The Lemon Index2012 Subaru Forester.
The 2012 Subaru Forester is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 35 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 40, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 15 recalls, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Subaru Forester year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 105 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Forester year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 11K to 86K miles on the car (67 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 59K–106K miles
- speed control complaints mostly came at 4K–61K miles
Recalls 15
- seat belts 2022
The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior.
Show all 15 recalls
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall us.
- electrical 2019
The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch.
- airbags 2019
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or rep.
- airbags 2019
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.
- airbags 2019
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 equipm.
- airbags 2018
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.
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- electrical 2016
The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
- brakes 2014
The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through.
- brakes 2014
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
- lights 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.
- seat belts 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 388 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Oil Consumption in Certain Subaru Models
- Information regarding replacement revision of air intake duct for turbocharger where insulator
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Subaru Forester reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 40; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Forester year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2012 Subaru Forester problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (29%), brakes (17%) and engine (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Subaru Forester have?
15 safety recalls (latest: seat belts). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Subaru Forester get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Subaru Forester safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Subaru Forester problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 11,000 and 86,000 miles. The middle report was at 43,400 miles, from 67 complaints.
Does the 2012 Subaru Forester have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Subaru Forester cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Subaru Forester have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Forester year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works