers size
Fuses
Gas tank size
Battery size
Gas type
Cargo space
Safety ratings
Complaints
Generations
Upgrades
Manuals
Mpg

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