2012 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%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 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Subaru Forester, 5% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“While pulling into a parking stall at approximately 2-3 MPH I went to press the brakes when all of the sudden the car accelerated at full speed without touching the accelerator causing me to hit the concrete wall in front of me. Airbags did not deploy and neither me or my passenger were not hurt. Damage to the bumper, frame, grill and various components just inside the engine compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #11204536, filed 2019-04, 91,575 miles“While opening the driver's side door, the top, right corner of the door struck my forehead, causing a gash just above my right eyebrow that required six stitches to close. A little lower and the sharp, pointed corner of the door frame could have caused the loss of my right eye. The problem is with the design of the door frame. In order to open the door, one must reach for the door handle and, in doing so, lean in toward the door. When the door is opened, if one is not standing back far enough, the door will hit the person opening the door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460042, filed 2012-05, 2,800 miles“Both rear gate hydraulic arms failed at the same time. On or about 11/27/22, while retrieving items from the cargo compartment, I heard a pop and the door completely collapsed and struck me on the back of the head. Upon inspection the popping noise was the fracturing of the bolt which supported the right hydraulic arm. The left hydraulic arm failed to keep the door open or at least from slamming down upon me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11504576, filed 2023-01“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
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10130277Jan 11, 2018( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
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 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 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