2012 Subaru Forester Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 1%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Subaru Forester, 1% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 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.
“Purchased vehical 3-4 months ago w/ 86k miles. Oil leaks in head gasket ( quart every 6 weeks..researched this and turns out this is a very common problem from 1999- 2013. On all foresters. Manufacturer used more sealant and less gasket on that engine.why wasn't this recalled?? Easily verified via tube or internet.the other issue is lower control arm bushings worn out at 86k miles. Steering is very un stable.”
NHTSA complaint #11232174, filed 2019-07, 86,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11016213Mar 24, 2025Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2005-2009 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles…
- 11016210Mar 24, 2025Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the…
- 11008259Sep 4, 2024This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11005593Jul 8, 2024This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 15 | 3% |
| 2017 | 13 | 2% |
| 2016 | 14 | 3% |
| 2015 | 66 | 11% |
| 2014 | 94 | 23% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 11 | 22% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 12 | 14% |
| 2005 | 21 | 23% |
| 2004 | 25 | 11% |
| 2003 | 22 | 12% |
| 2002 | 9 | 10% |
| 2001 | 15 | 11% |
| 2000 | 19 | 25% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 17 | 17% |
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 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