2012 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 292 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 15 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 11 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, switchApr 11, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V297000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V009000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V008000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V007000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeSep 13, 2018
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.
A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V626000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 10, 2017
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.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 17V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorSep 27, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V694000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility/wiperMar 5, 2013
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.
If the components overheat, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire.
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.
Campaign 13V078000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyMar 5, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V077000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemFeb 25, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V061000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowFeb 9, 2012
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.
THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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.
Campaign 12V047000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesNov 29, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 11V562000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
52 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 7, 2019
FOR ALMOST 1.5 YEARS, MY 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK IS EXPERIENCING SHUDDERING AND STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP RESULTING IN THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. IT OCCURS RANDOMLY AND I NEARLY GOT IN ACCIDENTS WITH DRIVERS BEHIND ME HAVING TO REACT TO THE SUDDEN, FULL STOPS.
Engine, Mar 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A RED LIGHT OR AN INTERSECTION, IT WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TACOMA SUBARU (LOCATED AT 3838 S TACOMA WAY, TACOMA, WA 98409, (253) 473-6200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Engine, Mar 2, 2019
WHILE ON A 200 MILE TRIP ON RURAL INTERSTATE THE THERMOSTAT FAILED CAUSING HEAD GASKET TO BLOW AND ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. NO CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED. SUDDENLY ALL CONTROL PANEL WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLASH. ALL COOLANT WAS EXPELLED FROM RADIATOR. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 100K MILES. BY SHEAR LUCK I WAS AT AN EXIT WITH A SUBARU DEALER NEAR BY. HAVE ATTACHED REPAIR REPORT FROM SUBARU DEALER.
Engine, Feb 28, 2019
THE VEHICLE STALLS AND ABRUPTLY STOPS. THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, BUT THE DEALERSHIP IS DEMANDING $1300 TO FIX IT SINCE I'M OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS SHOULD NOT BE JUST A EXTENDED WARRANTY - THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE: THE VEHICLE STALLS IN TRAFFIC. IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION. TODAY IT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION WHERE I WAS TURNING. I HAD A SEMI TRUCK BARRELLING DOWN AT ME ON AN ICY ROAD WHILE I DESPERATELY TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AND GET OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. THE SEMI SWERVED AND BARELY MISSED ME. THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED!
Engine, Feb 25, 2019
ENGINE SHUDDERS THEN SHUTS OFF WHEN STOPPING. FREQUENTLY OCCURS WHEN COMING TO A STOP ON A CURVED ROAD NEAR MY HOME. VERY CONCERNED ABOUT BEING REAR-ENDED. I HAVE TO THROW THE CAR IN PARK, RESTART AND THROW IT BACK IN DRIVE. DEALER REPLACED OIL SOLENOID VALVE FOR $350 AND IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. NOW THEY WANT OVER $1500 TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THEY SAY IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND I HAD UNTIL JULY 2018 UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO TAKE CARE OF IT. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I FEAR SPENDING ANOTHER $1500 WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I OWE ANOTHER YEAR OF PAYMENTS ON THIS VEHICLE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE SUBARU. MILEAGE IS AROUND 155,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2019
VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND STALLS WHEN BRAKING/DECELERATING. ENGINE SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AND ABRUPTLY WITH LITTLE TIME TO REACT. I HAVE 128,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. MECHANICS DO NOT KNOW WHAT EXACLT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 9, 2019
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 STALLED. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY THE CAR FOLLOWING ME. THE CAR ON THE SAME DAY STALLED AGAIN WHILE SLOWING DOWN AND TURNING RIGHT ON FEAGAN MILL ROAD. THE CAR FOLLOWING ME SWERVED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A REAR END IMPACT. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED UNTIL I CAN GET IT SERVICED. AFTER RESEARCH, I FOUNDED OUT MANY CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES OF DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. I CURRENTLY HAVE 115,000 MILES
Power train, Engine, Dec 31, 2018
I WAS TAKING IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND LUBE. AFTER DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60-70 MPH, I CAME OFF THE FREEWAY, WENT 2 BLOCKS TO A STOPLIGHT. AS SOON AS I STOPPED, MANY WARNING LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, AND BECAME ALARMED, WENT 3 BLOCKS TO THE LUBE SERVICE CENTER AND SOME STEAM STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE SERVICE MEN IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT IN TO CHECK IT OUT. THEY REPLACED SOME COOLANT, COMPLETED THE SERVICE AND TOLD ME TO HAVE IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC. I DROVE IT ABOUT A MILE TO THE NEAREST AUTO SHOP, A PLACE I'VE TAKEN MY LAST 2 CARS, AND LEFT IT. THE NEXT DAY THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED, AND THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND IT WAS READY TO PICK UP. FROM THERE I PICKED UP THE CAR AND DROVE IT TO A FRIEND'S IN A CITY ABOUT 100 MILES AWAY. I DROVE IT THE ENTIRE WAY ON THE FREEWAY, CAME OFF THE FREEWAY, DROVE IT ABOUT 4 BLOCKS TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE. I WEN UP HER DRIVEWAY, AND AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE, THE WARNING LIGHTS AGAIN STARTED FLASHING. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SLOT AND STOPPED IT. MY FRIEND'S SON LATER WENT OUT TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD WITH ME. THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF SOME SPRAY UNDER THE HOOD, BUT NOT MUCH. I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I'D BOUGHT THE CAR A MONTH BEFORE, AND HE TOLD ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THEIR SHOP, WHERE I'D LEFT IT WITH THEM FOR ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS. WHEN I CALLED ABOUT THE PROGRESS, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T WANT TO RELEASE IT BACK TO ME UNTIL TO WAS REPAIRED. IN THE MEANTIME, MY FRIEND WHERE I WAS STAYING WHEN I HAD IT TOWED, TOLD ME SHE HAD AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH HER 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND AFTER REPLACING HOSES, THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, TJEY FINALLY REPLACED HER HEAD GASKET. MY DAUGHTER THEN REMINDED ME THE SAME HAPPENED TO HER 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK, SO I STARTED RESEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR ISSUES. MANY SITES, SOME WELL KNOWN SAID THIS IS COMMON WITH THE 2.5L ENGINE. THIS IS A DEFECT SUBARU SHOULD RECALL.
Engine, Dec 17, 2018
MY CAR SHUDDERS AND DIES WHEN BRAKING. IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE TO BE A HARD BRAKE. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. IT HAPPENS WHILE I AM SLOWING FOR A STOP. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME IT IS RELATED TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER, WHICH IS EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BE REAR-ENDED. WITH HIGHWAY DRIVING THIS IS UNBELIEVABLY DANGEROUS. I KNOW THAT SUBARU EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THIS ISSUE--ALTHOUGH I ONLY KNEW OF THIS BECAUSE MY MECHANIC TOLD ME. UNFORTUNATELY MY CAR JUST WENT OVER THE 100,000 MILE MARK, SO I'M UNSURE IF SUBARU WILL COVER THE REPAIR NEEDED. I REALLY BELIEVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD PROMPT A RECALL. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR DIE.
Engine, Aug 28, 2018
WHEN BRAKING TO COME TO A STOP AT A LIGHT ON A SECONDARY ROAD OR STOP SIGN ON MY BACK STREET IN A STRAIGHT LINE THE ENGINE STALLS, THIS HAS EVEN HAPPENED WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE TO STOP FOR BACKED UP TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST AND AGAIN THIS MORNING. I TOLD MY DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED IDLE WOULD DROP OUT AND COME BACK WHILE AT A STOP, BUT I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOT AN ISSUE. I NOW READ THIS IS NOT TRUE AND HAS BEEN AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH THIS MANUFACTURER FOR SOME TIME AND IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH THE CVT. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFERED AND NOW EXPIRED BY SUBARU NEVER MENTIONED THE POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE OF STALLING DUE TO A FAULTY CVT, BUT ACTUALLY SEEMED TO SAY THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY APPLIED TO SHIFTING ISSUES SO I IGNORED IT AS THE CAR SHIFTED FINE BOTH AUTOMATICALLY AND MANUALLY AS DESIGNED. I FEEL VERY MISLED AND LET DOWN BY SUBARU WHO I ALWAYS THOUGHT WOULD PUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS FIRST, I GUESS NOT.
Engine, Jun 19, 2018
5 DAYS AFTER 120K MILE DEALER SERVICE (ALL WORK IS DONE BY SUBARU DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED) MORE DASH LIGHTS THAN WHAT SULLY SULLENBEGER HAD TO CONTENT WITH. OCCURRED WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC IN 90 DEGREE HEAT (WITH A 6 MONTH OLD IN THE CAR). DROVE IT 35 MILES TO GET IT TO THE DEALER. $2200 ESTIMATE TO REPLACE 2 HEAD GASKETS. DEALER IS TAKING $350 OFF. WORTH TALKING TO SUBARU CORP ABOUT ADDED COMPENSATION FOR A KNOW DEFECT? I SEE THE SAME ISSUE REPORTED ON LINE SHORTLY AFTER THE 100K OR 120K MILE DEALER CHECK UP.
Power train, Engine, Jun 4, 2018
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 COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS WITH PEOPLE BEHIND ME NOT EXPECTING THAT LONG OF A STOP! I DO A LOT OF DRIVING IN TOWN AND THIS HAPPENS WHEN STOPPING AT STOP SIGNS. IT IS UNKNOWN TO ME AT THIS POINT AS TO WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
Engine, Jun 1, 2018
MY WELL-MAINTAINED SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED WITH 102,773 MILES OVERHEATED AND BLEW A HEAD GASKET OUT OF THE BLUE. JUST HAD THE MAJOR 100K MILE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE DONE TOO. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED AT 100K AND THE DEALER SAYS IT WILL BE OVER $3K TO REPAIR. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARUS THAT THEY HAVE FAULTY HEAD GASKETS THAT FAIL BETWEEN 80-120K MILES. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH SUBARU QUALITY WITH SUCH A MAJOR ISSUE AT HALF LIFE OF MY OTHERWISE RELIABLE VEHICLE!
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Engine, May 24, 2018
TL* 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, (301) 230-9000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE KNOCK SENSORS AND THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BODY AND HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,763.
Engine, Jan 15, 2018
ENGINE LOCKED UP TRAVELLING 80 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE HAD 90,000 MILES ON IT AND IT WAS FULLY SERVICED AT 88,000 MILES BY A DEALERSHIP. NOTES FROM THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT: 'MOTOR CAME APART AT HIGH REV SPEED, 1 PISTON CRACKED, 1 PISTON GONE. EXCESSIVE METAL SCATTERED THROUGH COMPLETE ENGINE AND INTAKE MANIFOLD' "THE ENTIRE MOTOR (BLOCK, HEADS, VALVES, CAMSHAFTS, INTAKE MANIFOLD, ETC.) WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO METAL DEBRIS THROUGHOUT MOTOR."
Engine, Dec 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MASTRIA SUBARU (1255 NEW STATE HWY, RAYNHAM, MA 02767) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BURNING OIL. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,459.
Engine, Nov 9, 2017
ENGINE SHUDDERS, OR COMPLETELY STALLS AT A SUDDEN BRAKE TO STOP COMPLETELY. DRIVER MUST PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL OR PARK TO RE-START THE ENGINE. **** THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED BEGAN A YEAR AGO. DRIVER NOTICED VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER OCCASIONALLY AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE FIRST TIME THAT THE ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED, DRIVER THOUGHT IT MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO WEATHER. THIS SHUDDERING AND STALLING BEGAN OCCURRING MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. WHEN DRIVER NOTICES THE SHUDDER, IF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS EASED UP, NORMAL RPMS RETURN. THE ENGINE WILL ALSO SOMETIMES SHUDDER DURING A TIGHT TURN AS WELL. WHILE TESTING DURING DRIVING/BREAKING THIS MORNING DRIVER MAINTAINED A SPEED OF 55 MPH FOR 1 MILE. DRIVER BEGAN BRAKING THE VEHICLE AT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN 2 LIGHT POLES (ON A COUNTRY ROAD) AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT FORWARD. ENGINE DIED. THE 2ND TIME THIS WAS TESTED, SAME SPEED SAME BRAKING DISTANCE, THIS TIME THE DRIVER WAS GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, SO UPON BRAKING THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED AT A 45 ANGLE. THE ENGINE DIED. WARNING LIGHTS: VEHICLE DYNAMICS, CHECK ENGINE, AWD, CHARGE WARNING (BATTERY) , AND OIL PRESSURE. THE CD PLAYER STAYED ON, THE FAN FOR HEAT/AC TURNED OFF.
Engine, Sep 21, 2017
3.6 ENGINE USES 1/2 QUART OIL AFTER 3000 MILE OIL CHANGE. CAR HAS ALWAY HAD 5W30 MOBILE 1 OIL USED IN IT SINCE WE HAD THE CAR. HAD SOME MINOR OIL CONSUMPTION AT FIRST BUT NOW IT IS BECOMING MORE COMMON. DEALERSHIP SAID IT CAUSE THE OIL MANUFACTURES ARE MAKING THE OIL THINNER SO THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM? SORRY I WAS NO NOT BORN YESTERDAY. 2 REASONS FOR OIL CONSUMPTION THAT I KNOW IS A OIL LEAK OR DEFECTIVE PISTON RINGS WHICH SUBARU HAS HAD ISSUES WITH ON OTHER MODEL CARS.
Engine, May 29, 2017
CAR IS STALLING WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT STOPS. ENGINE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP.
Engine, May 8, 2017
ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY STALLS WHEN STOPPING. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION CAUSED AT STOPLIGHT BECAUSE OF STALLING.
Power train, Engine, Apr 24, 2017
VEHICLE STALLS AT RED LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. IT ALSO HESITATES ON ACCELERATION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN HAVING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.
Engine, Feb 23, 2017
MY SUBARU OUTBACK (2012) IS STALLING WHEN I NORMALLY OR A LITTLE HARDER USE THE BRAKE.I HAVE TO ROLL IN AND STOP VERY SLOWLY. SOMETIMES IT'S EVEN STALL WHEN I'M GOING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE OR JUST STARTING UP AT A GREEN LIGHT. IT'S STALLING EVERY DAY FOR THE LAS 3 WEEKS. (TODAY IS, FEBRUARY 23, 2017).
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 2, 2016
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND THE CAR COMES TO A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF ('STALLS WHEN IDLING OR SLOWING DOWN'). THE VEHICLE THEN MUST BE PUT INTO 'PARK' MODE IN ORDER TO RE-START. THIS OCCURS NEARLY EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK, AND HAS CREATED MANY, MANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS FOR US AND THE DRIVERS AROUND US. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN MAY CONCERNING THIS ISSUE, AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, AND THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN THIS WEEK, AND THE DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THAT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE TSB WAS APPARENTLY ISSUED IN JAN 2014, BUT CUSTOMERS WERE NOT NOTIFIED IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE DEFECT POSES DIRE SAFTEY RISKS. WE ARE BEWILDERED GIVEN THAT THIS ITEM IS CLEARLY A RECALL-WORTHY DEFECT THAT PLACES THE VEHICLE OWNER, AND THE CARS AROUND THEM, IN FORESEEABLE AND CONSIDERABLE DANGER. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE ALSO BEING TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER THAT THERE IS 'NOTHING WRONG WITH THEIR VEHICLE' IN SPITE OF THE TSB ISSUED IN JAN '14. A CYNICAL PERSON MIGHT CONCLUDE THAT AN EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO OBFUSCATE THIS SAFETY DEFECT UNTIL CUSTOMER'S WARRANTIES RUN OUT. SIMILARLY, THE MANUFACTURERS TSB LANGUAGE APPEARS TO OBFUSCATE THE DEFECT WITH EUPHEMISTIC LANGUAGE. TO BE CLEAR --- THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT AN EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO AVOID A RECALL. ACCORDING TO THE TSB, SUBARU MODIFIED PRODUCTION IN OCTOBER 2013 TO ACCOUNT FOR AND CURE THIS SAFETY ISSUE. AGAIN, CUSTOMERS HO WERE SOLD VEHICLES WITH THE SAFETY DEFECT HAV NOT BEEN NOTIFIED.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 27, 2016
I PURCHASED VEHICLE BRAND NEW, OVER THE COURSE OF 4 YEARS HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL BRAKE MASTER WENT BAD AFTER 2 AND A HALF YEARS, OIL NOT LASTING UNTIL THE NEXT OIL CHANGE AND FINALLY THE HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE'S A/C DIED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, HE FOUND THE COMPRESSOR HAD GONE. WE ORDERED A NEW ONE. TOOK THE VEHICLE OUT THE NEXT DAY TO RETURN IT TO MECHANIC AND IN ROUTE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING PROFUSELY AND DIED ON THE ROAD 2 MINUTES AFTER IT BEGAN SMOKING. THE VEHICLE IS THEN TOWED TO MECHANIC TO FIND THAT THE OIL AND COOLANT WERE MIXING, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND DAMAGED HEAD GASKET. THIS MAKE & MODEL HAS ALSO BEEN FOUND TO HAVE ISSUES WITH "FAULTY BRAKE MASTERS & LEAKING OIL LEADING TO COOLANT AND HEAD GASKET" ISSUES. NO RECALL, SAFETY OR ADVISEMENT INFORMATION HAS EVER BEEN SENT OR CORRESPONDED TO US REGARDING THIS MATTER. THERE IS HOWEVER AN OPEN CLASS ACTION SUIT IN NEW JERSEY FOR THE ISSUE OF LEAKING OIL AND COOLING ISSUES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 7, 2014, 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