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2012 Subaru Legacy Problems & Owner Complaints

90 NHTSA owner complaints
7 crash 7 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~6.0 complaints per year on the road — ranking 10 of 15 Subaru Legacy years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2012 Subaru Legacy, cited in 34 of 90 filed complaints (38%).

Engine is next (23 complaints, 26%), followed by Air Bags (11), Steering (7), Service Brakes (6).

Across all complaints, 7 report a crash, 7 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 4 crash, 5 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2012 Subaru Legacy, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 90.

Power Train 34 1 crash

“Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer”
NHTSA complaint #11705336, 2025 · crash

“My 2012 Subaru Legacy experiences involuntary engine stalling when coming to a quick stop, such as in stop-and-go traffic or during sudden braking at intersections. When the engine shuts off without warning, power steering and braking assist are lost, creating a serious risk of collision. This is a known issue documented by Subaru of America in Technical Service Bulletin 16-90-13R, applicable to 2010–2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles with CVT transmissions. Subaru attributes the condition to excessive thrust washer wear inside the torque converter, which prevents proper release of lock-up clutc…”
NHTSA complaint #11706789, 2025

“CVT transmission issues persist beyond the limited warranty extension that has now expired from Subaru. Vehicle RPMs regularly drop from 1000 to 500 when coming to a stop, causing engine to knock as it tries to stall. Vehicle then occasionally hesitates when attempting to move under power. Knocking and near stalling occasionally results in a sensation of vehicle being hit from behind while stopped with vehicle in drive and brakes applied.”
NHTSA complaint #11528026, 2023

Engine 23

“Engine failed 3 cyclinders blew, car would not start, was able to drive car into parking lot (Einstein Bagels)before failure, otherwise could have been reared ended, as was in heavy traffic on westbound Dundee Road, in Palatine IL. Parking lot was near Dundee and Rand Road intersection”
NHTSA complaint #11731765, 2026

“My 2012 Subaru Legacy experiences involuntary engine stalling when coming to a quick stop, such as in stop-and-go traffic or during sudden braking at intersections. When the engine shuts off without warning, power steering and braking assist are lost, creating a serious risk of collision. This is a known issue documented by Subaru of America in Technical Service Bulletin 16-90-13R, applicable to 2010–2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles with CVT transmissions. Subaru attributes the condition to excessive thrust washer wear inside the torque converter, which prevents proper release of lock-up clutc…”
NHTSA complaint #11706789, 2025

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. After refueling, the fuel dissipated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the throttle body and valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was…”
NHTSA complaint #11536960, 2023

Unknown Or Other 12

“Pienso que es la trasmision porque cuando meto belosidad da un golpe , y cuando doy bueltas serrada resbalan las ruedas traseras”
NHTSA complaint #11742556, 2025

“Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN: [XXX] Owner Location: Syracuse, NY (salt-belt state) Dealer: Romano Subaru (Syracuse, NY) Dealer Findings / Estimate: “Urgent Work — Subframe with sway links — $3,119.89” (front subframe replacement required), plus alignment and related items; total estimate $4,394.75. Summary of Safety Defect: The front subframe has corrosion holes near structural/mounting points. This compromises suspension/steering integrity and presents a risk of sudden loss of control while driving. Manufacturer Response (Subaru of America): I opened a case with Subaru Corporate. Subaru…”
NHTSA complaint #11688170, 2025

“Please see ODI#11486236 & request # 562681 “ part 1” I wrote complaining about a 2012 Subaru Legacy Torque Converter issue. It was “ out of warranty 7/31/22 or 100k miles. At the time it started stalling it was at 103k miles in August 2022! I did not feel comfortable driving it. On 10/19/22 My mechanic drove my car & it shuddered & stalled at intersections for him also. I did not feel comfortable driving it 25 miles to a Subaru dealer to have them check it, diagnose it & repair it. My mechanic replaced the Torque Converter as well as the appropriate fluids. It cost about $1500 for parts & la…”
NHTSA complaint #11490689, 2022

Air Bags 11 4 crash 5 injury

“HIT HEAD ON DRIVING OUR 2012 SUBARU LEGACY BY A NISSAN MAXIMA BOTH TRAVELING OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS AT 40 MILES PER HOUR. ALL AIR BAGS IN OTHER VEHICLE WERE DEPLOYED WHILE NONE DEPLOYED IN THE SUBARU CONTRIBUTING TO EXTENSIVE IMPACT INJURIES, SEAL/LAP BELT INJURIES AND CLOSED HEAD TRAUMA. THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET, DRY ROAD CONDITIONS WITH NO CONTRIBUTING FACTORS EXCEPT NEGLIGENCE ON OTHER DRIVERS PART.”
NHTSA complaint #10955070, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE CAR WAS PULLING OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AND TRAVELING AT 5 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 45-50 MPH WITH ENOUGH DAMAGE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR TOTAL LOSS AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER IN THE OTHER CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION AND THE DRIVER OF MY CAR HAD A MILD HEAD INJURY FROM HITTING HER HEAD ON THE DRIVER DOOR WINDOW.”
NHTSA complaint #10871954, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“ON 2/19/14 I WAS DRIVING S ON INTER 99 IN LINDLEY, NY IN R LANE WHEN TOYOTA PASSED ME IN L LANE, LOST CONTROL, CRASHED INTO CONCRETE BARRIER ON L AND SLID ACROSS L AND R LANES CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO HIS PASSENGER SIDE. MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS INJURED INCLUDING PERMANENTLY TO HAND. FRONT END DAMAGE $15,345. ## VIN PASSED ## SUBARU LEGACY 2012 ##”
NHTSA complaint #10824298, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 7 1 crash

“Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer”
NHTSA complaint #11705336, 2025 · crash

“WHEN BRAKING, THE CAR OFTEN STALLS AND ALL REQUIRES A SHIFT INTO PARK, AND A RESTART OF THE ENTIRE ENGINE BEFORE BEING ABLE TO PROCEED. WHEN IT STALLS, STEERING IS ALSO AFFECTED. THIS FREQUENTLY HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS, BUT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES AND WHEN SLOWING FOR TURNING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY.”
NHTSA complaint #11206445, 2019

“POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK TRYING TO LEAVE AT THE END OF THE DAY. IT DROVE FINE OVER LUNCH AND THEN WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AT 5PM THE STEERING MADE A WHINING NOISE (TYPICAL, FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, OF A POWER STEERING FAILURE) AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO DID A HARSH VIBRATING THING A LITTLE AS I WAS TRYING TO TURN AS IF IT WAS STRUGGLING. I KNEW SOMETHING WAS UP, SO I PUT IT RIGHT BACK IN THE PARKING SPACE SO THAT IT COULD BE TOWED. THERE WAS ZERO INDICATION THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT DROVE FINE OVER LUNCH, SO IT WAS VERY…”
NHTSA complaint #11186212, 2019

Service Brakes 6 1 crash

“Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer”
NHTSA complaint #11705336, 2025 · crash

“The brake lines of my vehicle were corroded and started leaking brake fluid. The brakes no longer work and started failing when I was driving up a hill. Luckily there was no accident, however, not having functioning breaks is an obvious safety concern. An independent service center initially looked at the damage and suggested that the corrosion is unacceptable for the life of the vehicle. They provided me with the recall information I include below and instructed me to take the vehicle to a Subaru dealership. The dealership confirmed the issue and offered a quote of $5,000 for the repair. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11593722, 2024

“THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE HAS FAILED AS DETERMINED BY THE MODESTO SUBARU DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC. THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING THE EPB. I PAID $157.50 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY WANT ANOTHER $1250 TO REPAIR. THIS PROBLEM IS ALREADY PART OF A RECALL FOR 2012 SUBARU LEGACY BUT MY SPECIFIC VIN IS NOT COVERED. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THEY SHOULD REPAIR REGARDLESS OF VIN. HOW DO I GET MY VIN ON THE LIST? THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH MY SUBARU WHICH STARTED ONE DAY AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE AND RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE.”
NHTSA complaint #11195485, 2019

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Electrical System 4

“ENGINE STALLS AFTER ABRUPT STOP. FOR EXAMPLE, I WAS ON POST ROAD IN WESTPORT CONNECTICUT AND SLOWED DOWN FROM 25MPH+ VERY QUICKLY WITH A HARD BRAKE. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STALLED AND ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE ACTIVATED. RESTARTING THE CAR ALLOWED ME TO PROCEED. THIS ISSUE ALSO OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY (THE MERITT PARKWAY) SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. THIS PROBLEM IS CONSISTENTLY REPRODUCIBLE AND HAS HAPPENED 10+ TIMES. SUBARU HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE (HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2017/07/07/FACING-COMPLAINTS-SUBARU-OFFERS-EXTENDED-WARRANTIES-ON-1-5-MILLION-VEHICLES/#6E78473E79DC)…”
NHTSA complaint #11320068, 2020

“VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSES THE DASH CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE, CRUISE AND OTHER LIGHTS TO ACTIVATE. WHILE DRIVING, THE FAILURE CAUSES: ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO SUDDENLY FAIL MAKING THE VEHICLE ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL TO SUDDENLY FAIL, AND STABILITY CONTROL TO BECOME NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE MAIN FAILURE BEING THE HEADLIGHTS/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH DUE TO SUDDEN LACK OF VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. SUBARU WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE/FIX THE FAILURE ON 2 SERVICE OCCASIONS. THIS FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTIO…”
NHTSA complaint #10983522, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF DAYTON (995 MIAMISBURG CENTERVILLE RD, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, OH 45459) MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL FUEL CAP WAS LOOSE AND THE OXYGEN AND AN UNKNOWN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. *BF VIN IS INVALID. MANUFACTURER HAS BEE…”
NHTSA complaint #11189896, 2015

Suspension 4 1 crash 2 injury

“PROBLEM WAS THE UNDERCARRIAGE SUPPORT, LITTLE OR NO PROTECTION FROM ESSENTIALLY A DROP, CAR "LEAPED' OFF EMBANKMENT BOTTOMING OUT. THE RESULT WAS SPINAL TRAUMA TO THE OCCUPANTS. VERY LITTLE SHOCK ABSORPTION IN THE SEAT OR SUSPENSION. THE CAR ROCKED BACK AND FORTH, FRONT AND REAR BUT THE SUDDEN IMPACT ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE WASN'T ABSORBED.”
NHTSA complaint #11281706, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN: [XXX] Owner Location: Syracuse, NY (salt-belt state) Dealer: Romano Subaru (Syracuse, NY) Dealer Findings / Estimate: “Urgent Work — Subframe with sway links — $3,119.89” (front subframe replacement required), plus alignment and related items; total estimate $4,394.75. Summary of Safety Defect: The front subframe has corrosion holes near structural/mounting points. This compromises suspension/steering integrity and presents a risk of sudden loss of control while driving. Manufacturer Response (Subaru of America): I opened a case with Subaru Corporate. Subaru…”
NHTSA complaint #11688170, 2025

“The front subframe and engine cradle broke while driving (corrosion). Car began swaying and brakes were affected. Car pulled hard to the right when applying minor pressure to brakes on highway immediately after hearing the part break. The car only has 110,000 miles on it and according to the repair shop and dealership this is an increasingly common problem for the car make and model for this specific part.”
NHTSA complaint #11534560, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 4 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT ENTERED HER CAR, AND WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, WHICH IS REQUIRED TO SHIFT THE GEAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE BRAKE WAS FROZEN AND SUDDENLY THE CAR WENT QUICKLY BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL, THEN IT WENT FASTER AND FASTER AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED BACKWARDS, UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HER HOME. THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300. UP…”
NHTSA complaint #10491717, 2012 · crash

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. After refueling, the fuel dissipated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the throttle body and valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was…”
NHTSA complaint #11536960, 2023

“2012 SUBARU LEGACY. WHEN COMING TO A HARD STOP THE ENGINE WILL STALL. WILL HAPPEN ANY TIME YOU COME TO A HARD STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN DENSE TRAFFIC. VERY SCARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11312267, 2020

Exterior Lighting 3

“KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE LOW BEAM LIGHT BULB EVERY FEW WEEKS. UNSAFE FOR MY TEENAGE DRIVER TO NOT HAVE THE CORRECT LIGHTING TO SEE THE ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11415120, 2021

“VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSES THE DASH CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE, CRUISE AND OTHER LIGHTS TO ACTIVATE. WHILE DRIVING, THE FAILURE CAUSES: ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO SUDDENLY FAIL MAKING THE VEHICLE ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL TO SUDDENLY FAIL, AND STABILITY CONTROL TO BECOME NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE MAIN FAILURE BEING THE HEADLIGHTS/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH DUE TO SUDDEN LACK OF VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. SUBARU WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE/FIX THE FAILURE ON 2 SERVICE OCCASIONS. THIS FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTIO…”
NHTSA complaint #10983522, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED 3 TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10548142, 2013

Visibility/Wiper 3

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (60) MPH MY SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWORDS. BY OUTWORDS I MEAN BUCKLED UP AND OUT. RAZOR SHARP PRICES OF GLASS FLEW EVERYWHERE ALL OVER MY HEAD AND FACE. EXTREMELY SCARY. THERE WAS NO OVER PASSES AND OR TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME AT THE TIME. THE FORCE OF A ROCK AT THIS SPEED WOULD NOT COME CLOSE TO ANYTHING LIKE THIS. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CABIN WAS UNDER PRESSURE.”
NHTSA complaint #10966650, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY) AND 17V014000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SUBARU OF KENNESAW (905 ERNEST BARRETT PKWY NW, KENNESAW, GA) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE…”
NHTSA complaint #11078769, 2016

“STATIONARY OR MOVING WITH KEY ON OR WITH ENGINE RUNNING FRONT WIPERS RUN WITH SWITCH IN OFF POSITION.”
NHTSA complaint #10904581, 2016

Tires 2

“CPSC: OUR 2012 SUBARU LEGACY WHILE PARKED IN OUR GARAGE WAS FOUND WITH TWO FLAT TIRES AT SAME TIME. ONE TIRE ON PASSENGER FRONT WAS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AS 2 MAJOR HOLES WERE IN SIDEWALL FROM HUGE BLOWOUT AND REAR PASSENGER TIRE HAD BULGE IN SIDEWALL LEAKING AIR. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAND OF TIRES WERE PIRELLI P4 SEASON P215/60R16 95T SL BSW. *JS *TR*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11217959, 2019

“FOUR NEW CONTINENTAL PURE CONTACT 215-50 R17 95V TIRES WERE INSTALLED IN APRIL 2016. THE VEHICLE'S ORIGINAL TIRES (NOT CONTINENTAL) HAD LASTED 38,000 MILES. ONE MONTH LATER A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT OCCURRED IN ONE OF THE NEW CONTINENTAL TIRES AFTER BEING DRIVEN LESS THAN 500 MILES. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THEN, AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 7000 MILES, TWO OF FOUR TIRES WERE FOUND TO HAVE SIDE WALL BUBBLES. BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERN, ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND.”
NHTSA complaint #11006433, 2017

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. After refueling, the fuel dissipated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the throttle body and valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was…”
NHTSA complaint #11536960, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF DAYTON (995 MIAMISBURG CENTERVILLE RD, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, OH 45459) MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL FUEL CAP WAS LOOSE AND THE OXYGEN AND AN UNKNOWN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. *BF VIN IS INVALID. MANUFACTURER HAS BEE…”
NHTSA complaint #11189896, 2015

Parking Brake 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE DEALER (SMITH CAIRNS FORD LINCOLN, 900 CENTRAL PARK AVE, YONKERS, NY 10704, 914-377-8100) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER 1-38167237613. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11154561, 2018

Structure 1

“WHILE DRIVING WITH ALL WINDOWS UP & MOONROOF CLOSED, I CAN HEAR THAT WIND/AIR IS COMING IN FROM SOMEWHERE. WHILE GETTING A CAR WASH WATER DRIPS IN THROUGH MOONROOF. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2012'S MANUFACTURED APRIL 6TH TO MAY 12, 2011 FOR NOT ENOUGH ADHESIVE APPLIED CAUSING MOONROOFS TO COME LOOSE AND DETACH. MY VIN # DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR THIS RECALL, BUT I BELIEVE IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10714577, 2015

Traction Control System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROL, BRAKE, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF DAYTON (995 MIAMISBURG CENTERVILLE RD, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, OH 45459) MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL FUEL CAP WAS LOOSE AND THE OXYGEN AND AN UNKNOWN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. *BF VIN IS INVALID. MANUFACTURER HAS BEE…”
NHTSA complaint #11189896, 2015

Visibility 1

“WHILE DRIVING WITH ALL WINDOWS UP & MOONROOF CLOSED, I CAN HEAR THAT WIND/AIR IS COMING IN FROM SOMEWHERE. WHILE GETTING A CAR WASH WATER DRIPS IN THROUGH MOONROOF. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2012'S MANUFACTURED APRIL 6TH TO MAY 12, 2011 FOR NOT ENOUGH ADHESIVE APPLIED CAUSING MOONROOFS TO COME LOOSE AND DETACH. MY VIN # DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR THIS RECALL, BUT I BELIEVE IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10714577, 2015

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2012 Subaru Legacy draws about 6.0 complaints per year on the road, ranking 10 of 15 among the Subaru Legacy model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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