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, Aug 30, 2021
Brakes failed on the highway and it appears to be the brake lines as outlined in a Subaru Brake Line Recall. Of course I own a 2012 Outback which was not covered and now have a very expensive repair bill. Subaru and the NHTSA annouced that the recalled models include the model year 2008 to 2011 Impreza, 2008 to 2014 WRX and STI and 2009 to 2013 Forester crossover SUV. All affected cars are currently or were formerly registered in the snowy states, where salt is applied to the roads. It was duly noted that these vehicles were previously subjected to another safety campaign, which was given the 14V-311 recall number.
Service brakes, Aug 11, 2021
I was driving to work and applied the brakes to slow the vehicle while descending a hill and the pedal went almost down to the floor before the brakes took hold. I got the vehicle under control and proceeded toward the stop sign. I attempted to applied the brakes again and the vehicle went nearly through the intersection before I could get the car stopped. This happened at two more stop signs before I was able to pull into a parking spot at work. After the first stop sign incident, I drove very slowly to work, so as to not use the brakes but for stopping. A mechanic has looked at the car and determined the master cylinder is bad. The part number has been recalled for some vehicles, but not for my car, as determined by the VIN. No warning lights are on. I had two other incidences, on different days, and weeks apart, where I was applying the brakes and went over bumps or holes in the road and brakes momentarily gave out, but after letting off the brake and reapplying pressure the brakes were normal again, and remained so for weeks until this latest episode. I had notified the mechanic at the earlier instances and they noted it might be a problem with my car-make.
Service brakes, Aug 1, 2021
Brake line failure. Burst under plastic gas tank cover.
Air bags, Jul 13, 2021
Good morning. Had to replace 3 car battery in 3 years, can not leave key in Ignition car goes dead, have to jump to start car more times I can remember. It's take more time to start, sometimes won't start. Had to call aaa road service. Airbag light came on. Tuck to subaru dealer in quincy ma. Came back with numerous codes on airbags failing and Electrical harness, Dealer advice replacing all air bags and harness.
Power train, May 10, 2021
THE VEHICLE STALLED A FEW TIMES IN 2017 AND 2018 WHILE SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE; AND WHILE COMING FROM A STOP, ON STEEP HILL, AND RELEASING BRAKE TO GET MOVING IN TRAFFIC. IT ALSO SHUDDERED RANDOMLY WHILE TRANSITIONING GEARS FROM PARK TO REVERSE/DRIVE OR REVERSE TO DIVE AND VICE VERSA. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO WE PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY IDENTIFIED IT AS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE THAT CAN BE RESOLVED VIA AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 70K MILES. THEY REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER, VALVE BODY AND STRAINER IN 2018. THE CAR RANDOMLY SHUDDERS SLIGHTLY BETWEEN SHIFTS FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AND VICE VERSA, BUT THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE PARTS COULD NOT IDENTIFY IT. I TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO COULD ALSO NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THERE WAS ONE TIME WHERE IT SHOOK NOTICEABLE AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY AND COMING TO A STOP BUT THE CAR DID NOT STALL. IN 2021, WITH THE CAR APPROACHING 97.5K IN MILES, STALLED WHEN I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE GETTING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT ON A BUSY STREET. IT RESTARTED AFTER I PUT INTO PARK AND WAS ABLE TO CHANGE GEARS AND GET OUT SAFELY. I NOTICED IT SHUDDERS WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM. SOMETIMES IT FEELS UNSAFE WHEN I AM TRYING TO GET OUT OF A PARKING SPOT ON A BUSY STREET OR ON A HILL. I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER WHO MADE THE WARRANTY REPAIR. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THEY CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY AND FOUND NO CODES ON THE ECU. THEY SAID THEY FELT A SLIGHT SHUDDER BUT THAT THIS IS NORMAL. THEY SAID I COULD TAKE IT FOR A SECOND OPINION BUT I DID THAT ALREADY AT ANOTHER DEALER PREVIOUSLY. I SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLAR TO TRY TO GET A DIAGNOSIS BUT TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE PROPERLY MAINTAINED THE CAR AS RECOMMENDED. IT FEELS VERY STRANGE THAT THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN BUT THE DEALER CANNOT REPLICATE AND IDENTIFY. SOMETIMES WE FEEL UNSAFE OR WORRIED THAT IT WILL STALL AT THE WRONG TIME.
Engine, Apr 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEWEY GRIFFIN SUBARU (1800 IOWA ST, BELLINGHAM, WA 98229, (360) 734-8700) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 19, 2021
I BOUGHT THIS CARD AT THE END OF MARCH AND ONLY FOR ONE WEEK IT REGISTERED THE CAR GOT FIRED AND BURNED WHILE DRIVING LAST FRIDAY AROUND 10PM. WHEN I CHECKED THE VIN#. THIS CAR HAS OVER 16 RECALLS
Service brakes, Apr 12, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEIR SON WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER HAD TO DROP THE VEHICLE INTO FIRST GEAR THEN CRASHED INTO THE CURB WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER RECEIVED A CHEST INJURY HOWEVER THERE WAS NO MEDICAL ATTENTION NEEDED. THE REAR PASSENGERS ALL OF WHICH WERE CHILDREN WERE NOT INJURED BUT ALL CAR SEATS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (WALKER MOTORS INC 265 RIVER ST, MONTPELIER, VT 05602; (802) 229-0391) WHO DIAGNOSED THE BRAKE LINE HAD CORRODED. THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LINE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THEIR VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Mar 27, 2021, crash
SUBARU OUTBACK (2012), WHEN STOPPED FOR 1-2 MINUTES, WITH THE ENGINE AND IGNITION OFF, AND THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK, ON A SLIGHT INCLINE (TO CHECK A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD) SUDDENLY ROLLED BACKWARDS AS I WAS LEANING IN TO RETRIEVE MY BAG. I WAS DRAGGED ACROSS THE NORMALLY BUSY ROAD, BARELY ABLE TO HANG ON (BY BOTH HANDS GRABBING ANYTHING I COULD INSIDE THE CAR). MY LEGS SCRAPED ON THE GROUND VIOLENTLY BURNING THOUGH MY SNEAKER THEN ANKLE FLESH AND GRAZED THE BONE BADLY. MY LEGS ON THE ROAD TURNED THE 1.5 TON VEHICLE A FEW DEGREES AS IT CAREENED UNDER RAPID ACCELERATION REACHING AN ESTIMATED 8-10 MPH BUMPING OVER 2 KERBS PULLED ME EVEN FURTHER OUT OF THE CAR, BUT STILL HANGING ON. LUCKILY THE OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR ENGAGED WITH A HEDGE WHICH RIPPED THE DOOR ALMOST OFF THE CAR AND TURNED THE CAR ANOTHER 35 DEGREES OR SO, AVOIDING A VIOLENT CRASH INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. INSTEAD THE CAR GRAZED A WOODEN POST (FURTHER SLOWING IT) THEN HIT A SECOND POST WHICH BROUGHT THE CAR TO A HARD STOP. THIS PUSHED ME OUT OF THE CAR ONTO A PATCH OF GRASS, BACK TO THE CAR. AN ENGINEERING ASSESSMENT LATER REVEALED THE SHIFT-INTERLOCK HAD FAILED (INVOLVING A COUPLE OF PARTS) SO THAT THE GEAR MAY BE SHIFTED (OR SHIFT ITSELF) WHEN THE ENGINE AND IGNITION ARE OFF WITH THE KEYS STILL IN. MY INJURIES INCLUDE ANKLE (ON A LEG WITH A HIP REPLACEMENT), PTSD (DIAGNOSED AS CAUSED 100% BY THE CRASH) AND EXACERBATION OF MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS CAUSING DEBILITATING BOUTS OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA AND WITH ADDITIONAL BRAIN DAMAGE (PROVEN BY INCREASED LESION LOAD ON MRI SCAN). THEREFORE THE VEHICLE FAILURE ON THIS MODEL IS ALSO POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL CAR. WE ALSO RESEARCHED AND FOUND ONE ALMOST IDENTICAL CASE WITH THE SAME MODEL, THE SAME ROLL-IN-PARK BUT FAR MORE SERIOUS INJURY AS THE DRIVER WAS KNOCKED DOWN BY THE DOOR, APPARENTLY AS THE CAR ROLLED OVER.
Power train, Mar 26, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING SOUND BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR SHIFTER TO NEUTRAL AND HAD ASSISTANCE FROM A BYSTANDER TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED BURLINGTON SUBARU (351 SHELBURNE RD, BURLINGTON, VT 05401) OF THE FAILURE, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A FRACTURED REVERSE FORK SHIFT IN THE REVERSE CORD AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,450.
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STANDSTILL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. AFTER ACTIVATING THE HORN FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS, THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO METROWEST SUBARU (948 WORCESTER ST, NATICK, MA 01760, (508)651-2000) WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO BRING THE VEHICLE THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000.
Engine, Feb 3, 2021
ON OCTOBER 16TH, 2020 WHILE DRIVING OUR 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY HUSBAND AND I PULLED OVER, LIFTED THE HOOD AND SAW STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE NEAR THE RADIATOR. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THE TECH STATED BOTH HEAD GASKETS WERE FAILING. THE VEHICLE HAD 156,000 MILES ON IT AND WE ENDED UP PAYING OVER $2500 IN REPAIR COSTS. BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE ON THE CAR, I DID NOT PLAN TO SUBMIT A REPOT TO THE NHTSA. HOWEVER, I WAS NOTIFIED BY A RELATIVE TODAY THAT HER 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA WITH ONLY 68,000 MILES JUST EXPERIENCED HEAD GASKET FAILURE AND THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED HER $4500 IN REPAIR. I HAVE ENCOURAGED HER TO SUBMIT THE ISSUE THROUGH NHTSA FOR FURTHER TRENDING PURPOSES AS I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE A SAFETY CONCERN WITH SUBARUS.
Power train, Jan 25, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INITIALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED SUBARU OF SPOKANE (423 W 3RD AVE, SPOKANE, WA 99201) AND RAIRDON'S SUBARU OF AUBURN (3025 AUBURN WAY N, AUBURN, WA 98002) AND WAS PROVIDED ESTIMATES FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. *BF
Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2021
CAR KEEPS OVERHEATING. NEEDED HEAD GASKETS - TWO TIMES WITHIN 2 1/2 YEARS! THAT PART SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE REPLACED ONCE NEVER MIND TWICE.
Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2021
ON 28 DECEMBER WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH 3 PEOPLE IN 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK, THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. NO ONE WAS HURT DURING THE INCIDENT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE SENT ME A COUPON FOR $200 TOWARDS REPAIR. THOUGHT THIS WAS A ONE-TIME ANOMALY, BUT ON 07 JANUARY (10 DAYS LATER) THE WINDOW ON DRIVER'S DOOR SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WITH TWO OF US IN THE CAR WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. NEITHER OF US WERE HURT. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP AND SUBARU HAS OFFERED $150 TOWARDS REPAIR COSTS. ONCE AGAIN NO RECALLS ARE IN EFFECT.
Electrical system, Dec 25, 2020
VEHICLE LIGHTS (ABS, CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE, ETC) REMAIN ON OR BLINKING AT ALL TIMES.
Engine, Dec 14, 2020
THE VEHICLE STALLS COMPLETELY UPON SLOWING DOWN. THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY AT STOP SIGNS, LIGHTS AND WHILE CROSSING A MAJOR ROAD AND WAITING HALFWAY ACROSS TO JOIN THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. SUBARU DEALER SAYS IT IS A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER BUT NO LONGER COVERED BY THE CVT WARRANTY EXTENSION. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE FIXED AT NO COST TO VEHICLE OWNER.
Engine, Dec 1, 2020
WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF A EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE CVT OF OUR OUTBACK. WE TOOK IT TO SUBARU DEALERSHIPS FOR MAINTANCE AND THEY FAILED TO TELL US ABOUT THE CVT GOING BAD CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN WE CONTACTED SUBARU CORPORATE THEY TOLD US THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NOW WE HAVE HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT WHEN IT WAS UNDER THE MILEAGE BECAUSE IT WAS SHOWING SIGNS OF THE CVT GOING BAD AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS NEGLIGENT IN LETTING US KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. NOW WE FEEL OUR VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND SUBARU IS NOT WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY KNEW ABOUT. WHEN WE FILL OUR TANK UP AT THE GAS STATION THE BREAK, TRACTION, CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS WILL BLINK AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL STOP WORKING WHILE THE LIGHTS ARE BLINKING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO DERREL WALTRUP DEALERSHIP IN NASHVILLLE TENNESSEE, SUBARU OF NASHVILLE AND SUBARU OF GALLITAN TN. ALL THREE DEALERSHIPS AGEED THAT THE ISSUE WITH OUR CAR IS DUE TO THE CVT WARRENTY ISSUE. WE ARE THE ONLY OWNERS OF THIS SUBARU AND HAVE TAKEN GREAT CARE OF IT. WE WANT SUBARU TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND FIX THE DEFECT SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO BE SAFE IN OUR CAR.
Power train, Engine, Nov 20, 2020
VEHICLE SHAKES AND SHUTTERS WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHER SPEEDS BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. STALLS OUT OFTEN WHEN APPROACHING STOP SIGNS AND RED LIGHTS.
Service brakes, Nov 4, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATE THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SPONGY WHILE BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. GANLEY WESTSIDE SUBARU (25730 LORAIN RD, NORTH OLMSTED, OH 44070) (888) 798-5035) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V562000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 17, 2020
MY 2012 SUBARU IS HAVING NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS - ALL DASH LIGHTS COME ON: IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING OVER BRIDGES OR SPEED BUMPS. STARTED ON 8/8/16 WHEN CAR BOGGED DOWN AND DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN HWY. 360. I TOOK IT TO MY REGULAR SUBARU AUTHORIZED REPAIR PLACE ' CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ON SUBLET RD. IN ARLINGTON. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS BROKEN EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION) SYSTEM. I HAPPENED AGAIN & I TOOK IT BACK. THE FINAL REPAIR FOR THAT PROBLEM WAS 'REPLACE MASS FLOW SENSOR & MAJOR FUEL INDUCTION SERVICE. THE DASH LIGHTS CONTINUED TO COME ON BUT THE CAR DIDN'T BOG DOWN ANYMORE. I TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE WHO RAN THE FREE DIAGNOSTIC. SO I TOOK IT BACK TO CHRISTIAN BROTHERS. THEY CHARGED ME $99 TO RUN A MORE DETAILED DIAGNOSTIC & STILL SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THERE WAS NO TEST OF THE EMISSIONS OTHER THAN THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC. I WAITED A LONG TIME & THE FIRST CODE THAT CAME UP WAS FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I SUSPECTED THAT THEY JUST DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO RESET THE LIGHTS) THE NEXT TIME I TOOK IT HILEY SUBARU 4/5/17 (FOR 60 K INSPECTION AND OIL CHANGE DATE). I ASKED THEM ABOUT THE DASH LIGHT PROBLEM. THE DASH LIGHTS WERE NOT ON THAT DAY BECAUSE I HAD LEARNED TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BUT THEY MENTIONED THAT THE 2012 OUTBACK RESEARCH INDICATED THAT 'REPOSITIONING THE BRAKE LINE' MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OF OCCURRENCES HAPPENING WHEN CROSSING BRIDGES. THEY DID THAT, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED ' NOT EVERY TIME I CROSSED THE BRIDGES, THOUGH. I TOOK IT TO 5 STAR SUBARU FOR THE 90 K INSPECTION 4/10/18 AND MENTIONED THE NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS. THEY INSISTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BECAUSE OF THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC. NEITHER DEALERSHIP WOULD GUARANTEE THAT REPLACING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL FIX THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS BUT THERE IS NO REAL EVIDENCE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE EMISSIONS.
Power train, Oct 11, 2020
VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING/SHUDDERING WHILE PRESSING ON THE BRAKES COMING TO A STOP, ENGINE HAS SHUT OFF TWICE DURING THIS. NO PATTERN HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED, APPEARS TO BE "RANDOM". WILL SLOW DOWN AT A STOP LIGHT AND RIGHT BEFORE THE COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE SHUDDERS THEN COMPLETELY DIES WITH NO WARNING. ALL THE LIGHTS POP UP ON THE DASHBOARD, BRAKE/GAS PEDAL QUITS WORKING UNLESS I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS AS IT IS RANDOM AND WITHOUT WARNING... DEALERSHIP STATES TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND PAID FOR BY SUBARU
Power train, Sep 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE VEHICLE WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND WHEN STOPPED WOULD SUDDENLY STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD IMMEDIATELY RESTART AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE ABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (HANANIA SUBARU OF ORANGE PARK 6400 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244; (855) 851-7200) WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000. INVALID VIN. *LN *TR
Power train, Sep 22, 2020
VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND STALLS WHEN BRAKING ON A CITY STREET, ESPECIALLY IN COLDER WEATHER (I FIRST NOTICED THIS IN THE WINTER OF 2018). ON SEPT. 13, 2020, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LURCHED FORWARD AS I PULLED OUT ON A CITY STREET AT LOWER SPEEDS. AFTER THIS OCCURRED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, OIL TEMP, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON ON THE DASH. DIAGNOSTIC SHOWED A P0700 AND P2764 ERROR CODES INDICATING A NEED FOR A VALVE BODY REPLACEMENT. SERVICE BULLETIN 16-107-17R INDICATED THAT WHEN REPLACING THE VALVE BODY A NEWLY DESIGNED PART SHOULD BE USED BECAUSE THE OLD PART DOES NOT WORK AS WELL. WHEN I CALLED SUBRARU, THEY DISCOURAGED ME FROM REPLACING THE VALVE BODY WITH THE ORIGINALLY DESIGNED PART EVEN IF IT WAS BRAND NEW. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT THIS REPAIR AND I FEEL THAT BECAUSE SUBRARU HAS A NEWLY DESIGNED VALVE BODY PART TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT THE RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR BUT SHOULD BE A CONSIDERED A RECALL INSTEAD.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Sep 16, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON (A02) FAULTY OCCUPANCY DETECTION SENSORS IN RIGHT FRONT SEAT. BOTTOM SEAT FRAME WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO RESOLVE ISSUES