2012 Subaru Outback Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 17%of 294 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Subaru Outback, 17% of the 294 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,500 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Subaru Outback (2012) is stalling when I normally or a little harder use the brake.I have to roll in and stop very slowly. Sometimes it's even stall when I'm going out of my driveway in reverse or just starting up at a green light. It's stalling every day for the las 3 weeks. (today is, february 23, 2017).”
NHTSA complaint #10956635, filed 2017-02, 87,000 miles“When I be driving, and approaching an intersection, or a stop. My car stalls out. This happens more often, when a do a quick stop. I began,noticing this condition about a few months ago,,approximately january 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11323875, filed 2020-05, 121,000 miles“My well-maintained Subaru Outback limited with 102,773 miles overheated and blew a head gasket out of the blue. Just had the major 100k mile preventive maintenance done too. The extended warranty just expired at 100k and the dealer says it will be over $3k to repair. Apparently this is a common problem with subarus that they have faulty head gaskets that fail between 80-120k miles. Very disappointed with Subaru quality with such a major issue at half life of my otherwise reliable vehicle!”
NHTSA complaint #11099254, filed 2018-06, 102,773 miles“I purchased vehicle brand new, over the course of 4 years have had no problems until brake master went bad after 2 and a half years, oil not lasting until the next oil change and finally the head gasket. The vehicle's A/C died and was taken to the mechanic, he found the compressor had gone. We ordered a new one. Took the vehicle out the next day to return it to mechanic and in route, the vehicle began smoking profusely and died on the road 2 minutes after it began smoking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10876864, filed 2016-06, 87,000 miles“5 days after 120k mile dealer service (all work is done by Subaru dealer where we purchased) more dash lights than what sully sullenbeger had to content with. Occurred while sitting in traffic in 90 degree heat (with a 6 month old in the car). Drove it 35 miles to get it to the dealer. $2200 estimate to replace 2 head gaskets. Dealer is taking $350 off. Worth talking to Subaru corp about added compensation for a know defect? I see the same issue reported on line shortly after the 100k or 120k mile dealer check up.”
NHTSA complaint #11102597, filed 2018-06, 120,000 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 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 23 | 5% |
| 2021 | 21 | 7% |
| 2020 | 49 | 5% |
| 2019 | 39 | 4% |
| 2018 | 37 | 5% |
| 2017 | 44 | 5% |
| 2016 | 53 | 8% |
| 2015 | 47 | 9% |
| 2014 | 35 | 17% |
| 2013 | 67 | 23% |
| 2012 | 50 | 17% |
| 2011 | 85 | 13% |
| 2010 | 44 | 12% |
| 2009 | 15 | 14% |
| 2008 | 14 | 6% |
| 2007 | 15 | 12% |
| 2006 | 43 | 16% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Outback
108 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 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 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