2012 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 2012

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2012 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (21%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (9%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (20%)

Other (7%)

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Chart based on 194 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Subaru Outback.

2012 Subaru Outback electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (4%)

$100 - $499 (25%)

< $100 (71%)

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Chart based on 51 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

16400 mi

C $472
The problem with the radio when changing volume it changes the station I was listening to. 
22820 mi Problem with the controls on steering wheel for control of the volume returned. Previously they add a resistor in the wiring of the volume. New service note ST.15.01.12R: remove old repair and add 2 resistors. 
61000 mi Battery died out of the blue on Christmas Eve. Received jump and then called AAA and their battery truck came out and replaced battery. After battery died navigation system lost all information, calls to 2 local Subaru dealers resulted in (1) no idea what to do call 800 # (2) make appointment bring car in. Called 800 # and rep gave directions on how to reset, system fixed! 
63800 mi Windshield Wiper Motor (Front): Subaru has had multiple problems with either the design, production quality (or lack thereof), &/or dependability since 2010-2015. 
77000 mi

US $700
Replaced condenser 
19840 mi Radio jumps stations spontaneously, still not repaired. 
32200 mi burned out headlight bulb. very involved to change- 2.5 hours for both; unable to access. 
48000 mi diagnose and repair starter squeal 
52000 mi Rear window was not rolling down reliably. They replaced the motor I think. 
18000 mi Starter made squealing sound when running. Replaced under warranty. 

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2012 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

93000 mi

US $8
Replaced passenger side parking light 
104200 mi

US $11
Driver Side headlight went out. Replaced both headlights. 
64000 mi

US $121
Oil change, rotate and road force balance tires, change head light Change wiper blades and new air and fuel filter 
41700 mi

US $210
Low Tire Pressure sensor failed. 
34000 mi Check antenna message on for XM radio 
76000 mi

US $125
Battery died. Original battery was undersized and car always struggled to start in very cold weather. Old battery was 490 amps and new one is 875. Started without trouble first morning below 0 with new battery 
105000 mi

US $350
Bad wiper switch had to be replaced. 
84000 mi

US $100
Replace cable harness positive terminal and battery. 
60760 mi

C $200
Repair one line in rear defroster. 
65720 mi

C $500
Leak in air conditioning condenser. Part ordered and system recharged. 
34000 mi Battery run out. car didn't start. Subaru roadside assistance partner showed up after 2 hrs, to verify system, visited dealer. No problems detected 
96000 mi

US $100
This was second time recharging AC. It lasted less than two weeks and AC no longer works. Needs to be brought to the dealer for an estimate. 
80000 mi wiper motor replaced - Recall campaign 
59000 mi Wiper blade motor potential failure-covered under recall 
75000 mi brake lights - one burnt out, replaced both. more than 10 minutes due to how the bulb is accessed. 
92000 mi

US $150
Replaced Battery 
22000 mi Rearview mirror has auto dimming feature (that has never worked). Took in early March 2014, dealer agreed it did not work and ordered new mirror. Took car back in March 29 and dealer had ordered wrong mirror. Must re-order. 
13000 mi Bluetooth does not work with iPhones (4,4S and 5). You have to pair your iPhone every time you want to use it. There is no fix for this at this time. 
34000 mi Led burnt out on 3rd brake light 
3000 mi Bluetooth sync and mileage computer both malfunctioned. 
20800 mi Gas cap issue, sensor causes dash display and cruise control to malfunction if gas cap is perceived to be incorrectly tightened. 
4800 mi tire indicator illuminated during a trip 
21000 mi Failure in xm radio antenna 
65000 mi

US $56
Rotating knob for the mirror adjustment broke off. We took the car to the dealership and they wanted over $200 for parts and labor. Instead we ordered the knob online and replaced it ourselves. 
3000 mi seatbelt latch was replaced 
29000 mi Both headlights burned out. Service writer was not surprised and because less than 36,000 miles covered by warranty. 
63300 mi

US $75
Second time replacing low beam head lamp. Needs to be done through wheel well. Appears to be very common with these cars. 
70000 mi

US $75
Passenger side headlight burned out again. Replaced headlight access from wheel well after removing fender liner. 
100000 mi Had 4 small bulbs burned out. Car has had a lot of bulb issues. They wanted over $150 to replace them. I refused. 
119000 mi

US $80
Driver side headlight burned out again 
27900 mi Passenger seat heater does not stay on. 
49900 mi

US $50
Passenger seat heater would not stay on. Replaced bad relay. 
55000 mi

US $100
Replaced alternator 
36000 mi Wiper blades began operating without operator activation. Wiper switch replaced 
96000 mi

US $70
replacement of headlights 
96000 mi Headlight was installed misaligned (was improperly reseated, bulb was not pointed straight ahead). Repair was to correct alignment, 
3000 mi OEM Remote Start stopped working two weeks after dealer installed. Dealer resolved this problem during first recommended LubeOilFilter change at 1,300 miles (Dealer believes first service should be at one month / 1,000 miles on their dime 
32000 mi Flashing Brake & Cruise Lights, Check Engine Light on and AT temp light on. Dealer checked codes and ran diagnostics-this was charged to SofA $316. diagnosis fee and then reset the codes. Running fine all along. Software Glitch??? 
55000 mi

US $285
Navigation System started acting up with error message regarding DVD not installed, unable to go to saved way points. Service removed dvd & found a sticky substance- they cleaned disk & re-installed. 
55000 mi

US $48
driver side headlight replacement. Tire fender had to be removed to reach headlight 
12000 mi replaced battery 

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2012 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

65000 mi

US $210
USB port did not work and was replaced. 
32300 mi water leaking AC 

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2012 Subaru Outback Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.