2012 Subaru Outback Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 107 4 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“SUBARU OUTBACK (2012), WHEN STOPPED FOR 1-2 MINUTES, WITH THE ENGINE AND IGNITION OFF, AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK, ON A SLIGHT INCLINE (TO CHECK A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD) SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS AS I WAS LEANING IN TO RETRIEVE MY BAG. I WAS DRAGGED ACROSS THE NORMALLY BUSY ROAD, BARELY ABLE TO HANG ON (BY BOTH HANDS GRABBING ANYTHING I COULD INSIDE THE CAR). MY LEGS SCRAPED ON THE GROUND VIOLENTLY BURNING THOUGH MY SNEAKER THEN ANKLE FLESH AND GRAZED THE BONE BADLY. MY LEGS ON THE ROAD TURNED THE 1.5 TON VEHICLE A FEW DEGREES AS IT CAREENED UNDER RAPID ACCELERATION REACHING AN ESTIMATED 8-1…”
NHTSA complaint #11405138, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK ON AN INCLINE, THE CONTACT SUDDENLY HEARD A SCRAPING NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS LEANING INTO THE VEHICLE AND WAS PULLED IN REVERSE ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR STRUCK THE HEDGE, WHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO A TREE HEDGE. THE CONTACT'S WIFE SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER HIP THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTAC…”
NHTSA complaint #11065700, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“CAR HAD FIRE AT STARTER WITH LOTS OF SMOKE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION AND ALTERNATOR .VEHILCE HAD BEEN HAVING SHIFTING ISSUES AND TRACTION FROM ALL WHEEL DRIVE NOT WORKING. I HAD VEHICLE TAKEN TO DIFFERENT DEALERS BUT NO ONE WAS ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM UNTIL THE DAY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHICH TOLD THEM WHICH PARTS WHERE AT FAULT. MY VEHICLE IS TRUELY A LEMON, FOR IT HAS BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS”
NHTSA complaint #10765172, 2015 · fire

Engine 50 3 fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11439746, 2021 · fire

“WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN LIGHTS ON DASH STARTED FLASHING ON & OFF, CRUISE, BRAKE, CHECK ENGINE, THE TEMPERATURE LIGHT WAS FLASHING BLUE & RED. I PULLED OVER TO MAKE SURE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS OFF. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AND CHECKED GAS CAP WAS TIGHT AS I HAD GOOGLED WHY IT MIGHT BE FLASHING. I CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER MILE AND ENGINE STARTED MAKING CLICKING NOISE WHEN I PRESSED GAS. I PULLED OVER AND STOPPED, CAR LIGHTS WERE STILL FLASHING AND IT BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER HOOD. SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND WE GOT OUT IMMEDIATELY AND ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11303050, 2020 · fire

“COOLANT LIGHT THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. AFTER DRIVING 2 1/2 HOURS COOLANT APPEARED TO BE LEAKING SO FILLED COOLANT TO TOP WITH WATER.. 12 MINUTES LATER, WHILE DRIVING, LIGHTS BACK ON/ENGINE REV/ENGINE DIES/ SMOKE. LIFTED HOOD/MANY FLAMES FROM CENTER /SLAMMED HOOD SHUT AND RAN FAR AWAY. SEVERAL SMALL EXPLOSIONS AS CAR BURNED. VOLUNTARY FIRE DEPT. FINALLY ARRIVED BUT CAR ALMOST TOTALLY GONE. ONLY BACK TIRES LEFT USABLE. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10608750, 2014 · fire

Air Bags 39 6 crash 6 injury

“Car was involved in a head on collision [XXX] with a concrete exit barrier after being pushed into the lane by a driver trying to in front of them trying to make a last second dash for the exit. Not sure if the driver was in blind spot, but the vehicle trying to merge did use turn signal or respond to horn honking from myself. In order to avoid the hitting the other driver, who was unaware of my car while aggressively merging, I tried driving into the safety lane, but at 65 MPH could not stop in time from hitting the barrier My safety was put at risk because upon impact the driver airbag did…”
NHTSA complaint #11577819, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED PAINS TO THE NECK, CHIN, AND COLLAR BONE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V014000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPRO…”
NHTSA complaint #10946381, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 SENSOR BUS RH COMMUNICATION. 41-SIDE AIR BAG RH FAILURE. 27 ODS COMMUNICATION ERROR. CANNOT CLEAR ANY CODES STILL. THEN INSTALLED TEST HARNESSES AT AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE AND ODS AND RIGHT SEAT AIR BAG MODULE. PERFORMED OHM TEST - NEED TO START WITH ODS AND BOTH SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.…”
NHTSA complaint #10957275, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 37 1 crash 5 fire 1 injury

“SUBARU OUTBACK (2012), WHEN STOPPED FOR 1-2 MINUTES, WITH THE ENGINE AND IGNITION OFF, AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK, ON A SLIGHT INCLINE (TO CHECK A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD) SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS AS I WAS LEANING IN TO RETRIEVE MY BAG. I WAS DRAGGED ACROSS THE NORMALLY BUSY ROAD, BARELY ABLE TO HANG ON (BY BOTH HANDS GRABBING ANYTHING I COULD INSIDE THE CAR). MY LEGS SCRAPED ON THE GROUND VIOLENTLY BURNING THOUGH MY SNEAKER THEN ANKLE FLESH AND GRAZED THE BONE BADLY. MY LEGS ON THE ROAD TURNED THE 1.5 TON VEHICLE A FEW DEGREES AS IT CAREENED UNDER RAPID ACCELERATION REACHING AN ESTIMATED 8-1…”
NHTSA complaint #11405138, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11439746, 2021 · fire

“WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN LIGHTS ON DASH STARTED FLASHING ON & OFF, CRUISE, BRAKE, CHECK ENGINE, THE TEMPERATURE LIGHT WAS FLASHING BLUE & RED. I PULLED OVER TO MAKE SURE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS OFF. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AND CHECKED GAS CAP WAS TIGHT AS I HAD GOOGLED WHY IT MIGHT BE FLASHING. I CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER MILE AND ENGINE STARTED MAKING CLICKING NOISE WHEN I PRESSED GAS. I PULLED OVER AND STOPPED, CAR LIGHTS WERE STILL FLASHING AND IT BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER HOOD. SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND WE GOT OUT IMMEDIATELY AND ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11303050, 2020 · fire

Service Brakes 37 3 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEIR SON WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER HAD TO DROP THE VEHICLE INTO FIRST GEAR THEN CRASHED INTO THE CURB WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER RECEIVED A CHEST INJURY HOWEVER THERE WAS NO MEDICAL ATTENTION NEEDED. THE REAR PASSENGERS ALL OF WHICH WERE CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED BUT ALL CAR SEATS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEH…”
NHTSA complaint #11407579, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 po…”
NHTSA complaint #11453573, 2022 · crash

“VEHICLE REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT BECAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE/POTENTIAL ACCELERATION AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. THIS HAPPENED IN RAINY CONDITIONS, WHICH MY WIFE HAD NOTICED MANY WEEKS BEFORE. SUBSEQUENTLY, WE FOUND THESE RECALLS: AND LAWSUIT HTTPS://CARS.USNEWS.COM/CARS-TRUCKS/SUBARU/OUTBACK/2012/RELIABILITY HTTPS://WWW.CLASSACTION.ORG/NEWS/CLASS-ACTION-CLAIMS-SUBARU-CONCEALED-SUDDEN-ACCELERATION-DEFECT-IN-FORESTER-LEGACY-OUTBACK-MODELS#:~:TEXT=NEW%20JERSEY-,SUBARU%20OF%20AMERICA%2C%20INC.,FROM%20A%20SUDDEN%20ACCELERATION%20DEFECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11352327, 2020 · crash

Unknown Or Other 24 2 fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11439746, 2021 · fire

“COOLANT LIGHT THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. AFTER DRIVING 2 1/2 HOURS COOLANT APPEARED TO BE LEAKING SO FILLED COOLANT TO TOP WITH WATER.. 12 MINUTES LATER, WHILE DRIVING, LIGHTS BACK ON/ENGINE REV/ENGINE DIES/ SMOKE. LIFTED HOOD/MANY FLAMES FROM CENTER /SLAMMED HOOD SHUT AND RAN FAR AWAY. SEVERAL SMALL EXPLOSIONS AS CAR BURNED. VOLUNTARY FIRE DEPT. FINALLY ARRIVED BUT CAR ALMOST TOTALLY GONE. ONLY BACK TIRES LEFT USABLE. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10608750, 2014 · fire

“The warning lights stay on constantly. I have changed the mass flow air sensor, O2 sensors, serpentine belt, gas cap, treated the fuel system and the lights are still on. This is a common problem with Subaru Outback Owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11592117, 2022

Exterior Lighting 18

“Headlights keep burning out in less than a year.”
NHTSA complaint #11477824, 2022

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that vehicle was consistently burning out the headlight bulbs. The contact stated that within 3-years he had replaced the driver's and the passenger’s side headlight bulbs 7 times, and following one failure the passenger’s side headlight housing was replaced. The contact stated that the bulb in the new housing was blown. The contact stated that a headlight bulb had blown while driving at night at an undisclosed speed. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the wiring and electrical system was w…”
NHTSA complaint #11621986, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BULBS IN THE HEADLAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED QUITE FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER SUBARU (1592 NJ-38, LUMBERTON, NJ 08048) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11326323, 2020

Steering 9

“Subframe is rusted out and causing control arm wobble which I cannot control the steering correctly”
NHTSA complaint #11573550, 2024

“WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN A HIGHWAY, THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING SUDDENLY”
NHTSA complaint #11071831, 2018

“STEERING WHEEL LOCKED-UP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT IN AN INTERSECTION. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND MY WIFE PULLED FORWARD ABOUT 10 TO 15 FEET AND BEGAN TURNING THE WHEEL FOR A LEFT TURN. HOWEVER, THE WHEEL WOULD NOT BUDGE TO THE LEFT. SHE SCREAMED OUT (TO ME) THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN LEFT AND WE FOUND OURSELVES PERILOUSLY IN THE CENTER OF THE INTERSECTION WITH CARS BLOWING THEIR HORNS. SHE DID MOVE THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND WE SORT OF CIRCLED IN THE INTERSECTION. FOLLOWING THIS THE CAR DID RESUME NORMAL STEERING AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT REPEAT SINCE. THE NEXT DAY (MONDAY) THE CAR WENT…”
NHTSA complaint #10592113, 2014

Vehicle Speed Control 8

“The last incident? I couldn't recover my intentions. (Incidents of random acceleration seem to only happen when I am turning). The last incident occurred in my mall parking lot.. I was about to turn and suddenly the car shot forward. I could have fought to maintain my turn but that would have been aggressive maneuvering. Nothing, thankfully, was in front of me, so this was the first time I was deviated off course. 1 - random acceleration 2 - if my reflexes were not quick enough, there would have been vehicular accident and/or pedestrian being struck 3 - no... not able to duplicate. 4 - no che…”
NHTSA complaint #11625208, 2024

“The vehicle will accelerate all on its own I was pulling into a parking spot and the vehicle just accelerated thank god there was not another car in from of me or I would have hit them. Then later that same day with the cruise on the vehicle just started speeding up. I had to hit the brakes to turn cruise off or who knows how fast it would have taken me”
NHTSA complaint #11476747, 2022

“WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY, AT ABOUT 60MPH, THERE IS A NOISE IN THE ENGINE, THE SPEED SLIPS FOR A SECOND, THE RPM SCREEN BUMPS LITTLE BIT AND COMES BACK.ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO, THE VEHICLE STOPPED DEAD AT THE STOP SIGNAL. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY DID NOT FIND ANY CODE AND SAID, BRING IT BACK IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. IT DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN, BUT THIS SLIPPING HAPPENED END OF OCTOBER 2018, JUST 2-1/2 MONTHS AFTER THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY ENDED ON JULY 31,2018 FOR SUBARU'S CVT ISSUE RECALL. SUBARU SAYS, THEY WILL REPLACE CVT, BUT I NEED TO PAY LARGE AMOUNT,THEY WILL WRITE OFF ONLY 2500$. THIS IS A KNOWN IS…”
NHTSA complaint #11154359, 2018

Structure 5 2 crash 1 injury

“SUBARU OUTBACK (2012), WHEN STOPPED FOR 1-2 MINUTES, WITH THE ENGINE AND IGNITION OFF, AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK, ON A SLIGHT INCLINE (TO CHECK A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD) SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS AS I WAS LEANING IN TO RETRIEVE MY BAG. I WAS DRAGGED ACROSS THE NORMALLY BUSY ROAD, BARELY ABLE TO HANG ON (BY BOTH HANDS GRABBING ANYTHING I COULD INSIDE THE CAR). MY LEGS SCRAPED ON THE GROUND VIOLENTLY BURNING THOUGH MY SNEAKER THEN ANKLE FLESH AND GRAZED THE BONE BADLY. MY LEGS ON THE ROAD TURNED THE 1.5 TON VEHICLE A FEW DEGREES AS IT CAREENED UNDER RAPID ACCELERATION REACHING AN ESTIMATED 8-1…”
NHTSA complaint #11405138, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY 2012 SUBURU OUTBACK WAS STOPPED AT A GAS STATION IN NEUTRAL AND I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. MY WIFE TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARD. I COULD NOT GET BACK INTO THE CAR IN TIME AND MY WIFE COULD NOT PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BECAUSE SUBARU DID NOT PUT AN EMERGENCY BRAKE INTO THAT MODEL THAT YEAR. THEY HAVE SINCE CORRECTED THAT DESIGN FLAW. THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARD ACROSS A ROAD AND ONTO A CONCRETE ISLAND AND OVER A ROCK WHICH DAMAGED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE AND NOT HAVING AN EMERGENCY BRAKE TROUBLES ME. I THINK THE VERY LEAST SUBARU SHOU…”
NHTSA complaint #11051084, 2017 · crash

“It was looked at by a subaru dealer but claims fault isnt on subaru. The paint is chipping around the trunk and other areas and has been getting progressively worse over the last several years. Paint ahould not chip at all unless its damaged and due to this now rust is starting to form i continually have to touch up new spots and try to slow the spread of paint flaking off for no reason at all. My 06 impreza never had this issue ir my 2012 town and country. The paint used is subpar needs to be repainted. ,”
NHTSA complaint #11532907, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 5

“WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 60 MPH ON HIGHWAY, 5/12/19, IN LIGHT RAIN/MIST WITH MILD TEMPS AROUND 50 DEGREES F., I HEARD A SUDDEN "BAM!" AND THOUGHT MY WINDSHIELD WAS SHOT AT BY A SHOTGUN BUT IT WASN'T. KEPT DRIVING BUT HEARD A SWOOSHING OF AIR SOUND. ALL WINDOWS WERE UP SO I SLID THE SHADE PANEL OPEN TO SEE THE SUNROOF AND SAW A HOLE THE SHAPE OF TENNESSEE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SUNROOF WITH THE GLASS AROUND THE HOLE POINTING UPWARD....AS THOUGH IT WAS A FORCED EXPLOSION FROM THE INSIDE OUT. NO BROKEN GLASS OR FOREIGN OBJECT WAS FOUND LAYING INSIDE THE SHADE PANEL. NO ROCK OR METEORITE WAS SEEN FLYIN…”
NHTSA complaint #11207194, 2019

“MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY TURNED ON EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE IN THE OFF POSITION. THERE WAS NO WAY TO TURN THEM OFF EXCEPT TO PULL THE FUSE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS CREATES A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. LEAVING THE WIPERS RUNNING ON A DRY WINDSHIELD ALSO CAN DAMAGE THE WIPERS AND WINDSHIELD. I FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM SUBARU (ATTACHED) THAT DESCRIBES A SWITCH WHERE MOISTURE AND GREASE CAUSED THE SWITCH TO SHORT. THE SWITCH HAD BEEN REDESIGNED. I PAID 150.00 TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #10971050, 2017

“I CALLED PRESTIGE SUBARU, IN ASHEVILLE, NC IN JANUARY, 2017 AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART TO REPLACE THE "WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BOTTOM COVER" AT THAT TIME; THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PART. OKAY. SO I MADE AN APPOINTMENT APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS IN ADVANCE, FOR THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9TH. A COUPLE DAYS BEFORE THAT, A LADY FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED TO SAY THE PART DID NOT COME IN, SO THERE WAS NO NEED TO COME FOR THE APPOINTMENT; AND SHE WOULD CALL US FOR ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WHEN IT DID COME IN. I GUESS I LEARNED THAT IT TAKES SUBARU DEALERS A LONG TIME TO GET PARTS, BECAUSE AS OF MAR…”
NHTSA complaint #10967239, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4 1 crash

“VEHICLE REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT BECAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE/POTENTIAL ACCELERATION AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. THIS HAPPENED IN RAINY CONDITIONS, WHICH MY WIFE HAD NOTICED MANY WEEKS BEFORE. SUBSEQUENTLY, WE FOUND THESE RECALLS: AND LAWSUIT HTTPS://CARS.USNEWS.COM/CARS-TRUCKS/SUBARU/OUTBACK/2012/RELIABILITY HTTPS://WWW.CLASSACTION.ORG/NEWS/CLASS-ACTION-CLAIMS-SUBARU-CONCEALED-SUDDEN-ACCELERATION-DEFECT-IN-FORESTER-LEGACY-OUTBACK-MODELS#:~:TEXT=NEW%20JERSEY-,SUBARU%20OF%20AMERICA%2C%20INC.,FROM%20A%20SUDDEN%20ACCELERATION%20DEFECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11352327, 2020 · crash

“MY 2012 SUBARU IS HAVING NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS - ALL DASH LIGHTS COME ON: IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING OVER BRIDGES OR SPEED BUMPS. STARTED ON 8/8/16 WHEN CAR BOGGED DOWN AND DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN HWY. 360. I TOOK IT TO MY REGULAR SUBARU AUTHORIZED REPAIR PLACE ' CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ON SUBLET RD. IN ARLINGTON. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS BROKEN EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION) SYSTEM. I HAPPENED AGAIN & I TOOK IT BACK. THE FINAL REPAIR FOR THAT PROBLEM WAS 'REPLACE MASS FLOW SENSOR & MAJOR FUEL INDUCTION SERVICE. THE DASH LIGHTS CONTINUED TO COME ON BUT THE CAR DIDN'T BOG DOWN ANYMORE. I TOOK IT…”
NHTSA complaint #11364804, 2020

“MY CAR OFTEN GETS STUCK WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON AND I CANNOT MOVE THE CAR FORWARD OR BACKWARD. MOST TIMES I HAVE A CARLOAD OF GROCERIES AND NEED TO GET THEM TO THE FREEZER OR REFRIGERATOR. COMPUTER ENGINE ANALYSIS...... ABS C0054 BRAKE SWITCH ON MALFUNCTION C0057 ECM CONTROL...... EPB C0252 MOTOR MALFUNCTION DETAIL CODE 50A0 ..... C0234 VDC FAILURE DETAIL CODE C111..... C0242 POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE FAILURE DETAIL CODE. I HAVE REPLACED BRAKES, REPLACED TIRES, CHECKED FLUID, CHECKED FUSES, ETC.”
NHTSA complaint #11288603, 2019

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“The warning lights stay on constantly. I have changed the mass flow air sensor, O2 sensors, serpentine belt, gas cap, treated the fuel system and the lights are still on. This is a common problem with Subaru Outback Owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11592117, 2022

“2012 Subaru Outback stalls when braking. It stalls going up hills, on flat roads, after high speeds and after city driving too. The vehicle has shut off at stop lights, on/off ramps, and stop signs putting me and my family at risk of being rear-ended. It also stalls when parallel parking, increasing risk of being hit on city streets. No warning or check engine light. Subaru issued a bulletin about the issue but the local dealer and local mechanic were unable to replicate stalling on test drives.”
NHTSA complaint #11436652, 2021

“This summer, my 2012 Subaru Outback began shuddering and stalling when slowing down. This has happened approaching stop signs and stop lights, but has also happened going up steep hills and on the highway as traffic slows. Cars behind me have gotten incredibly close, and it seems only a matter of time before an accident occurs. We brought the car to the mechanic, who told us it was the torque converter, which would cost upwards of $5000 to replace. Subaru extended the warranty on 2010 - 2015 Outbacks because of the faulty torque converter - but the warranty expires at 100,000 miles, which we'…”
NHTSA complaint #11436475, 2021

Seats 4 1 crash 2 injury

“Driving on the highway was side swiped then rearended at high speed causing my driver seat to fly backwards. So the locking mechanism on the manual seat adjuster either failed or never locked”
NHTSA complaint #11751802, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WE OWNED THE CAR ONLY 2 DAYS AND WAS OUT FOR OUR FIRST DRIVE OWNING OUR FIRST BRAND NEW CAR. THINGS SEEMED ALL GOOD UNTIL WE STOPPED AT A BANK AND I PUT MY LEFT FOOT ON THE FOOT REST AND PRESSED MY BACK INTO THE SEAT TO RELEASE THE TENSION IN MY PANTS SO I COULD PULL OUT MY WALLET WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN CATCHING ME BY TOTAL SURPRISE THE SEAT GAVE WAY. A SHOCK WENT UP AND DOWN MY SPINE AS I GOT OUT OF THE CAR IN AWE OF WHAT JUST HAPPENED AN THE CONDITION I WAS IN I HAD TO SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT TO SEE IF IT WAS JUST A FLUKE OR IS THIS A REAL PROBLEM AND I JUST GOT THE WORST OF IT. WITH A…”
NHTSA complaint #10509732, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (A02) FAULTY OCCUPANCY DETECTION SENSORS IN RIGHT FRONT SEAT. BOTTOM SEAT FRAME WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO RESOLVE ISSUES”
NHTSA complaint #11355400, 2020

Suspension 4

“Subframe is rusted out and causing control arm wobble which I cannot control the steering correctly”
NHTSA complaint #11573550, 2024

“WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS VERY POOR STRAIGHT LINE STABILITY. VEHICLE WANDERS WITHIN THE LANE AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL CORRECTION TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT DIRECTION. VEHICLE 500 MILES ON IT (350 DRIVEN BY OWNER) BUT IS NOW SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR FEAR OF PERSONAL SAFETY IF EMERGENCY MANEUVER IS NECESSARY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10452906, 2012

“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. ALL THE OTHER TRAFFIC WAS GOING AT NORMAL SPEED. NOBODY WAS SWERVING OR SPINNING OUT. WE WERE DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE HWY BECAUSE EVERYBODY HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES BEHIND US AND THEN GO AROUND. WE HAD TO EXIT AT THE NEXT OFF RAMP. EVEN WHEN COASTING DOWN HILL THE CAR…”
NHTSA complaint #10445646, 2012

Visibility 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE GLASS TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10865663, 2016

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while entering the vehicle, it was discovered that rainwater had leaked into the vehicle from the sunroof. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on six separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the cause of the failure was due to the sunroof drainage tubes being clogged with debris. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that an unknown TSB addressing the failure had been issued by the manufacturer.…”
NHTSA complaint #11533208, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10638441, 2014

Seat Belts 3 1 crash

“VEHICLE REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT BECAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE/POTENTIAL ACCELERATION AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. THIS HAPPENED IN RAINY CONDITIONS, WHICH MY WIFE HAD NOTICED MANY WEEKS BEFORE. SUBSEQUENTLY, WE FOUND THESE RECALLS: AND LAWSUIT HTTPS://CARS.USNEWS.COM/CARS-TRUCKS/SUBARU/OUTBACK/2012/RELIABILITY HTTPS://WWW.CLASSACTION.ORG/NEWS/CLASS-ACTION-CLAIMS-SUBARU-CONCEALED-SUDDEN-ACCELERATION-DEFECT-IN-FORESTER-LEGACY-OUTBACK-MODELS#:~:TEXT=NEW%20JERSEY-,SUBARU%20OF%20AMERICA%2C%20INC.,FROM%20A%20SUDDEN%20ACCELERATION%20DEFECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11352327, 2020 · crash

“AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (A02) FAULTY OCCUPANCY DETECTION SENSORS IN RIGHT FRONT SEAT. BOTTOM SEAT FRAME WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO RESOLVE ISSUES”
NHTSA complaint #11355400, 2020

“COLD RAINY MORNING, I STARTED THE CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH NO ONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON, THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AND CAR IS DINGING LIKE SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT. DOES NOT TURN OFF WHEN SEAT BELT IS CLIPPED. I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY IT'S A BAD ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITANCE SENSOR ODS. THE 'PART' AKA REPLACING THE WHOLE SEAT IS $900. SAME YEAR OF SUBARU THAT THEY RECALLED THIS PART IN THE IMPREZA. NHTSA RECALL NO. : 15V-419”
NHTSA complaint #11056208, 2017

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11646326, 2019

“SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, WHILE DRIVING FOR 15-60 MINUTES WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS, MYSELF AND/OR ANOTHER PASSENGER WILL BEGIN TO FEEL VERY LIGHT HEADED, IRRITATED EYES, HARD TO FOCUS, AND NEARLY PASS OUT. IT'S A FORCED SITUATION LIKE BEING PUT IN A CHOKE HOLD OR SUFFOCATED GENTLY NOT JUST FEELING RELAXED OR COMFY. THE EFFECTS LAST FOR SOME TIME DEPENDING ON EXPOSURE TOO. WE COULD BE LIVELY WITH GOOD ENERGY, BUT USING THE CAR AS SAID WILL KILL IT. IT ALSO OCCURS FASTER THE MORE YOU BREATHE. THE ONLY CURE IS FRESH AIR. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE HVAC SYSTEM FIRST, BUT…”
NHTSA complaint #10537139, 2012

Wheels 2

“Odd noise arising from Front driver side wheel while driving on the interstate at 70mph. No indicator/warning lights/messages. Noise became much louder prompting us to stop driving and inspect. One of the 5 lug studs had broken off. Two of the 5 lug nuts were loose enough to hand rotate. Once diagnosed, we tightened all 4 remaining lug nuts. After driving 15min on the interstate at reduced speed, the noise from the front driver side wheel returned. The car was slowly driven off the interstate and re-inspected. The lug nuts were loose again. At this point, I felt the car was unsafe to…”
NHTSA complaint #11552741, 2023

“WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS VERY POOR STRAIGHT LINE STABILITY. VEHICLE WANDERS WITHIN THE LANE AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL CORRECTION TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT DIRECTION. VEHICLE 500 MILES ON IT (350 DRIVEN BY OWNER) BUT IS NOW SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR FEAR OF PERSONAL SAFETY IF EMERGENCY MANEUVER IS NECESSARY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10452906, 2012

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“Have been driving my car on the interstate for 6 hours and when this problem happened I was in cruise control. Out of no where a bunch of dash lights come on, (E brake and cruise control lights start blinking, traction control light comes on, and my check engine light comes on). I tried turning my car off for a few minutes and turning it back on but the lights still are blinking. I Googled my problem and found other people that have posted the same issue. I have also copied the found ID number for this issue: 10465487”
NHTSA complaint #11483752, 2022

Parking Brake 1

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS) AND 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE CONTACT CALLED CARBONE SUBARU OF TROY AT 518-312-4300 (LOCATED AT 800 HOOSICK RD, TROY, NY 12180) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. 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 EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE) AND PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT FOR 19V009000 (…”
NHTSA complaint #11190033, 2018