2012 Subaru Outback Problems & Complaints

Most common 2012 Subaru Outback problems

• Transmission & drivetrain~102,000 miles
  10837%
• Engine & cooling~114,000 miles
  5218%
• Brakes~82,000 miles
  4014%
• Air bags~60,000 miles
  3913%
• Electrical system~70,000 miles
  3713%
• Other / not specified~150,000 miles
  248%
• Lights~64,000 miles
  186%
• Steering~2,000 miles
  93%
• Speed control & acceleration~4,000 miles
  83%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~63,000 miles
  83%
• Body & structure~47,000 miles
  52%
• Suspension~19,000 miles
  41%
• Stability & traction control~111,000 miles
  41%
• Seats~130,000 miles
  41%
• Fuel & propulsion system~121,000 miles
  41%
• Seat belts~130,000 miles
  31%
• Wheels & tires
  21%
• A/C & heater~0 miles
  10%
• Driver assistance
  10%

Share of the 294 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Subaru Outback complaints by model year

Best Outback years: 1996, 2004, 2003. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2022. Compare all years →

2012 Subaru Outback recalls (16)

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Subaru Outback:

What 2012 Subaru Outback owners say

Transmission & drivetrain all 108 →

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated, prompting the contact to quickly exit the roadway, where the failure persisted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.

I own a 2012 Outback 2.5 Limited, which I purchased new from a Subaru dealer in Evanston IL in June 2012. It currently has about 76000 miles on it. In the last 6 months my car started to shudder when coming to a stop at a traffic signal, or sometimes while being stopped at the signal. The shudder is significant but typically momentary and happens randomly. From the last 2-3 weeks, the car has started to stall and the engine shuts down abruptly when coming to a stop. This is very stressful, but fortunately, so far I have been able to put the car in P and start it again every time. However, this is very dangerous and puts me and my family at grave risk of a serious accident from cars coming from behind as my car stalls abruptly. Again, this happens randomly which makes it even more dangerous and impossible to mitigate as a driver. …

Engine & cooling all 52 →

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In addition, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that during rainy weather, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner and retrieved DTC codes: P0420 (Catalytic convertor) and P0057 (Ignition System). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were failures with the rear brake pads, rotors, PCV valve, valve cover gasket, engine air filter, catalytic converter heat shield; and a cylinder #4 misfire. The DTC codes P0304, and P0420 (Catalytic convertor) were also retrieved. …

On October 27, 2021 while driving the car a number of vehicle light began flashing. We checked every thing we could and proceeded to drive it home, approximately 47 miles. First thing on 10/28/2021 it was examined by a Subaru dealer service department and they found no issues other than they replaced the serpentine belt and a few light bulbs. The car was driven again on 1o/29/21 and 11/1/21 with no incident. On the way home from work on 11/3/21 the same vehicle lights began flashing. We checked everything we could and found nothing wrong. We began travelling home and about 25 miles into the trip we heard what sounded like metal clanking. Shortly thereafter we began to lose power and the engine started smoking. The engine compartment was on fire by the time we were on the side of the road so we exited the car. …

Brakes all 40 →

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated she starting the vehicle and there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The contact stated while reserving, she was depressing on the brake pedal but failed to stop the vehicle, causing her to rear into 2 vehicles. The contact was not aware if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she continued to depress the brake pedal for almost 10-20 feet from where she started until it stop the vehicle completely. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries or seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went down to the floorboard, increasing the stopping distance. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence despite the failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the four-way brake connector was corroded and had started leaking brake fluid. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

2012 Subaru Outback engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.