2012 Subaru Forester Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,325miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2012 Subaru Forester, 4% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,325 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10459088, filed 2012-05, 6,000 miles“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, filed 2012-08, 5,325 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10441281, filed 2011-12, 1,600 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10919796, filed 2016-10Electronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 10 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 8 | 2% |
| 2015 | 14 | 2% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 5 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Forester
27 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology