2012 Subaru Outback Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 8%of 294 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 132,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Subaru Outback, 8% of the 294 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 132,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Cvt transmission / torque converter. My vehicle is just over 100k and Subaru won't cover the full repair. My car has stalled in very dangerous situations on the highway and intersections. Local dealer has confirmed that the torque converter / CVT needs repaired. It's terrible to know that NHTSA won't issue a formal recall waiting for fatalities to force the decision.”
NHTSA complaint #11234753, filed 2019-07, 106,000 miles“When approaching a stop, the engine dies. I'm afraid I will be rear ended. The dealership thought it might be a low battery so I replaced it and it still does a stutter then dies. If I let off of the break, sometimes that keeps it from stalling. Very concerning in traffic. Has been happening for 6 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11352357, filed 2020-08, 189,000 miles“When I slow and stop at a stop sign or stop light my car randomly stops. It will restart but this has caused dangerous situations for me and my family as this is usually unexpected. I have noticed it getting worse and thus far I can't isolate the issue other then reading bulletins ( bulletin number 16-90-13r ). My local fix it shop and Subaru don't seem to give us a reason.”
NHTSA complaint #10919995, filed 2016-10, 75,000 miles“On 28 december while driving at approximately 50 MPH with 3 people in 2012 Subaru Outback, the sunroof spontaneously shattered. No one was hurt during the incident. I took the car to the dealership who indicated no recall on the vehicle. Subaru customer service sent me a coupon for $200 towards repair. Thought this was a one-time anomaly, but on 07 january (10 days later) the window on driver's door spontaneously shattered with two of us in the car while on the highway at a speed of approximately 60mph. Neither of us were hurt. …”
NHTSA complaint #11387233, filed 2021-01, 166,000 miles“I have just been told today that will need a new CVT transmission for my 2012 Outback. This is a common problem for Subaru during this model year. Instead of issuing a recall, they have chosen to give a limited extended warranty on this issue. They have not owned up to the problem and are not helping customers out with this issue. What assurance do I have that a new Subaru won't have the same issue? I enjoyed by Outback and am very disappointed with this outcome. I have taken it for regular servicing and don't abuse a vehicle and it has been reliable to this point. …”
NHTSA complaint #11229211, filed 2019-07, 181,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11034249Jun 12, 2026This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
- 11033069May 18, 2026This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11032034Apr 30, 2026This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.
- 11032039Apr 24, 2026This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11030557Mar 26, 2026This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11027981Jan 12, 2026This announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated.
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 33% |
| 2025 | 18 | 22% |
| 2024 | 29 | 28% |
| 2023 | 16 | 18% |
| 2022 | 87 | 19% |
| 2021 | 66 | 22% |
| 2020 | 153 | 17% |
| 2019 | 205 | 20% |
| 2018 | 163 | 20% |
| 2017 | 178 | 19% |
| 2016 | 124 | 19% |
| 2015 | 109 | 21% |
| 2014 | 22 | 11% |
| 2013 | 25 | 8% |
| 2012 | 24 | 8% |
| 2011 | 39 | 6% |
| 2010 | 19 | 5% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 10 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 13 | 5% |
| 2005 | 13 | 5% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 5% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Outback
108 complaintsEngine
50 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsElectrical system
37 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