This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Subaru Outback engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Subaru Outback have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 120,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Outback | 13 |
| 2009 Outback | 12 |
| 2010 Outback | 44 |
| 2011 Outback | 47 |
| 2012 Outback (this page) | 24 |
| 2013 Outback | 47 |
| 2014 Outback | 28 |
| 2015 Outback | 25 |
| 2016 Outback | 33 |
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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Outback shows a pattern of engine and driveline failures clustered around critical mileage intervals. The most common complaint is stalling when braking or coming to a complete stop—frequently at traffic lights and intersections—particularly from 100k to 155k miles. Owners consistently report this stems from torque converter failure and is a known issue that Subaru addressed with a limited CVT warranty extension (some reports cite July 2018 expiration), though many owners say they were never notified. Repair costs range from $1,300 to $1,500.
Head gasket failure is the second major pattern, typically occurring between 80k and 156k miles, often within weeks of the 100k-mile service. Owners report sudden overheating, steam from the engine, and multiple warning lights. Repairs cost $2,200 to $4,500.
Less common but severe are cases of catastrophic engine failure: one engine locked up at 80 mph with internal piston damage; another required complete replacement due to oil burning. Cylinder misfires, excessive oil consumption, and one unverified report of exhaust fumes entering the cabin complete the list. Several owners report dealers did not warn them of known defects or extended warranties during maintenance visits.
Same Subaru Outback engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling when braking or coming to a stop
Engine stalls or shudders, then dies when the vehicle comes to a stop, particularly when braking. Often occurs at traffic lights, intersections, or stop signs. Drivers report the engine shuts off without warning, requiring them to shift to park or neutral and restart the vehicle. Some owners report this happens more frequently on curved roads or during harder braking. Multiple owners report this is a known issue related to torque converter failure and began happening around the 100k-mile mark.
When: Typically occurs around 100k-155k miles; 2017 TSB released noting issue; extended CVT warranty expired at various points (some reports indicate July 2018 cutoff)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or completely shuts off when braking to a complete stop; Engine shudders before stalling; Stalling occurs at traffic lights, intersections, and stop signs; Stalling also occurs on curved roads or during turns; Idle drops out and comes back while at a stop; Engine dies without warning; Check engine light and other warning lights (Vehicle Dynamics, AWD, Charge Warning, Oil Pressure) may illuminate; Requires shift to park or neutral to restart
Codes mentioned: P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealer diagnosis of faulty torque converter requiring replacement; costs cited range from $1,300 to $1,500+ for torque converter replacement. One owner reports dealer replaced oil solenoid valve for $350 without fixing the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued 2017 TSB and extended CVT warranty to approximately 100k miles or July 2018 (various expiration dates reported). Owners report not being notified of extended warranty. Subaru refused to cover repairs for vehicles out of warranty period.
Head gasket failure and overheating
Engine overheats, head gaskets fail, and steam is reported coming from the engine. Occurs without warning; check engine light and multiple dash warning lights illuminate. Multiple owners report this happens shortly after scheduled 100k-mile or 120k-mile dealer maintenance. One owner experienced thermostat failure that caused head gasket to blow. Owners characterize this as a known defect affecting Subarus between 80-120k miles.
When: Typically occurs between 80k-156k miles, often shortly after 100k-mile or 120k-mile service
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats without warning; Steam coming from engine near radiator; Check engine light illuminates; Multiple dash warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Coolant expelled from radiator; Thermostat failure reported in one case
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repair costs ranging from $2,200 to $4,500+ for head gasket replacement. One dealer estimate was $2,200 with $350 discount offered. Another case cited $2,500 in repair costs at 156k miles. One owner's relative received $4,500 estimate for head gasket failure on 2009 Impreza at 68k miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall documented in these narratives. Owners note the issue appears to be a known defect but no recall has been issued.
Engine misfires and ignition system failure
Cylinders fail to fire correctly, causing loss of power and jerking acceleration. One owner experienced sudden jerking while cruising at highway speed, followed by brake light and check engine light. Dealer diagnosed cylinders 1 and 4 not firing correctly. Spark plugs and injectors were checked but did not resolve the issue; dealer indicated pistons and valves may need machining. Another case involved multiple diagnostic codes including misfire.
When: One case occurred less than one week after scheduled oil change; another at approximately 97k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden jerking while accelerating or cruising; Brake light comes on; Check engine light illuminates; Acceleration decreases to slow crawl; Cylinder misfires (cylinders 1 and 4 reported); Vehicle hesitates while starting (reported in one case with rainy weather)
Codes mentioned: P0304, P0057
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis indicated need for engine piston and valve machining. One case also involved replacement of spark plugs and injector check without resolution. Specific repair costs not cited in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership reached out to Subaru to determine if manufacturer could assist due to premature nature of failure and multiple reports of similar issues. No specific manufacturer response documented.
Exhaust fumes entering cabin
Owner reports occupants experiencing lightheadedness, irritated eyes, difficulty focusing, and near-fainting when windows are rolled up for 15-60 minutes. Effects are described as forced and severe, lasting depending on exposure, and worsening with increased breathing. Owner suspects rear tailgate seal is not sealing properly, allowing exhaust to enter cabin. PZEV system exhaust lacks typical smell, making detection difficult. This is a unilateral complaint; Subaru dealer test drive did not replicate symptoms in dealer personnel.
When: Since purchase of vehicle; owner reports effects worsen with prolonged use over weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Lightheadedness in driver and passengers; Irritated eyes; Difficulty focusing; Near fainting or feeling of suffocation; Effects occur within 15-60 minutes of driving with windows rolled up; Symptoms occur in varying weather conditions; Only resolved by opening windows for fresh air; HVAC fan speed does not affect symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Owner suspects tailgate seal issue but no repair was attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru refused to assist and claimed 'it smells fine.' After one month of owner attempts, Subaru agreed to a 30-minute ride-along. Dealer personnel concluded they did not feel unusual effects. Owner eventually traded vehicle in for 2013 model, which does not exhibit the issue.
Engine oil consumption
Engine burns excessive oil between oil change intervals. One owner reports 3.6L engine using approximately half a quart of oil after 3,000-mile oil change intervals. Owner maintains the vehicle has always used 5W-30 Mobil 1 oil since purchase and reports this consumption is abnormal and increasing in frequency. Owner suspects defective piston rings or oil leak as cause.
When: Ongoing issue; reports of increased consumption becoming more common
Symptoms owners cite: Engine burns oil between scheduled oil changes; Approximately 1/2 quart consumed per 3,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Dealership blamed thin modern oil formulations, which owner disputes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership attributed issue to oil manufacturer producing thinner formulations. No Subaru recall or service bulletin mentioned.
Engine failure and internal damage
Two severe engine failure cases. One case involved engine locking up at 80 mph on highway after 90k-mile full service. Dealership notes indicated motor came apart at high RPM: one piston cracked, one piston missing, metal scattered throughout engine and intake manifold. Complete engine block replacement required. Another case involved engine shuttering and stalling at 145k miles; diagnosis indicated engine burning oil and complete engine replacement needed.
When: First case at 90k miles (2 miles after 88k-mile service); second case at approximately 145k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine locks up while driving at highway speed (80 mph); Engine shudders and stalls without warning; Severe internal damage: cracked piston, missing piston, metal debris throughout
Repairs/costs cited: First case required complete engine replacement (block, heads, valves, camshafts, intake manifold). Second case also required engine replacement. Specific costs not cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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…
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.