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
292 reports, newest first.
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!'
Air bags, Jan 19, 2017, crash
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 APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Jan 9, 2017
PURCHASED A USED 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK AND ABOUT ONE YEAR INTO OWNING IT, IT STARTED TO STUTTER WHEN COMING TO A STOP - AS IF IT WERE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND YOU DID NOT PUSH THE CLUTCH IN. IT WILL STUTTER AND THEN COMPLETELY DIE AND YOU HAVE TO PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK OR NEUTRAL TO START AGAIN. IF BRAKING QUICK OR HARD, IT WILL ALWAYS DIE. GRADUAL STOPS ARE BETTER, BUT IN THE EVENT YOU NEEDED TO STOP FAST AND GET OUT OF THE WAY - YOU CANNOT. SEEMS TO BE AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD TO ME AND MY FAMILY OR ANYONE THAT WOULD HIT ME BECAUSE MY CAR STALLED, HOWEVER, WHEN CONTACTING SUBARU, THEY DO NOT FEEL IT IS AN ISSUE AND WANT ME TO PAY OVER $8000 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES ON IT. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE 2010-2012 MODELS AND SUBARU ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #16-90-13 DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTOR - SO THEY KNOW THERE IS AN ISSUE BUT DID NOT MAKE IT A RECALL - THOUGH THEY ALSO STATE THEY CHANGED THE ASSEMBLY AFTER 2012 BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS. ALSO WHEN RESEARCHING, MANY OTHER AFFECTED OWNERS STATE ONLY THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED AND WERE CHARGED ANYWHERE FROM $1300 TO $1800 TO ONLY REPLACE THAT - AND SOME STATED SUBARU PAID FOR IT ENTIRELY, OTHER SAY THEY REFUSED TO PAY - THE CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON I SPOKE WITH AT SUBARU STATED THEY WOULD ONLY DO A 'GOOD WILL GESTURE OF $2500 TOWARDS THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. I OWE $15,000 ON THE CAR, IT'S NOT WORTH THAT ON BLUEBOOK AND I DO NOT HAVE $5500 TO PAY FOR SOMETHING I FEEL THEY SHOULD FIX AS A RECALL.
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.
Power train, Dec 16, 2016
ENGINE SHUDDERS AND OCCASIONALLY STALLS WHEN COMING TO A HARD STOP. PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER, AND IS IDENTIFIED IN SUBARU TECHNICAL BULLETIN NUMBER 16-90-13R. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE, AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
Power train, Dec 3, 2016
ACCELERATION SHUDDER IN DRIVETRAIN BETWEEN 50 - 60 MPH ON LIGHT ACCELERATION. STARTED AROUND 16,000 MILES. SEE ATTACHED LETTER TO DEALER. DEALER, MANUFACTURER DID NOT FIX. SUBARU SUPPORT LINE SENT ME BACK TO DEALER. ALL THEY DID WAS ROTATE TIRES AND RE-FLASH TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE. ON - GOING PROBLEM. HAVE LOST ALL FAITH IN SUBARU.
Power train, Nov 18, 2016
I HAVE A FAILING TORGUE CONVERTER. THE CAR STALLS OUT WHEN I AM COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE RPMS STAY NORMAL BUT THE CAR STOPS WHILE IN GEAR.
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2016
WHEN I SLOW AND STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT MY CAR RANDOMLY STOPS. IT WILL RESTART BUT THIS HAS CAUSED DANGEROUS SITUATIONS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AS THIS IS USUALLY UNEXPECTED. I HAVE NOTICED IT GETTING WORSE AND THUS FAR I CAN'T ISOLATE THE ISSUE OTHER THEN READING BULLETINS ( BULLETIN NUMBER 16-90-13R ). MY LOCAL FIX IT SHOP AND SUBARU DON'T SEEM TO GIVE US A REASON.
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.
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2016, fire
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 95 THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND VERY QUICKLY ENGOLFED THE ENTIRE CAR - BUMPER TO BUMPER.
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.
Power train, Jul 7, 2016
2012 OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED WITH 93K MILES STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN PLACED IN PARK THE VEHICLE WILL START RIGHT UP AND RUNS FINE. THERE IS NO HESITATION OR ENGINE MISSING WHEN IN MOTION, ONLY WHEN COMING TO A FULL STOP. YESTERDAY IT STALLED 3 TIMES DURING A 6 MILE ROUND TRIP TO THE POST OFFICE. I AM FEARFUL THAT IT WILL STALL WHILE I'M IN AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND AM VULNERABLE TO CROSS TRAFFIC WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES. I'M TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER TOMORROW AND HOPING THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FIX IT. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I UNDERSTAND THAT TSB 16-90-13 ADDRESSES THIS TYPE OF FAILURE, APPARENTLY DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER.
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.
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!!!!
Visibility, May 18, 2016
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.
Service brakes, May 17, 2016
ON MAY 15TH, WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INDICATING "BRAKE" AND "CHECK ENGINE". TOOK IT TO A SUBARU DEALER IN BERLIN CT WHO FOUND THE FOLLOWING: "TROUBLE CODE P0171/SYSTEM TO LEAN BANK 1, FAULT TRACED AND FOUND VACUUM LEAK AROUND BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE. VACUUM VALVE CRACKED. RECOMMEND REPLACING BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY". THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 39,120 MILES. THIS PART IS WELL PROTECTED WITHIN THE ENGINE AREA. SERVICE REPAIR DESCRIBED THE PART AS A SMALL PLASTIC PIECE AND STATED HE'S NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. TO MY WAY OF THINKING, THE PART HAD TO BE DEFECTIVE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS BUILT. CAR WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY SUBARU DEALERS. COST IS A LITTLE OVER $700.00. I HAVE THE WORK ORDER IF YOU NEED IT; BUT THE WORDING ABOVE IS DIRECTLY FROM THE ORDER. IS THERE A WAY TO START AN INVESTIGATION SHOWING THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS FAULT? IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN FORCE SUBARU TO PAY FOR THIS?
Other or unspecified, Feb 29, 2016
RE: SERVICE BULLETIN NO.: SB-15-159-13 COMPONENT(S): STRUCTURE NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10051619 RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEEMS TO BE COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE MUD/SPLASH GUARD AND MAKING A NOISE WHEN GOING IN REVERSE AND WITH THE WHEEL TURNED TO THE FAR RIGHT. BODY SHOP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THIS. THIS STILL CONTINUES TO OCCUR SINCE EARLY JANUARY, 2015. PROBLEM REPLICATES THE ABOVE SB # AND NHTSA ID#.
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.
Service brakes, Nov 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND HESITATED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MASTER CYLINDER WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Nov 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 18, 2015, fire
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
Power train, Jun 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 10, 2015
WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, SUDDENLY THE CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE REQUIRED REPAIR WAS ONLY THE FORWARD OXYGEN SENSOR, A NON-EMERGENCY REPAIR. YET CRUISE CONTROL AND ABS WERE DISABLED, ABS BEING AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE. I WAS TOLD SUBARU HAS PURPOSELY PROGRAMED THE CAR THIS WAY. NOT ONLY WAS I UNABLE TO MAKE A DECISION AS TO THE CRITICAL NATURE OF THE ACTUAL REPAIR BUT HAD AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE DISABLED UNNECESSARILY.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 5, 2015
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM MASTRIA SUBARU OF RAYNHAM MA. IT HAD A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT WAS IN THE DRIVERS DIRECT VIEW OF THE ROAD.IT INITIALLY FAILED INSPECTION FOR THIS ,WE WERE TOLD TO COME BACK TO HAVE IT FIXED.THEY DID VERY LITTLE BUT MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE.THEN THEY PASSED IT FOR INSPECTION,WHEN I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER HE SAID IT WAS OUR PROBLEM HAVE YOUR INSURANCE FIX IT.NOW WE HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS VERY HARD TO DRIVE BECAUSE THERE IS A CRACK IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER.IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM?I KNOW FROM BEING A NY STATE INSPECTOR FOR 10 YEARS THAT IS NOT PASSABLE AND IS A DANGER TO THE DRIVER. *TR