2012 Subaru Legacy

90 complaints on file, page 1 of 5.

1. Filed Jun 7, 2026Failure Sep 5, 2025Lehigh acres, FLUnknown or other

   Pienso que es la trasmision porque cuando meto belosidad da un golpe , y cuando doy bueltas serrada resbalan las ruedas traseras

   NHTSA complaint 11742556
2. Filed Apr 17, 2026Failure Apr 3, 2026Palatine, ILEngine

   Engine failed 3 cyclinders blew, car would not start, was able to drive car into parking lot (Einstein Bagels)before failure, otherwise could have been reared ended, as was in heavy traffic on westbound Dundee Road, in Palatine IL. Parking lot was near Dundee and Rand Road intersection

   NHTSA complaint 11731765
3. Filed Dec 23, 2025Failure Oct 1, 2025Lynnwood, WAEngine, Power train

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11706789
4. Filed Dec 16, 2025Failure Dec 3, 2025Watertown, NYPower train, Service brakes, SteeringCrash

   Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer

   NHTSA complaint 11705336
5. Filed Sep 18, 2025Failure Sep 13, 2025Syracuse, NYSuspension, Unknown or other

   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)

   NHTSA complaint 11688170
6. Filed Jun 11, 2024Failure Jun 4, 2024Seattle, WAService brakes

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11593722
7. Filed Aug 7, 2023Failure Apr 1, 2023200,000 milesOrlando, FLEngine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11536960
8. Filed Jul 26, 2023Failure Jul 12, 2023Akron, OHSuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11534560
9. Filed Jun 20, 2023Failure Jun 20, 2023Springfield, VAPower train

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11528026
10. Filed Mar 25, 2023Failure Oct 10, 2022Evergreen, COPower train

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11513708
11. Filed Jan 15, 2023Failure Jan 1, 2022Plaistow, NHPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11501897
12. Filed Oct 24, 2022Failure Aug 10, 2022Millsboro, DEEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11490689
13. Filed Sep 24, 2022Failure Aug 17, 2022Millsboro, DEEngine, Power train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11486236
14. Filed Aug 19, 2022Failure Jul 29, 2022145,000 milesCaldwell, IDPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11480131
15. Filed Jul 6, 2022Failure Jul 4, 2022New Vernon, NJEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11472538
16. Filed Apr 29, 2022Failure Mar 4, 2022Moses lake, WAEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11462750
17. Filed Feb 16, 2022Failure Feb 16, 2022Las Vegas, NVAir bags

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11452291
18. Filed May 4, 2021Failure Apr 15, 202190,000 milesClinton, UTExterior lighting

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11415120
19. Filed Apr 21, 2021Failure Apr 20, 2021140,000 milesSavannah, GAPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11413272
20. Filed Sep 2, 2020Failure Aug 31, 202088,000 milesHermiston, ORUnknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11352895