2012 SUBARU Legacy Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
88
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
POWER TRAIN
26 complaints
CVT transmission issues persist beyond the limited warranty extension that has now expired from Subaru. Vehicle RPMs regularly drop from 1000 to 500 when coming to a stop, causing engine to knock as it tries to stall. Vehicle then occasionally hesitates when attempting to move under power. Knocking and near stalling occasionally results in a sensation of vehicle being hit from behind while stopped with vehicle in drive and brakes applied.
Jun 20, 2023
Faulty torque converter. The car will unexpectedly turn off when coming to a fast, sudden stop. The 1st time it happened, I was in a left-hand turn lane and didn't realize my car had turned off and I had to quickly restart it to complete the turn. A transmission repair shop confirmed that the torque converter and valve body would need to be replaced. No warning lights, messages or other symptoms appeared before the incident. There is a safety bulletin from Subaru on this issue but because my car has a salvage title, it would need to escalate to a recall in order for Subaru to complete the repair free of charge
Mar 25, 2023
The vehicle will on occasion stall when coming to a complete stop. It is a known issue that has a service bulletin. Has something to do with the internals of the torque converter failing. Depending on where the vehicle stalls this could create a serious safety concern. Happens more when the vehicle is cold.
Jan 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact’s husband, an independent mechanic, replaced the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel filter; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. Upon investigation, the contact became aware of Subaru Technical Service Bulletin Number: 16-90-13R for transmission failure. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not eligible for the Technical Service Bulletin repair due to the mileage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Aug 19, 2022
FIRST TIME CAR STALLED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. CAR (SUBARU LEGACY 2012) HAD 140K MILES ON IT. WENT TO A SUBARU DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT THERE FOR THIS MODEL WHICH CAPS THE MILEAGE FOR FREE REPAIR AT 100K MILES. AFTER 30 MILES WITH A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER, CAR STARTED SHUDDERING AT 45MPH. MULTIPLE SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON WITH STEERING BECOMING DIFFICULT. TURNED INTO A SMALL STREET WHERE THE CAR STALLED AT LOW SPEEDS. TOOK A COUPLE OF TRIES TO START THE CAR AND SENT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS.
Apr 21, 2021
+ 21 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
12 complaints
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
Jul 06, 2022
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.
Apr 29, 2022
CAR INITIALLY BEGAN TO STALL EVERY TIME THE CAR WOULD COME TO A REST ON AN INCLINE, THEN BEGAN TO STALL WHILE TURNING (MOST OFTEN WHILE TURNING RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS) AND THEN ADDITIONALLY BEGAN STALLING WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE TO BACK INTO PARKING SPACES. THIS PROGRESSION OCCURRED OVER THE PERIOD OF LESS THAN A MONTH. I CALLED DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT SERVICED. BEFORE I COULD GET AN APPOINTMENT FROM THE DEALER, THE ENGINE BEGAN CAUSING THE CAR TO MAKE A BUCKING MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY TO THE POINT I HAD TO PULL OFF AND DRIVE IT UNDER 10 MILES AN HOUR TO A SAFE LOCATION OFF THE ROAD. SINCE THE INITIAL DEALER COULDN'T GET ME IN (DUE TO SERVICING NUMEROUS AIRBAG AND WIPER RECALLS) I WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS MISFIRING CYLINDERS 1,2, AND 3. THE ENGINE HAD HAVE THESE CYLINDERS RE-MACHINED, THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT, AND THE CAR GIVEN A TUNE-UP. THIS MADE THE BUCKING STOP, BUT THE STALLING PERSISTED- BUT WAS MORE INTERMITTENT. A MONTH LATER I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THE STALLING WAS DUE TO THE COMPUTER NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE ENGINE PROPERLY- AND THEY PERFORMED A "RE-LEARN TO SYSTEM" AND SAID THE CAR TESTED AS DESIGNED. IT IS STILL INTERMITTENTLY STALLING ON INCLINES AND WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. TOTAL REPAIRS HAVE AMOUNTED TO OVER $4000 BETWEEN THE TOW, INITIAL ENGINE/CYLINDER REPAIR ATTEMPT, ENGINE REBUILD, AND SUBSEQUENT REPAIRS. IT SEEMS TO BE UNFIXABLE- AND I AM NOT THE ONLY SUBARU OWNER COMPLAINING OF IT. I HAVE HEARD FROM LEGACY AND OUTBACK OWNERS WITH SIMILAR STALL ISSUES (BUT NONE HAVE REPORTED THE BUCKING ISSUE THAT HAPPENED ON 7/5/19.
Jan 08, 2020
CAR STALLS WHEN BRAKING ABRUPTLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. IT SHUDDERS AND DIES.
Nov 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP. THE DEALER (MY AUTO IMPORT CENTER, 1860 E STERNBERG RD, MUSKEGON, MI 49444, (231) 799-2886) STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE ENGINE AND OFFERED TO ASSISTANT WITH 50% OF THE COSTS. THE PARTS THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SINCE IT WAS 10,000 MILES OVER THE LIMIT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,700.
Oct 11, 2018
+ 7 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
10 complaints
Contacting Subaru going on 4 years to get airbag recall completed. Subaru has Persistently promised to call back to set appointment BUT NEVER CALLS. Just did 2 chats again today both MYSTERIOUSLY disconnected AS USUAL. Please record for legal purposes my absolute frustration at trying to get Subaru to fulfill this Critical RECALL for Deadly Airbag Repair
Feb 16, 2022
2012 LEGACY OUTBACK, CONSUMER WRITE SIN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
Apr 26, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 7, 2019. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HASSETT SUBARU (LOCATED AT 3520 SUNRISE HWY, WANTAGH, NY 11793, (516) 785-7800) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Mar 22, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V008000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LEE'S SUMMIT SUBARU (2101 NE INDEPENDENCE AVE, LEE'S SUMMIT, MO 64064, (816)-251-8600) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Mar 19, 2019
AIRBAG LIGHT ON. OPEN CIRCUIT FOUND. NEEDS AIRBAG MAIN HARNESS, BODY HARNESS AND LEFT FRONT SUB SENSOR TO CORRECT CONCERN. IN MOTION WHEN LIGHT CAME ON.
Jun 15, 2018
+ 5 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaints
CAR IS SOMETIMES EXPERIENCING SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AT SLOW SPEEDS. EVEN WITH DRIVER'S FOOT FIRMLY PUSHING DOWN ON THE BRAKE, CAR WILL NOT STOP UNTIL ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. THERE HAVE BEEN 2 RECENT, SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES: #1: CAR TURNED RIGHT TO A STOP SIGN ON A SEMI-RURAL ROAD, ENGINE BEGAN TO "REV" AND CAR JERKED FORWARD, BARELY MISSING A CAR AHEAD. ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE AT HIGH SPEED UNTIL THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER TURNING BACK ON, CAR OPERATED NORMALLY. #2: DRIVER TURNED RIGHT FROM A CITY STREET INTO A PARKING LOT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT SLOW SPEED TO TURN RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPACE. ENGINE BEGAN TO "REV", CAR JERKED FORWARD, DRIVER BRAKED HARD, PUT CAR IN PARK BUT CAR KEPT MOVING. CAR JUMPED ONTO THE PARKING BARRIER AT THE FRONT OF THE SPACE, DRIVER TURNED THE CAR OFF. CAR APPEARED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AFTER.
Sep 02, 2020
MY 2012 SUBARU LEGACY STALLS OUT WHEN I COME TO A STOP. IT DOES THIS RANDOMLY. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AS IT CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME IN TRAFFIC. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER.
Oct 06, 2018
SUNROOF SHATTERED WITH A VERY LOAD BANG. DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY DURING THE DAY IN GOOD WEATHER AND AT CONSTANT SPEED. NOTHING HIT THE SUNROOF. THERE WERE NO CARS OR TRUCKS IN FRONT OF ME. I DID NOT GO OVER A BRIDGE OR ANY OTHER STRUCTURE. IT "SPONTANEOUSLY" SHATTERED.
Jan 06, 2018
ON JULY 31 OF 2017 I BROUGHT MY CAR TO 'BIG O TIRES' FOR ROUTINE BRAKE INSPECTION. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SIGNS ON CAR DASHBOARD. AFTER BRAKES INSPECTION MY CAR WAS DECLARED UNSAFE TO LEAVE THE SHOPS WITHOUT REPAIR. THE REPAIR HAD TO BE MADE BECAUSE OF BOTH REAR CALIPERS WHERE FROZEN. I HAD NO CHOICE AND AGREED TO REPAIRS (MY CAR THEN HAD MILEAGE OF 27,500 MILES; THE COPY OF SUBARU EXTENDED WARRANTY POLICY I RECEIVED IN SEPTEMBER 2017). REPAIR INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF CALIPERS, ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS (ALL REAR). ALSO, NEW TIRES, AS THEIR EXTENSIVE WEAR WAS CONSISTENT WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS. STATEMENT OF REPAIR AND POLICY ARE ATTACHED. [SEVERAL MONTH BEFORE THIS REPAIR I VISITED SUBARU DEALERSHIP WITH CONCERN OF HIGH FUEL CONSUMPTION INCONSISTENT WITH MILEAGE I DROVE. AT THAT TIME NO REPAIR WAS MADE, AND I ONLY GUESS THAT COMPUTER RESET WAS DONE.]
Dec 17, 2017
ENGINE TURNS OFF WHEN CAR COMES TO STOP. 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS MY CAR ENGINE HAS DIED. ON ONE OCCASION I MISSED A GREEN LIGHT AND ON ANOTHER OCCASION WAS ALMOST REARENDED AT A STOP SIGN.
Oct 08, 2017
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STEERING
4 complaints
POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK TRYING TO LEAVE AT THE END OF THE DAY. IT DROVE FINE OVER LUNCH AND THEN WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AT 5PM THE STEERING MADE A WHINING NOISE (TYPICAL, FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, OF A POWER STEERING FAILURE) AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO DID A HARSH VIBRATING THING A LITTLE AS I WAS TRYING TO TURN AS IF IT WAS STRUGGLING. I KNEW SOMETHING WAS UP, SO I PUT IT RIGHT BACK IN THE PARKING SPACE SO THAT IT COULD BE TOWED. THERE WAS ZERO INDICATION THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT DROVE FINE OVER LUNCH, SO IT WAS VERY SURPRISING THAT THIS JUST HAPPENED. HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL SUBARU DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED REPLACING. AFTER IT WAS REPLACED, THEY TEST DROVE IT AND SAID THE STEERING STILL WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY AND WAS STILL DOING THE HARSH VIBRATING THING INDICATING THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED REPLACING BECAUSE IT HAD FAILED. POWER STEERING FLUID WAS COMPLETELY INTACT. NO BELTS APPEARED DAMAGED IN ANY WAY. I SEE WHERE THE 2013 LEGACY MODELS HAD A RECALL REGARDING STEERING AS WELL AS THE 2016 MODELS. AFTER READING THAT INFORMATION, THIS SITUATION SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO THOSE RECALLS.
Mar 12, 2019
STEERING WHEEL NEARLY LOCKED - BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. HAPPENED WHILE MAKING A VERY SLIGHT RIGHT TURN AT ABOUT 5MPH FROM A SMALL SIDE ROAD ONTO A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY. WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE A VERY VERY WIDE TURN TO GET OFF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING LOT.
May 02, 2018
I OWN A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO KEEP ALIGNED, CAUSING IT TO VEER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE DEFAULT POSITION ONCE THE TURN WAS COMPLETED IN CITY DRIVING AND HWY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND WAS TEST DRIVEN BY A TECHNICIAN, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE PRESENT WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
Jan 04, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO KEEP ALIGNED, CAUSING IT TO VEER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE DEFAULT POSITION ONCE THE TURN WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND WAS TEST DRIVEN BY A TECHNICIAN, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE PRESENT WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,601.
Jan 08, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
The brake lines of my vehicle were corroded and started leaking brake fluid. The brakes no longer work and started failing when I was driving up a hill. Luckily there was no accident, however, not having functioning breaks is an obvious safety concern. An independent service center initially looked at the damage and suggested that the corrosion is unacceptable for the life of the vehicle. They provided me with the recall information I include below and instructed me to take the vehicle to a Subaru dealership. The dealership confirmed the issue and offered a quote of $5,000 for the repair. There is a recall for the same exact issue for similar vehicles (Subaru Recall Campaign WQK47: Brake Line Corrosion). The recall includes 2005‐2009 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008‐2014 model year Subaru Impreza WRX and STI vehicles, and others. However, it neglects to include 2012 model year Subaru Legacy vehicles. The issue is clearly the same.
Jun 11, 2024
THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE HAS FAILED AS DETERMINED BY THE MODESTO SUBARU DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC. THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING THE EPB. I PAID $157.50 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY WANT ANOTHER $1250 TO REPAIR. THIS PROBLEM IS ALREADY PART OF A RECALL FOR 2012 SUBARU LEGACY BUT MY SPECIFIC VIN IS NOT COVERED. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THEY SHOULD REPAIR REGARDLESS OF VIN. HOW DO I GET MY VIN ON THE LIST? THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH MY SUBARU WHICH STARTED ONE DAY AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE AND RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE.
Apr 10, 2019
BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL SUDDENLY INCREASED WHILE DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET. BRAKE PEDAL MUST BE DEPRESSED ALMOST TO FLOOR FOR CAR TO BEGIN BRAKING. BRAKING IS NOT VERY EFFECTIVE. NO BRAKE FLUID LOSS EXPERIENCED AND BRAKE FLUID APPEARS CLEAR. FLUID LEVEL NEAR MAXIMUM LEVEL IN RESERVOIR. A RECALL (11V562000) FOR SIMILAR ISSUE ON CERTAIN 2012 LEGACY WAS ISSUED BUT MY VIN DOES NOT INDICATE A RECALL.
Oct 10, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
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.
Dec 23, 2025
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 re: “ 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.
Sep 24, 2022
SUSPENSION
2 complaints
The front subframe and engine cradle broke while driving (corrosion). Car began swaying and brakes were affected. Car pulled hard to the right when applying minor pressure to brakes on highway immediately after hearing the part break. The car only has 110,000 miles on it and according to the repair shop and dealership this is an increasingly common problem for the car make and model for this specific part.
Jul 26, 2023
PROBLEM WAS THE UNDERCARRIAGE SUPPORT, LITTLE OR NO PROTECTION FROM ESSENTIALLY A DROP, CAR "LEAPED' OFF EMBANKMENT BOTTOMING OUT. THE RESULT WAS SPINAL TRAUMA TO THE OCCUPANTS. VERY LITTLE SHOCK ABSORPTION IN THE SEAT OR SUSPENSION. THE CAR ROCKED BACK AND FORTH, FRONT AND REAR BUT THE SUDDEN IMPACT ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE WASN'T ABSORBED.
Nov 22, 2019
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
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 re: 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.
Oct 24, 2022
GOT MY SUBARU AT A CERTIFIED DEALER AND THEY DID ALL THE AIRBAG RECALLS GOOD 😁 AND THANK YOU BUT I BEEN DRIVING IT TO AND FROM WORK NO BIG DEAL 35 MILE ROUND TRIP BUT NOTICED IT WAS HARD STARTING LIKE NO FUEL OR SPARK SO WHEN IT WAS DUE FOR INSPECTION I TOLD THEM TO CHANGE THE PLUGS AT 59K MILES THEY DID AND DROVE IT FOR A MONTH OR TWO AND NOTICE A WINDING NOISE AND SHIMMY AND WHEN STOPED AT A RED LIGHT IT ALMOST STALLED OUT LIGHT WHEN VERY DIM AND CAME BACK ON AND I'VE NOTICE OVER A WEEK IT'S BEEN LOOSING POWER LIKE THE TAHOE I HAD THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS GOING SO I CALLED THE NEAREST DEALER AND ASKED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT PASSED ALL OF SUBARU TESTING AND JUST DRIVE IT AND ASKED WHAT ABOUT THE SHIMMY WHEN DRIVING AND SHIFTING GEARS THEY SAID ENGINE LOPE AND JUST DRIVE IT TILL IT SHOWS A LIGHT OR FAILS IT'S UNDER WARRANTY TILL 100K MILES BUT I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE IT IF I'M IN TRAFFIC AND IT STALLS AND CAUSE A RECK OR ENGINE BLOWS UP DUE TO ENGINE LOPE AND ASKED ABOUT THE ENGINE LOPE WHAT IS CAUSING IT THEY CAN'T TELL ME IT NOW HAS 61K MILES ON IT AND A YARD ORNAMENT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ON THE ROAD
Aug 16, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE LOW BEAM LIGHT BULB EVERY FEW WEEKS. UNSAFE FOR MY TEENAGE DRIVER TO NOT HAVE THE CORRECT LIGHTING TO SEE THE ROAD.
May 04, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED 3 TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Oct 16, 2013
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (60) MPH MY SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWORDS. BY OUTWORDS I MEAN BUCKLED UP AND OUT. RAZOR SHARP PRICES OF GLASS FLEW EVERYWHERE ALL OVER MY HEAD AND FACE. EXTREMELY SCARY. THERE WAS NO OVER PASSES AND OR TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME AT THE TIME. THE FORCE OF A ROCK AT THIS SPEED WOULD NOT COME CLOSE TO ANYTHING LIKE THIS. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CABIN WAS UNDER PRESSURE.
Mar 18, 2017
STATIONARY OR MOVING WITH KEY ON OR WITH ENGINE RUNNING FRONT WIPERS RUN WITH SWITCH IN OFF POSITION.
Sep 07, 2016
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer
Dec 16, 2025
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN: [XXX] Owner Location: Syracuse, NY (salt-belt state) Dealer: Romano Subaru (Syracuse, NY) Dealer Findings / Estimate: “Urgent Work — Subframe with sway links — $3,119.89” (front subframe replacement required), plus alignment and related items; total estimate $4,394.75. Summary of Safety Defect: The front subframe has corrosion holes near structural/mounting points. This compromises suspension/steering integrity and presents a risk of sudden loss of control while driving. Manufacturer Response (Subaru of America): I opened a case with Subaru Corporate. Subaru denied assistance on the basis of vehicle age (2012) and absence of a front-subframe recall, and instead offered a $500 coupon toward a new vehicle. This response does not address the current safety defect documented by a Subaru dealer. Why NHTSA Action Is Warranted: •Subaru has already recalled the rear subframe on these models in salt-belt states (NHTSA 19V-297) due to corrosion-related failure. •My vehicle exhibits the same corrosion failure on the front subframe, a critical load-bearing structure. •A safety defect should be addressed regardless of vehicle age. The manufacturer’s refusal leaves an unsafe vehicle on the road or forces the owner to pay for a safety-critical repair that appears systemic in salt-belt regions. Requested Action: I request NHTSA investigate front subframe corrosion on 2010–2014 Subaru Legacy/Outback vehicles in salt-belt states and determine whether the rear-subframe recall should be expanded to include front subframes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sep 18, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. After refueling, the fuel dissipated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that 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.
Aug 07, 2023
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
ENGINE STALLS AFTER ABRUPT STOP. FOR EXAMPLE, I WAS ON POST ROAD IN WESTPORT CONNECTICUT AND SLOWED DOWN FROM 25MPH+ VERY QUICKLY WITH A HARD BRAKE. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STALLED AND ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE ACTIVATED. RESTARTING THE CAR ALLOWED ME TO PROCEED. THIS ISSUE ALSO OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY (THE MERITT PARKWAY) SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. THIS PROBLEM IS CONSISTENTLY REPRODUCIBLE AND HAS HAPPENED 10+ TIMES. SUBARU HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE (HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2017/07/07/FACING-COMPLAINTS-SUBARU-OFFERS-EXTENDED-WARRANTIES-ON-1-5-MILLION-VEHICLES/#6E78473E79DC) AND "EXTENDED" MY WARRANTY UP TO 100K, BUT MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS 106K MILES. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO HANK MAY'S IN NORWALK, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A CAUSE FOR THE ISSUE. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO SUBARU CONCURRENTLY WITH THIS REPORT. THEY WILL BE EXAMINING MY CAR TO DETERMINE WHAT THE ISSUE IS AND WHETHER IT WILL BE COVERED.
Apr 02, 2020
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
2012 SUBARU LEGACY. WHEN COMING TO A HARD STOP THE ENGINE WILL STALL. WILL HAPPEN ANY TIME YOU COME TO A HARD STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN DENSE TRAFFIC. VERY SCARY.
Feb 29, 2020
TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CPSC: OUR 2012 SUBARU LEGACY WHILE PARKED IN OUR GARAGE WAS FOUND WITH TWO FLAT TIRES AT SAME TIME. ONE TIRE ON PASSENGER FRONT WAS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AS 2 MAJOR HOLES WERE IN SIDEWALL FROM HUGE BLOWOUT AND REAR PASSENGER TIRE HAD BULGE IN SIDEWALL LEAKING AIR. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAND OF TIRES WERE PIRELLI P4 SEASON P215/60R16 95T SL BSW. *JS *TR*JB
Jun 04, 2019
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHEN BRAKING, THE CAR OFTEN STALLS AND ALL REQUIRES A SHIFT INTO PARK, AND A RESTART OF THE ENTIRE ENGINE BEFORE BEING ABLE TO PROCEED. WHEN IT STALLS, STEERING IS ALSO AFFECTED. THIS FREQUENTLY HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS, BUT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES AND WHEN SLOWING FOR TURNING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY.
May 09, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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. *BF VIN IS INVALID. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND SUGGESTED BUYING A NEW CAR. CONSUMER STATED DEALERSHIP SAYS OXYGEN SENSORS ARE VENDING CORRECTLY FOLLOWING MONTH DEALERSHIP STATED SENSORS ARE BAD. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.*JB
Mar 19, 2019
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE DEALER (SMITH CAIRNS FORD LINCOLN, 900 CENTRAL PARK AVE, YONKERS, NY 10704, 914-377-8100) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER 1-38167237613. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Nov 28, 2018
AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY) AND 17V014000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SUBARU OF KENNESAW (905 ERNEST BARRETT PKWY NW, KENNESAW, GA) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Mar 12, 2018
TIRES
1 complaint
FOUR NEW CONTINENTAL PURE CONTACT 215-50 R17 95V TIRES WERE INSTALLED IN APRIL 2016. THE VEHICLE'S ORIGINAL TIRES (NOT CONTINENTAL) HAD LASTED 38,000 MILES. ONE MONTH LATER A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT OCCURRED IN ONE OF THE NEW CONTINENTAL TIRES AFTER BEING DRIVEN LESS THAN 500 MILES. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THEN, AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 7000 MILES, TWO OF FOUR TIRES WERE FOUND TO HAVE SIDE WALL BUBBLES. BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERN, ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND.
Jul 19, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSES THE DASH CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE, CRUISE AND OTHER LIGHTS TO ACTIVATE. WHILE DRIVING, THE FAILURE CAUSES: ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO SUDDENLY FAIL MAKING THE VEHICLE ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL TO SUDDENLY FAIL, AND STABILITY CONTROL TO BECOME NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE MAIN FAILURE BEING THE HEADLIGHTS/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH DUE TO SUDDEN LACK OF VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. SUBARU WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE/FIX THE FAILURE ON 2 SERVICE OCCASIONS. THIS FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT BOTH HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND CITY STREET SPEEDS. THE COMPONENT CAUSING THE FAILURE IS UNKNOWN.
May 04, 2017
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING WITH ALL WINDOWS UP & MOONROOF CLOSED, I CAN HEAR THAT WIND/AIR IS COMING IN FROM SOMEWHERE. WHILE GETTING A CAR WASH WATER DRIPS IN THROUGH MOONROOF. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2012'S MANUFACTURED APRIL 6TH TO MAY 12, 2011 FOR NOT ENOUGH ADHESIVE APPLIED CAUSING MOONROOFS TO COME LOOSE AND DETACH. MY VIN # DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR THIS RECALL, BUT I BELIEVE IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
May 05, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH SUBARU REGARDING THEIR INABILITY 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. *TR
Mar 24, 2015
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
VEHICLE VIBRATES AND PULSATES EVERY TIME YOU APPLY THE BRAKES WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH- VIBRATIONS ARE FELT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL. ON MARCH 11TH; SUBARU DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS TOOK A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATIONS WHILE BRAKING ON SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH, THEY ALSO FOUND ALL BRAKES AT 7MM AND FRONT ROTORS WITH ADDED MATERIAL TO IT MEASURING ABOVE 0.0008" - TECHNICIANS RECOMMENDED A SIMPLE RESURFACE OF ROTORS (CHARGED AT OWNERS EXPENSE) OR TO WAIT UNTIL THE CONDITION WORSEN ??? (AFFECTING OTHER SUSPENSION, STEERING OR BRAKES COMPONENTS) IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE USING THE WARRANTY. CURRENTLY MY CAR HAS 22,345 AND IT ALREADY CONTINUES TO PULSATE EVERY TIME I APPLY THE BRAKES AT SPEEDS WELL ABOVE 50 MPH. NOTHING WAS SAY ABOUT THE BRAKE PADS CONDITIONS OR QUALITY. I DID NOTED ON MANY SUBARU FORUMS ONLINE THAT MANY SUBARU OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE BUT IT SEEMS THAT NO ONE HAS REPORTED SUCH ISSUES TO THE NHTSA. *TR
Apr 18, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT ENTERED HER CAR, AND WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, WHICH IS REQUIRED TO SHIFT THE GEAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE BRAKE WAS FROZEN AND SUDDENLY THE CAR WENT QUICKLY BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL, THEN IT WENT FASTER AND FASTER AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED BACKWARDS, UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HER HOME. THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300. UPDATED UPDATED 02/19/13 UPDATED 2/25/13 *CN UPDATED 03/7/2013 *JS
Jan 07, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2012 SUBARU Legacy have?
The 2012 SUBARU Legacy currently has 88 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2012 SUBARU Legacy?
The most common problems reported for the 2012 SUBARU Legacy are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2012 SUBARU Legacy problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2012 SUBARU Legacy comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - SUBARU Legacy
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