2012 SUBARU OUTBACK Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Outback. This model year has 290 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Subaru Outback Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Considering a 2012 Subaru Outback?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Subaru Outback. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 107 | 4 | 1 | β | |
| Engine Problems | 52 | β | 3 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 39 | 6 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 37 | 1 | 5 | β | |
| Brake System | 37 | 3 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 24 | β | 2 | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 18 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 2 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 290 most recent complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 89,000. It was later discovered, when the title arrived, that the mileage on the β¦
The brake pedal suddenly went almost to the floor while attempting to stop. Researching I found there was a recall. NHTSA Recall No. 11V-562. My car was not apparently among the ones being recalled, yet this problem is exactly as described in the bulletin. The component in questiβ¦
I took my Outback to my local highly respectable mechanic on August 20, 2025 as I needed the oil changed and the concern I had about having to add brake fluid twice in the past 4 months. He inspected my car immediately and he refused to let me drive it out of his shop as there isβ¦
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In addition, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Theβ¦
When coming to a stop, the car shudders and often stalls just like if you didn't press in the clutch on a manual transmission. No warning lights or messages. See details in TSB- 16-90-13R. Subaru knows about this issue and it has been reported in many vehicles. My car was at a Suβ¦
Vehicle stalls when stopping. This is a huge safety issue because stalling at intersections can cause accidents. Dealership diagnosed a faulty torque converter. This torque converter (it should be part number 31100AB170) issue is widely known in this production series of the Subaβ¦
The last incident? I couldn't recover my intentions. (Incidents of random acceleration seem to only happen when I am turning). The last incident occurred in my mall parking lot.. I was about to turn and suddenly the car shot forward. I could have fought to maintain my turn but thβ¦
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that vehicle was consistently burning out the headlight bulbs. The contact stated that within 3-years he had replaced the driver's and the passengerβs side headlight bulbs 7 times, and following one failure the passengerββ¦
While driving on the highway, we were forced to brake swiftly. As a result, the known issue of the torque converter in this model of car caused the engine to stall in the middle lane of the highway and almost causing our deaths as multiple tractor-trailers had to swerve to avoidβ¦
The warning lights stay on constantly. I have changed the mass flow air sensor, O2 sensors, serpentine belt, gas cap, treated the fuel system and the lights are still on. This is a common problem with Subaru Outback Owners.
Rear four way brake junction is completely corroded and leaking fluid causing a complete loss of braking. This appears to be the exact same issue as referenced in this recall [XXX] ) that affects previous model years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION β¦
Just after 100k mile service, car began to shutter when slowing and then stalls at stops. Eventually after I leave it in neutral for up to 2-20 min it will finally restart. First time it happened it wouldnβt start. I had to push vehicle out of major intersection to avoid being hiβ¦
Car was involved in a head on collision [XXX] with a concrete exit barrier after being pushed into the lane by a driver trying to in front of them trying to make a last second dash for the exit. Not sure if the driver was in blind spot, but the vehicle trying to merge did use tuβ¦
Subframe is rusted out and causing control arm wobble which I cannot control the steering correctly
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated, prompting the contact to quickly exit the roadway, where the failure persisted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken tβ¦
The car stalls out at stops. It shutters and them stalls like a 5 speed car. I have almost been rear-ended on a couple occasions. It is now in the shop for a torque converter replacement
Couple weeks back while driving on the highway my check engine light came on along with different lights and transmission oil warning and car immediately lost power. I was able to pull over without incident. Then I took it to my local mechanic, they changed the transmission fluidβ¦
When coming to a quick or hard stop, car will rumble then stall out. To confirm that the issue is transmission based I shift the car into neutral then brake quickly and the issue does not arise.
Odd noise arising from Front driver side wheel while driving on the interstate at 70mph. No indicator/warning lights/messages. Noise became much louder prompting us to stop driving and inspect. One of the 5 lug studs had broken off. Two of the 5 lug nuts were loose enough to β¦
No issues with the car since I bought it new and was dedicated to regular Maintenance. Less than a week after a regular scheduled oil change and driving on the main interstate highway cruising at 65mph, the car just suddenly jerked. I thought I had blown a tire but the Brake lighβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Subaru Outback.
Recalls for 2012 Subaru Outback
16 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Subaru Outback. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2012 Subaru Outback β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Subaru Outback reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2012 Subaru Outback has 290 NHTSA owner complaints, 14 crash-related, and 16 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (107 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Subaru Outback?βΎ
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (107 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (52 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (39 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Subaru Outback?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Subaru Outback?βΎ
The 2012 Subaru Outback has 14 crash-related complaints and 6 fire reports out of 290 total NHTSA complaints. 10 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Subaru Outback have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 16 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Subaru Outback. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Subaru Outback?βΎ
The 2012 Subaru Outback has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Transmission / Drivetrain issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2012 Subaru Outback
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.