Is the 2012 Subaru Forester reliable?

It’s generally a reliable compact SUV, especially the non-turbo models, but reliability depends heavily on maintenance history—particularly oil level monitoring and on-time timing belt service.

What are the most common 2012 Subaru Forester problems?

Frequently reported issues include oil consumption on some 2.5L engines, occasional head gasket seepage at higher mileage, overdue timing belt service causing risk, and turbo-related wear on 2.5XT models if oil changes were neglected.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2012 Forester?

Costs are usually moderate for the class, but budget for major scheduled work like the 105,000-mile timing belt service (non-turbo) and potential suspension/brake wear as mileage climbs; turbo trims can cost more to maintain.

What are the best years to buy for this Forester generation?

Many buyers target later third-generation years (2011–2013) for incremental updates, but the best choice is a well-documented example with consistent oil changes, cooling system care, and completed timing belt service when due.

What should I check before buying a used 2012 Subaru Forester?

Verify timing belt records (non-turbo), check oil level and look for signs of heavy consumption, inspect for coolant/oil seepage, confirm all four tires match closely in tread depth, and test-drive for smooth transmission operation and quiet wheel bearings. For a deeper dive, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim details, and the exact maintenance schedules to keep a 2012 Subaru Forester running strong.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2012 Subaru Forester Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A capable SUV with a few significant caveats that demand careful pre-purchase inspection and ongoing vigilance.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

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.

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 break first on the 2012 Subaru Forester. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Engine Oil Consumption (FB25)major

A/C System Failuremoderate

Rear Suspension Componentsmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

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.

All Subaru Forester years ranked →Subaru Forester years to avoid →Subaru Forester common problems →

2012 Subaru Forester Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

2010 ToyotaLand Cruiser

92/100

2010 ToyotaSienna

88/100

2011 ChevroletCorvette

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Frequently Asked Questions

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