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Exterior lightingPart report

2012 Subaru Outback Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
6%of 294 total for the year
Median mileage
64,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 294 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,000 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Both low beam headlights went out simultaneously while driving on a dark rural road. We were told the recall did not include our auto which was made the same year as other recalled automobiles of the same make and model. However it appears the problem was not corrected properly.”

NHTSA complaint #11002811, filed 2017-07, 72,000 miles

“In less than 4 years, I have had to replace a headlight 4 times. On the 4 cars I owned/leased prior to this vehicle, I have never had to replace a headlight ever.”

NHTSA complaint #10818049, filed 2016-01, 64,000 miles

“The low beam headlamps are constantly burning out on my 2012 Subaru Outback. I have replaced the bulbs several times in the past two years, approximately every 3-6 months or 3,000-6,000 miles. One side burns out right after the other. I cannot say if the headlight bulbs burn out while driving or stationary; I drive mostly in daylight then notice the outage at night. Replacing the bulb involves removing the tire and having a mechanic or dealership perform the work. What should be an infrequent simple task is getting very expensive! …”

NHTSA complaint #10925263, filed 2016-11, 70,000 miles

“High and low beam bulbs constantly burning out. I have had this car for 4 years and I replace a light build in the headlamps every 4-6 months. Usually when one goes out another will follow. Example I replaced high beam then 4 days later the low beam. Great vehicle but I have replaced more bulbs for the headlights of this car than the last 4 past owned vehicles combined. Bulbs usually burn out when going from low to high or vice versus. Dealer claims everyone with same model spanning different years have the same problem. They claim it does not matter brand of bulb. …”

NHTSA complaint #10946813, filed 2017-01, 128,000 miles

“2012 Subaru Outback low beam headlight failure. Our 2012 Outback blows headlights constantly. They last approx. 3 to 5 months before they fail. On a long trip we lost both low beams lights at the same time and had to drive through the night with high beams and fog lights only!!! All fuses have been checked and are fine. Obviously something is causing the lights to go out. This is an extremely dangerous situation that need immediate attention!!! Many owners have been complaining of this for years. Nhtsa please do a recall before someone gets killed because of this!!!!”

NHTSA complaint #10872549, filed 2016-06, 59,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202534%
202433%
202367%
202231%
202141%
2020162%
2019111%
2018101%
201771%
201651%
201541%
201473%
201383%
2012186%
201111718%
20103510%
2009109%
2008157%
200765%
200641%
20053011%
200322%
200232%
200042%
199832%
199711%
199612%

Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Outback

Transmission and drivetrain
108 complaints
Engine
50 complaints
Brakes
40 complaints
Air bags
39 complaints
Electrical system
37 complaints
Other or unknown
24 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Electronic stability control
4 complaints
Fuel 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 29, 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