Subaru Forester - What would cause sudden engine failure low oil?
Asked by GuruLXL92 Apr 02, 2019 at 11:29 AM about the 2011 Subaru Forester 2.5 X
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
2011 Forester. low 60s mileage. current state inspection and due but not
overdue for an oil change when without warning car began making loud
noises my husband calls 'knocking'. no oil on parking pad, no smoke, no
smells, no lights or changes in drive - one day a working vehicle we
anticipate owning for another 10 years - the next its on life support. Local
shop advised needs engine replaced. adding oil lowered the noise but its still
present and car can not be driven reliably (wants to stall out). Local Subaru
wants us to tow it there to have an oil consumption test. SOA saying if
engine already damaged they might not be able to do that. Can anyone
provide any insight into what might have caused this? No history of
excessive oil use but the car has been mostly a grocery getter for 8 years.
6 Answers
Sounds like either the oil pump failed or the oil pickup in the pan is clogged. Unfortunately, if the engine is making a knock, the damage is already done. The key would have been to turn off the engine as soon as the oil light came on or the oil pressure dropped.
Unfortunately no lights came on and there was no indicator of any issue until the knock.
Subaru FB engine are known for oil consumption which is why all Subaru owners need to check their oil at every gas fill up.
Since your car is older but has low miles I would call up Subaru of America directly and make a stink. They may not pay for a new engine but they may pay for part of it.
Did you get an answer?? This is what sounds like is happening to mine. Same year but 107k miles.... Started knocking a few days ago... But no lights on, no oil slick in my garage. Was told by local Subaru today that my engine needs to be replaced. $5300... So I drove it home. On the way home, the oil light would come on when stopped at lights and starting to turn.
Guru9S36HB answered 3 years ago
:-( Former owner of 2011 Subaru Forester, owned for less then 18 months, 98,000 miles when purchased, 128,000 and I am told no oil in the engine and I am looking at $7,000- 8,000 to replace engine! So very pissed off! I had no issues with the car, oil changed on August 6, 2021 and on October 16 the engine died, no dash lights stating an issue with engine or with the oil, just started making noise, pulled over, had it towed to my mechanic and then to a Subaru dealer, the dealer said there was no oil in the engine, even though I had oil on the dip stick on the 10/15, because I checked. No one at the dealer that I know of pulled the oil pump or anything. I believe they checked the dip stick, started the car, heard it run and said needs a motor. I carry 2 quarts of oil in my car and checked it frequently because I drive 70 miles a day 5 days a week and I am just the kind of person who maintains their vehicle. I sure wish I knew about possible issues with the oil pump, or possible clogs, or oil issues in the Subaru Forester. I had previously owned the same make and model, I loved everything about it, that's why I went with a newer version, wish I did more homework. Wish there was some sort of compensation from Subaru for all of us! I am done with Subaru! Thanks for letting me vent!
