2012 Subaru Forester Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2012 Subaru Forester
- The system most likely to surface first: engine oil consumption (fb25) (major severity).
- Has 15 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2014 Subaru Forester earns a 82.
Is the 2012 Subaru Forester Worth Buying?
The 2012 Subaru Forester offers impressive all-wheel-drive capability and solid safety credentials, making it a practical choice. However, potential owners must be vigilant regarding the FB25 engine's propensity for excessive oil consumption and be prepared for potential A/C system failures, which can elevate long-term ownership costs if not addressed proactively.
While the 2012 Subaru Forester is a highly capable and safe vehicle, its widespread issue with excessive oil consumption in the FB25 engine means it's not a 'set it and forget it' proposition. Buy one only after a thorough pre-purchase inspection confirms no existing engine issues and be prepared for diligent oil le…
Best Model Years
2009-2010 (EJ25 engine, pre-oil consumption issues), 2015+ (later FB25 revisions addressing oil consumption)
Years to Avoid
2011-2013 (early FB25 engines with highest prevalence of oil consumption)
Biggest Strengths
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Excellent safety ratings and visibility
- Practical and spacious interior for its class
What Tends to Fail First on the 2012 Subaru Forester
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2012 Subaru Forester, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The 2.5L FB25 boxer engine in the 2012 Forester is known for consuming excessive amounts of oil between recommended service intervals. This is often due to piston ring design and can lead to low oil levels, causing potential engine damag…
Failures of the air conditioning compressor, condenser, or associated lines are common. Symptoms include intermittent cooling or complete loss of cold air. Repair often involves replacing multiple components.
Components like rear shocks, sway bar links, and control arm bushings can wear prematurely, leading to a bouncy ride, knocking noises, or poor handling. Sagging rear suspension is also a common complaint, especially on higher mileage veh…
2012 Subaru Forester Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2012 Subaru Forester most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
This mileage primarily involves routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin/engine air filter replacements. It's crucial to confirm these basic services were performed.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage often requires spark plug replacement, transmission fluid change, differential fluid changes, and a more thorough inspection of suspension components. This is also where oil consumption issues may start becoming noticeable.
Elevated Risk Zone
At this point, a close watch on the engine's oil consumption is critical, as well as inspecting for A/C system degradation and wear in suspension bushings and struts. Power steering fluid should also be changed.
High Risk Zone
Vehicles crossing this threshold will likely require replacement of original suspension components. The risk of persistent oil consumption requiring more significant engine work increases. Accessory belts and hoses will also be due for r…
2012 Subaru Forester Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2012 Subaru Forester on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,800 occasionally (e.g., A/C compressor, suspension components)
How Long Does the 2012 Subaru Forester Last?
Focus on vehicles with meticulous service records, especially those demonstrating consistent oil changes and monitoring; lower mileage doesn't guarantee freedom from oil consumption, but it gives you more preventative control.
What 2012 Subaru Forester Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Excellent visibility and commanding driving position
- Reliable Symmetrical AWD system handles all weather conditions
- Spacious cargo area and easy-to-clean interior
- Strong safety ratings provide peace of mind
Common Frustrations
- Frequent oil level checks and topping off required due to consumption
- A/C system failures are common and expensive to fix
- Engine can feel underpowered and noisy during acceleration
- Dated 4-speed automatic transmission impacts fuel economy and refinement
Who Should Buy the 2012 Subaru Forester?
Best For
- Winter drivers needing reliable AWD
- Outdoor enthusiasts on a budget
- Those prioritizing safety and utility over luxury
Not Ideal For
- Drivers seeking peak fuel efficiency
- Those who neglect basic vehicle maintenance
How the 2012 Subaru Forester Compares to Rivals
The Forester offers a unique blend of AWD capability and utilitarian design, often outperforming many competitors off-pavement, but falls short in overall powertrain refinement and long-term engine reliability compared to class leaders like the RAV4 or CR-V due to its specific…
More Reliable Than
- Jeep Patriot (reliability, AWD capability)
- Nissan Rogue (transmission reliability, driving dynamics)
Comparable To
- Honda CR-V (overall practicality, interior space)
- Toyota RAV4 (overall reliability, resale value)
2012 Subaru Forester Recall History
15 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
What breaks on the 2012 Subaru Forester?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Subaru Forester Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Forester. Click any year for its full report.
2012 Subaru Forester Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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