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Which year to buy
Best bet2024Fewest serious problems: 0.4× usual
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2017, 2019More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.7× usual Extended coverage
92 serious complaints of 105, the most about engine (27) and air bags (20); per car on the road, 0.7× this model's usual year. 15 recalls.
What owners report
“My car suffered a catastrophic oil event without an indicator light or any other warning requiring a new engine. The car has 119k miles (purchased from a Subaru dealer with 114k less than a year ago). We had no leaks in our garage or driveway from the car. My daughter was driving the car to school, and the smoke filled the car.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Nov 2021
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 19v008000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received the recall notification in march of 2019.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Apr 2019
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original… (02-157-14, Oct 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
105 owner complaints · 15 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–23 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features
Every Forester year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2012
- Starting prices: −$100 to +$100 (4 trims; hover for each)
- Touchscreen: 7 in → 4.3 in (2.5X Touring)
2012 Forester trims
| 2.5X | 2.5X Limited | 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Touring | 2.5XT Premium | 2.5XT Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ||||||
| Starting MSRP | — | $26,595 | — | $27,895 | $27,095 | $29,895 |
| Powertrain | ||||||
| Engine | 2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER | 2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER | 2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER | 2.5-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER | 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged SUBARU BOXER | 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged SUBARU BOXER |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 224 hp | 224 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 226 lb-ft | 226 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic: 4-speed electronic direct control automatic with lockup torque converter and manual mode 5-Speed Manual: 5-speed manual with Incline Start Assist | 4-speed electronic direct control automatic with lockup torque converter and manual mode | 4-Speed Automatic: 4-speed electronic direct control automatic with lockup torque converter and manual mode 5-Speed Manual: 5-speed manual with Incline Start Assist | 4-speed electronic direct control automatic with lockup torque converter and manual mode | 4-speed electronic direct control automatic with lockup torque converter and manual mode | 4-speed electronic direct control automatic with lockup torque converter and manual mode |
| Gears | 4-Speed Automatic: 4 5-Speed Manual: 5 | 4 | 4-Speed Automatic: 4 5-Speed Manual: 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Drivetrain | 4-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Manual | Awd | 4-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Manual | Awd | Awd | Awd |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Size and capability | ||||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Max towing | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb | 2,400 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 33.5 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 68.3 cu ft | 63 cu ft | 63 cu ft | 63 cu ft | 63 cu ft | 63 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.9 in | 8.9 in |
| Length | 179.5 in | 179.5 in | 179.5 in | 179.5 in | 179.5 in | 179.5 in |
| Curb weight | 4-Speed Automatic: 3,300 lb 5-Speed Manual: 3,250 lb | 3,360 lb | 4-Speed Automatic: 3,340 lb 5-Speed Manual: 3,300 lb | 3,360 lb | 3,450 lb | 3,460 lb |
| Tech | ||||||
| Touchscreen | — | 4.3 in + option | Optional | 4.3 in + option | — | Optional |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Speakers | 4 | 6 + option | 4 | 7 + option | 4 | 7 + option |
| Driver assistance | ||||||
| Parking sensors | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Seats | Cloth | Leather | Cloth | Leather | Cloth | Leather |
| Heated seats | — | Front | Optional | Front | — | Front |
| Climate zones | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Remote start | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Second row | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench |
| Exterior | ||||||
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof | Panoramic Moonroof |
| Power liftgate | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Wheels | 16 in + option | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen | HID Projector | Halogen | HID Projector |
Packages and options (35)
| 2.5X | 2.5X Limited | 2.5X Premium | 2.5X Touring | 2.5XT Premium | 2.5XT Touring | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Weather Package $500 | — | Standard | Optional | Standard | — | Standard |
| Alloy Wheel Value Package | Optional | — | — | — | — | — |
| 6.1-inch Touch-Screen Voice-Activated Navigation System | — | Optional | — | Optional | — | Optional |
| TomTom Navigation System | — | — | Optional | — | — | — |
| Raised Roof Rails with Black Finish | Optional | Standard | Standard | — | Standard | — |
| Body Side Moldings | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fog Lights | Optional | Standard | Standard | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Heavy-Duty Cargo Basket | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Moonroof Air Deflector $108 | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Puddle Lights | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Rear Bumper Cover $80 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Carrier Base Kit | Optional | — | — | — | — | — |
| Sport Grille | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Trailer Hitch $468 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats $69 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Tray | Optional | Standard | Optional | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Remote Engine Starter | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SIRIUS Satellite Radio $432 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| XM Satellite Radio $432 | Optional | — | — | — | — | — |
| Rear-Vision Camera $227 | — | Optional | Optional | Standard | — | Standard |
| Reverse Assist Sensors $363 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Camellia Red Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dark Gray Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ice Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Marine Blue Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Obsidian Black Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sage Green Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Satin White Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sky Blue Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Cloth | Optional | — | Optional | — | — | — |
| Black Leather | — | Optional | — | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black Moray Cloth | — | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Platinum Cloth | Optional | — | Optional | — | — | — |
| Platinum Leather | — | Optional | — | Optional | — | Optional |
| Platinum Moray Cloth | — | — | — | — | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 162–180 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 162–180 hp | AWD | 26–35 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 22 | Unknown or other (5) | — |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 162–182 hp 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, 162–182 hp | AWD | 26–35 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 95 | Unknown or other (19) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 29 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 73 | Unknown or other (20) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 98 | Visibility/wiper (20) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 207 | Visibility/wiper (76) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 600 | Visibility/wiper (252) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 833 | Visibility/wiper (370) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 170 hp manual available | AWD | 24–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 496 | Visibility/wiper (135) | No |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 170 hp manual available | AWD | 24–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 586 | Air bags (164) | No |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 25–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 415 | Air bags (99) | No |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 25–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 614 | Engine (131) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.5L 4-cyl manual available | AWD | 24–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 403 | Suspension (94) | No |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 12 | 77 | Engine (26) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 15 | 105 | Engine (27) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 16 | 147 | Engine (60) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo manual available | AWD | 21–22 mpg | Not rated | 17 | 262 | Seats (76) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAWD or 4WDPower liftgateHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Forester 2019–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID SUV HEV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER SUV N/A AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 22 |
| 2026 | SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 11 |
| 2025 | SUBARU FORESTER SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 95 |
| 2025 | SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 11 |
| 2024 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 29 |
| 2024 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 29 |
| 2023 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 73 |
| 2023 | Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 98 |
| 2021 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 207 |
| 2020 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 600 |
| 2019 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 833 |
| 2018 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 496 |
| 2017 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 586 |
| 2016 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 415 |
| 2015 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 614 |
| 2014 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 403 |
| 2013 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 12 | 77 |
| 2012 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 15 | 105 |
| 2011 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD Later Release | 4 | No | No | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | Subaru Forester SUV AWD Early Release | 4 | No | No | 16 | 147 |
| 2010 | Subaru Forester 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 17 | 262 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2026 | Forester Hybrid AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 35 |
| 2026 | Forester Sport/Touring AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 28 |
| 2026 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2025 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2025 | Forester Hybrid AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 35 |
| 2025 | Forester Sport/Touring AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 28 |
| 2025 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2024 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2024 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2023 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2023 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2022 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2022 | Forester Wilderness AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 26 |
| 2021 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2020 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2019 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 29 |
| 2018 | Forester AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–28 |
| 2017 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–28 |
| 2016 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2015 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
25–27 |
| 2014 | Forester AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
24–27 |
| 2013 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2012 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2011 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–23 |
| 2010 | Forester AWD | Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo |
21–22 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.