2012 Subaru Forester Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 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 turning off engine, loud rapid pinging noise from front of the car for about 20 minutes. Per Subaru home office this is normal. Per manager of Subaru service dept it is normal. I was told it was the guards around the catalytic converter - that they get very hot from the catalytic converter and ping as cool down. But if they are continually warping back and forth causing the pinging sound, isn't there going to be metal fatigue? When the guards don't work, is the car going to be safe to drive? I mean, I would think they are there for a reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #10509020, filed 2013-04, 3,000 miles“2012 Subaru Forester. Consumer stated the windows glass will not close. The head rest is not installed properly. Rear hatch door will not close without being slammed and opened while driving. Check engine light indicates a code of misfiring on two cylinders. The consumer stated if the driver and passenger windows were lowered when driving at highway speeds, the window glass shifted out beyond the channel in the door and the windows would not close. The consumer stated he had to listen to a high-pitched squeal while driving. The dealer did confirm a problem existed, but there was no solution.”
NHTSA complaint #10654358, filed 2014-12Related service bulletins
- 10238465Jun 29, 2023The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft…
- 10216980Jul 11, 2022The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft…
- 10207172Jan 2, 2022This Bulletin announces design changes to the engine oil and CVT fluid drain plugs.
- 10202810Oct 7, 2021This bulletin announces an additional service procedure for timing chain and / or cam sprocket replacement on FA and FB type engines.
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10191563Apr 13, 2021As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for…
- 10186347Jan 22, 2021The purpose of this bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft…
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179422Aug 31, 2020This bulletin announces availability of new master cylinder application shaft seals.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 8% |
| 2006 | 11 | 13% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 7% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 14 | 16% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 2000 | 12 | 16% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 14% |
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsSeat belts
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