Parts for your 2011 Subaru Forester-Wiper blades

2011 Subaru Forester wiper blades: fitment, purpose and easy maintenance tips

Wiper blades are absolutely relevant and fitted to the 2011 Subaru Forester. This is confirmed in Subaru’s 2011 Forester Owner’s Manual, which covers windscreen wiper and washer operation and blade replacement, and in Subaru service literature and genuine parts catalogues for that model year. Aftermarket fitment guides from major brands like Bosch and Trico also list front and rear blade applications for the 2011 Forester sold in Australia and New Zealand.

On a 2011 Forester, wiper blades do the quiet, everyday work that keeps vision clear in rain, road spray and winter grime. They sweep water, dust, bugs and coastal salt from the windscreen, and the rear blade tidies up the back glass so reversing and lane checks stay drama‑free. Good blades aren’t just about comfort, they’re a safety item that shortens reaction time by giving a clean, streak‑free view when the weather turns.

For owners, blade care is easy and pays off quickly. A quick wipe of the rubber with a damp cloth removes grit that chews out the edge. Running the washer and letting the blades glide on fluid stops dry scrubbing that tears the insert. Parking out of the harsh sun when possible slows UV cracking, which is a big deal in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Most drivers will see the best results replacing the front blades roughly every 6–12 months, and the rear every 12 months, depending on climate and use. Heavy UV, lots of highway kilometres, regular alpine trips or sandy coastal air can shorten that. If the Forester lives under cover and mainly does short urban runs, intervals can stretch a little. Common signs it’s time: chattering, judder, missed patches, hazy streaks at night, or frayed edges.

Many 2011 Foresters take a longer driver’s side blade and a shorter passenger side, plus a compact rear blade. “Beam” or “flat” style refills handle wind lift better at motorway speeds and resist clogging with slush or road grime. Always match the fitting type to the arm, and double‑check lengths against the handbook or a trusted fitment guide for AU/NZ stock.

• Clean blades and the windscreen monthly with mild car wash.
• Top up quality washer fluid, avoid plain water in winter and coastal areas.
• Lift blades off the glass during frosts to prevent sticking and edge tears.
• Replace as a pair up front for even, quiet operation.
• Inspect the rear wiper at every service, it works hard but gets ignored.

Popular questions

How often should the wiper blades be replaced on a 2011 Subaru Forester?

Every 6–12 months is a good rule of thumb for the fronts in AU/NZ conditions.

The rear blade often lasts 9–12 months, as it runs less than the fronts.

High UV, heat, and coastal salt will shorten those intervals noticeably.

Frequent motorway driving and bug strikes also wear blades faster.

Watch for streaks, squeaks, or chatter as clear signs to change sooner.

Night halos around lights usually mean the edge has hardened or nicked.

Lift the arm and feel for nicks or flat spots along the rubber lip.

If one front blade fails, replace both so wipe quality stays even.

Use a quality washer additive to reduce dry wipe wear between changes.

Keep the windscreen clean, grit acts like sandpaper on the blade edge.

Ask the workshop to check the rear blade at each scheduled service.

If in doubt, swap early—clear vision beats squeezing out another month.

What size wiper blades fit a 2011 Subaru Forester, and does it have a rear wiper?

The 2011 Forester in AU/NZ is fitted with front and rear wipers from factory.

Typical sizes are a longer driver’s blade and a shorter passenger blade.

Common fitments are around 26 inch (driver) and 17 inch (passenger).

The rear is commonly around 14 inch, compact to suit the tailgate glass.

Always confirm lengths and fitting type against the owner’s manual.

Reputable AU/NZ fitment guides from Bosch or Trico also list exact sizes.

Some blades are “beam” style, they suit motorway speeds and wind lift.

Conventional frames also fit if sized and clipped correctly.

Check the arm adapter—hook, pinch tab, or specific Subaru fitting.

If using refills, match the profile and width to the existing frame.

Test the sweep after fitting to ensure no overtravel or clashing.

When unsure, take the old blade into the parts counter to match.