2012 Subaru Forester used buying checklist
What to check on a used 2012 Subaru Forester before you pay, based on what owners report, its recalls and the repairs the maker covers. Print it and take it to the test drive.
Test for the problems owners report most
The most reported problems of this model year, with what to look for on the test drive.
- Excessive oil consumption13 owner complaints, usually around 87,000 miles
Start the engine cold and listen for knocking or ticking. Check for warning lights, oil leaks and a low oil level, and ask how often oil had to be topped up.
- Check engine light10 owner complaints, usually around 8,650 miles
Start the engine cold and listen for knocking or ticking. Check for warning lights, oil leaks and a low oil level, and ask how often oil had to be topped up.
- Adaptive cruise control problems8 owner complaints, usually around 8,650 miles
Try the driver-assistance features on the road and watch for false alerts or sudden braking.
Make sure these recalls were done
Recall repairs are free at any dealer of the brand. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN.
- Seat beltsRecall number 22V838000, Nov 10, 2022
- Air bagsRecall number 20V001000, Jan 2, 2020
- Air bagsRecall number 20V002000, Jan 2, 2020
- Air bagsRecall number 20V003000, Jan 2, 2020
- Electrical systemRecall number 19V297000, Apr 11, 2019
- Air bagsRecall number 19V007000, Jan 9, 2019
- Air bagsRecall number 19V008000, Jan 9, 2019
- Air bagsRecall number 19V009000, Jan 9, 2019
- Air bagsRecall number 18V012000, Jan 9, 2018
- Air bagsRecall number 17V014000, Jan 10, 2017
- Electrical systemRecall number 16V738000, Oct 13, 2016
- Service brakes, hydraulicRecall number 14V830000, Dec 31, 2014
- Service brakes, hydraulicRecall number 14V311000, Jun 10, 2014
- Exterior lightingRecall number 12V602000, Dec 26, 2012
- Seat beltsRecall number 12V099000, Mar 13, 2012
Service bulletins worth asking about
Repair instructions the maker sent to dealers for known problems. Ask whether any of these repairs were done.
Before you pay
- Decode the VIN and make sure it matches the title, the registration and the car itself.
- Get a vehicle history report to check for accidents, salvage or flood titles and odometer problems.
- Ask for service records, especially oil changes and any transmission fluid service.
- Start the car from cold, and drive it at city and highway speeds for at least 20 minutes.
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you sign anything.
See every 2012 Subaru Forester problem
VIN decoder
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Buying a used 2012 Subaru Forester?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history