repaired · 2024 Q3
Seat belts
Risk. The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2012 Subaru ForesterProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 107 owner complaints about the 2012 Subaru Forester, most often about the engine. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-311 the manufacturer reports only 45% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Subaru Forester has problems
107 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
27Engine2 crash/fire/injury
20Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
18Vehicle speed control11 crash/fire/injury
11Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
10Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
6Service brakes, hydraulic
6Fuel/propulsion system
5Structure
5Power train
2613 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27 | 2 |
| Air bags | 20 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 18 | 11 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 2 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 26 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
15 recalls
2012 Subaru Forester recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 11 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q3
Ignition: switch
Risk. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.
no report yet
Exterior lighting
Risk. Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system.
no report yet
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. AN INSECURE INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD DURING A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Forester year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forester median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Subaru Forester safety ratings
2012 Subaru Forester SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Forester owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I checked my oil level, fluids, and tire pressure before a drive on the highway. Driving on [XXX] South, faint ticking started, then a louder tapping, and I immediately pulled off, luckily, off an exit ramp. AAA towed the Forester to a certified repair shop and the mechanic stated that the engine…
my vehicle has 52460 miles and was in southern oregon subaru for an oil change, when i was informed the engine was leaking oil. the service advisor said the cam carrier reseal was needed and it would cost $3380.00. i checked youtube and found that subaru forester from 2012 to 2019 engines have this…
After purchasing the vehicle on July 25, 2023 at approximately 99,800 miles, I began driving across the country from PA to CA. I purchased the vehicle from a Subaru dealership, so it was certified pre-owned. Beginning on day 3 of the drive, the car began to make a ticking sound under the hood. The…
Own a 2012 Forester?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.