Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 105 of 105 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 65 of 105 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
29 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"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...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
20 complaint records3 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL. UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR UNTIL JUNE. CANNOT DRIVE WITH SOMEONE IN FRONT SEAT UNTIL THEN. THIS IS NOT IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Speed control
18 complaint records11 crash reports
"2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22V838000 | Seat Belts | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash. | Normally free |
| 20V003000 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold,... | Normally free |
| 20V002000 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or... | Normally free |
| 20V001000 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold,... | Normally free |
| 19V297000 | Electrical System | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles... | Normally free |
| 19V009000 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska,... | Normally free |
| 19V008000 | Air Bags | 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,... | Normally free |
| 19V007000 | Air Bags | 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,... | Normally free |
Show 7 more recall campaigns
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V012000 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California,... | Normally free |
| 17V014000 | Air Bags | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally... | Normally free |
| 16V738000 | Electrical System | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. | Normally free |
| 14V830000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana,... | Normally free |
| 14V311000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in... | Normally free |
| 12V602000 | Exterior Lighting | Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester... | Normally free |
| 12V099000 | Seat Belts | SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024546 2024-08-15 | Label | 499,490 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",... |
| 2019191 2019-04-18 | Electrical | 100 | Issue: A problem with certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key turn out of the “ON” position while driving. This could cause the engine to turn off suddenly. |
| 2019013 2019-01-10 | Airbag | 102,110 | Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. |
| 2016492 2016-10-07 | Electrical | 15,378 | On certain turbocharged vehicles, the relay which controls the secondary air injection pump may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, the relay may allow the pump to operate continuously. |
| 2014586 2014-12-22 | Brakes | 33,000 | On certain vehicles, the center and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury... |
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014223 2014-06-12 | Brakes | 105,649 | On certain vehicles, the center and rear brake lines may become perforated due to corrosion. This would cause a leak in the brake system potentially increasing stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury... |
| 2012444 2012-12-27 | Accessories | 293 | On certain vehicles equipped with dealer-installed accessory puddle lights, a short circuit may develop causing the lights to melt and/or emit smoke. This could result in a fire causing property damage and/or injury. |
| 2012189 2012-06-22 | Seats And Restraints | 35,585 | On certain vehicles, the center rear seating position seatbelt, when used in automatic locking retractor mode, may not allow the proper installation of a child restraint system or booster seat and could revert to emergency locking mode... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SubaruNet Announcement (M Oct 2026 | Electrical System | This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines. | |
| 13-109-26 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (C Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments. | |
| 15-304-22R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. | |
| 15-333-25R Sep 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-308-23R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the... | |
| 15-304-22R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | |
| Article Locator Aug 2026 | Electrical System | Techtips newsletter locator index. | |
| 15-333-25R Aug 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin | |
| SubaruNet Annoucement (E Jun 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras. | |
| 01-167-08R May 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (R May 2026 | Power Train | This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program. | |
| 07-240-26R Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20. | |
| 01-167-08R Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 03-97-26 Apr 2026 | Power Train | This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures. | |
| 05-97-26 Apr 2026 | Wheels | This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected. | |
| 01-167-08R Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 10-105-25R Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 15-219-18R Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (A Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs. | |
| 07-240-26R Feb 2026 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics. | |
| 10-105-25R Feb 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips Special Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This Subaru service and technical support line newsletter provides information on the next phase of TechShare. | |
| Subarunet Announcement (E Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated. | |
| 15-300-22R Jan 2026 | Engine | This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES). | |
| 18-226-25R Dec 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis). | |
| 15-333-25 Dec 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips (Article Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Subaru service article locator. | |
| 15-130-08R Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips (Article Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator. | |
| 15-308-23R Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts. | |
| 07-233-25R Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory. | |
| 07-236-25 Oct 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures. | |
| 15-219-18R Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully. | |
| 10-105-25R Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 07-233-25 Sep 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported every 30 days. | |
| 15-266-20R Aug 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru. | |
| 15-320-24R Aug 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Aug 2025 | Electrical System | Subaru of America, Inc. will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA. | |
| 13-108-25 Aug 2025 | Structure | This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up. | |
| Subaru Service Technical Aug 2025 | Power Train | Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement Jul 2025 | Electrical System | This OTA is released to address Telematic functions that may stop working after a certain amount of time from the vehicle's production. | |
| 10-105-25R Jul 2025 | Electrical System | "This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| SubaruNet Annoucement Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcment provides information on the release of the latest software updates to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic tool. | |
| 15-251-19R Jun 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. | |
| SubaruNet Announcement (S Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This announcement is to bring attention to the OTA for In-vehicle service appointment scheduler and In-vehicle message center. | |
| 10-105-25R Jun 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Information bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| 01-168-09R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. | |
| 10-105-25R May 2025 | Electrical System | This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. | |
| WQQ-52R May 2025 | Service Brakes | "The repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin as been updated, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI... | |
| 15-251-19R Apr 2025 | Electrical System | This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. | |
| 02-192-24R Apr 2025 | Engine | This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines. | |
| 14-31-25 Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Bulletin announces availability of a User Guide and an informative video to supplement the recent releases to retailers of the SOA321152 and SOA321153 Terminal Test Kits. | |
| WQQ-52R Mar 2025 | Suspension | Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles... | |
| WQK-47R Mar 2025 | Suspension | Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2005-2009 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2009- 2013 Subaru Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Subaru Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles, and 2012-2014... | |
| 09-51-08R Mar 2025 | Engine | The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure. | |
| 15-304-22R Mar 2025 | Electrical System | This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. | |
| 01-167-08R Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 15-219-18R Mar 2025 | Electrical System | When attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully. | |
| 15-251-19R Feb 2025 | Electrical System | "This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16." |
Showing 60 of 341 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 15 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Subaru Forester →