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 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure…
2012 Subaru Outback engine problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 24 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
My car shudders and dies when braking. It doesn't even have to be a hard brake. It's very dangerous. This problem has been occurring in the last few months. It happens while I am slowing for a stop. My mechanic tells me it is related to the torque converter, which is expensive to fix. I am afraid that I will be rear-ended. With highway driving this is unbelievably dangerous. I know that Subaru…
The vehicle stalls completely upon slowing down. This occurs frequently at stop signs, lights and while crossing a major road and waiting halfway across to join the flow of traffic. Subaru dealer says it is a defective torque converter but no longer covered by the CVT warranty extension. This is extremely dangerous and should be fixed at no cost to vehicle owner.
Had engine trouble with your 2012 Subaru Outback?
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 engine problem on the 2012 Subaru Outback?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 97,000 and 145,459 miles, with the median around 120,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 97,000; a quarter make it past 145,459. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
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/Outback.
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.