subaru forester Problems

subaru forester 2012 Complaints

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

while driving on a main route check engine light kicked on and proceeded to flash while the stability/traction control light came on disabling the traction control. this lasted approximately 10-15 seconds, all lights kicked off and seemed okay. a couple of days later the same thing happened only now the cruise control light was on and flashing, check engine was solid and stability/traction control light was on. at that time all the lights stay on until the codes are cleared, until that is done, stability/traction control and cruise control do not work.

Reported in: MORGANTOWN WV || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHBGC7CH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

while driving on a main route check engine light kicked on and proceeded to flash while the stability/traction control light came on disabling the traction control. this lasted approximately 10-15 seconds, all lights kicked off and seemed okay. a couple of days later the same thing happened only now the cruise control light was on and flashing, check engine was solid and stability/traction control light was on. at that time all the lights stay on until the codes are cleared, until that is done, stability/traction control and cruise control do not work.

Reported in: MORGANTOWN WV || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHBGC7CH

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

while driving on a main route check engine light kicked on and proceeded to flash while the stability/traction control light came on disabling the traction control. this lasted approximately 10-15 seconds, all lights kicked off and seemed okay. a couple of days later the same thing happened only now the cruise control light was on and flashing, check engine was solid and stability/traction control light was on. at that time all the lights stay on until the codes are cleared, until that is done, stability/traction control and cruise control do not work.

Reported in: MORGANTOWN WV || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHBGC7CH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. the contact was driving 5 mph and stated that the vehicle maintained the same speed once the accelerator pedal was released for approximately three minutes. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the failure but advised there was nothing that could be done to correct it. the dealer notified the manufacturer who advised the dealer that the vehicle was performing as designed, and offered no further assistance. the failure mileage was 25 and the current mileage was 4,800. the consumer stated it was apparent, that when he removed his foot from the accelerator, the vehicle maintained its speed for two or three seconds. the dealer verified the issue as a software problem. however, the dealer was informed it was normal and it would not be corrected. updated evoq 01/26/12

Reported in: SACRAMENTO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC2CG

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

fuel mileage way out of whack. on highway at 100-110 kmh averages 11 l/100km sunroof leaks when going through car wash.

Reported in: OTTAWA WY || Crash: N || VIN #:

VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY

fuel mileage way out of whack. on highway at 100-110 kmh averages 11 l/100km sunroof leaks when going through car wash.

Reported in: OTTAWA WY || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

fuel mileage way out of whack. on highway at 100-110 kmh averages 11 l/100km sunroof leaks when going through car wash.

Reported in: OTTAWA WY || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

our forester has an inconsistent brake pedal. sometimes the pedal is firm and responsive. sometimes the pedal goes towards the floor before it responds. we never know how far in the pedal will go. thus far the brakes have always worked but extra time and distance are needed to stop. the problem is intermittent and has been there ever since we purchased the vehicle. the following from subaru's recall of other 2012 models explains almost exactly how this manifests for us. pressing the pedal lightly and subsequently having to hit the pedal harder without letting up seems to be a trigger. the pedal has also gone all the way to the floor on 2 occasions which occurred at very low speeds in parking lots. manifestations per the paragraph below are most common and can happen at any speed including on the highway. in the recall letter sent to subaru owners it noted that "in vehicles experiencing this condition, the driver will initially encounter a soft pedal feel and may momentarily perceive a sense of loss in braking power while the pedal is being pressed lightly. this will only continue until the pedal is pressed downward approximately 2 more inches. effective braking function will be achieved at that point, making it possible to slow or stop the vehicle." we have taken the vehicle to 2 dealerships and they both told us there is no problem. we returned the vehicle to one of the dealerships and they road tested it for 3 days and told us nothing is wrong. we appear to have the same problem that triggered a recall of millions of other 2012 models and we do not appear to be taken seriously. this problem is potentially life threatening, and it needs to be dealt with regardless of whether it manifests for subaru technicians or not. i have taken the vehicle to my mechanic and he believes the master cylinder is bad but he has done no work on the vehicle.

Reported in: SALEM NH || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHABC0CH

SEAT BELTS

my forester has had the issue of misfiring on three occasions. it has been to the dealership for the first two, now they tell me i need to wait until they create a computer update, that my car has a "glitch in the computer". my cruise control becomes disabled, while driving and the check engine light flashes, along with vehicle dynamics control waring light also blinks. the dealership tells me the car will run properly, not to worry. the owner's manual states that the abs is poroblably malfunctioning. the first time this happened, they dealership said i may have had watery gas. it has now happened under the same conditions: going up grade and needing to accelerate. in a four month period, i have had this same unresolved issue, three times. also the seat belts are on recall. when i called tohave the seat belt replaced, i was told they were on back order and would contact me.

Reported in: LEBEC CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC5CH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

my forester has had the issue of misfiring on three occasions. it has been to the dealership for the first two, now they tell me i need to wait until they create a computer update, that my car has a "glitch in the computer". my cruise control becomes disabled, while driving and the check engine light flashes, along with vehicle dynamics control waring light also blinks. the dealership tells me the car will run properly, not to worry. the owner's manual states that the abs is poroblably malfunctioning. the first time this happened, they dealership said i may have had watery gas. it has now happened under the same conditions: going up grade and needing to accelerate. in a four month period, i have had this same unresolved issue, three times. also the seat belts are on recall. when i called tohave the seat belt replaced, i was told they were on back order and would contact me.

Reported in: LEBEC CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC5CH

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

when in heavy traffic and it was necessary to accelerate at a high rpm, the traction control light and check engine light come on and start flashing and the cruise control light also flashed. this is the 3rd time this has happened. first time all the lights went out, second time it happened my cruise control was disabled and the other lights continued to be on and flash and i had to take it the dealership to be "reset". dealership told me it was a "computer" problem and subaru has not fixed it. yesterday it happened again. was able to let off accleration quick enough to keep it from locking out my cruise and causing all the lights to flash continually. *tt

Reported in: NASHUA IA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHBDC5CH

STRUCTURE:BODY

while opening the driver's side door, the top, right corner of the door struck my forehead, causing a gash just above my right eyebrow that required six stitches to close. a little lower and the sharp, pointed corner of the door frame could have caused the loss of my right eye. the problem is with the design of the door frame. in order to open the door, one must reach for the door handle and, in doing so, lean in toward the door. when the door is opened, if one is not standing back far enough, the door will hit the person opening the door. the design is common to both the driver's side and front passenger side doors. i inquired with kinney motors of rutland, vermont (802-775-6900), where i purchased my 2012 subaru forester to see if there is a fix for the above problem and, while the service manager was polite and tried to be helpful, no fix was available.

Reported in: WELLS VT || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHABC1CH

SERVICE BRAKES

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. the contact stated that while driving 10 mph, she applied the brakes and the vehicle did not stop. the contact applied repeated pressure to the brake pedal but the brake pedal was depressed into the floorboard abnormally. the contact then applied the emergency brake and the vehicle stopped. the vehicle was safely driven to an authorized dealer but they were unable to determine the cause of failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 2,800.

Reported in: MANDAN ND || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHBBC7CH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

Reported in: WALTHAM MA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHAGC4CH

POWER TRAIN

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.

Reported in: WALTHAM MA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHAGC4CH

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

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.

Reported in: WALTHAM MA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHAGC4CH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

while passing a parked dumpster, the driver stepped lightly on the gas. instead of the expected mild acceleration, the engine revved greatly and an unexpected high acceleration occurred. it resulted in a collision with the car in front.

Reported in: BROOKLYN NY || Crash: Y || VIN #: JF2SHABC2CH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

during cold weather starts, the vehicle cabin smells strongly of raw fuel, as if there was a fuel leak. the smell persists until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature. loose fuel lines have been reported in previous model year foresters, and rare instances of this occurring in current generation foresters (09-13).

Reported in: VALLEY STREAM NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHABC1CH

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

2012 forester 2.5x, 4-spd automatic transmission: when traveling at highway speeds, 50+ mph, any attempt to quickly accelerate causes the automatic transmission to downshift all the way to second gear. this results in very high rpms, but a loss in velocity as the downshift to second gear is not appropriate at the high end of the allowable rpms for the engine. the loss in speed when attempting to accelerate is very unsafe and has caused me to have to unexpectedly return to my lane when attempting to pass another vehicle. likewise, attempting to merge into traffic traveling faster in another lane is also unsafe as i lose speed while emerging into the lane with faster traffic. this downshift into second gear rather than third gear at highway speeds occasionally causes the check engine light to turn on and the traction control warning light to turn on. this is an ongoing problem and can be replicated at any time. this occurs at highway speeds, and can be replicated by depressing the accelerator pedal quickly, or just tapping on the accelerator. the vehicle should not be able to downshift to second gear at high speeds using an automatic transmission. i have returned it to the dealer twice and the dealers mechanics are easily able to replicate the problem. after numerous attempts to fix the problem, the dealership contacted the subaru headquarters and were told this is normal operation. it is anything but normal for an automobile and is very dangerous. there appear to be a number of complaints on various internet sites on foresters with similar problems.

Reported in: ELK GROVE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC5CH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

when turning off engine, loud rapid pinging noise from front of the car for about 20 minutes. per subaru home office this is normal. per manager of subaru service dept it is normal. i was told it was the guards around the catalytic converter - that they get very hot from the catalytic converter and ping as cool down. but if they are continually warping back and forth causing the pinging sound, isn't there going to be metal fatigue? when the guards don't work, is the car going to be safe to drive? i mean, i would think they are there for a reason. i have even heard the noise rolling down the driver side window at a fast food restaurant. just want to know the car will be safe. would love to have the annoying noise go away also. i was told all foresters do this.

Reported in: WILLIAMSVILLE NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC4CH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2012 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to engine problems. *smd the consumer stated unless he drove the vehicle regularly, or started it and let the engine idle, the complex of electric circuits would run down the battery to a no start and shortly thereafter, all systems would be dead. the consumer stated sellers admitted to the problem and the service department recommended driving the vehicle and running the engine more often.

Reported in: HANCOCK NH || Crash: N || VIN #:

TIRES

notice two blemishes on tire side wall after buying new car, 1 year later bulging is bigger.

Reported in: OAK PARK IL || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHBEC7CH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

spontaneous acceleration: stepped on brake to slow down. instead engine revs increased and car sped up. was able to bring the car under control before an accident occurred, only by taking my foot off the brake pedal and replacing it several times. same problem as occurred with this vehicle on 10/12/2012. see odi # 10484833.

Reported in: BROOKLYN NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHABC2CH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. the contact stated that whenever the check engine warning light illuminated, the cruise control would independently disable without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was working according to standards. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 8,650 and the current mileage was 11,626. updated 10/17/13*lj

Reported in: DULUTH MN || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHBBC3CG

ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. the contact stated that whenever the check engine warning light illuminated, the cruise control would independently disable without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was working according to standards. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 8,650 and the current mileage was 11,626. updated 10/17/13*lj

Reported in: DULUTH MN || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHBBC3CG

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. the contact stated that while parking, he shifted into reverse with his foot on the brakes when the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. the contact engaged the emergency brake but it failed to stop the vehicle. as a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle and then into a tree. a police report was filed and no injuries were reported. the vehicle was destroyed. the dealer was made aware of the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the failure and current mileage was 34,500. updated 11/14/13*cn

Reported in: THREE BRIDGES NJ || Crash: Y || VIN #: JF2SHADC3CH

ENGINE

the engine consumes too much oil for such a relatively new & low mileage vehicle. this is the 2nd complaint to the dealer about this concern. each time the engine oil is checked the dipstick would not register any oil reading. on the second visit, the dealer changed the oil & filter under warranty as per bulletin 02-144-13r & having me return after an additional 1200 miles of driving. this engine is defective for having oil usage at such low mileage and begin relatively new. i have owned many cars in my time and understand all cars consume oil at some point or another but not when the car is still practically new. did research online and have seen many other owners with similar complaints, most with no resolution. this poses a safety hazard mainly for the owners who are not as savvy with vehicles. the engine oil could run out & seize the motor of which can happen while driving during highway speeds.

Reported in: ORLANDO FL || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC4CH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. the contact stated that traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into an atm machine. there were no injuries. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 8,700. updated 04/30/14 ma

Reported in: LEXINGTON MA || Crash: Y || VIN #: JF2SHADC7CH

WHEELS

i was a block from home after having had driven the vehicle approximately 40 minutes from work when i heard a loud "pop." i thought something had hit the car. i could not get the vehicle into my driveway because the right front wheel suddenly folded into the fender, and i could not move further. the vehicle was towed to the dealership where i bought it via the roadside service offered through subaru, as the vehicle was still under warranty. the service department found that the right front strut was missing a bolt. both the service people and the general manager had stated to me that they had never seen this happen before and thought, possibly, the bolt was not tightened properly at the factory. the repair document reads as follows: "confirmed customers concern right front strut missing bolt, recommend to replace strut and hat with new bolts. recommend to replace hat due to damaged bent strut. with customers authorization removed and replaced right front strut and needed hardware. replaced strut hat and completed. torqued all wheels and all related nuts and bolts to specification." i have not had another problem since i received the vehicle back on march 18, 2014. i am concerned that this may not be just my vehicle. had i been driving on the freeway at a much higher speed, this could have ended up very badly for not only me but others on the road as well. thank you

Reported in: LINCOLN CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHABC9CH

ENGINE

engine using synthetic ow-20 oil per dealer recommendation uses oil faster than new car should. oil changed 18,951mi. at around 22,000 oil was noted leaking around oil filter. also dipstick showing low level. owner had to add oil while on a trip. after 24,393mi oil filter leak reported, dealer replaced gasket 803916010 and topped off oil. at 26,312 mi, oil again changed by dealer. 3k mi later (29,000mi) oil again showed below low on dipstick requiring owner to add oil. 32,191 mi service appointment oil change by dealer states "close to full." dealer told us that cars use a quart of oil every thousand miles normally. no leak found on inspection. i always park in the same place at parking garage and there are no oil leaks on the concrete. my family has had 2 other new subaru vehicles since 2003 which also use synthetic oil and no other car has had this oil usage. i have owned 6 new cars in my lifetime. i know how to maintain an engine by frequent checks and maintenance. my concern is that owners may lose an engine due to seizure if they follow subaru recommended oil change by mileage or months. some owners who are not diligent in checking frequently may lose an engine. my other concern is that either subaru engine design, gaskets, or other parts may be to blame in excessive oil usage. please investigate this problem.

Reported in: SEATTLE WA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHABC9CH

SERVICE BRAKES

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. the contact stated that there was mild corrosion on the brake lines. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v311000 (brakes). the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer stated that the part for the recall repair would not be available until november of 2014. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 28,000. updated 09/12/14*lj

Reported in: RONKONKOMA NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHABC8CH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

i'm have a problem with my headlights. in past 3-4 months they have randomly gone out. the light bulb is good. so is the fuse. each time we took the headlight area apart and put it back together it light bulb came back on. i do not know if its the wires or connection with the light bulb and the base. i did call where i bought my car and as its out of warranty, will only fix for a fee. subaru of america will "decide after evaluated and fixed" as long ad only using all subaru parts"- if they will cover this. the last time this happened, both if my head lights went out at the same time. very concerning safety issue.

Reported in: EAST GRANBY CT || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC9CH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

2012 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to brake system failure recall notice. *smd the consumer stated from the day she purchased the vehicle, the brakes did not seem right. the brake pedal seemed too soft and there was extended pedal travel. she had to pump the brakes in order to stop in time. also, when sitting at a light with her foot on the brake pedal, the pedal would suddenly just sink downward an inch. also, at approximately, 17,000 in may 2014, the brakes began pulsating. the dealer machined the rotors and stated it was normal. the consumer even though the her year, was not included in the recall, she still experienced the same symptoms. *jb

Reported in: VALLEY STREAM NY || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

2012 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to ignition problems. *smd the dealer claimed there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. however, the consumer continued to experience intermittent problems with the ignition. the consumer went to another dealer, at which time, they diagnosed the ignition issue as a software problem and stated that it was fixed with an update to the firmware. however, he continued to have the same ignition problem, but on a more frequent basis. the consumer went back to the dealer, where they stated the problem was the battery. despite the new battery replacement, he continued to have the same problem at the same frequency. the consumer returned to the dealer, where they stated the problem was with the fuel pump, but were unable to confirm the diagnosis 100% until their fuel pump mechanic made further inquires with the subaru factory. the consumer made another appointment, as it was finally confirmed the fuel pump needed to be replaced. the consumer was then informed, the part was not available. *jb

Reported in: SURFSIDE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC3CH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2012 subaru forester. consumer writes in regards to ignition problems. *smd the dealer claimed there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. however, the consumer continued to experience intermittent problems with the ignition. the consumer went to another dealer, at which time, they diagnosed the ignition issue as a software problem and stated that it was fixed with an update to the firmware. however, he continued to have the same ignition problem, but on a more frequent basis. the consumer went back to the dealer, where they stated the problem was the battery. despite the new battery replacement, he continued to have the same problem at the same frequency. the consumer returned to the dealer, where they stated the problem was with the fuel pump, but were unable to confirm the diagnosis 100% until their fuel pump mechanic made further inquires with the subaru factory. the consumer made another appointment, as it was finally confirmed the fuel pump needed to be replaced. the consumer was then informed, the part was not available. *jb

Reported in: SURFSIDE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: JF2SHADC3CH