2012 Subaru Legacy problems and complaints

Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Subaru Legacy. The most-reported areas: Power Train (34), Engine (23), Unknown Or Other (12).

Key takeaways

  • 90 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 7 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 7 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Power Train3438%
Engine2326%
Unknown Or Other1213%
Air Bags1112%
Steering78%
Service Brakes67%
Suspension44%
Vehicle Speed Control44%
Electrical System44%
Exterior Lighting33%
Visibility/Wiper33%
Tires22%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2012 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWDNot rated4/5Not rated5/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-06-07

Pienso que es la trasmision porque cuando meto belosidad da un golpe , y cuando doy bueltas serrada resbalan las ruedas traseras

Engine - filed 2026-04-17

Engine failed 3 cyclinders blew, car would not start, was able to drive car into parking lot (Einstein Bagels)before failure, otherwise could have been reared ended, as was in heavy traffic on westbound Dundee Road, in Palatine IL. Parking lot was near Dundee and Rand Road intersection

Power Train,engine - filed 2025-12-23

My 2012 Subaru Legacy experiences involuntary engine stalling when coming to a quick stop, such as in stop-and-go traffic or during sudden braking at intersections. When the engine shuts off without warning, power steering and braking assist are lost, creating a serious risk of collision. This is a known issue document...

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More for the 2012 Subaru Legacy

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.