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Fuel systemPart report

2012 Subaru Outback Fuel system Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
1%of 294 total for the year
Median mileage
121,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 2012 Subaru Outback, 1% of the 294 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,000 miles.

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.

“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

“This summer, my 2012 Subaru Outback began shuddering and stalling when slowing down. This has happened approaching stop signs and stop lights, but has also happened going up steep hills and on the highway as traffic slows. Cars behind me have gotten incredibly close, and it seems only a matter of time before an accident occurs. We brought the car to the mechanic, who told us it was the torque converter, which would cost upwards of $5000 to replace. …”

NHTSA complaint #11436475, filed 2021-10

“2012 Subaru Outback stalls when braking. It stalls going up hills, on flat roads, after high speeds and after city driving too. The vehicle has shut off at stop lights, on/off ramps, and stop signs putting me and my family at risk of being rear-ended. It also stalls when parallel parking, increasing risk of being hit on city streets. No warning or check engine light. Subaru issued a bulletin about the issue but the local dealer and local mechanic were unable to replicate stalling on test drives.”

NHTSA complaint #11436652, filed 2021-10

“The warning lights stay on constantly. I have changed the mass flow air sensor, O2 sensors, serpentine belt, gas cap, treated the fuel system and the lights are still on. This is a common problem with Subaru Outback Owners.”

NHTSA complaint #11592117, filed 2024-06

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202534%
202422%
202322%
202261%
2021103%
2020152%
2019323%
2018466%
2017162%
2016132%
2015184%
2014136%
2013155%
201241%
2011162%
201051%
200977%
200831%
200765%
20064014%
2005197%
200467%
200344%
20023222%
20013219%
2000126%
199944%
199843%
199756%
199624%

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
Exterior lighting
18 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

← All problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Outback

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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