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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-SUBARU-OUTBACKNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Subaru
2012 Subaru Outback problems
The 2012 Subaru Outback has 8 critical safety recalls on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 291 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2012 Subaru Outback has 291 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 107 complaints, typically surfacing around 98,370 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Significant reliability concerns on file. Read the trouble spots before buying.
8
Critical
7
Severe
1
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Outback?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
Powertrain: 107 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 70,000–130,000 mi
Electrical system: 32 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 50,000–125,000 mi
Reliability score 2.0/10 — below the segment average
16 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★4/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Subaru Outback SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2012 Subaru Outback? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 107 owner reports
· tends to show around 98,370 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
airbags — 36 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,222 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
electrical — 32 owner reports
· tends to show around 81,305 mi · ~$850 to fix
brakes — 29 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,357 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 98,370 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 16 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 2.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Outback· powertrain
I was taking it for an oil change and lube. After driving on the freeway at 60-70 MPH, I came off the freeway, went 2 blocks to a stoplight. As soon as I stopped, many warning lights started flashing, and became alarmed, went 3 blocks to the lube service center and some steam…
My headlights on my outback are constantly going out. I purchased this vehicle in october of 2015 and I have replaced my headlights 9 times. I live in alaska with very little day light and it is important to always have my headlights on, regardless of where I live. I have been…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Subaru outback. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shuttered and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to mastria Subaru (1255 new state hwy, raynham, ma 02767) where it was diagnosed that the engine was burning oil. The engine…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Subaru outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 11v562000 (service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages) and had the vehicle repaired by an authorized dealer. After the repairs, the vehicle would exhibit an abnormal…
Had a problem with your 2012 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 2.0 out of 10 based on 291 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Subaru Outback has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Subaru Outback?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Subaru Outback is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 107 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 70,000–130,000 mi; Electrical system: 32 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 50,000–125,000 mi; Reliability score 2.0/10 — below the segment average; 16 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Subaru Outback?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 107 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 98,370 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Subaru Outback a good used car to buy?
It scores 2.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 291 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 98,370 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Subaru Outback?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 107 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 98,370 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 98,370 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Subaru Outback has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Subaru Outback?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 291 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Subaru/Outback.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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