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2012 Subaru Outback Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 294 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Subaru Outback, most often about the transmission (37% of complaints, typically around 101,000 miles). It is 12th of 27 Outback model years by number of complaints and has 16 recalls.
Most common 2012 Subaru Outback problems
Transmission
108 complaints · 37%Half of these problems showed up before 101,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly when stopping. Local mechanic states it is a transmission issue and has been reported by many owners of this model. I am just outside the extended warranty and over 110,000 miles. It started earlier when my warranty would have covered it but Subaru did not make US aware of the potential…
'went for a drive to run errands and then the transmission started shifting violently in the lower gears. After the third red-light, the transmission shifted so hard that the car shut off on me. After sitting on the side of the road for a while, I started the car again and drove it straight to the dealership. The…
Engine
52 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 111,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
At times, I have been experiencing the engine shutting off when I come to a complete stop. It kind of shudders first and then just dies. If I'm able to roll through the stop, it doesn't die, but when I come to a complete stop, sometimes it just dies. I have to quickly put it in park or neutral and start it again. This…
Vehicle shudders and stalls when braking hard. It will not stall on a gradual stop but will stall in any situation when stopping quickly. Does not have to be a panic stop to stall, just hard braking. Resulting stall means loss of power brakes and steering. Have to shift into park and restart vehicle. Has no issues…
Brakes
40 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles.
The contact was driving a 2012 Subaru Outback company vehicle. While driving various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to fitzgerald Subaru (11407 rockville pike, rockville, md 20852, ([phone])…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact state that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the traveled to the floor. The contact stated that the brake pedal was spongy while being depressed. The contact stated that the braking system was flushed however, the failure recurred.…
Air bags
39 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles.
Takata recall this vehicle has been in a auto shop since 12/7/16 and after diagnostics the mechanic is still unable to repair. The airbag light is still on. Both side curtain air bags, both side impact sensors, and the air bag module were replaced. The codes are f2-side sensor bus lh communication error. Ea-side…
Passenger airbag "not working" light came on. Took it to dealer where I purchased the vehicle, was informed that although 2012 Subaru outbacks had been recalled in texas, they were not recalled in oklahoma due to lesser humidity conditions. Paid nearly $500 to have wires which had come unplugged under console plugged…
Electrical
37 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, instrument panel.
The low beam headlamps are constantly burning out on my 2012 Subaru Outback. I have replaced the bulbs several times in the past two years, approximately every 3-6 months or 3,000-6,000 miles. One side burns out right after the other. I cannot say if the headlight bulbs burn out while driving or stationary; I drive…
The check engine light comes on along with the traction control light. Also, the cruise control and brake light are flashing. I was driving on the interstate in june, 2017 when this happened. This issue first happened in 4/2017. At that time, I was on a trip hours from home driving on the highway in the rain. Dealer…
Other or unspecified
24 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 132,500 miles.
Stalled when coming to a stop at an intersection. Believe to be transmission issue. Purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback on 8 jan 2019. The car was sole as is. While driving home, I came up to the busy intersection of russell parkway and moody road (warner robins ga) as I began to slow, the car started to buck then…
Key is stuck in ignition and will not come out. Vehicle has to be re-started, moved back and forth 3-4 times before key will come out. This appears to be a common problem with many subarus, there are a variety of quick-fix videos online and countless complaints in automotive forums. Subaru is definitely aware of the…
Lights
18 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: brake lights, headlights.
In less than 4 years, I have had to replace a headlight 4 times. On the 4 cars I owned/leased prior to this vehicle, I have never had to replace a headlight ever.
2012 Subaru Outback low beam headlight failure. Our 2012 Outback blows headlights constantly. They last approx. 3 to 5 months before they fail. On a long trip we lost both low beams lights at the same time and had to drive through the night with high beams and fog lights only!!! All fuses have been checked and are…
Steering
9 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 2,000 miles.
While driving the car on a major highway the car was out of control. We had only 2 inches of snow during the day, the hwy. Was mostly clear except for some packed snow because of cold temps. But it was mostly clear. We could not keep the car going straight, it was constantly swerving. We could not go more than 45 MPH.…
I was driving on a interstate highway when the rear of the car started to wander from right to left, it acted like it was floating on the highway. I took the next exit to check for a tire losing air pressure or loose lug nuts. They were fine. I slowed down to 50 -55 MPH for the rest of the trip. Every bridge and…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 Subaru Outback recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General motors will notify saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began january 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the saab customer assistance center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is tkb-20.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 forester, 2003-2006 baja, 2004-2011 impreza, 2004-2014 wrx (including sti), 2003-2014 legacy and outback, and 2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia or "zone b." these vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General motors will notify saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began january 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the saab customer assistance center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is tka-20.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 forester, 2003-2006 baja, 2004-2011 impreza, 2004-2014 wrx (sti included), 2003-2014 legacy and outback, and 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands or "zone a." these vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General motors will notify saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began january 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the saab customer assistance center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is tkc-20.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 forester, 2003-2006 baja, 2004-2011 impreza, 2004-2014 wrx (including sti), 2003-2014 legacy and outback, and 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of alaska, colorado, connecticut, idaho, iowa, maine, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, oregon, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, washington, wisconsin, and wyoming or "zone c." these vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Electrical: switch
Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began may 10, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is wuf-91.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 forester vehicles, 2008-2011 impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 wrx vehicles, 2005-2014 legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 outback vehicles and 2006-2008 tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began january 25, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is tkb-19.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 tribeca, wrx, outback, and legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began january 25, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is tka-19.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 forester, 2010-2014 tribeca, wrx, outback, legacy, and 2010-2011 impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on january 25, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is tkc-19.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 tribeca, wrx, legacy and outback vehicles, 2010-2011 impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alaska, colorado, connecticut, idaho, iowa, maine, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, oregon, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, washington, wisconsin, and wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Brakes: parking brake
Risk: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the epb actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began july 19, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is wtv-81.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 subaru legacy and outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (epb) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on february 9, 2018. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is tka-18.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 legacy, forester, tribeca, wrx and outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began march 6, 2017. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is tka-17.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 subaru baja, 2006-2011 impreza (including wrx and sti models), 2006-2012 tribeca, 2009-2012 forester, legacy, outback, and 2012 wrx vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began october 2016. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is wtk-71. Note: this recall supersedes recall 11v-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 legacy vehicles manufactured november 26, 2008, to june 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 outback vehicles manufactured january 9, 2009 to june 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Visibility and wipers: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk: The moonroof glass can loosen and detach from the vehicle during driving, resulting in a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru has notified the affected owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge. The safety recall began february 22, 2013. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Full defect summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 outback and legacy vehicles manufactured from april 6, 2011, through may 12, 2011. The moonroof glass may come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.
Visibility and wipers: visibility/wiper
Risk: If the components overheat, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire.
Fix: Subaru has notified all affected owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly free of charge. The safety recall began february 22, 2013. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Full defect summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 outback and legacy vehicles manufactured from april 6, 2011, through may 12, 2011. Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.
Equipment
Risk: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the res key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on april 22, 2013. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Full defect summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 legacy and outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an audiovox remote engine starter (res) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an audiovox remote engine starter (res) accessory, and certain model year 2013 xv crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an audiovox remote engine starter (res) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 legacy and outback vehicles that may have received replacement res fobs. If the res fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Air bags: side/window
Risk: The side curtain air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bag modules, free of february 21, 2012. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Full defect summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 legacy and outback vehicles, manufactured from december 1, 2011, through december 23, 2011. These vehicles may be equipped with side curtain air bags that contain an incorrect propellant mixture for the initiator component used, resulting in insufficient output of compressed gas.
Brakes: pedals and linkages
Risk: The driver might misjudge the amount of brake pedal travel required to achieve the desired stopping distance. This could occur unexpectedly and without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Full defect summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 impreza sedans and wagons (except wrx/sti models), manufactured from april 21, 2011, through november 15, 2011, and legacy and outback vehicles manufactured from october 17, 2011, through november 23, 2011. These vehicles may be equipped with a brake master cylinder that could malfunction and cause an increase in the amount of brake pedal travel distance required to slow or stop the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Autoliv air bag propellant mixture
Summary
The summary for this investigation, labeled eq12-002 autoliv closing resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.this eq is closed.
Questions about the 2012 Subaru Outback
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Subaru Outback?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (108 complaints, typically around 101,000 miles); engine (52 complaints, typically around 111,000 miles); brakes (40 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 Subaru Outback have?
- 16 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 2, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the Subaru Outback?
- It is 12th of 27 Outback model years by number of complaints, with 294 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.