2012 Subaru Forester

What owners report most often

1. Engine27
2. Air bags20
3. Vehicle speed control18
4. Service brakes15
5. Electrical system10
6. Other or unspecified8
7. Fuel/propulsion system6
8. Power train5

Recalls and investigations

1. Seat beltsNov 10, 2022

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.

   The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

   Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-22.

   Campaign 22V838000 on NHTSA.gov

2. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

   An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

   Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov

3. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

   An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

   Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov

4. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

   An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

   Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov

5. Electrical system, ignition, switchApr 11, 2019

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

   The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

   Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

   Campaign 19V297000 on NHTSA.gov

6. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

   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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

   Campaign 19V009000 on NHTSA.gov

7. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

   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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

   Campaign 19V008000 on NHTSA.gov

8. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

   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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

   Campaign 19V007000 on NHTSA.gov

9. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018

   Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

   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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.

   Campaign 18V012000 on NHTSA.gov

10. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

    Campaign 17V014000 on NHTSA.gov

11. Electrical systemOct 13, 2016

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

    If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

    Campaign 16V738000 on NHTSA.gov

12. Service brakes, hydraulicDec 31, 2014

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.

    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 crash.

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

    Campaign 14V830000 on NHTSA.gov

13. Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJun 10, 2014

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

    Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

    Campaign 14V311000 on NHTSA.gov

14. Exterior lightingDec 26, 2012

    Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).

    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. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

    Campaign 12V602000 on NHTSA.gov

15. Seat belts, rear/otherMar 13, 2012

    SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR in the SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES LOCATED IN THE REAR CENTER SEATING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DO NOT MEET LOCKABILITY REQUIREMENTS AND FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, “OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.” SPECIFICALLY, THE ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT PERMIT PROPER INSTALLATION AND SECURE ATTACHMENT OF A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.

    AN INSECURE INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD DURING A CRASH.

    SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WITH A NEWLY MODIFIED AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

    Campaign 12V099000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

105 reports, newest first.

1. Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2026, fire

   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 PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 16, 2025

   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.

3. Engine, Jan 16, 2025

   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, especially with a used engine, when the boxster engines are very faulty and Subaru has not engineered corrective actions/new parts ? Subaru has a serious problem with these engines and now after there are hundreds of similar owners they should do some type of recall to compensate the owners. The Forester has less than 126,000 miles, and was cared for in every possible way. Subaru, you should contact us owners to get this corrected, and to provide updated boxster engines with thicker and better, pistons, rods, cylinders, cams etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

4. Engine, Jan 16, 2024

   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.

5. Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 28, 2023

   My 2012 Subaru Forester suddenly accelerated as I was making a right hand turn from a parking lot onto a major street. My brakes failed and I could only steer at high speed off the street, over a curb on to a parking strip between trees, and through a motel parking lot. The car finally came to a stop as I had blown the front right tire going over the curb. The car has been towed to my auto repair shop where the cause(s) of the mechanical failure(s) as well as any possible associated damage(s) are still unknown. It is available for inspection upon request at this point in time. Although no injuries, fatalities, or property damage resulted from this incident, the sudden acceleration and brake failure of the car could have resulted in major injuries or fatalities if pedestrians had been on the sidewalk or in the motel parking lot. I could have also hit staff and/or guests in the motel office if I had not been able to steer away in time. I, as the driver, and my dog, as my sole passenger, could also have been seriously injured or killed if my car had hit the motel office or if my car had collided with any cars in motel lot. At this point in time, the cause of my car’s mechanical failure(s) remains unknown so the problem has not been assessed or confirmed by my independent auto repair service shop. The car has not been been inspected by any representative of the manufacturer (Subaru). Because no other vehicle was damaged nor person injured (miraculously) , I did not initiate a police report. Because the accident co-incidentally occurred next door to my insurance agent, where I had just been, the agent's assistant visually inspected my car immediately following the accident. I did not see any control panel signs or other signs prior to nor during the failure (although during the failure I was so focused on where the car was headed that I was unable to look at the control panel at the same time). There were no signs of the failure when I came to a stop.

6. Engine, Aug 16, 2023

   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 car still had oil on the dipstick, but I added half a quart to be safe. There were no dealerships nearby, so I proceeded to drive to the nearest town and went to a mechanic. They believed the sound was from the engine working hard. We proceeded driving the following day, and after a few hours (around 2,000 miles of the cross country drive) the sound became worse/louder. I was fortunately able to pull off at an exit in the middle of Wyoming, and immediately after driving down the exit ramp, the car stopped. I could not turn the steering wheel, the car would not move, and 3 lights came on. I was able to turn on the car to move it 20 feet out of the way, and checked the oil again as two oil lights came on the dash. There was essentially no oil in my car. I added the last half quart I had with me, but the location we were at did not carry oil for cars. We got a tow to the nearest dealership the following day and they informed me that my engine needed to be replaced and I had no oil in my car. There were no warning or indication lights the entire time we were driving. The engine seized without warning and there were never any leaks under the car indicating that I was losing oil. Had there not been an exit at the right time, the car would have given out on the side of the highway where people drive 80mph. The exact cause is still unknown as to why the engine burned through all the oil and why the engine needs to be replaced.

7. Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2023

   Both rear gate hydraulic arms failed at the same time. On or about 11/27/22, while retrieving items from the cargo compartment, I heard a pop and the door completely collapsed and struck me on the back of the head. Upon inspection the popping noise was the fracturing of the bolt which supported the right hydraulic arm. The left hydraulic arm failed to keep the door open or at least from slamming down upon me. Because I felt the simultaneous failure of both hydraulic arms posed a serious safety concern, my wife called Subaru Headquarters and spoke with [XXX], Customer Advocacy Department, and relayed the incident and our safety concerns for other owners of older model Subaru Foresters. [XXX] assured us that Subaru Headquarters would seriously consider our safety concerns. [XXX] asked that after making an appointment with the dealership for repair, we contact her of the date so she could speak directly to the Service Department regarding the safety issue we were raising. My wife made the appointment, called [XXX] with the date, and when arriving at the appointment asked the service person if they had been in touch with Subaru Headquarters regarding our concerns. First the service manager said no, but another service person said yes and that they had put a notation about this on our appointment service order. The repairs were made. About a week later my wife contacted [XXX], Subaru Headquarters' Customer Advocacy Department, to inquire on the status of our safety concern and was told that it had been elevated to the next higher level and we would hear from them by 12/30/22. On 1/27/22, [XXX] representative from Customer Advocacy at Subaru Headquarters, called to inform us that Subaru will no longer be able to investigate our safety concerns as the failed parts had not been saved by the Bloomington Subaru Service Department. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

8. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 24, 2022

   The vehicle will just stall. It has happened three times; usually at a stop sign or slowing down to turn. I have had it towed and in the shop, and they can't find anything wrong with it. No error messages. One shop cleaned the throttle body and thought that might be the problem. The vehicle has always consumed oil; at least a quart is added every 700-1000 miles. We have changed the oil regularly and don't understand why the oil consumption problem. Now the cruise light flashes off and on. The traction light and check engine light stays on all the time.

9. Wheels, Aug 1, 2022

   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.

10. Air bags, Jul 12, 2022

    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.

11. Engine, Feb 3, 2022

    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. Loveland said that the repair would cost $3,300.00 and that I probably would need a new short block shortly because of the damages caused by the leak. This is an emission problem as the engine will not meet standards. The engine in the Subaru Forester was a new design in 2011 and has suffered excessive oil consumption and camshaft carrier leaks until 2018 when the engine was replace with a new design. A search of the https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2012-cam-carrier-oil-leak.261490/ (Subaru Forum) will show many, many Subaru owner complaints on this issue. The overheating of the catalytic converter is a definite fire hazard.

12. Engine, Nov 20, 2021

    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.

13. Engine, Jul 26, 2021

    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.

14. Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 6, 2021, crash

    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.

15. Engine, Jun 18, 2021

    1st noticed a couple of years ago sounded like valve tapping engine noise. Took to auto shop and they stated car had virtually no oil in it. Never mentioned oil consumption issue. In March of 2020, took car into Subaru dealer for inspection and oil change. Yesterday, while driving home, noticed same noise as before. Auto shop found article about excessive oil consumption. Article stated owners were notified and advised of actions that could be taken. Mechanic stated it was a known issue, but no official recall had ever been issued. I never received any notification. Subaru offered to extend warranty period, but I may now be outside of that. Have appt at dealer tomorrow for other service work (including oil change). Car has 75k miles and is 2012. Was down over 3 quarts of oil at around 7,000 miles. No oil warning indicator ever illuminated. Was told by dealer when I called last night that they would perform "Oil Consumption Test" recommended by manufacture, "if your engine VIN meets the requirements". If the engine runs dry, good potential to seize on the spot and cause accident and injury.

16. Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2021

    KEEPS SMELLING LIKE GAS, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE LIGHT BLINKS, AND TRACKTION CONTROL LIGHTIS BLINKING. SAYS CODE PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

17. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2020

    2012 SUBARU DASH LIGHT ALL COME ON AND THEN THE CAR STARTS TO STALL OUT. DEALER CAN NOT FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. THE HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND IT RUNS FOR A COUPLE HOURS OR DAY AND THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS WILL HAPPEN IN THE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IS VERY DANGEROUS.

18. Engine, Dec 1, 2020

    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.

19. Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2020

    MY FRONT WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A SPONTANEOUS CRACK. IN APRIL 2020, THE CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT, AND IN THE MORNING, THERE WAS A 20-INCH LONG HORIZONTAL CRACK ON THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO IMPACT MARK TO INDICATE A ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD.

20. Engine, Oct 26, 2020

    AT 102K MILES, ENGINE DEVELOPED LOUD TAPPING SOUND. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS USED A QUART OF OIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1000 MILES SINCE NEW. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE OIL RELATED DUE TO ENGINE DESIGN/PART DEFECT. PROBLEM APPEARED AFTER 4 HOUR DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEED (70-75MPH). MECHANIC CHECKING FOR VALVE OR ROCKER DAMAGE.

21. Wheels, Oct 1, 2020

    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.

22. Engine, Sep 15, 2020

    TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER BECAME AWARE OF OIL CONSUMPTION ON THE VEHICLE. HIS DAUGHTER FREQUENTLY HAD TO REPLENISH THE OIL DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED MAITA SUBARU (2912 AUBURN BLVD, SACRAMENTO, CA 95821) AND ELK GROVE SUBARU (8581 LAGUNA GROVE DR, ELK GROVE, CA 95757) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THE VEHICLE FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED IN MAY OF 2020. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THE DEALERS INFORMATION. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000.

23. Service brakes, Jul 7, 2020

    A STUCK BRAKE CALIPER PISTON EXTENDED FAR ENOUGH TO RELEASE BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES.IT FAILED A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME ON CITY STREETS AND NO DAMAGE OCCURRED.REQUIRED TOWING TO A REPAIR SHOP.NO PHOTOS BUT ATTACHED IS A RECEIPT FOR REPAIRS.

24. Visibility/wiper, Jul 7, 2020

    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.

25. Power train, Apr 16, 2020

    ON 12/31/18, WHEN DRIVING HOME AT 11P.M.,AND AN HOUR FROM MY HOME, MY "OIL LIGHT" CAME ON. I STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION AND HAD 3 QUARTS OF OIL PUT IN MY OIL TANK. TWO DAYS LATER, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT FIND A LEAK BUT OVER THE NEXT 9 MONTHS, AT APPROXIMATELY EVERY 2 WEEK INTERVALS, HE PUT BETWEEN 1/2-3 QUARTS OF OIL IN MY CAR. IN MAY 2019 THE NORTH END SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. CHECKED OVER MY CAR AND COULD NOT FIND A OIL LEAK EITHER. ON 9/21/19, MY MECHANIC READ AN ARTICLE ONLINE ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN MOST SUBARU MODELS BETWEEN 2011-15. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM SUBARU RE: THIS PROBLEM. I WROTE 2 LETTERS TO SUBARU OF AMERICA (ONE TO THE PRESIDENT). I WAS NOTIFIED BY THEM THAT MY CAR WAS "OUT OF WARRANTY" BECAUSE IT, BY THEN, HAD OVER 100,000 MILES. THEY OFFERED ME A $1500 "LOYAL CUSTOMER" CREDIT ON A NEW SUBARU, WHICH THEY NEVER SENT ME. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SUBARUS SINCE 1990 AND HAVE TALKED MY WHOLE FAMILY AND SEVERAL FRIENDS INTO BUYING THEM. I USUALLY DRIVE MY SUBARUS UNTIL 250.000 MILES AND DON'T WANT TO GET A NEW CAR. THIS WAS A DEFECT IN MANY MODELS AND I WAS NOT NOTIFIED AS AN OWNER. I TAKE METICULOUS CARE OF MY CARS. I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS ONE, HAVING THE OIL LEVELS CHECKED EVERY 2 WEEKS. THE COST OF A NEW "ENGINE BLOCK ASSEMBLY" WOULD BE $4995, WHICH I THINK SUBARU SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND THEY SUGGESTED I ALSO CONTACT YOU. ATTACHED IN THE MENTIONED COMPLAINT, THE 2 LETTERS I WROTE TO SUBARU AND AN ARTICLE RE: THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE ME. *TR