general problems of the 2012 Subaru Outback

Vehicle stalls when stopping. This is a huge safety issue because stalling at intersections can cause accidents. Dealership diagnosed a faulty torque converter. This torque converter (it should be part number 31100ab170) issue is widely known in this production series of the Subaru Outback. After hundreds of complaints were filed with the NHTSA, Subaru extended the warranty on all their automatic transmissions to avoid a recall around 2017, but closed the extended warranty in 2022. Subaru now tries to convince their customers that these vehicles are too old for the issue to be attributable to them, despite knowing that they equipped these vehicles with defective parts. See the following: [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Just after 100k mile service, car began to shutter when slowing and then stalls at stops. Eventually after I leave it in neutral for up to 2-20 min it will finally restart. First time it happened it wouldn’t start. I had to push vehicle out of major intersection to avoid being hit then pay to tow it to nearest mechanic. Once there, it restarted and problem couldn’t be replicated nor did it relay any codes. Happened again the next two occasions I drove it so I immediately took it to Subaru dealer using side streets to avoid potential accident. After researching my model/year and symptoms, I found this was a common complaint with 2012 Outback’s and there have been numerous cvt issues. One of these issues is a faulty torque converter that causes stalling and usually appears around 100k mile mark (of course just shy of warranty). In 2017 (prior to owning car) a bulletin was released notifying dealers of issue which led to extension of warranty due to customer complaints. Given this new information, I was not shocked when dealer diagnosed my car as needing a new torque converter. Had I known this was an issue beforehand, I would have requested an inspection when spending thousands for 100k mile maintenance. I even brought vehicle to same Subaru dealer years prior (when it would have still been under warranty) for noise and shaking when accelerating/braking. They said this was normal for box engines and test drove it without any concerns. I can’t believe with the vast complaints on cvt issues that Subaru has not issued a recall. It’s irresponsible, dishonest, and a major safety concern. Consumers have right to be notified if they may be affected or put at risk.

The car stalls out at stops. It shutters and them stalls like a 5 speed car. I have almost been rear-ended on a couple occasions. It is now in the shop for a torque converter replacement.

When coming to a quick or hard stop, car will rumble then stall out. To confirm that the issue is transmission based I shift the car into neutral then brake quickly and the issue does not arise.

No issues with the car since I bought it new and was dedicated to regular maintenance. Less than a week after a regular scheduled oil change and driving on the main interstate highway cruising at 65mph, the car just suddenly jerked. I thought I had blown a tire but the brake light came on and then soon after the engine light came on. I was able to get off the highway but the acceleration decreased to a slow crawl. I had it towed to the nearest Subaru dealership that morning in which they said the issue is that both 1 and 4 are not correctly firing. They checked the spark plugs and checked the injector, but both did not fix the issue. They have now told me that they need to get the engine pistons/valves "machined". They are reaching out to Subaru to see if they can help since there is nothing I could have done to prevented this issue and they are hearing more of this issue occurring in Subaru cars. I'm praying that Subaru will help me with my vehicle but am waiting to hear from the Subaru dealership.

The engine shuts off while driving, especially when switching gears or when braking too hard (such as when traffic ahead suddenly stops). I had the engine shut off while I was making a left turn at an intersection and lost control abilities of the steering wheel.

Coming to a stop, not super hard at a turn light. The engine just died! all the lights started flashing so I put the car in park and tried to not freak out. Turned the key off and tried to restart right away and it didn't work, gave it another minute then it started up again, no light on or flashing what the heck. Like nothing just happened, omg my heart was beating and I was shaken up. They need to fix this! this is very dangerous and nerve racking I'm afraid to drive it now because you don't know when this is happing again or not.

1. Over the past months at different times the dashboard lights all start flashing the check engine cruise control breaks flash on and off 2. Our safety's at risk because we don't know if the engine is needing repair or if it's an electrical problem or if the car's just gonna stop dead 3. We took the car in and they charged me $1500 for a new fan coil and it's still doing it 4. Yes there were many warning lights it has been happening for the past year and I've taken it in twice and it's still happening and now they're saying they have to replace the engine strap which is another $3000 this is ridiculous.

When driving normally on the road the car begins to flash the following lights in the dash( engine check, oil temp light, brakes, abs, traction control light, airbag light, passenger airbag light indicator) the car continues to drive normally but I cannot know that for certain when almost every indicator light is flashing, I have had the car inspected at a Subaru dealer 4 times since last year for other repairs in which they indicated a detailed inspection of all components following the repairs( radiator, abs module, transmission maintenance, differential maintenance, brake fluid flush,), spent roughly 6,000$ in repairs and nothing was ever mentioned about this issue, if an inspection was done how could they not find an electrical error. This has happened twice in 3 months I do not feel safe driving a car that cannot properly indicate what internal issues are happening. The car drives fine and is in good condition however only a battery reset and new battery have been able to halt this issue until it happens again. I hope this can be investigated and looked into getting it repaired.

I own a 2012 Outback 2. 5 limited, which I purchased new from a Subaru dealer in evanston IL in June 2012. It currently has about 76000 miles on it. In the last 6 months my car started to shudder when coming to a stop at a traffic signal, or sometimes while being stopped at the signal. The shudder is significant but typically momentary and happens randomly. From the last 2-3 weeks, the car has started to stall and the engine shuts down abruptly when coming to a stop. This is very stressful, but fortunately, so far I have been able to put the car in p and start it again every time. However, this is very dangerous and puts me and my family at grave risk of a serious accident from cars coming from behind as my car stalls abruptly. Again, this happens randomly which makes it even more dangerous and impossible to mitigate as a driver. This has now happened multiple times and I called a local Subaru dealership. They gave an estimate of over $8000 to repair this issue. They also said they will repair the car only if they are able to recreate the problem. I am afraid that they will not be able to recreate the problem as it happens randomly as mentioned earlier. As far as I know no warning lights on my dash are on and the car otherwise runs normally.

On October 27, 2021 while driving the car a number of vehicle light began flashing. We checked every thing we could and proceeded to drive it home, approximately 47 miles. First thing on 10/28/2021 it was examined by a Subaru dealer service department and they found no issues other than they replaced the serpentine belt and a few light bulbs. The car was driven again on 1o/29/21 and 11/1/21 with no incident. On the way home from work on 11/3/21 the same vehicle lights began flashing. We checked everything we could and found nothing wrong. We began travelling home and about 25 miles into the trip we heard what sounded like metal clanking. Shortly thereafter we began to lose power and the engine started smoking. The engine compartment was on fire by the time we were on the side of the road so we exited the car. In around 10-15 seconds the car was fully engulfed by flames and burned to the metal.

I experienced issues with the engine of my 2012 Subaru Outback shutting down at times when coming to a stop, and also stalling/idling when accelerating (such as when entering freeway). My engine light and brake light also turned on at the same time. Very concerned, I took it in to the local Subaru service center at around 112,000 miles. They inspected the car and replaced 2 spark plugs, and must have restart the computer to turn the warning lights off. Recently at 117,000 after entering the freeway at night , my car roughly idled and the stalled and would not properly accelerate, almost causing me to crash as it happened suddenly while driving on freeway. The engine light was flashing and brake light came on as well. I immediately pulled over. After the Subaru inspection the next day, I was told that this was being caused by the torque converter and is a known issue on this model. This is a very dangerous issue, I believe that if this incident would have happened the next morning while on my commute instead of at the less busy hour at night, a crash would have occurred. I believe a recall is warranted on this dangerous issue as it is known by Subaru that this issue affects certain models and they will not provide much help to customers if they are past the extended warranty. The issue can occur past the 100,000 mile mark on an otherwise good condition and well cared for vehicle. This puts the customer and other drivers at great risk. I am very concerned and upset about the danger this put myself and others in. I was personally left on the side of the freeway at night at 7 months pregnant, but the situation could have been much worse. Since Subaru is not required to let customers know of this issue, customers may experience this issue without proper remediation until a serious issue happens.

This summer, my 2012 Subaru Outback began shuddering and stalling when slowing down. This has happened approaching stop signs and stop lights, but has also happened going up steep hills and on the highway as traffic slows. Cars behind me have gotten incredibly close, and it seems only a matter of time before an accident occurs. We brought the car to the mechanic, who told us it was the torque converter, which would cost upwards of $5000 to replace. Subaru extended the warranty on 2010 - 2015 Outbacks because of the faulty torque converter - but the warranty expires at 100,000 miles, which we've surpassed. I'm not sure how this works - the manufacturer had a defect but we're responsible? it's scary when the car stalls out and I'm not sure it's safe to continue driving the vehicle. Our mechanic said the issue would get worse over time.

I bought this card at the end of March and only for one week it registered the car got fired and burned while driving last Friday around 10pm. When I checked the VIN#. This car has over 16 recalls.

Lights on the dashboard are on all the time brakes traction abs (anti brake system)about the same time my cruise control stopped working.

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. Now they want over $1500 to replace the torque converter. They say it is a known problem and I had until July 2018 under an extended warranty to take care of it. I was never notified. I fear spending another $1500 will not fix the problem. I owe another year of payments on this vehicle and I don't feel safe driving the Subaru. Mileage is around 155,000.

My car shudders and dies when braking. It doesn't even have to be a hard brake. It's very dangerous. This problem has been occurring in the last few months. It happens while I am slowing for a stop. My mechanic tells me it is related to the torque converter, which is expensive to fix. I am afraid that I will be rear-ended. With highway driving this is unbelievably dangerous. I know that Subaru extended the warranty on this issue--although I only knew of this because my mechanic told me. Unfortunately my car just went over the 100,000 mile mark, so I'm unsure if Subaru will cover the repair needed. I really believe this issue should prompt a recall. Someone is going to get seriously injured or die.

At times, I have been experiencing the engine shutting off when I come to a complete stop. It kind of shudders first and then just dies. If I'm able to roll through the stop, it doesn't die, but when I come to a complete stop, sometimes it just dies. I have to quickly put it in park or neutral and start it again. This could be very dangerous with people behind me not expecting that long of a stop! I do a lot of driving in town and this happens when stopping at stop signs. It is unknown to me at this point as to what is causing the problem.

We were never notified of a extended warranty on the cvt of our Outback. We took it to Subaru dealerships for maintance and they failed to tell us about the cvt going bad causing damage to the transmission. When we contacted Subaru corporate they told us there was nothing they could do. Now we have had the car looked at when it was under the mileage because it was showing signs of the cvt going bad and the dealership was negligent in letting us know of the problem. Now we feel our vehicle is unsafe to drive and Subaru is not willing to fix the problem they knew about. When we fill our tank up at the gas station the break, traction, cruise control lights will blink and the cruise control will stop working while the lights are blinking. We took the car to derrel waltrup dealership in nashvillle tennessee, Subaru of nashville and Subaru of gallitan TN. All three dealerships ageed that the issue with our car is due to the cvt warrenty issue. We are the only owners of this Subaru and have taken great care of it. We want Subaru to stand behind their product and fix the defect so that we can continue to be safe in our car.

In early December of 2011 my wife and I purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback with a 4 cylinder engine, cvt transmission. We had to wait a day for our Outback because it was being repaired do to a brake system recall. Ever since purchasing the Outback we have had a serious issue when using the paddle shifters to slow down for a stop. When the tach slows to about 1100 rpm in first or second gear the engine then accelerates to up to 2500 rpm, slowing down and then speeding up again then repeating the cycle over even if you apply the brakes. Sometimes it would just run at 2500 rpm until you braked to a stop. I took the Outback to our dealer and the Subaru service advisor was very surprised when I drove it to demonstrate the very serious issue. It did exactly as I have described and even stayed at 2500 rpm. The service advisor and who I presume was the overall manager of the dealership took it for a drive without me. When they returned I was told that the way it operated was the way it was supposed to operate because of the engine needing to be more environmentally friendly. I stated I did not really believe that excuse and left. Since that first visit, the Outback has started doing the very serious acceleration issue also in automatic drive at low speeds. I returned on July 19, 2012 to get my first service done. I left the car for the service and tested an exact (except for color) 2012 Outback. This Outback had none of the very serious acceleration issues that my Outback has. When returning to pickup my Outback I told the service advisor of this outcome and he stated I would have to contact Subaru of America to elevate the issue. Respond as soon as possible as to where I can take the Outback for repair of this very serious acceleration issue. My wife and I will be traveling via the Outback very soon and need this very serious issue resolved before we leave.