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2012–2013 SH (3rd generation)

2012–2013 Subaru Forester Common Problems and Years to Avoid

5 documented problems with the 2012–2013 Subaru Forester, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 2 of them are serious. 3 carry a recall or TSB number.

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We have 5 documented problems on record for the 2012–2013 Subaru Forester, of which 2 are serious and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin. Every one below lists symptoms, the years most affected, and what the repair typically costs.

2012–2013 Subaru Forester recalls and service bulletins

Recall / TSBIssueSeverity
Yaegar v. Subaru of America, Inc., No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.)FB25 excessive oil consumption (class action settlement)moderate
NHTSA 19V297000Ignition switch electrical contact (recall)moderate
NHTSA 19V008000, 19V007000, 19V009000 (Takata campaigns)Takata airbag inflator recallmajor

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.

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.

Most affected: 2012–2013 (2.5XT turbo only; 2.5X's FB25 is not affected)Typical cost: $1,000–$1,600

FB25 excessive oil consumption (class action settlement)

moderate

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.

Most affected: 2012–2013 (2.5X/FB25 models)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 workRecall/TSB: Yaegar v. Subaru of America, Inc., No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.)

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.

Most affected: 2012–2013Typical cost: $3,500–$5,500 for a CVT replacement out of warranty

Ignition switch electrical contact (recall)

moderate

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.

Most affected: 2012–2013Typical cost: Free under recallRecall/TSB: NHTSA 19V297000

Takata airbag inflator recall

major

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.

Most affected: 2012–2013Typical cost: Free under recallRecall/TSB: NHTSA 19V008000, 19V007000, 19V009000 (Takata campaigns)

Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012–2013 Subaru Forester. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.

Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?

These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Subaru Forester built from 2012 through 2013 — the SH (3rd generation), compact crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2012 Forester2013 Forester

What changed during the 2012–2013 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
  • 2013Minor changes only: Sky Blue dropped from the exterior color palette, replaced by Marine Blue and Deep Cherry Pearl

2012–2013 Subaru Forester problems and recalls: common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?

The recurring ones are: head gasket seepage (legacy ej25 concern); fb25 excessive oil consumption (class action settlement); cvt shudder, hesitation, or premature failure; ignition switch electrical contact (recall); takata airbag inflator recall. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.

Which 2012–2013 Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

The years to be most careful with are those affected by cvt shudder, hesitation, or premature failure (2012–2013) and takata airbag inflator recall (2012–2013). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.

Are there recalls on the 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?

3 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: Yaegar v. Subaru of America, Inc., No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.) (fb25 excessive oil consumption (class action settlement)), NHTSA 19V297000 (ignition switch electrical contact (recall)), NHTSA 19V008000, 19V007000, 19V009000 (Takata campaigns) (takata airbag inflator recall). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.

How much do 2012–2013 Subaru Forester repairs typically cost?

Typical figures for the issues above: head gasket seepage (legacy ej25 concern), $1,000–$1,600; fb25 excessive oil consumption (class action settlement), 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, $3,500–$5,500 for a CVT replacement out of warranty; ignition switch electrical contact (recall), Free under recall.

Sources

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