2012 Subaru Forester engine problems
27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Subaru Forester — 26% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jan 16, 2025
“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…”
filed Jan 16, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Forester | 1 | 4% |
| 2023 Forester | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 Forester | 10 | 11% |
| 2021 Forester | 32 | 15% |
| 2020 Forester | 74 | 12% |
| 2019 Forester | 106 | 13% |
| 2018 Forester | 31 | 6% |
| 2017 Forester | 46 | 8% |
| 2016 Forester | 60 | 15% |
| 2015 Forester | 131 | 21% |
| 2014 Forester | 69 | 17% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.