Page 2 of 6 · complaints 51–100 of 295

2012 Subaru Outback complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2012 record →

Engine
Filed Sep 24, 2021CA

I experienced issues with the engine of my 2012 Subaru Outback shutting down at times when coming to a stop, and also stalling/idling when accelerating (such as when entering freeway). My engine light and brake light also turned on at the same time. Very concerned, I took it in to the local Subaru service center at around 112,000 miles. They inspected the car and replaced 2 spark plugs, and must have restart the computer to turn the warning lights off. Recently at 117,000 after entering the freeway at night , my car roughly idled and the stalled and would not properly accelerate, almost causing me to crash as it happened suddenly while driving on freeway. The engine light was flashing and brake light came on as well. I immediately pulled over. After the Subaru inspection the next day, I was told that this was being caused by the torque converter and is a known issue on this model. This is a very dangerous issue, I believe that if this incident would have happened the next morning while on my commute instead of at the less busy hour at night, a crash would have occurred. I believe a recall is warranted on this dangerous issue as it is known by Subaru that this issue affects certain models and they will not provide much help to customers if they are past the extended warranty. The issue can occur past the 100,000 mile mark on an otherwise good condition and well cared for vehicle. This puts the customer and other drivers at great risk. I am very concerned and upset about the da

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 2021GA

Battery drains quickly. had to replace battery three times in two years

Power Train
Filed Sep 16, 2021UT

Torque Converter issue consistent with Subaru Service Bulletin 16-90-13. Although Subaru issued a service bulletin with extended warranty rather than a recall, I want to document this as an ongoing problem with the model year and still a dangerous one. 08/09/2021 the vehicle shuddered while coming to a stop at a light, like the RPMs were dropping too low. At the next light, the vehicle shuddered and stalled while coming to a stop at the light. I was able to restart the vehicle after I realized the engine was dead and I needed to put the vehicle back into park before it would turnover. I couldn't immediately identify what I needed to do to restart, since the car won't turnover in drive, so I was stalled for a cycle of the stoplight. A few days later, the vehicle again shuddered and stalled while coming to a stop at a light. I had been driving for maybe 3 minutes from a cold start. I was again able to restart the vehicle. The second stall definitely felt like a transmission issue, and matched the description of a bad torque converter (technical service bulletin 16-90-13) for this model year. I had the issue diagnosed at my local Subaru dealership, and they identified it as being consistent with a bad torque converter, possibly requiring replacement of the valve body assembly if torque converter replacement was ineffective. I had the torque converter replaced by a Subaru dealership on 09/15/2021. My vehicle is outside the extended warranty period. I've made several stops without

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 30, 2021MA

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
Filed Aug 11, 2021PA

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
Filed Aug 1, 2021OH

Brake line failure. Burst under plastic gas tank cover.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 2021MA

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
Filed May 10, 202197,380 milesCA

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

Engine
Filed Apr 22, 2021155,000 milesWA

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
Filed Apr 19, 2021MA

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 BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 12, 2021112,000 milesVT

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.

Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 27, 202147,000 milesTN

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 BRAI

Power Train
Filed Mar 26, 2021117,450 milesVT

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 › Ignition
Filed Feb 23, 202156,000 milesMA

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
Filed Feb 3, 2021156,000 milesAZ

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
Filed Jan 25, 2021130,000 milesWA

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

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 24, 2021CT

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 8, 2021166,000 milesAZ

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
Filed Dec 25, 2020125,000 milesTN

VEHICLE LIGHTS (ABS, CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE, ETC) REMAIN ON OR BLINKING AT ALL TIMES.

Engine
Filed Dec 14, 2020130,000 milesMD

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
Filed Dec 1, 2020TN

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.

Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2020155,000 milesMA

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
Filed Nov 4, 202082,000 milesOH

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)
Filed Oct 17, 202067,977 milesTX

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

Power Train
Filed Oct 11, 2020112,000 milesNV

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
Filed Sep 29, 2020166,000 milesFL

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
Filed Sep 22, 2020102,000 milesVA

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
Filed Sep 16, 2020146,000 milesVA

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

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 9, 2020TX

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 202087,000 milesCA

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.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Aug 31, 2020111,000 milesFL

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 31, 2020189,000 milesCO

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 27, 2020160,000 milesNY

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
Filed Aug 23, 2020AR

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
Filed Jun 6, 202095,000 milesUT

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

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 3, 2020114,000 milesFL

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

Power Train
Filed Jun 3, 2020113,000 milesFL

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
Filed May 30, 2020164,000 milesMA

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
Filed May 29, 2020160,000 milesMA

REAR BRAKE LINE ON PASSENGER SIDE IS CORRODED AND LEAKING BADLY. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed May 28, 2020175,000 milesNJ

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.

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Filed May 28, 202090,000 milesMI

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.

Engine
Filed May 8, 2020121,000 milesWA

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

Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2020114,000 milesOH

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
Filed Mar 20, 2020105,000 milesMN

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
Filed Mar 8, 2020120,000 milesNY

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 SystemFire
Filed Jan 30, 2020170,000 milesWA

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
Filed Jan 11, 2020178,000 milesNM

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
Filed Jan 6, 2020139,000 milesMD

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 › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Dec 13, 2019162,000 milesTN

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 12, 2019115,405 milesSC

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.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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