2012 Subaru Outback Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 294 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,488miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2012 Subaru Outback, 1% of the 294 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,488 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car often gets stuck with the parking brake on and I cannot move the car forward or backward. Most times I have a carload of groceries and need to get them to the freezer or refrigerator. Computer engine analysis...... Abs c0054 brake switch on malfunction c0057 ECM control...... Epb c0252 motor malfunction detail code 50a0 ..... C0234 vdc failure detail code c111..... C0242 power supply voltage failure detail code. I have replaced brakes, replaced tires, checked fluid, checked fuses, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #11288603, filed 2019-12, 115,405 miles“My 2012 Subaru is having neurological problems - all dash lights come on: it happens randomly when driving over bridges or speed bumps. Started on 8/8/16 when car bogged down and died while driving down hwy. 360. I took it to my regular Subaru authorized repair place ' christian brothers on sublet rd. In arlington. The diagnosis was broken EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system. I happened again & I took it back. The final repair for that problem was 'replace mass flow sensor & major fuel induction service. The dash lights continued to come on but the car didn't bog down anymore. …”
NHTSA complaint #11364804, filed 2020-10, 67,977 miles“Vehicle stopped cruise control & flashed brakes & no traction control unexpectedly. Came close to a wreck shutting the vehicle down on the side of the road hitting various tire recaps & debris on the side. Of the road. Not told that this is a regular occurrence with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10465487, filed 2012-07, 4,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 3 | 0% |
| 2018 | 4 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Outback
108 complaintsEngine
50 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsElectrical system
37 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Outback
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