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, Sep 9, 2020
FLASHING BRAKE LIGHT AND EBRAKE IS NOT ENGAGING. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE IS A STUCK DRUM BRAKE BY JACKING UP AND ROTATING BOTH REAR ROTORS. BOTH ROTORS MOVE FREELY. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE WAS RECALL ON 2012 MODELS BUT NOT ON MINE (2012 OUTBACK, 3.6 LIMITED. IT IS DRIVING OKAY BUT I AM AFRAID TO TAKE IT ON HIGHWAYS. LAST YEAR BRAKE LINING THICKNESS ON ALL FOUR TIRES WERE 7MM (SUBARU DEALERSHIP) AND I ONLY DROVE A MAXIMUM OF 10000 MILES. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT OTHER USERS FACE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH EBRAKE SYSTEM TOO.
Power train, Engine, Sep 1, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS ALSO A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF SAN BERNARDINO (645 AUTO CENTER DR S, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408, (909) 571-5480) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WORKED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO SUBARU OF ONTARIO (1195 AUTO CENTER DR, ONTARIO, CA 91761, (909) 487-8325) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2020
WHEN APPROACHING A STOP, THE ENGINE DIES. I'M AFRAID I WILL BE REAR ENDED. THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A LOW BATTERY SO I REPLACED IT AND IT STILL DOES A STUTTER THEN DIES. IF I LET OFF OF THE BREAK, SOMETIMES THAT KEEPS IT FROM STALLING. VERY CONCERNING IN TRAFFIC. HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR 6 MONTHS.
Seat belts, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 31, 2020, crash
VEHICLE REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT BECAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE/POTENTIAL ACCELERATION AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. THIS HAPPENED IN RAINY CONDITIONS, WHICH MY WIFE HAD NOTICED MANY WEEKS BEFORE. SUBSEQUENTLY, WE FOUND THESE RECALLS: AND LAWSUIT HTTPS://CARS.USNEWS.COM/CARS-TRUCKS/SUBARU/OUTBACK/2012/RELIABILITY HTTPS://WWW.CLASSACTION.ORG/NEWS/CLASS-ACTION-CLAIMS-SUBARU-CONCEALED-SUDDEN-ACCELERATION-DEFECT-IN-FORESTER-LEGACY-OUTBACK-MODELS#:~:TEXT=NEW%20JERSEY-,SUBARU%20OF%20AMERICA%2C%20INC.,FROM%20A%20SUDDEN%20ACCELERATION%20DEFECT.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 27, 2020
LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ARE ON ALL THE TIME BRAKES TRACTION ABS (ANTI BRAKE SYSTEM)ABOUT THE SAME TIME MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2020
BATTERY DRAIN VEHICLE MAY SIT 2 DAYS AND BATTERY IS DEAD EVERYTHING IS OFF IN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE CHECKED THE VEHICLE OUT AND CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BUT IT STILL HAPPENS AND HAVE TO CHARGE THE BATTERY UP AGAIN AND AGAIN.
Power train, Jun 6, 2020
INTERMITTENT DASH LIGHTS FLASHING ON MY SUBARU 2012 OUTBACK, PROMPTED ME TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR DIAGNOSIS. SUBARU IS NOTORIOUS FOR DASH LIGHTS FLASHING WHEN THERE MIGHT BE AN ISSUE. BROUGHT CAR IN BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ISSUE IN ABOUT 3 INSTANCES.I DID THE FLASHING LIGHTS RESET, BUT CAME BACK ON. WHEN LIGHTS FLASH, MANY OTHER CAR FUNCTIONS CEASE, SUCH AS CRUISE CONTROL, MANUAL GEAR FUNCTION GOES INOP, ETC. PLUS FLASHING LIGHTS DISGUISE OTHER ISSUES THAT MAY BE GOING ON AS WELL (SUCH AS BRAKES), PLUS VERY SCARY IN ITSELF. HISTORICALLY, I AM TRACKING THAT SUBARU HAS HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THIS AND NO TIME OR REASON OF WHAT COULD CAUSE THESE PROBLEMS OR EVEN A SOLUTION FROM THEM. SUBARU FINALLY SAID I HAVE CVT ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE PIECE IT CAUSE THIS TO SLOW DOWN IN THE CAR AND CONCERNED THAT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION WILL GO OUT DECIDE TO GIVE THEM A CALL TRYING TO GET THE ISSUE RESOLVE BUT WAS TOLD I WAS OUT OF THE WARRANTY!. THERE WAS A LETTER SEND TO ME THAT EXTENDED FROM 60K MILES TO 100K JUST RECENTLY, BUT SUBARU SAID MY CAR JUST MISSED THE WARRANT WORK/RECALL BY 4K MILES WHICH I THINK IS QUITE CONCERNING SINCE IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS AN ISSUE (RECALL). DOES THE ISSUE STOP AT 100K? *TR
Power train, Jun 3, 2020
INTERMITTENT DASH LIGHTS FLASHING ON MY SUBARU 2012 OUTBACK, PROMPTED ME TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR DIAGNOSIS. SUBARU IS NOTORIOUS FOR DASH LIGHTS FLASHING WHEN THERE MIGHT BE AN ISSUE. BROUGHT CAR IN BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ISSUE. FLASHING LIGHTS RESET, BUT CAME BACK ON. WHEN LIGHTS FLASH, MANY OTHER CAR FUNCTIONS CEASE, SUCH AS CRUISE CONTROL, MANUAL GEAR FUNCTION GOES INOP, ETC. PLUS FLASHING LIGHTS DISGUISE OTHER ISSUES THAT MAY BE GOING ON AS WELL (SUCH AS BRAKES), PLUS VERY DISTRACTING IN ITSELF. HISTORICALLY, I AM TRACKING SUBARU HAS HAD MANY ISSUES WITH THIS AND NO RHYME OR REASON OF WHAT COULD CAUSE THESE. ANYHOW, SUBARU FINALLY SAID I HAVE A POWER TRAIN ISSUE, BAD SOLENOID THAT IS CAUSING IRREGULAR SHIFTING OR NO SHIFTING TO A HIGHER GEAR. IT CAUSES A VIBRATION IN THE CAR AND CONCERNED THAT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION WILL GO OUT. THERE WAS A RECALL THAT EXTENDED FROM 60K MILES TO 100K JUST RECENTLY, BUT SUBARU SAID MY CAR JUST MISSED THE WARRANT WORK/RECALL BY 14K MILES WHICH I THINK IS QUITE CONCERNING SINCE IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS AN ISSUE (RECALL). DOES THE ISSUE STOP AT 100K? I ATTACHED THE RESPONSE FROM SUBARU. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 3, 2020
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE SUDDENLY CHANGED ON ME, WHICH REQUIRED ME TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO STOP THE CAR. VERY ALARMING AT THE TIME AND IF I WERE NOT AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ISSUE. THE ISSUE RESOLVED ITSELF BRIEFLY BUT HAS NOW REMAINED IN IT CURRENT STATE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO JUDGE WHAT BRAKE PRESSURE TO APPLY -- A DEFINITE SAFETY CONCERN. UNTIL I CAN GET THIS ISSUE FIXED, I HAD TO KEEP THE CAR PARKED. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN IMMEDIATE DIAGNOSIS. SHOP SAID THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER APPEARS TO BE FAILING. THEY ALSO ADVISED ME THAT THIS WAS UNDER A SUBARU RECALL, HOWEVER, WHEN ASKING A NEARBY SUBARU DEALER, THEY SAID THE RECALL DIDN'T APPLY. I FOUND THAT TROUBLING SINCE THE RECALL AFFECTS 2012 SUBARU MODELS AND IS A VERY CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUE IF NOT RESOLVED. (NOTE: I UPLOADED THE RECALL PRINTOUT THAT OUTLINES THE ISSUE). *TR
Service brakes, May 30, 2020
BRAKE LINE NEAR REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HAS CORRODED TO THE POINT WHERE THE LINE IS LEAKING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON OLDER MODELS BUT THIS YEAR DOES NOT HAVE THE RECALL ON IT. *TR
Service brakes, May 29, 2020
REAR BRAKE LINE ON PASSENGER SIDE IS CORRODED AND LEAKING BADLY. *TR
Power train, May 28, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Exterior lighting, May 28, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BULBS IN THE HEADLAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED QUITE FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER SUBARU (1592 NJ-38, LUMBERTON, NJ 08048) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 8, 2020
WHEN I BE DRIVING, AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, OR A STOP. MY CAR STALLS OUT. THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN, WHEN A DO A QUICK STOP. I BEGAN,NOTICING THIS CONDITION ABOUT A FEW MONTHS AGO,,APPROXIMATELY JANUARY 2020. *TR
Power train, Engine, Apr 9, 2020
VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND STALLS WHEN BRAKING HARD. IT WILL NOT STALL ON A GRADUAL STOP BUT WILL STALL IN ANY SITUATION WHEN STOPPING QUICKLY. DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A PANIC STOP TO STALL, JUST HARD BRAKING. RESULTING STALL MEANS LOSS OF POWER BRAKES AND STEERING. HAVE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND RESTART VEHICLE. HAS NO ISSUES WHEN RUNNING OR DRIVING. ENGINE RUNS VEY SMOOTH AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AS I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. IT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND REPEATABLE IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. NO COMPUTER CODES SET FOR THIS ISSUE. YET IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME THERE IS HARD BRAKING WHICH IS EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM AFRAID TO HAVE MY WIFE AND SON DRIVE IT MUCH LESS MYSELF.
Power train, Mar 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER HILL SUBARU LOCATED AT (4710 MILLER TRUNK HWY, DULUTH, MN 55811, (218) 722-5337) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Power train, Mar 8, 2020
TRANSMISSION JERKS. THEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ARE FLASHING. TRAC CONTROL,BRAKE LOIGHT AND CRUISE LIGHT FLASHING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION!CHECKED INTERNET AND MANY YEARS AND MODELS HAVE SAME PROBLEM. REPAIR COST OF PARTS ALONE OVER $900 HAPPENS WHILE ACCELERATING.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 30, 2020, fire
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN LIGHTS ON DASH STARTED FLASHING ON & OFF, CRUISE, BRAKE, CHECK ENGINE, THE TEMPERATURE LIGHT WAS FLASHING BLUE & RED. I PULLED OVER TO MAKE SURE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS OFF. TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AND CHECKED GAS CAP WAS TIGHT AS I HAD GOOGLED WHY IT MIGHT BE FLASHING. I CONTINUED FOR ANOTHER MILE AND ENGINE STARTED MAKING CLICKING NOISE WHEN I PRESSED GAS. I PULLED OVER AND STOPPED, CAR LIGHTS WERE STILL FLASHING AND IT BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER HOOD. SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND WE GOT OUT IMMEDIATELY AND ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE.
Power train, Jan 11, 2020
VEHICLE STALLED OUT SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING. ONCE WHEN BRAKING HARD AFTER A CAR CUT IN FRONT OF ME AND THE SECOND WHEN STOPPING QUICKLY AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CAR ALSO SHUTTERS A LITTLE WHEN IDLING. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I HAD A $3K TRANSMISSION REPAIR LAST YEAR. THEY SAID THE TORQUE CONVERTER WOULD BE $1700. THE CAR HAS 178,000 MILES AND HAS REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS TIME TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT A NEW CAR. WHAT?! I KNOW IN THE PAST THESE CARS WOULD EASILY MAKE IT TO 300K MILES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Power train, Jan 6, 2020
THE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IF THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED YOU CAN AVOID THE STALL BUT THIS IS NOT ALWAYS FEASIBLE. THE SUDDEN STALL OUT IS VERY UNSAFE AS IT TAKES PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, RESTARTING, PUTTING IN DRIVE TO MOBILIZE THE VEHICLE AGAIN.
Power train, Dec 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND REDUCING THE SPEED TO 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF GLENDALE (1308 S. BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Dec 12, 2019
MY CAR OFTEN GETS STUCK WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON AND I CANNOT MOVE THE CAR FORWARD OR BACKWARD. MOST TIMES I HAVE A CARLOAD OF GROCERIES AND NEED TO GET THEM TO THE FREEZER OR REFRIGERATOR. COMPUTER ENGINE ANALYSIS...... ABS C0054 BRAKE SWITCH ON MALFUNCTION C0057 ECM CONTROL...... EPB C0252 MOTOR MALFUNCTION DETAIL CODE 50A0 ..... C0234 VDC FAILURE DETAIL CODE C111..... C0242 POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE FAILURE DETAIL CODE. I HAVE REPLACED BRAKES, REPLACED TIRES, CHECKED FLUID, CHECKED FUSES, ETC.
Service brakes, Nov 14, 2019
BRAKE LINE CORRODED. THIS IS A KNOWN SUBARU ISSUE, BUT RECALLS HAVE NOT AFFECTED THE 2012 OUTBACK AS OF YET; WANTED TO REPORT THIS AS A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE. CAR IS IN A SNOWY REGION BUT ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE REGULARLY TAKEN CARE OF.
Power train, Nov 13, 2019
I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO SHUT OFF WHEN BRAKING. I'VE ALSO EXPERIENCED ISSUES WHERE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOCK UP. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2018 WHO POINTED ME TO A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ADDRESSING THE SAME ISSUES I WAS HAVING: TSB 16-90-13R, AND RECOMMENDED I GO TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS, AND REPAIR POTENTIALLY UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. I DID TAKE MY VEHICLE AND GET A TRANSMISSION FLUSH WHICH SEEMED TO ALLEVIATE THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE, OR SEE ANY RELATED CODES; THERE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE ANY RECORD OF THIS ISSUE RECORDED EXCEPT FOR A RELATED WARRANTY REQUEST FOR SEAT REPAIR. NOW THAT I AM EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE AGAIN, I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY GAVE ME THE SAME RESPONSE AND I ESCALATED TO SOA ASKING FOR HELP GETTING THIS TRANSMISSION REPAIRED. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THE SAME AS THE DEALERSHIP'S RESPONSE - THAT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE, AND THEY WILL NOT PERFORM THE REPAIR. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, I AM STILL EXPERIENCING THE ISSUE FROM TIME TO TIME, AND I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE. MY WIFE PRIMARILY DRIVES THIS VEHICLE TO TAKE MY CHILDREN TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. THE LAST TIME THIS ISSUE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT THE GYM, AND I HAD TO DROP EVERYTHING TO GO PICK UP MY CHILD FROM SCHOOL. MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, WAITING FOR A MINUTE, AND STARTING AGAIN. THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO OCCUR AT LOW RPMS REGARDLESS IF IT IS PARKED, OR ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAYS.
Power train, Nov 3, 2019
WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY LOST POWER IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO THEN STOP AGAIN. I HAD A SEMI RIGHT BEHIND ME THAT ALMOST RAN OVER THE TOP OF ME. AS I MADE IT TO MY EXIT IT BEGAN MAKING NOISE. I DROVE IT STRAIGHT INTO MY MECHANIC WHO THOROUGHLY INSPECTED IT AND SAID THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED.