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Vehicle speed controlPart report

2012 Subaru Forester Vehicle speed control Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
17%of 106 total for the year
Median mileage
28,800miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2012 Subaru Forester, 17% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,800 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Vehicle experienced an occurrence of sudden unintended acceleration. I had my foot on the brake and was easing into a parking space. All of a sudden, the engine revved, and the vehicle surged and began to move forward on its own accord. I was unable to stop it using the brake. The vehicle went over 2 parking curbs and shrubbery and was headed into traffic. Vehicle was moving at about 20-25 MPH so I was able to steer it and avoided traffic by turning right, staying on parking lot grass & rock barrier. Car went into gully and eventually stopped on its own. Dealership was unable to find problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #11204672, filed 2019-04, 93,400 miles

“I want to also submit a statement about the problems I have had with my brakes,I also noticed others have had the same problems,as soon as I got the car I noticed the brakes were very soft.I took the car in,I was told they were fine.a couple weeks later I was in line at starbucks and the brakes went right to the floor,I pulled the emergency up narrowly missing the person in front of me.I called the dealer again,before I got the car back in again at dunkin donuts it did the same thing.it had also started making a horrible smell and had no power.and a few other minor things.I took it in they…”

NHTSA complaint #10672594, filed 2015-01, 29,600 miles

“While backing up in reverse, vehicle suddenly accelerated. Operator had foot on brake but vehicle did not respond to braking to stop the car and vehicle continued to accelerate until contact with a parked vehicle. Both vehicles sustained damage. Police observed skid marks from attempts to brake. Event occurred on july 24, 2018 at approximately 4:00 p.m. In a small parking lot at a convenience store in fremont, nh.”

NHTSA complaint #11113411, filed 2018-07, 95,300 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

“After hitting a curb pulling into a parking lot, the car immediately accelerated at a lightening speed and raced at increasing speed forward knocking over a bush and crashing into a brick wall of a church building. The severe impact caused the airbags to open and the front of the car was so damaged that it is considered a total loss. This all occurred in a matter of seconds myself, the driver, and a passenger were sent to emergency room with multiple abrasions and contusions.”

NHTSA complaint #10892782, filed 2016-08, 49,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202613%
202555%
202413%
202368%
202299%
2021126%
2020244%
2019273%
2018306%
2017336%
2016379%
20157011%
20144210%
201379%
20121817%
2011139%
2010249%
20091911%
2008612%
2007811%
20062023%
20051718%
2004125%
2003158%
20022326%
20012921%
200045%
199965%
19981414%

Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Forester

Engine
27 complaints
Air bags
20 complaints
Brakes
16 complaints
Electrical system
10 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Electronic stability control
4 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Forester

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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