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2012 Subaru Legacy visibility problems

moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →

Complaints
3
Recalls
2
Avg fix
$350
What stands out

Of the 12 model years of Subaru Legacy we track for visibility problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).

All 2 active visibility recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 13V078000 March 5, 2013

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011

If the components overheat, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 13V077000 March 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 can loosen and detach from the vehicle during driving, resulting in a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin 07-152-19R Jan 2020

This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 07-152-19R Jul 2019

"This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the following customer concerns: • Power windows inoperative from the driver’s door master and / or passenger front door switch • Unable to remotely operate other door windows from the driver’s door master switch • One-Touch Auto Up / Down features inoperative from either / both front door switches"

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 12-117-10R Aug 2017

MODELS WITH SUNROOFS ONLY. If you encounter a customer complaint of water leaking into the interior of the vehicle from the map light area, the following 2 areas should be inspected closely for a potential source or cause: * The leak could be caused by water leaking past the sunroof cable mechanism. To remedy the condition, silicone sealer will need to be carefully applied to both of the front end caps. * One or both of the sunroof drain tubes may be kinked or restricted causing water accumulated in the frame assembly to overflow and leak into the interior.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 12-117-10R May 2016

Models with Sunroofs only. If you encounter a customer complaint of water leaking into the interior of the vehicle from the map light area, the following 2 areas should be inspected closely for a potential source or cause:

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin SB-07-91-15 Jun 2015

SUBARU: MOISTURE IS RETAINED IN COMPOSITION OF SOLDERING FLUX AND GREASE, IN SOME VEHICLES, CAUSING WIPERS TO MOVE INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT PARKING CORRECTLY AND WIPER SWITCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MODEL 2010-12 LEGACY, OUTBACK.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had visibility trouble with your 2012 Subaru Legacy? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the visibility problem on the 2012 Subaru Legacy?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?

Based on the 3 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 49,132 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to visibility?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover visibility issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Subaru/Legacy. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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