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.
Service brakes, Jan 31, 2013
DROVE DOWN A SHORT HILL UNDER ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. VEHICLE ACCELERATED TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. APPLIED BRAKES BUT THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM DID NOT WORK TO STOP THE CAR. LUCKILY, DID NOT CRASH INTO THE APPROACHING BARRIER. HAD TWO (2) CHILDREN WITH ME. NO ONE WAS INJURED. TOLD DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN. WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT RECEIVE ONE FROM NHTSA. *TR
Steering, Jan 3, 2013
THIS 2012 VEHICLE PRESENTED ISSUES FROM THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. AFTER 4 REPAIR ATTEMPTS I WORKED OUT A REPLACEMENT WITH SUBARU OF NORTH AMERICA BY SHARING THE DEPRECIATION LOSS OUT OF DESPERATION. WE REPLACE IT WITH A 2013 OUTBACK IDENTICAL TO THE 2012 EXCEPT FOR COLOR.. THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN THE 2012 AND THE 2013 IS THAT BOTH THE VEHICLE WANDER ALL OVER THE ROAD. YOU NEED TO KEEP ALL YOUR ATTENTION ON KEEPING IT FOLLOWING THE ROAD CAUSING EXTREME FATIGUE. IT IS DESCRIBED BY ME AS HEAVY, DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AND IN EVEN SLIGHT TURNS THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLS IN THE DIRECTION YOU ARE TRAVELING WHICH IS STARTLING LIKE HITTING BLACK ICE. TAKING YOUR EYES TO EVEN THE SIDE MIRRORS FOR LANE CHANGES OFFERS THE VEHICLE TO INVITE ITSELF INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS REPLACEMENT 2013 I NOW HAVE STARTED PRESENTING THESE SYMPTOMS AFTER ABOUT THE FIRST 500 MILES. THERE IS A THREAD ON THE MATTER ON THE SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG FORUM WITH OVER 450 REPLIES ON THE MATTER. HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANE-WANDERING.HTML THE RESPONSES ON PAGE 45 DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM PRETTY WELL. MY RESPONSES ARE UNDER JOEM. ONE RESPONSE #442 WAS "AND NOW, AT 17 MONTHS & 25K MIS, WE STILL HAVE A 'NEW' CAR THAT STEERS LIKE A DRUNK PUSHING A SHOPPING CART WITH A BAD WHEEL..." HOW SAD IS THAT? PLEASE, LOOK INTO THE MATTER BECAUSE IF SOMEONE DIDN'T GET HURT ALREADY SOMEONE WILL. THE LAST 60 MILE DRIVE WAS UNBELIEVABLY EXHAUSTING. THIS IS NOW MY THIRD SUBARU SO I AM NOT NEW TO SUBARU AND/OR AWD. OR FIRST WAS A 2006 FORESTER AND AFTER 5.5 YEARS AND 60,000 IT WAS FLAWLESS BUT WE OUT GREW ITS SIZE. I OFFER YOUR ORGANIZATION THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT AND DRIVE MY VEHICLE TO PERSONALLY EXPERIENCE WHAT I AM DESCRIBING. I CAN AFFORD TO TRADE THIS CAR AT ANYTIME BUT I DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANYONE TO GET HURT OF LOSE THEIR LIFE. THANK YOU *TR
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.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 1, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE REAR OF THE CAR STARTED TO WANDER FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, IT ACTED LIKE IT WAS FLOATING ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK THE NEXT EXIT TO CHECK FOR A TIRE LOSING AIR PRESSURE OR LOOSE LUG NUTS. THEY WERE FINE. I SLOWED DOWN TO 50 -55 MPH FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP. EVERY BRIDGE AND OVERPASS I SLOWED DOWN TO 50 MPH AND YET THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP SIDE WAYS. THE HIGHWAY WAS WET FROM A RECENT SNOWFALL, APPARENTLY THERE WAS SOME ICE ON THE ROAD. OTHER CARS/TRUCKS WERE GOING AT 65 MPH+. . I HAVE NEVER FELT THAT "FLOATING" IN MY 45 YEARS OF DRIVING THRU SNOW AND ICE. *TR
Air bags, Dec 5, 2012, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE, CAUSING INJURIES TO THE CONTACT'S CHEST. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE AIR BAG FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Steering, Oct 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ABNORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DECIDED TO SEND A TECHNICIAN TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
Power train, Sep 6, 2012
DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 40MPH, NO ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION. CAR WITHOUT WARNING SUDDENLY STOPPED, AS IF IT HAD SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND I HAD SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. WHEN I PRESSED ON GAS THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE BUT DID MAKE REVVING SOUNDS. I LOOKED AT GEAR SHIFT AND IT WAS NO LONGER IN DRIVE. I THINK IT WAS IN MANUAL. I DOUBT I HAD ACCIDENTALLY MOVED THE GEAR SHIFT BECAUSE I WAS NOT MOVING AROUND IN MY SEAT AND I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT, NOT TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC (CVT). I'VE ONLY DRIVEN TWO MILES SINCE BUT IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING FINE NOW. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2012
SITUATION: TRAVELING AT 60MPH UP A STEEP HILL ON I70 WEST BOUND IN LEFT PASSING LANE. CARS FOLLOWING CLOSE, AND CARS IN THE RIGHT LANE. FOR THE FIRST TIME (NEW CAR) I USED THE DOWNSHIFT PADDLE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO DOWNSHIFT TO ACCELERATE. I TAPPED IT TO DOWNSHIFT ONE GEAR. IT INSTANTLY DROPPED TO 1ST GEAR. THE ENGINE RPMS WENT TO RED LINE OR ABOVE. THE CAR DECELERATED DRAMATICALLY, AND I WAS TOSSED FORWARD. I ATTEMPTED TO UPSHIFT USING THE RIGHT PADDLE BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE, AND THE CAR REMAINED IN FIRST GEAR. THE CAR BEHIND NEARLY HIT ME. THE ONLY USEFUL CONTROL THAT I HAD WAS THE STEERING WHEEL (BRAKES OR ACCELERATOR USELESS). FURTHER, I ASSUMED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT LIT. DUE TO THE ALERTNESS OF THE DRIVER BEHIND AND THE DRIVERS TO MY RIGHT AS I SLOWED DRAMATICALLY AND GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED. DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE LIT, BRAKE LIGHT FLASHING, ETC. CAR WAS TOWED TO FLATIRONS SUBARU IN BOULDER, CO. THERE THE COMPUTER DATA LOGGING CONFIRMED BOTH MY SPEED AND THE RPMS AT REDLINE OR ABOVE. THEY WERE UNABLE EITHER TO REPRODUCE THIS BEHAVIOR, OR TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WERE TOLD BY SUBARU THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAD BEEN KNOWN TO HAPPEN, AND THEN TOLD TO REINITIALIZE THE "ADAPTIVE" PORTION OF THE COMPUTER, WHICH I BELIEVE THEY DID. OVERALL, I WAS TOLD THAT "THIS COULDN'T HAPPEN BECAUSE THERE WERE SAFETY LOCKS TO PREVENT IT". WHEN THE RECORDED DATA CONFIRMED MY DESCRIPTION, I THINK THE MECHANICS WERE VERY SURPRISED, AND DID TRY HARD TO UNDERSTAND THIS. I WOULDN'T ACCEPT THE VEHICLE BACK BECAUSE I AM OF THE OPINION THAT IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHY SOMETHING HAPPENED, YOU CAN'T BE SURE IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 23, 2012
IN EARLY DECEMBER OF 2011 MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH A 4 CYLINDER ENGINE, CVT TRANSMISSION. WE HAD TO WAIT A DAY FOR OUR OUTBACK BECAUSE IT WAS BEING REPAIRED DO TO A BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL. EVER SINCE PURCHASING THE OUTBACK WE HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN USING THE PADDLE SHIFTERS TO SLOW DOWN FOR A STOP. WHEN THE TACH SLOWS TO ABOUT 1100 RPM IN FIRST OR SECOND GEAR THE ENGINE THEN ACCELERATES TO UP TO 2500 RPM, SLOWING DOWN AND THEN SPEEDING UP AGAIN THEN REPEATING THE CYCLE OVER EVEN IF YOU APPLY THE BRAKES. SOMETIMES IT WOULD JUST RUN AT 2500 RPM UNTIL YOU BRAKED TO A STOP. I TOOK THE OUTBACK TO OUR DEALER AND THE SUBARU SERVICE ADVISOR WAS VERY SURPRISED WHEN I DROVE IT TO DEMONSTRATE THE VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. IT DID EXACTLY AS I HAVE DESCRIBED AND EVEN STAYED AT 2500 RPM. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND WHO I PRESUME WAS THE OVERALL MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE WITHOUT ME. WHEN THEY RETURNED I WAS TOLD THAT THE WAY IT OPERATED WAS THE WAY IT WAS SUPPOSED TO OPERATE BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE NEEDING TO BE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. I STATED I DID NOT REALLY BELIEVE THAT EXCUSE AND LEFT. SINCE THAT FIRST VISIT, THE OUTBACK HAS STARTED DOING THE VERY SERIOUS ACCELERATION ISSUE ALSO IN AUTOMATIC DRIVE AT LOW SPEEDS. I RETURNED ON JULY 19, 2012 TO GET MY FIRST SERVICE DONE. I LEFT THE CAR FOR THE SERVICE AND TESTED AN EXACT (EXCEPT FOR COLOR) 2012 OUTBACK. THIS OUTBACK HAD NONE OF THE VERY SERIOUS ACCELERATION ISSUES THAT MY OUTBACK HAS. WHEN RETURNING TO PICKUP MY OUTBACK I TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR OF THIS OUTCOME AND HE STATED I WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT SUBARU OF AMERICA TO ELEVATE THE ISSUE. RESPOND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS TO WHERE I CAN TAKE THE OUTBACK FOR REPAIR OF THIS VERY SERIOUS ACCELERATION ISSUE. MY WIFE AND I WILL BE TRAVELING VIA THE OUTBACK VERY SOON AND NEED THIS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE RESOLVED BEFORE WE LEAVE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 13, 2012
VEHICLE STOPPED CRUISE CONTROL & FLASHED BRAKES & NO TRACTION CONTROL UNEXPECTEDLY. CAME CLOSE TO A WRECK SHUTTING THE VEHICLE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD HITTING VARIOUS TIRE RECAPS & DEBRIS ON THE SIDE. OF THE ROAD. NOT TOLD THAT THIS IS A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
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
Air bags, Jun 21, 2012
DROVE THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES, MADE A QUICK STOP WITH CAR TURN OFF, WHEN RESTARTING CAR, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT SAID IT WAS OFF EVEN THOUGHT THEIR WAS AN ADULT PASSENGER ON THAT SIDE OF THE CAR. LIGHT STAYED ON EVEN AFTER RESTARTING CAR, READJUSTING SEATBELTS, ETC. DROVE WITH WARNING LIGHT ON FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, STOPPED FOR A MINUTE, TURNED OFF CAR AND WHEN STARTING CAR, THE WARNING LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SAID IT WAS ON. TOOK TO DEALER NEXT DAY, GOT CODE DTC29. OCCUPANCY DETECTION SYSTEM GOT RECALIBRATED AND ZEROED AND DID NOT COME BACK ON. *TT
Steering, May 11, 2012
WANDERS, VERY DIFFICULT TO HOLD STRAIGHT LINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DANGEROUS, VERY TOUCHY STERING. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2012
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS VERY POOR STRAIGHT LINE STABILITY. VEHICLE WANDERS WITHIN THE LANE AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL CORRECTION TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT DIRECTION. VEHICLE 500 MILES ON IT (350 DRIVEN BY OWNER) BUT IS NOW SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR FEAR OF PERSONAL SAFETY IF EMERGENCY MANEUVER IS NECESSARY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Power train, Mar 12, 2012, crash
I WAS SETTING THE HOMELINK MIRROR ON MY CAR TO RECOGNIZE A PARTICULAR GARAGE DOOR OPENER. THE MIRROR IS POWERED SO I NEEDED TO LEAVE THE CAR IDLING. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND BEGAN THE PROGRAMMING PROCESS. THE LAST STEP IN THE PROCESS IS TO ENGAGE THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER FROM THE MOTOR HEAD. TO PREPARE TO DO THIS, I EXITED THE CAR AND MOVED ON FOOT INTO THE GARAGE TO LOOK FOR A STEP LADDER. AS I WAS SEARCHING FOR A STEP LADDER AND AFTER A PERIOD OF AT LEAST ONE FULL MINUTE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO "DRIVE" AT WHICH POINT THE UNOCCUPIED CAR DROVE INTO THE GARAGE AND HIT THE REAR WALL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jan 27, 2012
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL. WE HAD ONLY 2 INCHES OF SNOW DURING THE DAY, THE HWY. WAS MOSTLY CLEAR EXCEPT FOR SOME PACKED SNOW BECAUSE OF COLD TEMPS. BUT IT WAS MOSTLY CLEAR. WE COULD NOT KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT, IT WAS CONSTANTLY SWERVING. WE COULD NOT GO MORE THAN 45 MPH. ALL THE OTHER TRAFFIC WAS GOING AT NORMAL SPEED. NOBODY WAS SWERVING OR SPINNING OUT. WE WERE DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE HWY BECAUSE EVERYBODY HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES BEHIND US AND THEN GO AROUND. WE HAD TO EXIT AT THE NEXT OFF RAMP. EVEN WHEN COASTING DOWN HILL THE CAR WAS SWERVING OUT OF CONTROL. I HAVE NEVER OPERATED A VEHICLE LIKE THIS BEFORE, WE ARE VERY LUCKY THAT NOBODY REAR-ENDED US OR THAT WE PUT THE CAR IN A DITCH. THIS IS A VERY SEVERE PROBLEM. ALSO I MENTIONED THIS TO 3 SEPARATE EMPLOYEES AT THE DEALERSHIP, 2 ARE MANAGERS AND 1 IS A SERVICE TECH AND ALL 3 SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF "GHOSTWALKING". WHAT A PILE OF CRAP! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V562000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES) AND HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,464 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500.