2012 Subaru Forester Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 27 1 crash 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 69 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE HOOD. THE CRUISE CONTROL INDEPENDENTLY DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE RELAY SYSTEM…”
NHTSA complaint #11109597, 2018 · fire

“WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL AT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH I WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKES WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CONCRETE WALL IN FRONT OF ME. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NEITHER ME OR MY PASSENGER WERE NOT HURT. DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, FRAME, GRILL AND VARIOUS COMPONENTS JUST INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11204536, 2019 · crash

“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 was blown. The 2.5 boxster engine used little to no oil, and the oil changes had been made always earlier than needed. The Forester had been maintained perfectly, driven cautiously and it had never been subject to any adverse conditions or accidents. After speaking with a number of certified mec…”
NHTSA complaint #11636357, 2024

Air Bags 20 3 crash 3 injury

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed through a parking garage, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle initially crashed into a parked vehicle which caused a chain reaction with two other parked vehicles. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The police arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for a laceration to the head and a stiff neck. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to…”
NHTSA complaint #11423566, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL. I WAS TURNING LEFT WHEN I WAS STRUCK BY A CAR GOING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. ACCORDING TO POLICE THE IMPACT WAS AT 01-1 O'CLOCK. . MY CAR WAS SPUN INTO THE GUARD RAIL CAUSING DAMAGE TO LEFT FRONT AND RT REAR OF MY CAR. THE SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED AND RELEASED THE SEAT BELT AND THE FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR ,STEERING COLUMN , GEAR SHIFT ,ETC. I SUSTAINED RATHER SEVERE NECK INJURIES WHICH I BELIEVE WOULD HAVE REDUCED OR ELIMINATED IF THE SAFETY SYSTEMS HAD OPERATED.”
NHTSA complaint #11051371, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ME AND MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING 20MPH DOWN A SMALL HILL,A LADY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US,I HIT THE BRAKES,WHICH LOCKED UP AND WE SLID SO I LET OFF THEM IMMEDIATELY,THE ROADS WERE ICY AND SNOWY,SO WE GAINED A LOT OF VELOCITY,WE MISSED HITTING HER BUT WENT SIDEWAYS,A LITTLE AIRBORN AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE.I VIOLENTLY STRUCK MY HEAD OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW,AND MY SHOULDER AND ARM WERE PINCHED BETWEEN MY BODY AND THE DOOR.THE TIRES POPPED,THE FRONT BUMPER CLIPS BROKE.WE BOTH SUFFERED SEAT BELT BRUISES,AND MY DAUGHTER SLAMMED HER KNEE.I HURT MY SHOULDER PRETTY BAD AND MY HEAD STILL…”
NHTSA complaint #10672580, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 18 11 crash 5 injury

“AFTER HITTING A CURB PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED AT A LIGHTENING SPEED AND RACED AT INCREASING SPEED FORWARD KNOCKING OVER A BUSH AND CRASHING INTO A BRICK WALL OF A CHURCH BUILDING. THE SEVERE IMPACT CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO OPEN AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS SO DAMAGED THAT IT IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THIS ALL OCCURRED IN A MATTER OF SECONDS MYSELF, THE DRIVER, AND A PASSENGER WERE SENT TO EMERGENCY ROOM WITH MULTIPLE ABRASIONS AND CONTUSIONS.”
NHTSA complaint #10892782, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed through a parking garage, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle initially crashed into a parked vehicle which caused a chain reaction with two other parked vehicles. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The police arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for a laceration to the head and a stiff neck. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to…”
NHTSA complaint #11423566, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10918173, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 15 3 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V830000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED BUT, DUE TO THE INCOMPLETE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED CORRECTLY. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND SANK TO THE FLOORBOARD FAILING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. A CRASH OCCURRED AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED RIB CAGE BRUISING, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,055.”
NHTSA complaint #10691111, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ME AND MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING 20MPH DOWN A SMALL HILL,A LADY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US,I HIT THE BRAKES,WHICH LOCKED UP AND WE SLID SO I LET OFF THEM IMMEDIATELY,THE ROADS WERE ICY AND SNOWY,SO WE GAINED A LOT OF VELOCITY,WE MISSED HITTING HER BUT WENT SIDEWAYS,A LITTLE AIRBORN AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE.I VIOLENTLY STRUCK MY HEAD OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW,AND MY SHOULDER AND ARM WERE PINCHED BETWEEN MY BODY AND THE DOOR.THE TIRES POPPED,THE FRONT BUMPER CLIPS BROKE.WE BOTH SUFFERED SEAT BELT BRUISES,AND MY DAUGHTER SLAMMED HER KNEE.I HURT MY SHOULDER PRETTY BAD AND MY HEAD STILL…”
NHTSA complaint #10672580, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE REVERSING INTO A CAR PORT IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SURGED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR PORT IN THE DRIVEWAY, AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO TWO CAR PORTS AND THE OTHER VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT DID NOT RESPOND. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V830000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES.…”
NHTSA complaint #10881254, 2016 · crash

Electrical System 10 2 fire

“WHILE IDLING IN A PARKING LOT, MY FORESTER CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT QUICKLY. SO, THE DAMAGE WAS FORTUNATELY ISOLATED TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. IT SEEMS THAT THE CONNECTOR BETWEEN THE WIRING HARNESS AND ONE OF THE O2 SENSORS ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IGNITED. THE FIRE BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS NEAR THE CONNECTOR AND DAMAGED THE O2 SENSOR. BOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. THIS FIRE HAPPENED SPONTANEOUSLY AND SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY RISK . IN MY OPINION, A 3.5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE SHOULD NOT SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #10807884, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS; HOWEVER, SMOKE EMITTED UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT CLUTCH FLUID DRAINED OUT OF THE RESERVOIR, AND THE SMOKE WAS CAUSED BY FLUID DRAINING TO THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS NOT ACCURATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS STARTER RELAY FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE…”
NHTSA complaint #10894853, 2012 · fire

“The vehicle will just stall. It has happened three times; usually at a stop sign or slowing down to turn. I have had it towed and in the shop, and they can't find anything wrong with it. No error messages. One shop cleaned the throttle body and thought that might be the problem. The vehicle has always consumed oil; at least a quart is added every 700-1000 miles. We have changed the oil regularly and don't understand why the oil consumption problem. Now the cruise light flashes off and on. The traction light and check engine light stays on all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11486216, 2022

Unknown Or Other 8 2 crash 1 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 came and put out fire and towed it. I did not have comprehensive coverage therefore not getting anything back. The dealership sold it as is so they aren't doing anything about it.…”
NHTSA complaint #11732983, 2026 · fire

“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN OCCURRENCE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND WAS EASING INTO A PARKING SPACE. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE ENGINE REVVED, AND THE VEHICLE SURGED AND BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD ON ITS OWN ACCORD. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IT USING THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WENT OVER 2 PARKING CURBS AND SHRUBBERY AND WAS HEADED INTO TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 20-25 MPH SO I WAS ABLE TO STEER IT AND AVOIDED TRAFFIC BY TURNING RIGHT, STAYING ON PARKING LOT GRASS & ROCK BARRIER. CAR WENT INTO GULLY AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED ON ITS OWN. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM…”
NHTSA complaint #11204672, 2019 · crash

“WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL AT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH I WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKES WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CONCRETE WALL IN FRONT OF ME. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NEITHER ME OR MY PASSENGER WERE NOT HURT. DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, FRAME, GRILL AND VARIOUS COMPONENTS JUST INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11204536, 2019 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 6

“The vehicle will just stall. It has happened three times; usually at a stop sign or slowing down to turn. I have had it towed and in the shop, and they can't find anything wrong with it. No error messages. One shop cleaned the throttle body and thought that might be the problem. The vehicle has always consumed oil; at least a quart is added every 700-1000 miles. We have changed the oil regularly and don't understand why the oil consumption problem. Now the cruise light flashes off and on. The traction light and check engine light stays on all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11486216, 2022

“KEEPS SMELLING LIKE GAS, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CRUISE LIGHT BLINKS, AND TRACKTION CONTROL LIGHTIS BLINKING. SAYS CODE PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.”
NHTSA complaint #11415382, 2021

“ENGINE SEIZED DURING STRAIGHT ROAD, UPHILL ASCENT. OIL LIGHT BLINKED TWICE QUICKLY THEN WENT SOLID AND THEN IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER AT 60MPH ON FREEWAY. NO PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH ENGINE. I WAS IN FAR LEFT LANE WITH NO EMERGENCY PARKING SO I NAVIGATED TO THE FAR RIGHT EMERGENCY SHOULDER AND STOPPED. CAR REQUIRED TOW TRUCK TO SHOP.”
NHTSA complaint #11192998, 2018

Power Train 5

“ON 12/31/18, WHEN DRIVING HOME AT 11P.M.,AND AN HOUR FROM MY HOME, MY "OIL LIGHT" CAME ON. I STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION AND HAD 3 QUARTS OF OIL PUT IN MY OIL TANK. TWO DAYS LATER, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT FIND A LEAK BUT OVER THE NEXT 9 MONTHS, AT APPROXIMATELY EVERY 2 WEEK INTERVALS, HE PUT BETWEEN 1/2-3 QUARTS OF OIL IN MY CAR. IN MAY 2019 THE NORTH END SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. CHECKED OVER MY CAR AND COULD NOT FIND A OIL LEAK EITHER. ON 9/21/19, MY MECHANIC READ AN ARTICLE ONLINE ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IN MOST SUBARU MODELS BETWEEN 2011-15. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTI…”
NHTSA complaint #11321334, 2018

“VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE POWERED OFF AND BACK ON BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD REENGAGE. DTC WAS P2138. THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENCE OVER A 14 MONTH PERIOD. AFTER POWER CYCLE RESET, THE ISSUE DOESN'T RECUR FOR ONE TO THREE MONTHS. IN TWO INSTANCES, THE VEHICLE WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL BUT NOT IN THE OTHER TWO.”
NHTSA complaint #11088744, 2018

“SINCE MARCH, 2017 MY FORESTER BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I FIRST STARTED THE CAR AND PRESSED THE CLUTCH IN TO REVERSE OUT OF THE GARAGE. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS TOO EARLY FOR THE CLUTCH TO FAIL AT ONLY 74,000 MILES AND LUBRICATED IT-- TWICE OVER THE INSURING MONTHS AS THE NOISE NOT ONLY PERSISTED BUT GOT LOUDER AND MORE PERSISTENT. IN AUGUST, I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT SHOP OUT OF TOWN AND THEY CONFIRMED MY SUSPICIONS THAT THE THROW OUT BEARING WAS FAILING. TO REPAIR IT INVOLVED A NEW CLUTCH KIT AND A DAY OF LABOR FOR A $1300 BILL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FIVE DAYS N…”
NHTSA complaint #11019179, 2017

Structure 5 1 crash 1 injury

“WHILE OPENING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, THE TOP, RIGHT CORNER OF THE DOOR STRUCK MY FOREHEAD, CAUSING A GASH JUST ABOVE MY RIGHT EYEBROW THAT REQUIRED SIX STITCHES TO CLOSE. A LITTLE LOWER AND THE SHARP, POINTED CORNER OF THE DOOR FRAME COULD HAVE CAUSED THE LOSS OF MY RIGHT EYE. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DESIGN OF THE DOOR FRAME. IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR, ONE MUST REACH FOR THE DOOR HANDLE AND, IN DOING SO, LEAN IN TOWARD THE DOOR. WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED, IF ONE IS NOT STANDING BACK FAR ENOUGH, THE DOOR WILL HIT THE PERSON OPENING THE DOOR. THE DESIGN IS COMMON TO BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND…”
NHTSA complaint #10460042, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING STALL AT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH I WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKES WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CONCRETE WALL IN FRONT OF ME. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NEITHER ME OR MY PASSENGER WERE NOT HURT. DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, FRAME, GRILL AND VARIOUS COMPONENTS JUST INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11204536, 2019 · crash

“Both rear gate hydraulic arms failed at the same time. On or about 11/27/22, while retrieving items from the cargo compartment, I heard a pop and the door completely collapsed and struck me on the back of the head. Upon inspection the popping noise was the fracturing of the bolt which supported the right hydraulic arm. The left hydraulic arm failed to keep the door open or at least from slamming down upon me. Because I felt the simultaneous failure of both hydraulic arms posed a serious safety concern, my wife called Subaru Headquarters and spoke with [XXX], Customer Advocacy Department,…”
NHTSA complaint #11504576, 2022

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4

“WHICH DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT RUSH HOUR AT 65 MPH... WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OR WARNING LIGHT MY CAR STALLED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE STEERING WENT OUT ALONG WITH THE BRAKES AND ALL POWER. I SAT IN THE FAST LANE OF TRAFFIC UNABLE TO SAFELY EXIT MY CAR FOR ALMOST AND HOUR UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NEIL HUFFMAN IN LOUISVILLE KY WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW 4 YEARS AGO. I WAS TOLD THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR HAD FAILED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA WHY THIS HAPPENED AT 65 MPH WITH NO WARNING. I PAID THE 403.00 REPAIR AND CONTACT SUBARU USA DUE TO MY CONCERN…”
NHTSA complaint #10919796, 2016

“AFTER SHARP ACCELERATION THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. NO OTHER ISSUES NOTED. TWO MONTHS LATER WITH 7500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, THE SAME THING OCCURRED BUT THIS TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE STABILIZATION LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL. CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK AND I ASSUME THE STABILIZATION DIDN'T EITHER.”
NHTSA complaint #10472165, 2012

“WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND IT WAS NECESSARY TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGH RPM, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AND START FLASHING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ALSO FLASHED. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. FIRST TIME ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISABLED AND THE OTHER LIGHTS CONTINUED TO BE ON AND FLASH AND I HAD TO TAKE IT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE "RESET". DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS A "COMPUTER" PROBLEM AND SUBARU HAS NOT FIXED IT. YESTERDAY IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WAS ABLE TO LET OFF ACCLERATION QUICK ENOUGH TO KEEP IT FROM LOCK…”
NHTSA complaint #10459088, 2012

Seat Belts 3 1 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL. I WAS TURNING LEFT WHEN I WAS STRUCK BY A CAR GOING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. ACCORDING TO POLICE THE IMPACT WAS AT 01-1 O'CLOCK. . MY CAR WAS SPUN INTO THE GUARD RAIL CAUSING DAMAGE TO LEFT FRONT AND RT REAR OF MY CAR. THE SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED AND RELEASED THE SEAT BELT AND THE FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR ,STEERING COLUMN , GEAR SHIFT ,ETC. I SUSTAINED RATHER SEVERE NECK INJURIES WHICH I BELIEVE WOULD HAVE REDUCED OR ELIMINATED IF THE SAFETY SYSTEMS HAD OPERATED.”
NHTSA complaint #11051371, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“DRIVER SEATBELT BUCKLE WILL NOT RELEASE. MAY TAKE UP TO 10 FIRM PUSHES OF RELEASE BUTTON BEFORE BUCKLE RELEASES. ENGINE OIL WAS AT 1 QUART EVEN AFTER 1 QUART OF OIL WAS ADDED PER MONTH. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS ROD KNOCK. SECOND OPINION LED TO CHANGING OIL TWICE AND CHECKING PRESSURES. RECOMMENDED CHANGE OIL EVERY 3000 MILES ON THIS PARTICULAR TYPE OF ENGINE.”
NHTSA complaint #11182718, 2019

“MY FORESTER HAS HAD THE ISSUE OF MISFIRING ON THREE OCCASIONS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE FIRST TWO, NOW THEY TELL ME I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THEY CREATE A COMPUTER UPDATE, THAT MY CAR HAS A "GLITCH IN THE COMPUTER". MY CRUISE CONTROL BECOMES DISABLED, WHILE DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES, ALONG WITH VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARING LIGHT ALSO BLINKS. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THE CAR WILL RUN PROPERLY, NOT TO WORRY. THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT THE ABS IS POROBLABLY MALFUNCTIONING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, THEY DEALERSHIP SAID I MAY HAVE HAD WATERY GAS. IT HAS N…”
NHTSA complaint #10456177, 2011

Visibility 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A LOUD EXPLOSION WAS HEARD AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD NOT BEEN STRUCK BY ANY OBJECT OR DEBRIS. THE DEALER (PIAZZA SUBARU OF LIMERICK, 105 W RIDGE PIKE, LIMERICK, PA 19468, (888) 690-2369) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11114571, 2018

“2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS GLASS WILL NOT CLOSE. THE HEAD REST IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE WITHOUT BEING SLAMMED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATES A CODE OF MISFIRING ON TWO CYLINDERS. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE LOWERED WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE WINDOW GLASS SHIFTED OUT BEYOND THE CHANNEL IN THE DOOR AND THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO LISTEN TO A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DID CONFIRM A PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLU…”
NHTSA complaint #10654358, 2014

“FUEL MILEAGE WAY OUT OF WHACK. ON HIGHWAY AT 100-110 KMH AVERAGES 11 L/100KM SUNROOF LEAKS WHEN GOING THROUGH CAR WASH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10448837, 2011

Wheels 3

“2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO STUD FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE 3 OF THE 5 WHEEL STUDS EXPERIENCED A SHEARING FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE FAILURE DUE TO IT BEING A KNOWN ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11476838, 2022

“2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES DO NOT HOLD PRESSURE. THE TIRES WERE 2 YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. THE TIRE PRESSURE GAUGES WERE FOUND NOT TO BE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11361824, 2020

“I WAS A BLOCK FROM HOME AFTER HAVING HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES FROM WORK WHEN I HEARD A LOUD "POP." I THOUGHT SOMETHING HAD HIT THE CAR. I COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE INTO MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SUDDENLY FOLDED INTO THE FENDER, AND I COULD NOT MOVE FURTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT VIA THE ROADSIDE SERVICE OFFERED THROUGH SUBARU, AS THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOUND THAT THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT WAS MISSING A BOLT. BOTH THE SERVICE PEOPLE AND THE GENERAL MANAGER HAD STATED TO ME TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10577798, 2014

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS GLASS WILL NOT CLOSE. THE HEAD REST IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE WITHOUT BEING SLAMMED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATES A CODE OF MISFIRING ON TWO CYLINDERS. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE LOWERED WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE WINDOW GLASS SHIFTED OUT BEYOND THE CHANNEL IN THE DOOR AND THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO LISTEN TO A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DID CONFIRM A PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLU…”
NHTSA complaint #10654358, 2014

“WHEN TURNING OFF ENGINE, LOUD RAPID PINGING NOISE FROM FRONT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. PER SUBARU HOME OFFICE THIS IS NORMAL. PER MANAGER OF SUBARU SERVICE DEPT IT IS NORMAL. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GUARDS AROUND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER - THAT THEY GET VERY HOT FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND PING AS COOL DOWN. BUT IF THEY ARE CONTINUALLY WARPING BACK AND FORTH CAUSING THE PINGING SOUND, ISN'T THERE GOING TO BE METAL FATIGUE? WHEN THE GUARDS DON'T WORK, IS THE CAR GOING TO BE SAFE TO DRIVE? I MEAN, I WOULD THINK THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON. I HAVE EVEN HEARD THE NOISE ROLLING DOWN T…”
NHTSA complaint #10509020, 2013

Fuel System 2

“2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE DEALER CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, AT WHICH TIME, THEY DIAGNOSED THE IGNITION ISSUE AS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND STATED THAT IT WAS FIXED WITH AN UPDATE TO THE FIRMWARE. HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME IGNITION PROBLEM, BUT ON A MORE FREQUENT BASIS. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY. DESPITE THE NEW BATTERY REPLAC…”
NHTSA complaint #10630794, 2013

“FUEL MILEAGE WAY OUT OF WHACK. ON HIGHWAY AT 100-110 KMH AVERAGES 11 L/100KM SUNROOF LEAKS WHEN GOING THROUGH CAR WASH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10448837, 2011

Seats 2 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A BURNING ODOR FILLED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BECAME VERY HOT AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT AND THE CONTACT'S CLOTHING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS A SECOND OCCURRENCE AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A SAVINGS COUPON IN ADDITION TO THE SEAT REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPLETELY…”
NHTSA complaint #10966491, 2017 · fire

“2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATED THE WINDOWS GLASS WILL NOT CLOSE. THE HEAD REST IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE WITHOUT BEING SLAMMED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INDICATES A CODE OF MISFIRING ON TWO CYLINDERS. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS WERE LOWERED WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE WINDOW GLASS SHIFTED OUT BEYOND THE CHANNEL IN THE DOOR AND THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO LISTEN TO A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DID CONFIRM A PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT THERE WAS NO SOLU…”
NHTSA complaint #10654358, 2014

Visibility/Wiper 2

“THE SUN VISOR MOUNT IS OF LOW QUALITY AND FAILURE ALLOWED THE VISOR TO FALL IN MY LAP WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON A COUNTY HIGHWAY. NO VEHICLE DAMAGE OCCURRED. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS THE REASON FOR FAILURE. VEHICLE MILEAGE AT FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11337862, 2019

“THE DRIVER-SIDE SUN VISOR DROPPED OUT OF IT'S BRACKET, AND FELL IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S FACE, WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, STARTLING THE DRIVER AND BLOCKING DRIVER'S COMPLETE VIEW OF ON COMING TRAFFIC.”
NHTSA complaint #10787689, 2015

Exterior Lighting 1

“I'M HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY HEADLIGHTS. IN PAST 3-4 MONTHS THEY HAVE RANDOMLY GONE OUT. THE LIGHT BULB IS GOOD. SO IS THE FUSE. EACH TIME WE TOOK THE HEADLIGHT AREA APART AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER IT LIGHT BULB CAME BACK ON. I DO NOT KNOW IF ITS THE WIRES OR CONNECTION WITH THE LIGHT BULB AND THE BASE. I DID CALL WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND AS ITS OUT OF WARRANTY, WILL ONLY FIX FOR A FEE. SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL "DECIDE AFTER EVALUATED AND FIXED" AS LONG AD ONLY USING ALL SUBARU PARTS"- IF THEY WILL COVER THIS. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED, BOTH IF MY HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. VERY C…”
NHTSA complaint #10620725, 2014

Steering 1

“PURCHASED VEHICAL 3-4 MONTHS AGO W/ 86K MILES. OIL LEAKS IN HEAD GASKET ( QUART EVERY 6 WEEKS..RESEARCHED THIS AND TURNS OUT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FROM 1999- 2013. ON ALL FORESTERS. MANUFACTURER USED MORE SEALANT AND LESS GASKET ON THAT ENGINE.WHY WASN'T THIS RECALLED?? EASILY VERIFIED VIA TUBE OR INTERNET.THE OTHER ISSUE IS LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WORN OUT AT 86K MILES. STEERING IS VERY UN STABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11232174, 2019

Suspension 1

“PURCHASED VEHICAL 3-4 MONTHS AGO W/ 86K MILES. OIL LEAKS IN HEAD GASKET ( QUART EVERY 6 WEEKS..RESEARCHED THIS AND TURNS OUT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FROM 1999- 2013. ON ALL FORESTERS. MANUFACTURER USED MORE SEALANT AND LESS GASKET ON THAT ENGINE.WHY WASN'T THIS RECALLED?? EASILY VERIFIED VIA TUBE OR INTERNET.THE OTHER ISSUE IS LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WORN OUT AT 86K MILES. STEERING IS VERY UN STABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11232174, 2019

Tires 1

“NOTICE TWO BLEMISHES ON TIRE SIDE WALL AFTER BUYING NEW CAR, 1 YEAR LATER BULGING IS BIGGER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10523494, 2013

Traction Control System 1

“WHILE DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KICKED ON AND PROCEEDED TO FLASH WHILE THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON DISABLING THE TRACTION CONTROL. THIS LASTED APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, ALL LIGHTS KICKED OFF AND SEEMED OKAY. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE WAS SOLID AND STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON. AT THAT TIME ALL THE LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE CODES ARE CLEARED, UNTIL THAT IS DONE, STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10441281, 2011