2012 Subaru Outback problems and complaints
Owners have filed 295 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Subaru Outback. The most-reported areas: Power Train (108), Engine (50), Service Brakes (39).
Key takeaways
- 295 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 15 involve a crash, 6 a fire, 11 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 108 | 37% |
| Engine | 50 | 17% |
| Service Brakes | 39 | 13% |
| Air Bags | 39 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 37 | 13% |
| Unknown Or Other | 24 | 8% |
| Exterior Lighting | 18 | 6% |
| Steering | 9 | 3% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 3% |
| Structure | 6 | 2% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | 2% |
| Seats | 4 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2012 Subaru Outback
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Wiper blades
- Headlight bulb
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| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Structure - filed 2026-10-28
The front sub-frame assembly has rusted through in several areas. This problem was discovered by the mechanic while preparing to make an unrelated repair. There were no indications of the problem until is was discovered by the mechanic.
Power Train - filed 2026-10-16
While driving on I-5 at about 70 mph, I made a normal upshift from 5th to 6th gear in my 6-speed manual transmission. The shift lever went past the reverse lockout without my lifting the reverse pull collar (the owner's manual says the collar must be raised to select reverse) and the transmission briefly went into reve...
Service Brakes - filed 2026-10-15
The brake line junction box rusted through. This is a known issue with Subarus of this general era but the 2012 Outback is not on the recall list. Owner noticed brake fluid was getting low, after recently refilling the reservoir. Took the car to a shop and the brake light came on day of. The shop confirmed the brake ...
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More for the 2012 Subaru Outback
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.