Subaru Forester IV (2012–2018)
2012 Subaru Forester problems
The 2012 Subaru Forester was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Subaru bóxer. It has no documented serious faults for the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as faulty brake light switch (2019 recall).
2012 Subaru Forester score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 4 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine7.12 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension5.21 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering9.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.4 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights8.01 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
Subaru bóxer engine in the 2012 Subaru Forester
Names: 2.0X · 2.0D
- With caution
2.0 D 147-150 hp Euro 5 (EE20, 2010-2015)
147–150 hp · EE20
AUTO BILD sees an improvement from 2010, but its 2019 reader survey records engine problems in 32% of owners of the diesel XV I and it only advises the diesel for "true optimists"; insist on a service history, no oil leaks and a particulate filter in good condition.[2]
- Buy
2.0i 150 hp (FB20, 2011-2018)
150 hp · FB20
AUTO BILD recommends the XV I's petrol engines without reservation. Two British campaigns need checking: the valve springs on cars built in 2013-2014 and the ignition coils on those built from September 2016 to October 2019.[2][3]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter on the EE20 dieselThe particulate filter on the EE20 boxer diesel tends to clog, especially on those built up to the end of 2010 according to Gebrauchtwagenberater; AUTO BILD cites it on the XV I together with a rising oil level, among the diesel's problems.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionImprecise injectors and sooty EGR valve on the EE20 dieselThe EE20's Denso injectors can work imprecisely and produce a knocking noise, and soot in the injectors and EGR valve can lead to expensive repairs; AUTO BILD cites 500-800 euros per injector in Germany.
Faults outside the engine in the 2012 Subaru Forester
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsFaulty brake light switch (2019 recall)Subaru recalled Forester models built between April 2007 and March 2017 because the brake light switch may be faulty and leave the brake lights inoperative, creating a risk of rear-end collisions. The European alert (RAPEX 22/2019) was notified by Germany.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionWorn suspension arm bushes and ball jointsIn Forester models presented for the British MOT, the suspension fails far more often than the average for cars of the same age (49% compared with 36%), and the most common individual suspension failure is a heavily worn arm bolt or bush. The data does not distinguish between generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2012 Subaru Forester was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Subaru bóxer. It has no documented serious faults for the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as faulty brake light switch (2019 recall).
What is the best year for the Subaru Forester?
According to our score, the best is 2012 (7.3/10). The year with the worst score is 2013 (6.8/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2012 Subaru Forester have?
The most important ones documented for 2012 cars are: clogged particulate filter on the EE20 diesel (Subaru bóxer, medium severity), imprecise injectors and sooty EGR valve on the EE20 diesel (Subaru bóxer, medium severity), faulty brake light switch (2019 recall) (headlights and lights, medium severity) and worn suspension arm bushes and ball joints (suspension, medium severity).
Own a 2012 Subaru Forester? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Subaru ForesterWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Subaru XV I im Gebrauchtwagen-Test: «Vorsicht vor dem Boxer-Diesel!»AUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 17 December 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 9 October 2026