2012 Subaru Forester Problems & Complaints

Most common 2012 Subaru Forester problems

• Engine & cooling~86,000 miles
  2928%
• Air bags~40,000 miles
  2019%
• Speed control & acceleration~30,000 miles
  1817%
• Brakes~30,000 miles
  1514%
• Electrical system~56,000 miles
  1010%
• Fuel & propulsion system~3,000 miles
  88%
• Other / not specified~93,000 miles
  88%
• Body & structure~3,000 miles
  55%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~70,000 miles
  55%
• Transmission & drivetrain~62,000 miles
  55%
• Stability & traction control~5,000 miles
  44%
• Wheels & tires~26,000 miles
  44%
• Seat belts~86,000 miles
  33%
• Lights~39,000 miles
  11%
• Seats
  11%
• A/C & heater~90,000 miles
  11%
• Steering~86,000 miles
  11%
• Suspension~86,000 miles
  11%

Share of the 105 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Subaru Forester complaints by model year

Best Forester years: 2013, 2024. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2015, 2018. Compare all years →

2012 Subaru Forester recalls (15)

What 2012 Subaru Forester owners say

Engine & cooling all 29 →

My car suffered a catastrophic oil event without an indicator light or any other warning that is nesitating a new engine. The car had less than 70,000 miles on it. I had informed some ticking noise from the engine in previous maintenance events. I was driving on the interstate, and my engine seized and locked-up, and I had to slowly pullover on an interstate highway.

I purchased my Subaru Forester new in 2012. After a few thousand miles it was brought to my attention by the service tech that there was a "small" oil leak coming from the engine. They said it was not significant. No one mentioned that SB 02-131-12R had been issued addressing these leaks because they were so prominent with the engine in my Forester. At a little over 60,000 miles all of a sudden the dealer was "concerned" about fixing it now that I would have to foot the bill. The repair was made but failed shortly thereafter. The engine started showing PO170, PO171 codes. I took the vehicle to Subaru of Loveland and was told that the camshaft carrier that was supposed to be repaired at Subaru of Pueblo was leaking oil on the O2 sensor causing the lean condition. I was told that if it was not repaired that the catalytic converter would overheat and valve damage to the engine would occur. …

Air bags all 20 →

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed through a parking garage, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle initially crashed into a parked vehicle which caused a chain reaction with two other parked vehicles. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The police arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for a laceration to the head and a stiff neck. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

My 2012 Subaru forester had a recall on my passenger air bag that I had completed February 2019. It is now July 2022 and it's displaying the same codes for a faulty air bag per my mechanic. I contacted Subaru of America and they stated that it's not their problem because they have already complied with the recall. Clearly there is still an issue with the air bag or it would not have the same safety air bag code as before. This is clearly a manufacturer issue that they need to rectify. I should not have the same issue 3 years later. This is a huge safety problem. Consumer was instructed to make an appointment with a licensed Subaru facility to inspect the air bag issue and to go from there.

Speed control & acceleration

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed through a parking garage, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle initially crashed into a parked vehicle which caused a chain reaction with two other parked vehicles. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The police arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for a laceration to the head and a stiff neck. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Vehicle experienced an occurrence of sudden unintended acceleration. I had my foot on the brake and was easing into a parking space. All of a sudden, the engine revved, and the vehicle surged and began to move forward on its own accord. I was unable to stop it using the brake. The vehicle went over 2 parking curbs and shrubbery and was headed into traffic. Vehicle was moving at about 20-25 MPH so I was able to steer it and avoided traffic by turning right, staying on parking lot grass & rock barrier. Car went into gully and eventually stopped on its own. Dealership was unable to find problem. Contacted corporate office who had vehicle inspected by auto engineering firm and no problem detected. Since some recurrent issues reported on safety boards, decision made to trade in vehicle. …

2012 Subaru Forester engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.