Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Subaru Forester: recalls and problems

15 recalls and 107 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

15recalls
107complaints
15crashes reported
5fires reported
9injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine27 · 25%
  • Air Bags20 · 19%
  • Vehicle Speed Control18 · 17%
  • Service Brakes11 · 10%
  • Electrical System10 · 9%
  • Unknown Or Other8 · 7%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)6 · 6%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System6 · 6%
  • Structure5 · 5%
  • Power Train5 · 5%

What owners report

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard while attempting to shift out of park(p). a red brake warning light was illuminated with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. the contact notified her boyfriend of the failure. the boyfriend became aware that there was fluid leaking underneath the vehicle whenever the bra

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

Unknown Or Other 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

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: 14

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Subaru Forester SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Forester. Last refreshed 2026-11-08.