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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.

Complaints by model year
  13. 292

Of the 2012 reports, 15 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 11 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train107 reports · 37% of complaints
Owner complaints292Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship16 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train107
  2. Engine50
  3. Air bags39
  4. Service brakes38
  5. Electrical system37
  6. Other or unspecified24
  7. Exterior lighting18
  8. Steering9

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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: exterior lighting

18 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Exterior lighting, Oct 25, 2024

    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 working as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

  2. Exterior lighting, Aug 5, 2022

    Headlights keep burning out in less than a year.

  3. Exterior lighting, May 28, 2020

    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.

  4. 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.

  5. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 17, 2017

    THE REAR 3RD HIGH BRAKE LIGHT LEAKS EVERY TIME IT RAINS. THIS HAPPENS BOTH WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS EVERY TIME THAT IT RAINS FOR ABOUT THE LAST 6 MONTHS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.

  6. Exterior lighting, Jul 3, 2017

    BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING ON A DARK RURAL ROAD. WE WERE TOLD THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE OUR AUTO WHICH WAS MADE THE SAME YEAR AS OTHER RECALLED AUTOMOBILES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER IT APPEARS THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED PROPERLY.

  7. Exterior lighting, Mar 13, 2017

    THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BOTH BURNED OUT. SUBARU SAID THE ISSUE ONLY AFFECTED SOME OF THE OUTBACKS BUT OBVIOUSLY IT AFFECTS MINE AND WAS NOT COVERED.

  8. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 28, 2017

    IN LESS THAN A YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE FOUR DIFFERENT DIRECTIONAL/RUNNING/HEAD LIGHTS. THIS IS EXCESSIVE, EXPENSIVE, AND AWKWARD TO DO. (THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS REQUIRE REMOVAL OF THE FRONT TIRES TO REACH THE ACCESS PANEL!) I KNOW THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH EARLIER YEAR'S OF OUTBACKS.

  9. Exterior lighting, Feb 11, 2017

    THE LEFT/RIGHT HEADLIGHTS, FRONT/REAR RUNNING LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE BURN OUT AT A VERY RAPID RATE. TO DATE, I HAVE REPLACED ALMOST EVERY NON-LED LIGHT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AT LEAST ONCE. BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE (FOUR BULBS). COMPLICATING MATTERS, SUBARU CHARGES OVER $150 DO CHANGE A SINGLE HEADLIGHT IN THEIR SHOP. THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE REQUIRES COMPLETE DISASSEMBLY OF THE FRONT END TO ACCESS THE HEADLIGHTS. LIGHTS THAT BURN OUT SO FREQUENTLY ARE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING THE WINTER IS NOT THE TIME FOR BULBS TO BURN OUT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SUBARUS--THE 2011 OUTBACK HAS LIFETIME BULB REPLACEMENT. WHEN I CONTACTED SUBARU ABOUT MY ISSUES, I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO ISSUE WITH THE 2012 MODEL YEAR. THESE ISSUES HAVE HAPPENED OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN 2011. I HAVE SELECTED A GENERIC DATE THIS MONTH BELOW.

  10. Exterior lighting, Jan 20, 2017

    HIGH AND LOW BEAM BULBS CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 4 YEARS AND I REPLACE A LIGHT BUILD IN THE HEADLAMPS EVERY 4-6 MONTHS. USUALLY WHEN ONE GOES OUT ANOTHER WILL FOLLOW. EXAMPLE I REPLACED HIGH BEAM THEN 4 DAYS LATER THE LOW BEAM. GREAT VEHICLE BUT I HAVE REPLACED MORE BULBS FOR THE HEADLIGHTS OF THIS CAR THAN THE LAST 4 PAST OWNED VEHICLES COMBINED. BULBS USUALLY BURN OUT WHEN GOING FROM LOW TO HIGH OR VICE VERSUS. DEALER CLAIMS EVERYONE WITH SAME MODEL SPANNING DIFFERENT YEARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY CLAIM IT DOES NOT MATTER BRAND OF BULB. I PURCHASED EXPENSIVE BULBS WITH A 1 YR WARRANTY FREE REPLACEMENT IF THEY BURN OUT KNOWING I WILL ONLY GET A FEW MONTHS OUT OF THEM. I WILL STILL HAVE THE HASSLE OF REPLACING THEM BUT ATLEAST I'M DONE BUYING THEM. SUBARU SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. WITH ALL THE AIRBAG RECALLS I DOUBT THEY REALLY CARE ABOUT HEADLIGHTS. NHTSA PLEASE HELP US DEALERS SHOULD FIX THESE VEHICLES BEFORE RESELLING THESE FAULTY VEHICLES!'

  11. Exterior lighting, Dec 30, 2016

    MY HEADLIGHTS ON MY OUTBACK ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER OF 2015 AND I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 9 TIMES. I LIVE IN ALASKA WITH VERY LITTLE DAY LIGHT AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS HAVE MY HEADLIGHTS ON, REGARDLESS OF WHERE I LIVE. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO NOT HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER FOR THIS YET BUT I CAN SEE IT HAPPENING IN THE NEAR FUTURE. PLEASE HELP.

  12. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 2016

    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 MOSTLY IN DAYLIGHT THEN NOTICE THE OUTAGE AT NIGHT. REPLACING THE BULB INVOLVES REMOVING THE TIRE AND HAVING A MECHANIC OR DEALERSHIP PERFORM THE WORK. WHAT SHOULD BE AN INFREQUENT SIMPLE TASK IS GETTING VERY EXPENSIVE! I AM PRIMARILY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AS THE BULBS COULD EASILY BOTH BURN OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.

  13. Exterior lighting, Sep 25, 2016

    2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. TWO SEPARATE ISSUES. FIRST: BOTH HIGH BEAMS INOPERATIVE. CAUSE: DEFECTIVE DLR MODULE. SECOND: CONTINUAL HEAD LIGHT BULB FAILURES. LEFT AND RIGHT, HIGH AND LOW. NO CAUSE OR CURE FOUND BY OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT, WOULD YOU BELIEVE, NIGHT.

  14. Exterior lighting, Jun 5, 2016

    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 FINE. OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING IS CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!!! MANY OWNERS HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING OF THIS FOR YEARS. NHTSA PLEASE DO A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS!!!!

  15. Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2016

    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.

  16. Exterior lighting, Jan 20, 2014

    THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY OUTBACK HAVE BURNED OUT AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TR

  17. Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT PROJECTOR BULB WAS NOT SHIELDED. WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE BEAM APPEARED TO BE VERTICAL WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER'S VISION TO BE OBSCURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THEY WERE UNABLE TO SO AND THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AROUND WITH DUCT TAPE OVER THE LIGHT TO PREVENT GLARE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000.

  18. Exterior lighting, Jul 3, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DRIVER THEN TURNED THE LIGHT SWITCH TO OFF AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED INTO HIS DRIVEWAY WITH THE SWITCH STILL TURNED TO THE OFF OPTION AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 4,100. UPDATED 08/01/12*LJ THE SUBARU TECHNICIANS STATED THE CONSUMER MA HAVE ACCIDENTALLY TURNED OFF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS, WHICH WAS LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE, BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. UPDATED 08/02/12