This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Subaru Forester body problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Subaru Forester have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the body at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Forester | 6 |
| 2011 Forester | 5 |
| 2012 Forester (this page) | 3 |
| 2014 Forester | 17 |
| 2015 Forester | 17 |
| 2016 Forester | 6 |
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Of the 12 model years of Subaru Forester we track for body problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IN THE EVENT YOU ENCOUNTER A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT THAT THE REAR DOOR WHEEL ARCH MOLDING IS LOOSE, THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE 3M TAPE WHICH ATTACHES THE MOLDING HAS NOT ADHERED PROPERLY. PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING THE MOLDING(S).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Rear Door Wheel Arch Molding
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2012 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2012 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, body issues most often appear around 47,188 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.