2012 Subaru Forester Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2012 Subaru Forester recalls

Most common 2012 Subaru Forester problems

Problem areas named in the 106 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine	27
Air Bags	20
Vehicle Speed Control	18
Service Brakes	11
Electrical System	10
Unknown Or Other	8
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Structure	5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	5
Power Train	5

What owners report

2026-10-22, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was brake fluid leaking from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the two-way connector was severely corroded and the brake line had separated due to the failure. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated after the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by email, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the failure was associated with a previously repaired recall, which took an extended amount of time to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer had improperly serviced the vehicle during the recall repair. The con

2026-04-22, Unknown Or Other
I purchased the car Feb. 2026 from [XXX] in Seagirt. There were no problems with it. In Saturday April 18 , 2026 I was driving on Parkway north. As I paid toll at Tinton Falls toll I proceeded to go and the car made weird noises followed by a loud pop and black smoke and flames appeared under the hood. The car was engulfed in flames. I exited the car right away and starting walking away from it and called 911. They came and put out fire and towed it. I did not have comprehensive coverage therefore not getting anything back. The dealership sold it as is so they aren't doing anything about it. I do not understand why that happened to my car since it only had 73,000 miles INFORMATION REDACTED

2025-04-16, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the brake pedal was inoperative. The contact then discovered that there was brake fluid leaking underneath of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

2025-01-16, Engine
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 was blown. The 2.5 boxster engine used little to no oil, and the oil changes had been made always earlier than needed. The Forester had been maintained perfectly, driven cautiously and it had never been subject to any adverse conditions or accidents. After speaking with a number of certified mechanics, it is known that the engine needs to be replaced. But, how can the engine be replaced, espe

2024-01-16, 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 problem. why should i pay this if subaru's engines have this problem.

2012 Subaru Forester questions

Does the 2012 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls for the 2012 Subaru Forester: Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants in a Crash; Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Subaru Forester?

Based on 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (27), Air Bags (20), Vehicle Speed Control (18).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Subaru Forester has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.