Sometimes you can buy a Subaru Forester and frolic through the streets and wilderness happily ever after. But sometimes you can find a few frustrating problems too. The 2012 Subaru Forester is a great option, but one driver found a few frustrating issues after six months of use. 

The most annoying 2012 Subaru Forester problems 

According to Soft Roading the West, the used 2012 Subaru Forester he purchased isn’t perfect. He was dared to create a video about five things he loves about it. Then after six months of use, he created a video sharing five things he hates. 

The first Subaru Forester problem involves excessive oil consumption. Newer Subaru engines are prone to consuming oil and leaks. As a daily driver, this Forester seems to really burn up oil at an excessive rate. 

During long road trips, the Forester burns through a quart of oil in about 1,000 miles. If you drive that much regularly or at higher speeds on the highway, you could run out of oil before your next oil change. 

But at least with the new multi-layer steel head gaskets, head gasket failure is a thing of the past. The author of this video had to replace the head gaskets in his older Subaru Legacy and Outback. 

The 2012 Subaru Forester isn’t a Jeep 

This is an interesting problem that has its pros and cons. But the issue is related to off-roading. The Subaru Forester lacks a low-range transfer case that’s needed to provide enough momentum to crawl over obstacles. The Forester can’t crawl like a Jeep. 

Off-roading with the 2012 Forester has more risks than it would in a Jeep. The Forester has a lower ground clearance. Plus, Jeep models have better approach and departure angles.

The driver finds himself backing up when trails get too challenges to prevent damaging his ride. However, a Jeep could probably clear more obstacles. 

But Jeep models are more expensive than the Subaru Forester and generally drink more gas. He praises the Forester for having a smooth and nimble ride around town. Plus, it has been a reliable option. 

The Forester is a bit small 

The 2012 Subaru Forester feels a bit tight. There isn’t much room for accessories. If you mount a GPS, it could block to clock. There is no place for the driver to put his sunglasses, and cup holders are limited. 

Despite having a generous amount of cargo space, when the driver goes camping, he can feel like he’s lying in a coffin. This idea isn’t exactly thrilling if you have claustrophobia, but organization kits can help maximize storage space. 

Also, the wheel wells have strange fenders that stick out and get in the way, and a ridge sticks out in the back for seemingly no reason. His Forester also has more lifts on the rear than in the front, so it looks like it’s sitting on its haunches and leaning back. 

The front maintains an excellent distance from the ground, but the rear gets pushed down too easily. He needs to have his suspension fixed, or he might need more ground clearance. Maybe installing beefier springs would help.