general problems of the 2012 Subaru Legacy

My 2012 Subaru Legacy experiences involuntary engine stalling when coming to a quick stop, such as in stop-and-go traffic or during sudden braking at intersections. When the engine shuts off without warning, power steering and braking assist are lost, creating a serious risk of collision. This is a known issue documented by Subaru of America in technical service bulletin 16-90-13r, applicable to 2010–2012 Legacy and outback vehicles with cvt transmissions. Subaru attributes the condition to excessive thrust washer wear inside the torque converter, which prevents proper release of lock-up clutch pressure. Subaru describes the condition as similar to stopping a manual transmission vehicle without depressing the clutch, which inherently results in engine stalling. Subaru later redesigned the torque converter as a countermeasure beginning in October 2013, indicating prior knowledge of a defect. However, Subaru never issued a recall or notified owners and addressed the issue only through a non-customer-facing service bulletin. I contacted Subaru customer advocacy to report this safety concern and request assistance with the repair (quoted over $4,000). Subaru acknowledged my concern but declined responsibility, citing the vehicle being out of warranty and stating that tsbs are not customer facing. Subaru did not confirm whether the vehicle is safe to drive with this condition. This issue represents a safety defect, not a warranty dispute. Vehicles that can stall unexpectedly during normal braking events pose a serious safety risk, and many affected vehicles remain on the road today.

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The driver had to park and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. After adding fuel to the tank, the fuel dissipated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed him the throttle body and valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

In August & September 2022 , 4 times I was stopping at stop signs & red lights and my car shuttered & stalled. No warning lights showed on the dashboard. I contacted my mechanic & he said he was aware of this issue on certain Subarus, possibly a torque converter defect but thought there was an extended warranty & I should look into it. My car was purchased 7/30/12 & had 103,000 miles on it when this issue started in August. I wrote to Subaru of America explaining the problem. They told me that my car was out of the “warranty” since it expired at 100,000 miles or on 7/31/22. They said I’d need to take my car to a dealer & have them diagnose the car, & if it was this issue then it would be reviewed to see if they would offer any “good will assistance”. After reading many blogs I’m noticing many Subaru owners complaining of similar dangerous stalls. Why hasn’t Subaru been forced to recall all these vehicles? this is a dangerous situation. I also read an article in forbes magazine from 2017 by chris jensen that Subaru was allowed to offer extended warranty on this faulty transmission part instead of a recall being issued. I. Don’t understand how you can overlook this safety issue. I would like to know what recourse I have since this started happening just outside my warranty limits. Subarus comment “ it would be reviewed to possibly offer some good will assistance” is just not good enough. I would appreciate a response and some assistance in this dangerous situation. I have a date set in October to have my mechanic check it thank you.

Please see odi#11486236 & request # 562681 “ part 1” I wrote complaining about a 2012 Subaru Legacy torque converter issue. It was “ out of warranty 7/31/22 or 100k miles. At the time it started stalling it was at 103k miles in August 2022! I did not feel comfortable driving it. On 10/19/22 my mechanic drove my car & it shuddered & stalled at intersections for him also. I did not feel comfortable driving it 25 miles to a Subaru dealer to have them check it, diagnose it & repair it. My mechanic replaced the torque converter as well as the appropriate fluids. It cost about $1500 for parts & labor. Since this is a faulty part installed prior to purchase I feel Subaru needs to recall all these vehicles affected. I emailed you multiple emails online multiple complaints about this faulty part which causes a dangerous situation stalling at lights & intersections requiring one to stop & start. I was almost broadsided a few times. Subaru should do the right thing and recall all vehicles involved & your agency should do the right thing & demand it for the safety of the public.

Car stalls when coming to a stop. This is a known problem with an active TSB but Subaru will not support repairs. This is dangerous when engine quits unexpectedly.

A lot of the times when I am driving the car, it starts stallings until it turns off every time I try to stop. Sometimes when I am driving with my family I am afraid someone will hit my car, because it turn off. When im on freeways and alot of traffic jams im afraid because I have to stop alot and it turns off I have to always check behind so no one hits me. So please help on makeing this a recal, I see alot of people are having the same problems not just me. This can cause a bad accident so please do t wait for this to happen.

Tl the contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. While driving various speeds, the check engine, cruise control, brake, and traction control warning indicators illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to Subaru of dayton (995 miamisburg centerville rd, washington township, OH 45459) multiple times. The dealer diagnosed that the oil fuel cap was loose and the oxygen and an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

I have been in touch with Subaru regarding their inabilty to fix a ongoing issue with the engine, cruise control, brake, etc light flashing. At this point we can not pass inspection, sell the car, or use the car. How can a manufacturer be allowed to sell a vehicle they can not fix.