2012 Subaru Forester Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 8%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,330miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the fuel system of the 2012 Subaru Forester, 8% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,330 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.
“Engine seized during straight road, uphill ascent. Oil light blinked twice quickly then went solid and then immediately lost power at 60mph on freeway. No previous issues with engine. I was in far left lane with no emergency parking so I navigated to the far right emergency shoulder and stopped. Car required tow truck to shop.”
NHTSA complaint #11192998, filed 2019-04, 107,000 miles“During cold weather starts, the vehicle cabin smells strongly of raw fuel, as if there was a fuel leak. The smell persists until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature. Loose fuel lines have been reported in previous model year foresters, and rare instances of this occurring in current generation foresters (09-13).”
NHTSA complaint #10486638, filed 2012-12, 1,900 miles“The vehicle will just stall. It has happened three times; usually at a stop sign or slowing down to turn. I have had it towed and in the shop, and they can't find anything wrong with it. No error messages. One shop cleaned the throttle body and thought that might be the problem. The vehicle has always consumed oil; at least a quart is added every 700-1000 miles. We have changed the oil regularly and don't understand why the oil consumption problem. Now the cruise light flashes off and on. The traction light and check engine light stays on all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11486216, filed 2022-09“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. While traveling approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost all power without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the mass air flow sensor and battery failed. There was also too much fuel in the system. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 65,235.”
NHTSA complaint #10938488, filed 2016-12, 65,235 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. While coming to a stop, the vehicle made an intermittent clunking sound when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle had a lot of electrical issues. While driving 5 MPH, all the electrical components in the instrument panel failed and a whining noise was heard. The contact also stated that the vehicle was experiencing fuel issues. When the vehicle was fueled, the fuel gauge reading was inaccurate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10824963, filed 2016-02, 3,330 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 17 | 17% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 4% |
| 2017 | 11 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 6% |
| 2015 | 57 | 9% |
| 2014 | 21 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 8 | 8% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 13 | 15% |
| 2005 | 22 | 24% |
| 2004 | 124 | 57% |
| 2003 | 57 | 30% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 10 | 7% |
| 2000 | 6 | 8% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Forester
27 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 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 29, 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