2012 Subaru Forester: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Forester that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11636357 (filed 01/16/2025): “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…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11565874 (filed 01/16/2024): “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 …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11538924 (filed 08/16/2023): “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 c…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .