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2012 Subaru Forester Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 202610 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2012 Subaru Forester Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Subaru Forester has 139 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and air bags.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.8/ 10

Based on 139 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

27 19.4%

AIR BAGS

20 14.4%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

17 12.2%

SERVICE BRAKES

11 7.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 7.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 19.4% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 32 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Subaru Forester

The 2012 Subaru Forester has 139 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 19% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Subaru Forester are ENGINE (27), AIR BAGS (20), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (17).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 84 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Subaru Forester?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 Forester complaints2013 Forester complaints2014 Forester complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 32 of 32 systems

ENGINE

27 Reports19% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD INDEPENDENTLY DISABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING ACCORDING TO STANDARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,650 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,626. UPDATED 10/17/13*LJ

8/19/2013

THE ENGINE CONSUMES TOO MUCH OIL FOR SUCH A RELATIVELY NEW & LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. THIS IS THE 2ND COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER ABOUT THIS CONCERN. EACH TIME THE ENGINE OIL IS CHECKED THE DIPSTICK WOULD NOT REGISTER ANY OIL READING. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE DEALER CHANGED THE OIL & FILTER UNDER WARRANTY AS PER BULLETIN 02-144-13R & HAVING ME RETURN AFTER AN ADDITIONAL 1200 MILES OF DRIVING. THIS ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE FOR HAVING OIL USAGE AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE AND BEGIN RELATIVELY NEW. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY TIME AND UNDERSTAND ALL CARS CONSUME OIL AT SOME POINT OR ANOTHER BUT NOT WHEN THE CAR IS STILL PRACTICALLY NEW. DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, MOST WITH NO RESOLUTION. THIS POSES A SAFETY HAZARD MAINLY FOR THE OWNERS WHO ARE NOT AS SAVVY WITH VEHICLES. THE ENGINE OIL COULD RUN OUT & SEIZE THE MOTOR OF WHICH CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING DURING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

1/4/2014

25 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

20 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ME AND MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING 20MPH DOWN A SMALL HILL,A LADY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US,I HIT THE BRAKES,WHICH LOCKED UP AND WE SLID SO I LET OFF THEM IMMEDIATELY,THE ROADS WERE ICY AND SNOWY,SO WE GAINED A LOT OF VELOCITY,WE MISSED HITTING HER BUT WENT SIDEWAYS,A LITTLE AIRBORN AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE.I VIOLENTLY STRUCK MY HEAD OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW,AND MY SHOULDER AND ARM WERE PINCHED BETWEEN MY BODY AND THE DOOR.THE TIRES POPPED,THE FRONT BUMPER CLIPS BROKE.WE BOTH SUFFERED SEAT BELT BRUISES,AND MY DAUGHTER SLAMMED HER KNEE.I HURT MY SHOULDER PRETTY BAD AND MY HEAD STILL HURTS THEY ARE DOING CAT SCANS.MY AIR BAG ON MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR,WHERE IT STRUCK THE POLE NEVER DEPLOYED.I JUST THANK GOD IT DID NOT HIT ON HER SIDE.BUT WE WERE DEFIANTLY GOING FAST ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THAT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG IT BENT THE DOOR AND THE ROCKER SILL THE THOUGHT OF IT NOT GOING OFF IS VERY SCARY AND A BIG MALFUNCTION,I'VE BEEN HAVING ENOUGH PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES,SEATBELTS,CAR NOT RUNNING PROPERLY,AND A BUNCH OF OTHER ISSUES I REALLY DID NOT NEED THIS AND I REALLY FEEL THAT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM THAT CAN KILL SOMEONE AND WE WERE VERY LUCKY,WHEN I CONTACTED SUBARU I GOT THE USUAL RUN AROUND.NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER.NEEDS SOMEONE TO INTERVENE LIKE YOU. *TR

1/14/2015

I RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER FROM SUBARU AMERICA, WHO DESCRIBED TERRIFYING CONSEQUENCES ABOUT THEIR DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. HOWEVER, WHAT THEY COULD DO AT THE MOMENT IS JUST TO ADVICE NOT LETTING ANYONE RIDE ON THAT SIDE BEFORE REPAIR. THERE WAS NOT EVEN A DEADLINE FOR SUCH A REPAIR. THIS IS SO DISAPPOINTING SINCE THERE IS NO WAY TO FIT MY FAMILY INTO THE BACK SEATS. THE REALITY IS THAT SUBARU IS STILL PRODUCING NEW VEHICLES WITH COMPETENT AIRBAGS EVERYDAY. THE COMPANY REALLY SHOULD CONSIDER THE FEELINGS OF THEIR CURRENT OWNERS AND TREAT THEM BETTER!

3/18/2017

18 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

17 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KICKED ON AND PROCEEDED TO FLASH WHILE THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON DISABLING THE TRACTION CONTROL. THIS LASTED APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, ALL LIGHTS KICKED OFF AND SEEMED OKAY. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE WAS SOLID AND STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON. AT THAT TIME ALL THE LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CODES ARE CLEARED, UNTIL THAT IS DONE, STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. *TR

12/27/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED THE SAME SPEED ONCE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE BUT ADVISED THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE TO CORRECT IT. THE DEALER NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED, AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,800. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS APPARENT, THAT WHEN HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED ITS SPEED FOR TWO OR THREE SECONDS. THE DEALER VERIFIED THE ISSUE AS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS INFORMED IT WAS NORMAL AND IT WOULD NOT BE CORRECTED. UPDATED EVOQ 01/26/12

1/13/2012

15 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

11 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT APPLIED REPEATED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT THEN APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY DRIVEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,800.

7/25/2012

TL* I RECEIVED AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE (1ST NOTICE) FOR MY 2012 SUBARU FORESTER REGARDING POTENTIAL BRAKE LINE CORROSION. IT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STOP THE CAR BY INCREASING BRAKING DISTANCE. IN THE 1ST NOTICE SUBARU AGREED TO INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BREAK LINES FREE OF CHARGE. SUBARU STATED THAT IT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF ACQUIRING ANTI-CORROSION MATERIALS AND REPLACEMENT PARTS TO PERFORM THE NECESSARY REPAIR. THEY WOULD RE-CONTACT THE OWNER BY MAIL WHEN THE MATERIAL WERE AVAILABLE. WHEN THE 2ND WAS RECEIVED THE OWNER WAS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL DEALER FOR THE INSPECTION AND ANY NECESSARY REPAIRS. UNTIL THEN THERE WERE SEVERAL IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN INCLUDING, MONITORING BRAKE FLUID LEAKS, BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND PRESSURE, STOPPING DISTANCE, AND BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT. SHOULD ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS BECOME APPARENT THE OWNER SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THE DRIVER SHOULD MAINTAIN SAFE BRAKING DISTANCE AND TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN PARKING AND IN TIGHT SPACES. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED IT WOULDN'T BE UNTIL NOVEMBER 2014 UNTIL THE 2ND NOTICE WAS TO BE RECEIVED (3 MONTHS AWAY FROM THE 1ST NOTICE). THE OWNER THEN CALLED THE DEALER WHO, WITHIN A WEEK, INSPECTED, CLEANED, AND APPLIED ANTI-CORROSION MATERIALS TO THE BRAKE LINES. THE OWNER HAVING TO TAKE THE PRECAUTIONS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN MY OPINION. SUBARU SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS AND INSPECTION. THE BRAKING SYSTEM SHOULD BE INSPECTED IMMEDIATELY TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A RISK OF A BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE DUAL BRAKING SYSTEM, BRAKELINE MATERIALS AND EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS IS LIKELY THE SAME FOR BOTH SYSTEMS. COULD BOTH SYSTEMS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM SIMULTANEOUSLY? IF THERE IS A LARGE ENOUGH LEAK IN 1 SYSTEM THAT GOES UNDETECTED COULD IT EMPTY THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR AFFECTING THE 2ND SYSTEM'S CAPABILITY? SUBARU CAMPAIGN WQK-47 RECALL NO. 14V-311 JULY 2014. UPDATED 11/20/14 *JS

7/31/2014

9 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED UNLESS HE DROVE THE VEHICLE REGULARLY, OR STARTED IT AND LET THE ENGINE IDLE, THE COMPLEX OF ELECTRIC CIRCUITS WOULD RUN DOWN THE BATTERY TO A NO START AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER, ALL SYSTEMS WOULD BE DEAD. THE CONSUMER STATED SELLERS ADMITTED TO THE PROBLEM AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND RUNNING THE ENGINE MORE OFTEN.

4/22/2013

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE DEALER CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, AT WHICH TIME, THEY DIAGNOSED THE IGNITION ISSUE AS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND STATED THAT IT WAS FIXED WITH AN UPDATE TO THE FIRMWARE. HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME IGNITION PROBLEM, BUT ON A MORE FREQUENT BASIS. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY. DESPITE THE NEW BATTERY REPLACEMENT, HE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT THE SAME FREQUENCY. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE FUEL PUMP, BUT WERE UNABLE TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS 100% UNTIL THEIR FUEL PUMP MECHANIC MADE FURTHER INQUIRES WITH THE SUBARU FACTORY. THE CONSUMER MADE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT, AS IT WAS FINALLY CONFIRMED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

9/8/2014

8 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY SUN VISERS FALL OFF. THEY FALL OFF AND LAND IN MY LAP. THEY AT TIMES CATCH THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY HAVE DONE THIS SINCE 2016. BOTH OF THEM DO THIS. WHEN I AM DRIVING, FREEWAY OR AROUND TOWN, THEY FALL OFF AND STARTLE ME AND CAUSE THE SUN TO BE IN MY EYES. OFTEN THEY ARE NOT ON MY CAR AND I CAN'T SEE ON THE ROAD.

6/6/2018

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL AT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH I WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKES WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CONCRETE WALL IN FRONT OF ME. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NEITHER ME OR MY PASSENGER WERE NOT HURT. DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, FRAME, GRILL AND VARIOUS COMPONENTS JUST INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

4/29/2019

5 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DURING COLD WEATHER STARTS, THE VEHICLE CABIN SMELLS STRONGLY OF RAW FUEL, AS IF THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE SMELL PERSISTS UNTIL THE ENGINE HAS REACHED ITS NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. LOOSE FUEL LINES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR FORESTERS, AND RARE INSTANCES OF THIS OCCURRING IN CURRENT GENERATION FORESTERS (09-13). *TR

12/1/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE MADE AN INTERMITTENT CLUNKING SOUND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A LOT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND A WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING FUEL ISSUES. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FUELED, THE FUEL GAUGE READING WAS INACCURATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,330.

2/8/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KICKED ON AND PROCEEDED TO FLASH WHILE THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON DISABLING THE TRACTION CONTROL. THIS LASTED APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, ALL LIGHTS KICKED OFF AND SEEMED OKAY. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE WAS SOLID AND STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON. AT THAT TIME ALL THE LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CODES ARE CLEARED, UNTIL THAT IS DONE, STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. *TR

12/27/2011

WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND IT WAS NECESSARY TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGH RPM, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AND START FLASHING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ALSO FLASHED. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. FIRST TIME ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISABLED AND THE OTHER LIGHTS CONTINUED TO BE ON AND FLASH AND I HAD TO TAKE IT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE "RESET". DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS A "COMPUTER" PROBLEM AND SUBARU HAS NOT FIXED IT. YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WAS ABLE TO LET OFF ACCLERATION QUICK ENOUGH TO KEEP IT FROM LOCKING OUT MY CRUISE AND CAUSING ALL THE LIGHTS TO FLASH CONTINUALLY. *TT

5/21/2012

2 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER SHARP ACCELERATION THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. NO OTHER ISSUES NOTED. TWO MONTHS LATER WITH 7500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, THE SAME THING OCCURRED BUT THIS TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE STABILIZATION LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK AND I ASSUME THE STABILIZATION DIDN'T EITHER.

8/20/2012

SINCE MARCH, 2017 MY FORESTER BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I FIRST STARTED THE CAR AND PRESSED THE CLUTCH IN TO REVERSE OUT OF THE GARAGE. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS TOO EARLY FOR THE CLUTCH TO FAIL AT ONLY 74,000 MILES AND LUBRICATED IT-- TWICE OVER THE INSURING MONTHS AS THE NOISE NOT ONLY PERSISTED BUT GOT LOUDER AND MORE PERSISTENT. IN AUGUST, I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT SHOP OUT OF TOWN AND THEY CONFIRMED MY SUSPICIONS THAT THE THROW OUT BEARING WAS FAILING. TO REPAIR IT INVOLVED A NEW CLUTCH KIT AND A DAY OF LABOR FOR A $1300 BILL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FIVE DAYS NOW SINCE IT WAS FIXED AND THE CLUTCH SEEMS TO BE WORKING FINE AGAIN. I AM FILING THIS REPORT SO OTHERS WILL BE AWARE OF A MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAY TOO EARLY IN MILEAGE AND NOT ASSUME IT'S A SQUEAK THAT LUBRICANT CAN FIX. FOR TEN YEARS, I HAD A 2002 MANUAL FORESTER THAT I DROVE FOR OVER 200,000 MILES AND NEVER HAD A CLUTCH PROBLEM. A CLUTCH REBUILD AT 75,649 MILES IS RIDICULOUS AND SUBARU SHOULD WARN OWNERS OF THE PROBLEM.

8/23/2017

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

OUR FORESTER HAS AN INCONSISTENT BRAKE PEDAL. SOMETIMES THE PEDAL IS FIRM AND RESPONSIVE. SOMETIMES THE PEDAL GOES TOWARDS THE FLOOR BEFORE IT RESPONDS. WE NEVER KNOW HOW FAR IN THE PEDAL WILL GO. THUS FAR THE BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS WORKED BUT EXTRA TIME AND DISTANCE ARE NEEDED TO STOP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND HAS BEEN THERE EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING FROM SUBARU'S RECALL OF OTHER 2012 MODELS EXPLAINS ALMOST EXACTLY HOW THIS MANIFESTS FOR US. PRESSING THE PEDAL LIGHTLY AND SUBSEQUENTLY HAVING TO HIT THE PEDAL HARDER WITHOUT LETTING UP SEEMS TO BE A TRIGGER. THE PEDAL HAS ALSO GONE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR ON 2 OCCASIONS WHICH OCCURRED AT VERY LOW SPEEDS IN PARKING LOTS. MANIFESTATIONS PER THE PARAGRAPH BELOW ARE MOST COMMON AND CAN HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED INCLUDING ON THE HIGHWAY. IN THE RECALL LETTER SENT TO SUBARU OWNERS IT NOTED THAT "IN VEHICLES EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVER WILL INITIALLY ENCOUNTER A SOFT PEDAL FEEL AND MAY MOMENTARILY PERCEIVE A SENSE OF LOSS IN BRAKING POWER WHILE THE PEDAL IS BEING PRESSED LIGHTLY. THIS WILL ONLY CONTINUE UNTIL THE PEDAL IS PRESSED DOWNWARD APPROXIMATELY 2 MORE INCHES. EFFECTIVE BRAKING FUNCTION WILL BE ACHIEVED AT THAT POINT, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE." WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO 2 DEALERSHIPS AND THEY BOTH TOLD US THERE IS NO PROBLEM. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS AND THEY ROAD TESTED IT FOR 3 DAYS AND TOLD US NOTHING IS WRONG. WE APPEAR TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT TRIGGERED A RECALL OF MILLIONS OF OTHER 2012 MODELS AND WE DO NOT APPEAR TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. THIS PROBLEM IS POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING, AND IT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT MANIFESTS FOR SUBARU TECHNICIANS OR NOT. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC AND HE BELIEVES THE MASTER CYLINDER IS BAD BUT HE HAS DONE NO WORK ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

3/1/2012

ON JUNE 9, 2015 I BROUGHT MY 2012 SUBARU FORESTER (MILEAGE 41184) INTO THE SUBARU DEALER FOR A "BRAKE PIPE INSPECTION RECALL" AND TO REPLACE A BROKEN PLASTIC MOLDING IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. INSPECTION BY THE MECHANIC AT THIS TIME STATED THAT ALL THE BRAKES WERE IN GOOD SHAPE ACCORDING TO THEIR RATING SYSTEM. ONE MONTH LATER, ON JULY 8, 2015, I BROUGHT MY 2012 SUBARU FORESTER (MILEAGE 42513) BACK TO THE SUBARU DEALER BECAUSE OF VIBRATION AND NOISE EMANATING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. INSPECTION BY THE SERVICE MECHANIC SHOWED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES HAD LOCKED UP, WERE NOT RELEASING, AND HAD WORN OUT THE BRAKE PADS AND SCORCHED THE FRONT ROTORS FROM THE HEAT GENERATED BY THIS MALFUNCTION. IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AND PADS. IN A PERIOD OF 30 DAYS AND 1329 MILES THE AUTOMOBILE WENT FROM GOOD BRAKES TO WORN-OUT BRAKES WITH SCORCHED ROTORS FROM THE HIGH HEAT GENERATED. SUBARU IS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS AWARE SOMETHING WAS WRONG -- SOMETHING WHICH IF NOT FIXED COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE OR BRAKE FAILURE WHILE ON BUSY HIGHWAY AND POTENTIALLY RESULTED IN BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANTS. THIS IS NO WAY "NORMAL" BRAKE WEAR. THE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND CORRECTED BY SUBARU BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED.

7/11/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY FORESTER HAS HAD THE ISSUE OF MISFIRING ON THREE OCCASIONS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE FIRST TWO, NOW THEY TELL ME I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THEY CREATE A COMPUTER UPDATE, THAT MY CAR HAS A "GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER". MY CRUISE CONTROL BECOMES DISABLED, WHILE DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES, ALONG WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARING LIGHT ALSO BLINKS. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THE CAR WILL RUN PROPERLY, NOT TO WORRY. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT THE ABS IS POROBLABLY MALFUNCTIONING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, THEY DEALERSHIP SAID I MAY HAVE HAD WATERY GAS. IT HAS NOW HAPPENED UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS: GOING UP GRADE AND NEEDING TO ACCELERATE. IN A FOUR MONTH PERIOD, I HAVE HAD THIS SAME UNRESOLVED ISSUE, THREE TIMES. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS ARE ON RECALL. WHEN I CALLED TOHAVE THE SEAT BELT REPLACED, I WAS TOLD THEY WERE ON BACK ORDER AND WOULD CONTACT ME. *TR

4/23/2012

TAKATA RECALL. I WAS TURNING LEFT WHEN I WAS STRUCK BY A CAR GOING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. ACCORDING TO POLICE THE IMPACT WAS AT 01-1 O'CLOCK. . MY CAR WAS SPUN INTO THE GUARD RAIL CAUSING DAMAGE TO LEFT FRONT AND RT REAR OF MY CAR. THE SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED AND RELEASED THE SEAT BELT AND THE FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR ,STEERING COLUMN , GEAR SHIFT ,ETC. I SUSTAINED RATHER SEVERE NECK INJURIES WHICH I BELIEVE WOULD HAVE REDUCED OR ELIMINATED IF THE SAFETY SYSTEMS HAD OPERATED.

11/29/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE OPENING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, THE TOP, RIGHT CORNER OF THE DOOR STRUCK MY FOREHEAD, CAUSING A GASH JUST ABOVE MY RIGHT EYEBROW THAT REQUIRED SIX STITCHES TO CLOSE. A LITTLE LOWER AND THE SHARP, POINTED CORNER OF THE DOOR FRAME COULD HAVE CAUSED THE LOSS OF MY RIGHT EYE. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DESIGN OF THE DOOR FRAME. IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR, ONE MUST REACH FOR THE DOOR HANDLE AND, IN DOING SO, LEAN IN TOWARD THE DOOR. WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED, IF ONE IS NOT STANDING BACK FAR ENOUGH, THE DOOR WILL HIT THE PERSON OPENING THE DOOR. THE DESIGN IS COMMON TO BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. I INQUIRED WITH KINNEY MOTORS OF RUTLAND, VERMONT (802-775-6900), WHERE I PURCHASED MY 2012 SUBARU FORESTER TO SEE IF THERE IS A FIX FOR THE ABOVE PROBLEM AND, WHILE THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS POLITE AND TRIED TO BE HELPFUL, NO FIX WAS AVAILABLE. *TR

5/30/2012

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL AT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH I WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKES WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CONCRETE WALL IN FRONT OF ME. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NEITHER ME OR MY PASSENGER WERE NOT HURT. DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, FRAME, GRILL AND VARIOUS COMPONENTS JUST INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

4/29/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN TURNING OFF ENGINE, LOUD RAPID PINGING NOISE FROM FRONT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. PER SUBARU HOME OFFICE THIS IS NORMAL. PER MANAGER OF SUBARU SERVICE DEPT IT IS NORMAL. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GUARDS AROUND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER - THAT THEY GET VERY HOT FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND PING AS COOL DOWN. BUT IF THEY ARE CONTINUALLY WARPING BACK AND FORTH CAUSING THE PINGING SOUND, ISN'T THERE GOING TO BE METAL FATIGUE? WHEN THE GUARDS DON'T WORK, IS THE CAR GOING TO BE SAFE TO DRIVE? I MEAN, I WOULD THINK THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON. I HAVE EVEN HEARD THE NOISE ROLLING DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. JUST WANT TO KNOW THE CAR WILL BE SAFE. WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE ANNOYING NOISE GO AWAY ALSO. I WAS TOLD ALL FORESTERS DO THIS. *TR

4/21/2013

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS GLASS WILL NOT CLOSE. THE HEAD REST IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE WITHOUT BEING SLAMMED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATES A CODE OF MISFIRING ON TWO CYLINDERS. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE LOWERED WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE WINDOW GLASS SHIFTED OUT BEYOND THE CHANNEL IN THE DOOR AND THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO LISTEN TO A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DID CONFIRM A PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLUTION. *JB

12/2/2014

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS A BLOCK FROM HOME AFTER HAVING HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES FROM WORK WHEN I HEARD A LOUD "POP." I THOUGHT SOMETHING HAD HIT THE CAR. I COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE INTO MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SUDDENLY FOLDED INTO THE FENDER, AND I COULD NOT MOVE FURTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT VIA THE ROADSIDE SERVICE OFFERED THROUGH SUBARU, AS THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOUND THAT THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT WAS MISSING A BOLT. BOTH THE SERVICE PEOPLE AND THE GENERAL MANAGER HAD STATED TO ME THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE AND THOUGHT, POSSIBLY, THE BOLT WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY AT THE FACTORY. THE REPAIR DOCUMENT READS AS FOLLOWS: "CONFIRMED CUSTOMERS CONCERN RIGHT FRONT STRUT MISSING BOLT, RECOMMEND TO REPLACE STRUT AND HAT WITH NEW BOLTS. RECOMMEND TO REPLACE HAT DUE TO DAMAGED BENT STRUT. WITH CUSTOMERS AUTHORIZATION REMOVED AND REPLACED RIGHT FRONT STRUT AND NEEDED HARDWARE. REPLACED STRUT HAT AND COMPLETED. TORQUED ALL WHEELS AND ALL RELATED NUTS AND BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION." I HAVE NOT HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM SINCE I RECEIVED THE VEHICLE BACK ON MARCH 18, 2014. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY NOT BE JUST MY VEHICLE. HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT A MUCH HIGHER SPEED, THIS COULD HAVE ENDED UP VERY BADLY FOR NOT ONLY ME BUT OTHERS ON THE ROAD AS WELL. THANK YOU *TR

4/6/2014

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES DO NOT HOLD PRESSURE. THE TIRES WERE 2 YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. THE TIRE PRESSURE GAUGES WERE FOUND NOT TO BE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE.

10/1/2020

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS GLASS WILL NOT CLOSE. THE HEAD REST IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE WITHOUT BEING SLAMMED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATES A CODE OF MISFIRING ON TWO CYLINDERS. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE LOWERED WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE WINDOW GLASS SHIFTED OUT BEYOND THE CHANNEL IN THE DOOR AND THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO LISTEN TO A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DID CONFIRM A PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLUTION. *JB

12/2/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A LOUD EXPLOSION WAS HEARD AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD NOT BEEN STRUCK BY ANY OBJECT OR DEBRIS. THE DEALER (PIAZZA SUBARU OF LIMERICK, 105 W RIDGE PIKE, LIMERICK, PA 19468, (888) 690-2369) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

7/30/2018

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE DRIVER-SIDE SUN VISOR DROPPED OUT OF IT'S BRACKET, AND FELL IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S FACE, WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, STARTLING THE DRIVER AND BLOCKING DRIVER'S COMPLETE VIEW OF ON COMING TRAFFIC.

11/2/2015

THE SUN VISOR MOUNT IS OF LOW QUALITY AND FAILURE ALLOWED THE VISOR TO FALL IN MY LAP WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON A COUNTY HIGHWAY. NO VEHICLE DAMAGE OCCURRED. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS THE REASON FOR FAILURE. VEHICLE MILEAGE AT FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

7/7/2020

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KICKED ON AND PROCEEDED TO FLASH WHILE THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON DISABLING THE TRACTION CONTROL. THIS LASTED APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, ALL LIGHTS KICKED OFF AND SEEMED OKAY. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE WAS SOLID AND STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON. AT THAT TIME ALL THE LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CODES ARE CLEARED, UNTIL THAT IS DONE, STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. *TR

12/27/2011

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FUEL MILEAGE WAY OUT OF WHACK. ON HIGHWAY AT 100-110 KMH AVERAGES 11 L/100KM SUNROOF LEAKS WHEN GOING THROUGH CAR WASH. *TR

2/21/2012

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FUEL MILEAGE WAY OUT OF WHACK. ON HIGHWAY AT 100-110 KMH AVERAGES 11 L/100KM SUNROOF LEAKS WHEN GOING THROUGH CAR WASH. *TR

2/21/2012

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FUEL MILEAGE WAY OUT OF WHACK. ON HIGHWAY AT 100-110 KMH AVERAGES 11 L/100KM SUNROOF LEAKS WHEN GOING THROUGH CAR WASH. *TR

2/21/2012

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 FORESTER 2.5X, 4-SPD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, 50+ MPH, ANY ATTEMPT TO QUICKLY ACCELERATE CAUSES THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO DOWNSHIFT ALL THE WAY TO SECOND GEAR. THIS RESULTS IN VERY HIGH RPMS, BUT A LOSS IN VELOCITY AS THE DOWNSHIFT TO SECOND GEAR IS NOT APPROPRIATE AT THE HIGH END OF THE ALLOWABLE RPMS FOR THE ENGINE. THE LOSS IN SPEED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE IS VERY UNSAFE AND HAS CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO UNEXPECTEDLY RETURN TO MY LANE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. LIKEWISE, ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC TRAVELING FASTER IN ANOTHER LANE IS ALSO UNSAFE AS I LOSE SPEED WHILE EMERGING INTO THE LANE WITH FASTER TRAFFIC. THIS DOWNSHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR RATHER THAN THIRD GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OCCASIONALLY CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN ON AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT TO TURN ON. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND CAN BE REPLICATED AT ANY TIME. THIS OCCURS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND CAN BE REPLICATED BY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL QUICKLY, OR JUST TAPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DOWNSHIFT TO SECOND GEAR AT HIGH SPEEDS USING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. I HAVE RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THE DEALERS MECHANICS ARE EASILY ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE DEALERSHIP CONTACTED THE SUBARU HEADQUARTERS AND WERE TOLD THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION. IT IS ANYTHING BUT NORMAL FOR AN AUTOMOBILE AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. THERE APPEAR TO BE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS INTERNET SITES ON FORESTERS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR

3/22/2013

TIRES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

NOTICE TWO BLEMISHES ON TIRE SIDE WALL AFTER BUYING NEW CAR, 1 YEAR LATER BULGING IS BIGGER. *TR

7/6/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I'M HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY HEADLIGHTS. IN PAST 3-4 MONTHS THEY HAVE RANDOMLY GONE OUT. THE LIGHT BULB IS GOOD. SO IS THE FUSE. EACH TIME WE TOOK THE HEADLIGHT AREA APART AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER IT LIGHT BULB CAME BACK ON. I DO NOT KNOW IF ITS THE WIRES OR CONNECTION WITH THE LIGHT BULB AND THE BASE. I DID CALL WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND AS ITS OUT OF WARRANTY, WILL ONLY FIX FOR A FEE. SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL "DECIDE AFTER EVALUATED AND FIXED" AS LONG AD ONLY USING ALL SUBARU PARTS"- IF THEY WILL COVER THIS. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED, BOTH IF MY HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. VERY CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

8/7/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FROM THE DAY SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES DID NOT SEEM RIGHT. THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED TOO SOFT AND THERE WAS EXTENDED PEDAL TRAVEL. SHE HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP IN TIME. ALSO, WHEN SITTING AT A LIGHT WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL WOULD SUDDENLY JUST SINK DOWNWARD AN INCH. ALSO, AT APPROXIMATELY, 17,000 IN MAY 2014, THE BRAKES BEGAN PULSATING. THE DEALER MACHINED THE ROTORS AND STATED IT WAS NORMAL. THE CONSUMER EVEN THOUGH THE HER YEAR, WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, SHE STILL EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. *JB

8/14/2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE DEALER CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, AT WHICH TIME, THEY DIAGNOSED THE IGNITION ISSUE AS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND STATED THAT IT WAS FIXED WITH AN UPDATE TO THE FIRMWARE. HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME IGNITION PROBLEM, BUT ON A MORE FREQUENT BASIS. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY. DESPITE THE NEW BATTERY REPLACEMENT, HE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AT THE SAME FREQUENCY. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE FUEL PUMP, BUT WERE UNABLE TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS 100% UNTIL THEIR FUEL PUMP MECHANIC MADE FURTHER INQUIRES WITH THE SUBARU FACTORY. THE CONSUMER MADE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT, AS IT WAS FINALLY CONFIRMED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

9/8/2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS GLASS WILL NOT CLOSE. THE HEAD REST IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE WITHOUT BEING SLAMMED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATES A CODE OF MISFIRING ON TWO CYLINDERS. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE LOWERED WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE WINDOW GLASS SHIFTED OUT BEYOND THE CHANNEL IN THE DOOR AND THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO LISTEN TO A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DID CONFIRM A PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLUTION. *JB

12/2/2014

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS GLASS WILL NOT CLOSE. THE HEAD REST IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE WITHOUT BEING SLAMMED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATES A CODE OF MISFIRING ON TWO CYLINDERS. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE LOWERED WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE WINDOW GLASS SHIFTED OUT BEYOND THE CHANNEL IN THE DOOR AND THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO LISTEN TO A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DID CONFIRM A PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLUTION. *JB

12/2/2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

7/26/2016

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A BURNING ODOR FILLED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BECAME VERY HOT AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT AND THE CONTACT'S CLOTHING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS A SECOND OCCURRENCE AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A SAVINGS COUPON IN ADDITION TO THE SEAT REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPLETELY DAMAGED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

3/17/2017

STEERING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

7/16/2019

SUSPENSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

7/16/2019

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO STUD FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE 3 OF THE 5 WHEEL STUDS EXPERIENCED A SHEARING FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE FAILURE DUE TO IT BEING A KNOWN ISSUE.

8/1/2022

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Forester?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Subaru Forester is ENGINE, with 27 owner reports. That is about 19% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, AIR BAGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.

Are complaints about the 2012 Subaru Forester a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 84 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Subaru Forester?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Subaru Forester severe?

84 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Subaru Forester: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
139
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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