2012 model year · 6,460+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 6,460+ owner reports, the 2012 Subaru Outback has 6 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Excessive Oil Consumption with 2,800 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback 2.5L FB25, the FB25 2.5L engine is known for excessive oil consumption, sometimes using 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. Subaru extended warranty coverage and offered piston ring replacement for affected vehicles. Most common on 2011-2014 models.
Monitor oil level frequently. Check if covered by Subaru oil consumption warranty extension. If consumption test confirms issue, piston ring replacement may be covered. Use Subaru-recommended oil.
Parts and tips from 2,800+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback 2.5L FB25, while the FB25 has improved head gasket reliability compared to older EJ engines, some vehicles still experience head gasket failures. External oil leaks and coolant leaks can develop, particularly at higher mileage.
Monitor for coolant and oil leaks around head gasket area. Replace head gaskets if leaking. Use proper Subaru coolant. This is less common than on older EJ engines but still occurs.
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2012-2019 Subaru Outback, the Lineartronic CVT can develop shudder, hesitation, or jerky operation, especially during light acceleration at low speeds. Subaru has updated CVT software multiple times to address these concerns.
Have dealer update CVT software to latest version. CVT fluid change may help. In severe cases, valve body or CVT replacement may be needed. Subaru extended CVT warranty on some vehicles.
Parts and tips from 1,400+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback, the A/C compressor can fail, particularly on vehicles in hot climates with heavy A/C usage. Internal compressor failure can contaminate the A/C system with debris.
Replace A/C compressor assembly. If internal failure, flush system, replace condenser, receiver/drier, and expansion valve. Use quality replacement parts.
Parts and tips from 520+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback, the front suspension can develop clunking or squeaking noises, often from worn strut mounts, sway bar end links, or control arm bushings. This is common on vehicles with higher mileage or those driven on rough roads.
Inspect and replace strut mounts if worn. Check sway bar end links and control arm bushings. Strut replacement may be needed if internals are worn. Consider upgraded components for off-road use.
Parts and tips from 580+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2019 Subaru Outback, outbacks equipped with Eyesight can be prone to windshield cracking, possibly due to stress from the Eyesight camera mounting or windshield design. Replacement windshields require Eyesight camera recalibration.
Replace cracked windshield with OEM or Subaru-approved glass. Eyesight recalibration required after replacement - this adds cost. Some owners report multiple windshield replacements.
Parts and tips from 480+ owners who fixed this issue
STRUCTURE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 6,460+ owner reports, the 2012-2012 Subaru Outback has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Excessive Oil Consumption, CVT Transmission Shudder/Hesitation, Head Gasket Issues. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2012-2012 Subaru Outback has 6 known issues documented across 6,460+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru Outback issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The FB25 2.5L engine is known for excessive oil consumption, sometimes using 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. Subaru extended warranty coverage and offered piston ring replacement for affected vehicles. Most common on 2011-2014 models. Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: medium.
The Lineartronic CVT can develop shudder, hesitation, or jerky operation, especially during light acceleration at low speeds. Subaru has updated CVT software multiple times to address these concerns. Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: medium.
While the FB25 has improved head gasket reliability compared to older EJ engines, some vehicles still experience head gasket failures. External oil leaks and coolant leaks can develop, particularly at higher mileage. Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The A/C compressor can fail, particularly on vehicles in hot climates with heavy A/C usage. Internal compressor failure can contaminate the A/C system with debris. Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.
The front suspension can develop clunking or squeaking noises, often from worn strut mounts, sway bar end links, or control arm bushings. This is common on vehicles with higher mileage or those driven on rough roads. Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: low.
Outbacks equipped with Eyesight can be prone to windshield cracking, possibly due to stress from the Eyesight camera mounting or windshield design. Replacement windshields require Eyesight camera recalibration. Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
