2012 Subaru Forester
2012

Subaru
Forester

Starting at N/A USD | 0

170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Horsepower
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain

Explore

Discover every detail that makes this vehicle extraordinary

Performance

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

Safety

Safety

Connectivity

Connectivity

Comfort

Comfort

Interior Space

Interior Space

Exterior Design

Exterior Design

Performance

Engineered for the perfect balance of power and efficiency

170 hp
Horsepower
174 ft-lb
Torque
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
4-speed
Transmission
2012 Subaru Forester performance
2012 Subaru Forester interior

Efficient

Advanced engineering for optimal fuel economy

Fuel TypeGasoline
Combined Efficiency7.5 - 9.9 L/100 km
Fuel Capacity64.0 L

Interior

Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality

5
Seating
N/A
Cargo
1,095 mm
Front Legroom
1,095 mm
Rear Legroom
2012 Subaru Forester interior CARGO
2012 Subaru Forester interior CC
2012 Subaru Forester interior CC

Climate Control

Heated Front Seats

Convenience

Keyless Entry
Power Windows
Power Door Locks

Seating

Power Driver Seat
Lumbar Support

Technology

Advanced connectivity and intelligent features

Bluetooth

Navigation System

Satellite Radio

AM/FM Stereo

Steering Controls

Safety

Comprehensive protection for you and your passengers

Airbags

Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Front Side Airbags

Stability

Traction Control
ABS Brakes
Brake Assist

Monitoring

Security

Security System
Child Safety Locks
2012 Subaru Forester front safety CARGO
2012 Subaru Forester front safety CC
2012 Subaru Forester front safety CC
2012 Subaru Forester front safety DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester front safety DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester front safety DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester front safety DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester front safety DETAIL

Dimensions

Carefully crafted proportions for optimal space and style

Length

14 ft11.5"
4.56m

Width

5 ft10.1"
1.78m

Height

5 ft6.9"
1.7m

Wheelbase

8 ft7"
2.62m

Gallery

See the 2012 Subaru Forester from every angle

2012 Subaru Forester interior CARGO
2012 Subaru Forester interior CC
2012 Subaru Forester interior CC
2012 Subaru Forester interior DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester interior DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester interior DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester interior DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester interior DETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester exterior EDETAIL
2012 Subaru Forester exterior FBDG
2012 Subaru Forester exterior FBDG
2012 Subaru Forester exterior FBDG
2012 Subaru Forester exterior FQ
2012 Subaru Forester exterior FQ
2012 Subaru Forester interior G
2012 Subaru Forester interior I
2012 Subaru Forester interior I
2012 Subaru Forester exterior W
2012 Subaru Forester exterior W

Colors

Express yourself.

Sage Green Metallic
#98ABAF
Sky Blue Metallic
#69FFFF
Obsidian Black Pearl
#000000
Dark Gray Metallic
#828481
Camellia Red Pearl
#861C28
Marine Blue Pearl
#3365FF
Satin White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Ice Silver Metallic
#A2A2A5

Trim Levels

View all trim levels for the 2012 Subaru Forester

5dr Wgn Man 2.5X

5dr Wgn Man 2.5X

$25,995
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineGas Flat 4 Cyl
Displacement2.5L/150
Horsepower170 hp
Torque174 ft-lb
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission5-speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity64.0 L
City9.9 L/100 km
Highway7.4 L/100 km
Combined7.4 - 9.9 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length4,559 mm
Width1,781 mm
Height1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,616 mm
Curb Weight1,480 kg
Ground Clearance221 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity5
Front Leg Room1,095 mm
Rear Leg Room1,095 mm
Front Head Room1,057 mm
Rear Head Room1,026 mm
Cargo VolumeN/A

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X

$27,095
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineGas Flat 4 Cyl
Displacement2.5L/150
Horsepower170 hp
Torque174 ft-lb
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission4-speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity64.0 L
City9.9 L/100 km
Highway7.5 L/100 km
Combined7.5 - 9.9 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length4,559 mm
Width1,781 mm
Height1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,616 mm
Curb Weight1,500 kg
Ground Clearance221 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity5
Front Leg Room1,095 mm
Rear Leg Room1,095 mm
Front Head Room1,057 mm
Rear Head Room1,026 mm
Cargo VolumeN/A

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X Convenience

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X Convenience

$28,295
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineGas Flat 4 Cyl
Displacement2.5L/150
Horsepower170 hp
Torque174 ft-lb
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission4-speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity64.0 L
City9.9 L/100 km
Highway7.5 L/100 km
Combined7.5 - 9.9 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length4,559 mm
Width1,781 mm
Height1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,616 mm
Curb Weight1,500 kg
Ground Clearance221 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity5
Front Leg Room1,095 mm
Rear Leg Room1,095 mm
Front Head Room1,016 mm
Rear Head Room958 mm
Cargo VolumeN/A

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X Convenience PZEV

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X Convenience PZEV

$28,995
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineGas Flat 4 Cyl
Displacement2.5L/150
Horsepower170 hp
Torque174 ft-lb
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission4-speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity64.0 L
City9.9 L/100 km
Highway7.5 L/100 km
Combined7.5 - 9.9 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length4,559 mm
Width1,781 mm
Height1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,616 mm
Curb Weight1,500 kg
Ground Clearance221 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity5
Front Leg Room1,095 mm
Rear Leg Room1,095 mm
Front Head Room1,016 mm
Rear Head Room958 mm
Cargo VolumeN/A

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

5dr Wgn Man 2.5X Touring

5dr Wgn Man 2.5X Touring

$29,095
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineGas Flat 4 Cyl
Displacement2.5L/150
Horsepower170 hp
Torque174 ft-lb
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission5-speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity64.0 L
City9.9 L/100 km
Highway7.4 L/100 km
Combined7.4 - 9.9 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length4,559 mm
Width1,781 mm
Height1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,616 mm
Curb Weight1,480 kg
Ground Clearance221 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity5
Front Leg Room1,095 mm
Rear Leg Room1,095 mm
Front Head Room1,016 mm
Rear Head Room958 mm
Cargo VolumeN/A

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X Touring

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X Touring

$30,195
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineGas Flat 4 Cyl
Displacement2.5L/150
Horsepower170 hp
Torque174 ft-lb
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission4-speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity64.0 L
City9.9 L/100 km
Highway7.5 L/100 km
Combined7.5 - 9.9 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length4,559 mm
Width1,781 mm
Height1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,616 mm
Curb Weight1,500 kg
Ground Clearance221 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity5
Front Leg Room1,095 mm
Rear Leg Room1,095 mm
Front Head Room1,016 mm
Rear Head Room958 mm
Cargo VolumeN/A

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X Limited

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5X Limited

$33,495
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineGas Flat 4 Cyl
Displacement2.5L/150
Horsepower170 hp
Torque174 ft-lb
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission4-speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity64.0 L
City9.9 L/100 km
Highway7.5 L/100 km
Combined7.5 - 9.9 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length4,559 mm
Width1,781 mm
Height1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,616 mm
Curb Weight1,500 kg
Ground Clearance221 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity5
Front Leg Room1,095 mm
Rear Leg Room1,095 mm
Front Head Room1,016 mm
Rear Head Room958 mm
Cargo VolumeN/A

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5XT Limited

5dr Wgn Auto 2.5XT Limited

$35,995
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineGas Flat 4 Cyl
Displacement2.5L/150
Horsepower224 hp
Torque226 ft-lb
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission4-speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity64.0 L
City11.0 L/100 km
Highway8.4 L/100 km
Combined8.4 - 11.0 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length4,559 mm
Width1,781 mm
Height1,699 mm
Wheelbase2,616 mm
Curb Weight1,570 kg
Ground Clearance226 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity5
Front Leg Room1,095 mm
Rear Leg Room1,095 mm
Front Head Room1,016 mm
Rear Head Room958 mm
Cargo VolumeN/A

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

Safety Reports

104 complaints reported to NHTSA

104
Total Reports
15
Crashes
9
Injuries
4
Fires

Most Common Issues

ENGINE
27
AIR BAGS
20
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
18
SERVICE BRAKES
15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7

Recent Reports

ODI #11655060
Apr 16, 2025
SERVICE BRAKESHYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the brake pedal was inoperative. The contact then discovered that there was brake fluid leaking underneath of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Incident: Apr 8, 2025VIN: JF2SHBEC8CH***
ODI #11636357
Jan 16, 2025
ENGINE
I checked my oil level, fluids, and tire pressure before a drive on the highway. Driving on [XXX] South, faint ticking started, then a louder tapping, and I immediately pulled off, luckily, off an exit ramp. AAA towed the Forester to a certified repair shop and the mechanic stated that the engine was blown. The 2.5 boxster engine used little to no oil, and the oil changes had been made always earlier than needed. The Forester had been maintained perfectly, driven cautiously and it had never been subject to any adverse conditions or accidents. After speaking with a number of certified mechanics, it is known that the engine needs to be replaced. But, how can the engine be replaced, especially with a used engine, when the boxster engines are very faulty and Subaru has not engineered corrective actions/new parts ? Subaru has a serious problem with these engines and now after there are hundreds of similar owners they should do some type of recall to compensate the owners. The Forester has less than 126,000 miles, and was cared for in every possible way. Subaru, you should contact us owners to get this corrected, and to provide updated boxster engines with thicker and better, pistons, rods, cylinders, cams etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Oct 1, 2024VIN: JF2SHADC8CH***
ODI #11565874
Jan 16, 2024
ENGINE
my vehicle has 52460 miles and was in southern oregon subaru for an oil change, when i was informed the engine was leaking oil. the service advisor said the cam carrier reseal was needed and it would cost $3380.00. i checked youtube and found that subaru forester from 2012 to 2019 engines have this problem. why should i pay this if subaru's engines have this problem.
Incident: Jan 15, 2024VIN: JF2SHABC8CH***
ODI #11557253
Nov 28, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSERVICE BRAKES
My 2012 Subaru Forester suddenly accelerated as I was making a right hand turn from a parking lot onto a major street. My brakes failed and I could only steer at high speed off the street, over a curb on to a parking strip between trees, and through a motel parking lot. The car finally came to a stop as I had blown the front right tire going over the curb. The car has been towed to my auto repair shop where the cause(s) of the mechanical failure(s) as well as any possible associated damage(s) are still unknown. It is available for inspection upon request at this point in time. Although no injuries, fatalities, or property damage resulted from this incident, the sudden acceleration and brake failure of the car could have resulted in major injuries or fatalities if pedestrians had been on the sidewalk or in the motel parking lot. I could have also hit staff and/or guests in the motel office if I had not been able to steer away in time. I, as the driver, and my dog, as my sole passenger, could also have been seriously injured or killed if my car had hit the motel office or if my car had collided with any cars in motel lot. At this point in time, the cause of my car’s mechanical failure(s) remains unknown so the problem has not been assessed or confirmed by my independent auto repair service shop. The car has not been been inspected by any representative of the manufacturer (Subaru). Because no other vehicle was damaged nor person injured (miraculously) , I did not initiate a police report. Because the accident co-incidentally occurred next door to my insurance agent, where I had just been, the agent's assistant visually inspected my car immediately following the accident. I did not see any control panel signs or other signs prior to nor during the failure (although during the failure I was so focused on where the car was headed that I was unable to look at the control panel at the same time). There were no signs of the failure when I came to a stop.
Incident: Nov 21, 2023VIN: JF2SHABC5CG***
ODI #11538924
Aug 16, 2023
ENGINE
After purchasing the vehicle on July 25, 2023 at approximately 99,800 miles, I began driving across the country from PA to CA. I purchased the vehicle from a Subaru dealership, so it was certified pre-owned. Beginning on day 3 of the drive, the car began to make a ticking sound under the hood. The car still had oil on the dipstick, but I added half a quart to be safe. There were no dealerships nearby, so I proceeded to drive to the nearest town and went to a mechanic. They believed the sound was from the engine working hard. We proceeded driving the following day, and after a few hours (around 2,000 miles of the cross country drive) the sound became worse/louder. I was fortunately able to pull off at an exit in the middle of Wyoming, and immediately after driving down the exit ramp, the car stopped. I could not turn the steering wheel, the car would not move, and 3 lights came on. I was able to turn on the car to move it 20 feet out of the way, and checked the oil again as two oil lights came on the dash. There was essentially no oil in my car. I added the last half quart I had with me, but the location we were at did not carry oil for cars. We got a tow to the nearest dealership the following day and they informed me that my engine needed to be replaced and I had no oil in my car. There were no warning or indication lights the entire time we were driving. The engine seized without warning and there were never any leaks under the car indicating that I was losing oil. Had there not been an exit at the right time, the car would have given out on the side of the highway where people drive 80mph. The exact cause is still unknown as to why the engine burned through all the oil and why the engine needs to be replaced.
Incident: Aug 5, 2023VIN: JF2SHADC4CH***
ODI #11504576
Jan 30, 2023
STRUCTUREUNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. Because I felt the simultaneous failure of both hydraulic arms posed a serious safety concern, my wife called Subaru Headquarters and spoke with [XXX], Customer Advocacy Department, and relayed the incident and our safety concerns for other owners of older model Subaru Foresters. [XXX] assured us that Subaru Headquarters would seriously consider our safety concerns. [XXX] asked that after making an appointment with the dealership for repair, we contact her of the date so she could speak directly to the Service Department regarding the safety issue we were raising. My wife made the appointment, called [XXX] with the date, and when arriving at the appointment asked the service person if they had been in touch with Subaru Headquarters regarding our concerns. First the service manager said no, but another service person said yes and that they had put a notation about this on our appointment service order. The repairs were made. About a week later my wife contacted [XXX], Subaru Headquarters' Customer Advocacy Department, to inquire on the status of our safety concern and was told that it had been elevated to the next higher level and we would hear from them by 12/30/22. On 1/27/22, [XXX] representative from Customer Advocacy at Subaru Headquarters, called to inform us that Subaru will no longer be able to investigate our safety concerns as the failed parts had not been saved by the Bloomington Subaru Service Department. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident: Nov 27, 2022VIN: JF2SHBECXCH***
ODI #11486216
Sep 24, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMENGINEFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle will just stall. It has happened three times; usually at a stop sign or slowing down to turn. I have had it towed and in the shop, and they can't find anything wrong with it. No error messages. One shop cleaned the throttle body and thought that might be the problem. The vehicle has always consumed oil; at least a quart is added every 700-1000 miles. We have changed the oil regularly and don't understand why the oil consumption problem. Now the cruise light flashes off and on. The traction light and check engine light stays on all the time.
Incident: Sep 14, 2022VIN: JF2SHBDC7CH***
ODI #11476838
Aug 1, 2022
WHEELS
2012 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO STUD FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE 3 OF THE 5 WHEEL STUDS EXPERIENCED A SHEARING FAILURE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE FAILURE DUE TO IT BEING A KNOWN ISSUE.
Incident: Aug 1, 2022VIN: JF2SHABCXCG***

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and may not represent verified defects.

View All Reports on NHTSA