2012 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
- 16
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 16 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 6 |
| 100–150k mi | 4 |
| 1–30k mi | 3 |
| 30–60k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Engine
Excessive oil consumption. Have to add more than a 1 quart between oil changes(every 3k miles).
ODI 11301531
Engine
2012 subaru forester with 106,000 miles burns all of the engine oil dry. I have read this is due to faulty piston rings. Where is the recall for this ? It is unacceptable. Regularly, if not, over maintained.
ODI 11222584
Body · Engine · Unknown Or Other
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.
Crash reported
ODI 11204536
Engine · Steering · Suspension
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.
ODI 11232174
Engine · Seat Belts
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.
ODI 11182718
Engine
My car suffered a catastrophic oil event without an indicator light or any other warning that is nesitating a new engine. The car had less than 70,000 miles on it and was in service several times recently without anyone noticing the oil problem? On the day of the event i was driving to work and was hearing a ticking noise like when you put a baseball card on your bicycle spokes with a clothespin. When i was a mile…
ODI 11161791
Engine
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…
Fire reported
ODI 11109597
Electrical System · Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. While traveling approximately 60 mph, the vehicle lost all power without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mass air flow sensor and battery failed. There was also too much fuel in the system. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not…
ODI 10938488
Engine
Bought this vehicle from bank owned, it was 3 years old when bought, it had 70,000 miles. In one year of usage/service time, with 3 oil changes/2 with extreme oil burning. No signs of smoke, overheat, but within the 4th year of ownership it began to make engine noises. A rattling which as it turn out, and unbeknown to us vehicle was known to have problems with, and i took it to the dealer, they told us that the…
ODI 10926803
Electrical System · Electronic Stability Control · Engine
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…
ODI 10919796
Engine
My car is suburu forester 2012. I usually change the oil in the car between 7000-10000 miles. On jan 13-2016, at 71854 mile, amsoil 5 quart synthetic oil was placed at oil change. On aug 8th at 80600, i went in for oil change and also the car was making knocking sound. The suburu dealer told me engine seized due to lack of oil in the engine. The car was deemed not drivable. There were no evidence of oil leak under…
ODI 10895374
Engine
I bought this car in february. I only had it a couple days and decided i should check the oil. No oil on the dipstick!! Put 2 quarts in to bring it level. I have to check the oil every few days to make sure it does not run out. I am having to put in a quart every 500 miles! This is not normal oil consumption! The oil is changed every 3,000 miles. I bought this car because of subaru's reputation. Never again! After…
ODI 10926790
Engine
Oil was checked before vehicle left massachusetts for a trip to new mexico. After driving approximately 2300 miles, upon arrival at the destination no oil showed on the dipstick. Mechanic drained only 2.5 quarts from vehicle (5.5 quarts is full) so engine consumed 3.0 quarts. This is grossly excessive consumption and indicative of a serious engine/materials defect. Have since discovered this oil consumption defect…
ODI 10683736
Engine
Engine using synthetic ow-20 oil per dealer recommendation uses oil faster than new car should. Oil changed 18,951mi. At around 22,000 oil was noted leaking around oil filter. Also dipstick showing low level. Owner had to add oil while on a trip. After 24,393mi oil filter leak reported, dealer replaced gasket 803916010 and topped off oil. At 26,312 mi, oil again changed by dealer. 3k mi later (29,000mi) oil again…
ODI 10614733
Engine · Vehicle Speed Control
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. The contact stated that whenever the check engine warning light illuminated, the cruise control would independently disable without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was working according to standards. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 8,650 and the…
ODI 10536127
Engine
The engine consumes too much oil for such a relatively new & low mileage vehicle. This is the 2nd complaint to the dealer about this concern. Each time the engine oil is checked the dipstick would not register any oil reading. On the second visit, the dealer changed the oil & filter under warranty as per bulletin 02-144-13r & having me return after an additional 1200 miles of driving. This engine is defective for…
ODI 10558426