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2012 Subaru Forester

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 105 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  13. 105

Of the 2012 reports, 15 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine27 reports · 26% of complaints
Owner complaints105Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship15 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

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: engine

29 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. 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)

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Engine, Jan 24, 2020

    EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. HAVE TO ADD MORE THAN A 1 QUART BETWEEN OIL CHANGES(EVERY 3K MILES).

  13. Steering, Suspension, Engine, Jul 16, 2019

    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.

  14. Engine, Jun 25, 2019

    2012 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 106,000 MILES BURNS ALL OF THE ENGINE OIL DRY. I HAVE READ THIS IS DUE TO FAULTY PISTON RINGS. WHERE IS THE RECALL FOR THIS ? IT IS UNACCEPTABLE. REGULARLY, IF NOT, OVER MAINTAINED.

  15. Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 29, 2019, crash

    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.

  16. Seat belts, Engine, Feb 27, 2019

    DRIVER SEATBELT BUCKLE WILL NOT RELEASE. MAY TAKE UP TO 10 FIRM PUSHES OF RELEASE BUTTON BEFORE BUCKLE RELEASES. ENGINE OIL WAS AT 1 QUART EVEN AFTER 1 QUART OF OIL WAS ADDED PER MONTH. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS ROD KNOCK. SECOND OPINION LED TO CHANGING OIL TWICE AND CHECKING PRESSURES. RECOMMENDED CHANGE OIL EVERY 3000 MILES ON THIS PARTICULAR TYPE OF ENGINE.

  17. Engine, Dec 16, 2018

    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 AND WAS IN SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES RECENTLY WITHOUT ANYONE NOTICING THE OIL PROBLEM? ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND WAS HEARING A TICKING NOISE LIKE WHEN YOU PUT A BASEBALL CARD ON YOUR BICYCLE SPOKES WITH A CLOTHESPIN. WHEN I WAS A MILE FROM MY WORKPLACE AN OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE EXPRESSWAY INTO A GAS STATION. I PUT SYNTHETIC OIL INTO THE CAR, RESTARTED IT AND DROVE LESS THAN A MILE TO AN OPEN SERVICE STATION WHERE I LEFT THE CAR FOR SERVICE. THE SERVICE STATION INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I SPOKE TO SUBARU AFTER DISCOVERING THAT THIS EVENT WAS NOT MINE ALONE AND IN 2015 SUBARU WAS SUED FOR THE PROBLEM. I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS OR DREAMED IT WAS POSSIBLE.

  18. Engine, Jul 5, 2018, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 69 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE HOOD. THE CRUISE CONTROL INDEPENDENTLY DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE RELAY SYSTEM AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, WHICH ONLY INCLUDED TURBO BOOSTER ENGINE VEHICLES. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S NON-TURBO BOOSTER ENGINE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

  19. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND BATTERY FAILED. THERE WAS ALSO TOO MUCH FUEL IN THE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,235.

  20. Engine, Nov 18, 2016

    BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM BANK OWNED, IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD WHEN BOUGHT, IT HAD 70,000 MILES. IN ONE YEAR OF USAGE/SERVICE TIME, WITH 3 OIL CHANGES/2 WITH EXTREME OIL BURNING. NO SIGNS OF SMOKE, OVERHEAT, BUT WITHIN THE 4TH YEAR OF OWNERSHIP IT BEGAN TO MAKE ENGINE NOISES. A RATTLING WHICH AS IT TURN OUT, AND UNBEKNOWN TO US VEHICLE WAS KNOWN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH, AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY TOLD US THAT THE VEHICLE COVERAGE WAS AT 100,000 MILES/A CUT OFF FOR COVERAGE ON A CLASS ACTION SUIT. THEY TOOK OUR CAR, STORED IT, BECAUSE IT HAD GONE 120 MILES OVER THE CUT OFF, AND WE'RE STILL WAITING TO SEE IF THEY WILL HONOR THEIR PROMISE OF COVERAGE BEING THAT IT'S NOT AN OLD VEHICLE.

  21. Engine, Nov 17, 2016

    I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN FEBRUARY. I ONLY HAD IT A COUPLE DAYS AND DECIDED I SHOULD CHECK THE OIL. NO OIL ON THE DIPSTICK!! PUT 2 QUARTS IN TO BRING IT LEVEL. I HAVE TO CHECK THE OIL EVERY FEW DAYS TO MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT RUN OUT. I AM HAVING TO PUT IN A QUART EVERY 500 MILES! THIS IS NOT NORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION! THE OIL IS CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF SUBARU'S REPUTATION. NEVER AGAIN! AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A LAWSUIT FILED. HOW CAN A DEALER SELL A CAR THAT IS THE OBJECT OF A LAWSUIT? SUBARU SHOULD BE RECALLING THIS VEHICLE. NOW I'M STUCK MAKING PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT WON'T LAST.

  22. Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 28, 2016

    WHICH DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT RUSH HOUR AT 65 MPH... WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OR WARNING LIGHT MY CAR STALLED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE STEERING WENT OUT ALONG WITH THE BRAKES AND ALL POWER. I SAT IN THE FAST LANE OF TRAFFIC UNABLE TO SAFELY EXIT MY CAR FOR ALMOST AND HOUR UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NEIL HUFFMAN IN LOUISVILLE KY WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW 4 YEARS AGO. I WAS TOLD THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR HAD FAILED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA WHY THIS HAPPENED AT 65 MPH WITH NO WARNING. I PAID THE 403.00 REPAIR AND CONTACT SUBARU USA DUE TO MY CONCERNS. ALTHOUGH I CALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS ON HOLD EACH TIME FOR UP TO 10 MIN AND ALSO EMAILED.. STILL NOT RESPONSE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR.. AND PLAN TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR SOON.. BUT AM CONCERNED SOMEONE ELSE WILL BE MY CAR AND BE IN DANGER. *TR

  23. Engine, Aug 12, 2016

    MY CAR IS SUBURU FORESTER 2012. I USUALLY CHANGE THE OIL IN THE CAR BETWEEN 7000-10000 MILES. ON JAN 13-2016, AT 71854 MILE, AMSOIL 5 QUART SYNTHETIC OIL WAS PLACED AT OIL CHANGE. ON AUG 8TH AT 80600, I WENT IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND ALSO THE CAR WAS MAKING KNOCKING SOUND. THE SUBURU DEALER TOLD ME ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO LACK OF OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE CAR WAS DEEMED NOT DRIVABLE. THERE WERE NO EVIDENCE OF OIL LEAK UNDER THE CAR OR AROUND THE OIL CONTAINER ON THE ENGINE, WHEN CHECK BY THE GLASSMAN DEALER IN SOUTHFIELD MICHIGAN. SUBURU FORESTER DOES NOT HAVE ANY ENGINE OIL LEVEL LIGHT. THE ENGINE CONSUMES THE OIL AND, THE OWNERS SHOULD BE WARNED ABOUT THIS. I LOST 6000.00 MONEY ON THE TRADE IN DUE TO THE ENGINE CONDITION.

  24. Engine, Feb 16, 2015

    OIL WAS CHECKED BEFORE VEHICLE LEFT MASSACHUSETTS FOR A TRIP TO NEW MEXICO. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2300 MILES, UPON ARRIVAL AT THE DESTINATION NO OIL SHOWED ON THE DIPSTICK. MECHANIC DRAINED ONLY 2.5 QUARTS FROM VEHICLE (5.5 QUARTS IS FULL) SO ENGINE CONSUMED 3.0 QUARTS. THIS IS GROSSLY EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION AND INDICATIVE OF A SERIOUS ENGINE/MATERIALS DEFECT. HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THIS OIL CONSUMPTION DEFECT IS COMMON TO 2011-2014 SUBARU VEHICLES. SUBARU WILL NOT FIX THIS ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE WILL CAUSE ME TO INCUR EXPENSE BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO PURCHASE AND REPLACE THE ENTIRE OIL VOLUME DURING THE RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE INTERVAL AND LOSS OF VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS A DANGER TO THE DRIVERS AND OTHERS ON THE STREET BECAUSE THE ENGINE MAY CATASTROPHICALLY FAIL CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ON THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT IT, TOO, IS DEFECTIVE. *TR

  25. Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Structure, Seats, Dec 2, 2014

    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