2012 Subaru Outback Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 108about this part
- Share
- 37%of 294 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 108 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Subaru Outback, 37% of the 294 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The CVT transmission failed while traveling at a high speed down the interstate with no warning. After doing further research Subaru is very aware of this CVT issues and has taken a very poor and limited approach to stand behind and fix this issue. They told me at the dealership that I was on my own to pay for the repair and it was a 10k fix.”
NHTSA complaint #11242750, filed 2019-08, 130,000 miles“When driving on the freeway my transmission suddenly lost power it would intermittently go then stop again. I had a semi right behind me that almost ran over the top of me. As I made it to my exit it began making noise. I drove it straight into my mechanic who thoroughly inspected it and said the transmission had failed.”
NHTSA complaint #11277821, filed 2019-11, 117,000 miles“My Outback stalls when coming to a stop. It would do it randomly but now it does it all the time. Subaru won't do anything for me except tell me how much it will cost to fix the torch converter without even checking it on their computer. I have heard of several issues with the CVT and I want to know for sure.”
NHTSA complaint #11241166, filed 2019-08, 133,000 miles“Subaru Outback 2012 has been stalling out when coming to a stop, especially when on an incline or at a fast stop, does not do it every time vehicle stops but does it enough to be a safety hazard. Dealership said it is due to a faulty torque converter and also told me I have to have the valve body replaced due to metal shards falling into it from the torque converter.”
NHTSA complaint #10972139, filed 2017-04, 90,000 miles“After 7 years of diligent care of my 2012 Outback, my transmission is failing. This is a known issue in my make and model. This will cost me $7k out of pocket to replace. Subaru claims to have 'quality as our highest priority', but did not address this known issue and have put the burden on their customers. This is my third Subaru, and it would be nice if the company stood behind their work and supported their customers”
NHTSA complaint #11268393, filed 2019-10, 156,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032040Apr 24, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11014872Feb 18, 2025This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10243369Sep 11, 2023This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop.
- 10232240Feb 28, 2023This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.
- 10202815Oct 27, 2021This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
- 10198765Jun 23, 2021This bulletin provides corrected diagnostics containing a revised flow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs.
- 10187317Feb 1, 2021In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 | 5 | 6% |
| 2022 | 18 | 4% |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 | 48 | 5% |
| 2019 | 16 | 2% |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 | 60 | 20% |
| 2012 | 108 | 37% |
| 2011 | 216 | 33% |
| 2010 | 94 | 26% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% |
| 2006 | 17 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 6% |
| 2004 | 10 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 14% |
| 2002 | 20 | 14% |
| 2001 | 23 | 13% |
| 2000 | 42 | 20% |
| 1999 | 29 | 26% |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Outback
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 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 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