2012 Subaru Forester parts and specs

What changed for the 2012 Subaru Forester

• 20122.5X Touring trim added above 2.5X Limited with HID headlights, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and silver roof rails; 2.5XT models gain a larger rear spoiler
• 2012–2013Facelift years of the SH generation; non-turbo trims run the newer FB25 while the 2.5XT retains the EJ25 turbo through the end of production in 2013

Known problems with the 2012 Subaru Forester

5 of the 5 issues we track for the 2012–2013 generation are documented against the 2012 model year, and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• Head gasket seepage (legacy EJ25 concern)

  moderate

  The older non-turbo EJ25 used in Foresters through roughly 2011 is well known for external head-gasket seepage, showing as slow coolant loss or a sweet smell. By 2012–2013 the 2.5X had switched to the newer FB25, which is far less prone to this; the 2.5XT's turbocharged EJ25, however, carried into 2013 and has scattered owner reports of the same seepage at higher mileage. Worth a cooling-system check on any 2012–2013 XT pre-purchase inspection.

  Typical cost: $1,000–$1,600

• FB25 excessive oil consumption (class action settlement)

  moderateYaegar v. Subaru of America, Inc., No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.)

  A subset of 2011–2014 FB25-equipped Foresters (and same-era Legacy/Outback) burn oil faster than Subaru's acceptable threshold, traced to piston ring and PCV design. Owners sued (Yaegar v. Subaru of America); the settlement extended the powertrain warranty on oil-consumption repairs to 8 years/100,000 miles and reimbursed test costs, repairs, and up to six quarts of top-off oil. The claims deadline has passed, but the extended warranty coverage still applies to qualifying VINs.

  Typical cost: Covered under the settlement's extended warranty if still within 8 yr/100k mi; otherwise $0 (top-offs) to $3,000+ for ring/engine work

• CVT shudder, hesitation, or premature failure

  major

  2.5X models on the Lineartronic CVT can develop shuddering under light throttle, hesitation on takeoff, or a whining/grinding noise as the CVT chain and pulleys wear. NHTSA received a large volume of CVT-related complaints across this generation's Subaru lineup. A full CVT replacement is the worst-case repair.

  Typical cost: $3,500–$5,500 for a CVT replacement out of warranty

• Ignition switch electrical contact (recall)

  moderateNHTSA 19V297000

  Certain 2009–2013 Forester vehicles were recalled because an electrical contact inside the ignition switch can wear or corrode, which in some cases can affect engine starting or cause a stall. Subaru inspects and replaces the switch assembly free of charge.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Takata airbag inflator recall

  majorNHTSA 19V008000, 19V007000, 19V009000 (Takata campaigns)

  Part of the industry-wide Takata recall: the front passenger airbag inflator can rupture in a deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. Subaru replaced inflators free of charge; check your VIN even if you believe a prior owner already had it done.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

Full detail, costs and sources on the Subaru Forester problems and years to avoid guide.