"The repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin as been updated, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles previously repaired under the WQK-47 (14V-311) brake line corrosion recall prior tothe December 23, 2014 WQK-47 recall bulletin revision."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Subaru Forester brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Subaru Forester have filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Forester | 10 |
| 2010 Forester | 29 |
| 2011 Forester | 12 |
| 2012 Forester (this page) | 9 |
| 2013 Forester | 7 |
| 2014 Forester | 9 |
| 2015 Forester | 14 |
| 2016 Forester | 10 |
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Annoucment to UPDATE ? Subaru Recall Campaign WQQ?52 Brake Line Corrosion
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO ADVISE OF RECALL WQQ-52 BEING ISSUED AS A RESULT OF INCOMPLETE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE IMPREZA, WRX, STI, AND FORESTER REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR THE WQK-47 BRAKE LINE CORROSION RECALL.
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 brakes 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 brakes problem on the 2012 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 9 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 9 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 38,995 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.