2012 Subaru Forester problems
Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 2012 Subaru Forester with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 19.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 14.3%.
Complaints140
Crashes22
Fires5
Injuries12
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 19.3% · 27
Air bags 14.3% · 20
Vehicle speed control 12.9% · 18
Service brakes 7.9% · 11
Electrical system 7.1% · 10
Unknown or other 5.7% · 8
Fuel/propulsion system 4.3% · 6
Power train 3.6% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 12 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 23 model years of the Subaru Forester in this data, 2012 sits 16th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 17 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 42,513 miles.
In owners' own words
Purchased vehical 3-4 months ago w/ 86k miles. Oil leaks in head gasket ( quart every 6 weeks..Researched this and turns out this is a very common problem from 1999- 2013. On all foresters. Manufacturer used more sealant and less gasket on that engine.Why wasn't this recalled?? Easily verified via tube or internet.The other issue is lower control arm bushings worn out at 86k miles. Steering is very un stable. Engine · reported at 86,000 miles
My car suffered a catastrophic oil event without an indicator light or any other warning requiring a new engine. The car has 119k miles (purchased from a Subaru dealer with 114k less than a year ago). We had no leaks in our garage or driveway from the car. My daughter was driving the car to school, and the smoke filled the car. The car was not driveable and was towed to an auto repair shop. Engine
Subaru has been aware of an oil consumption defect with the piston rings in this model car and never notified owners that it was present. The result can be oil pressure loss, rapid overheating, and motor seizing. The motor has been replaced for some customers for the oil consumption damages, but not for many others. The parts were defective at manufacture and a recall should be instituted. Engine · reported at 124,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…