2012 Subaru Outback

241 serious complaints of 292, the most about power train (107) and engine (50); per car on the road, 1.0× this model's usual year. 16 recalls.

What owners report

“My vehicle has been stalling when coming to a stop, it starts to shudder when slowing then stalls at stop. Safety is becoming an issue when in traffic, or on highway in stop and go. There has not been a recall for torque converter issues or cvt transmissions just extended warranty.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Oct 2019

“Engine shudders then shuts off when stopping. Frequently occurs when coming to a stop on a curved road near my home. Very concerned about being rear-ended. I have to throw the car in park, restart and throw it back in drive. Dealer replaced oil solenoid valve for $350 and it didn't fix the problem.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Feb 2019

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage This change is in response to an identified condition which in some cases, can cause the EPB system to not operate as designed. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) assembly used in the above listed models and model… (06-71-19, Sep 2019)
• Extended coverage Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling all 2010-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission (M/T), to replace the electronic parking brake (EPB) actuator assembly. However, they will be covered under an extended warranty. (WTV-81, Oct 2018)
• Extended coverage Subaru owner letter. As the warrantor of Subaru vehicles in the United States, Subaru of America is implementing an EPB Warranty Extension program which extends warranty coverage for the EPB on the models listed above that were sold or leased in the United States. (Warranty, Sep 2019)
• Extended coverage As part of Subaru’s dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) Warranty Extension program, which extends the New Car Basic Limited Warranty coverage of the EPB actuator assembly for 2010-2014 Legacy/Outback vehicles with CVT or 5AT Transmission that… (Retailer, Sep 2019)
• Extended coverage As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing a Low-Beam Halogen Headlamp Bulb Warranty Enhancement program. This extends warranty coverage for 2010 - 2012 Legacy (for the 2012 model year, the affected models are vehicles that were manufactured through August 8, 2011)… (ONEILL, Jul 2016)
• Extended coverage Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the original warranty on the low-beam ONLY halogen headlamp bulbs to 10 years / unlimited miles from the vehicle's original warranty start date. (711016, Aug 2016)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

292 owner complaints · 16 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–24 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features