2012 Subaru Forester

Introduction: The 2012 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that comes in four trims (2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, and 2.5XT Premium). It is powered by a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque is optional on the 2.5XT Premium trim. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Forester is known for its reliability, spacious interior, and all-wheel drive capability. However, it has received some complaints about its CVT transmission and engine problems.

Engine

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine

• Head gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaking from the engine, overheating, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the head gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil consumption:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the piston rings or engine block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine

• Turbocharger failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, loud noises from the engine, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed manual transmission:

• No Issues Found

4-speed automatic transmission:

• CVT hesitation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, erratic shifting, delayed acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid or transmission valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA ID: 15V525000

Suspension

• Strut mount failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies after sitting for a few days, requires a jump start.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drain, replace the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog light condensation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture accumulation inside the fog lights.
  • Solution: Replace the fog lights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center console rattle:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise coming from the center console.
  • Solution: Tighten or replace the console mountings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary Overall, the Subaru Forester is a reliable and capable SUV. However, it has some common problems with its engine, transmission, and suspension. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the specific model and mileage. The cost to fix these issues can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.