2012 Subaru Legacy Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 26%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Subaru Legacy, 26% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine stalls after abrupt stop. For example, I was on post road in westport connecticut and slowed down from 25mph+ very quickly with a hard brake. The engine immediately stalled and all lights on the dashboard were activated. Restarting the car allowed me to proceed. This issue also occurred on a highway (the meritt parkway) several weeks ago. This problem is consistently reproducible and has happened 10+ times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11320068, filed 2020-04, 106,000 miles“I have been in touch with Subaru regarding their inability to fix a ongoing issue with the engine, cruise control, brake, etc light flashing. At this point we can not pass inspection, sell the car, or use the car. How can a manufacturer be allowed to sell a vehicle they can not fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10701305, filed 2015-03, 50,000 miles“Purchased brand new Subaru Legacy october 31st of 2011. After only five months and 14,000 miles beginning in march of 2012 I was shocked to discover the following problem(s) with my Legacy: low idling, bogging down, at oil light illuminated, and nearly stalling out. This issue is still continuing to this day, sporadically. I now have 25,500 miles and there is no solution to this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10461249, filed 2012-06, 14,000 miles“The torque converter of my car is not shutting off properly, causing the vehicle to stall periodically. The car has stalled while I am in the middle of making a turn, causing the wheel to lock up, and it has stalled while I am on the highway. This car is no longer safe to drive, and the repairs cost $2,200. My car is over 100,000 miles so the warranty will no longer cover these repairs. I have attempted to contact Subaru via their website to address the issue, but have yet to get a response. …”
NHTSA complaint #11129843, filed 2018-09, 139,000 miles“Car initially began to stall every time the car would come to a rest on an incline, then began to stall while turning (most often while turning right at low speeds) and then additionally began stalling when shifting from drive to reverse to back into parking spaces. This progression occurred over the period of less than a month. I called dealership to have it serviced. Before I could get an appointment from the dealer, the engine began causing the car to make a bucking motion on the highway to the point I had to pull off and drive it under 10 miles an hour to a safe location off the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297886, filed 2020-01, 98,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 50% |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 6 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% |
| 2015 | 23 | 14% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 18 | 27% |
| 2012 | 23 | 26% |
| 2011 | 22 | 13% |
| 2010 | 31 | 21% |
| 2009 | 7 | 11% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
| 2007 | 7 | 21% |
| 2006 | 16 | 18% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Legacy
34 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology