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Subaru Legacy 2012 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

40 owners reported problems with the 2012 Subaru Legacy to NHTSA, most often about power train.

All reports

40
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-06-07 · NHTSA 11742556

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

ENGINE 2026-04-17 · NHTSA 11731765

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

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2025-12-23 · NHTSA 11706789

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.

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES Crash 2025-12-16 · NHTSA 11705336

Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-09-18 · NHTSA 11688170

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)

SERVICE BRAKES 2024-06-11 · NHTSA 11593722

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 2023-08-07 · NHTSA 11536960

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.

SUSPENSION 2023-07-26 · NHTSA 11534560

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.

POWER TRAIN 2023-06-20 · NHTSA 11528026

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.

POWER TRAIN 2023-03-25 · NHTSA 11513708

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

POWER TRAIN 2023-01-15 · NHTSA 11501897

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.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2022-10-24 · NHTSA 11490689

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.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2022-09-24 · NHTSA 11486236

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.

POWER TRAIN 2022-08-19 · NHTSA 11480131

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.

ENGINE 2022-07-06 · NHTSA 11472538

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

ENGINE 2022-04-29 · NHTSA 11462750

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.

AIR BAGS 2022-02-16 · NHTSA 11452291

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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2021-05-04 · NHTSA 11415120

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.

POWER TRAIN 2021-04-21 · NHTSA 11413272

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2020-09-02 · NHTSA 11352895

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.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2020-08-16 · NHTSA 11349693

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

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2020-04-02 · NHTSA 11320068

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.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 2020-02-29 · NHTSA 11312267

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.

ENGINE 2020-01-08 · NHTSA 11297886

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.

SUSPENSION Crash 2 injured 2019-11-22 · NHTSA 11281706

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.

POWER TRAIN 2019-10-10 · NHTSA 11267587

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF SMITH-CAIRNS (900 CENTRAL PARK AVE, YONKERS, NY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

POWER TRAIN 2019-10-10 · NHTSA 11267687

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. WHEN APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED. MULTIPLE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HER DESTINATION. THE CONTACT CALLED GARAVEL SUBARU (LOCATED AT 10 TINDALL AVE, NORWALK, CT 06851, (203) 642-0620) AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT A LATER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

POWER TRAIN 2019-09-27 · NHTSA 11258640

THE CAR IS STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. AS YOU SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE SHUTTERS, AND THEN STOPS. THE AWD, CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION, BATTERY, OIL, AT OIL TEMP ALL LIGHT UP. YOU HAVE TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE DAY.

POWER TRAIN 2019-08-21 · NHTSA 11245482

THE TRANSMISSION SHAKES/SHUDDERS WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR TRAVELING SLOWLY. IT HAS HAPPENED WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. SOMETIMES, WHEN THE SHUDDER OCCURS, THE CAR WILL DIE, REQUIRING A SHIFT INTO A PARK AND A RESTART.

POWER TRAIN 2019-07-07 · NHTSA 11229868

TRANSMISSION SHAKES OR RUMBLES BETWEEN GEARS WHILE ACCELERATING. OCCASIONALLY CAR WILL COMPLETELY LOSE POWER AND STALL. THIS STARTED HAPPENING WITH MILEAGE AT ABOUT 97,000 IN FEBRUARY OF 2018. SUBARU DEALER IN DANBURY, CT SAID IT WAS A PROPELLER SHAFT AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM. THEN BROUGHT CAR TO SUBARU DEALER IN BREWSTER, NY WHO RECOMMENDED TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. SERVICE BULLETINS ONLINE DESCRIBE THE EXACT PROBLEM HAPPENING ON THE LEGACY 3.6 TRANSMISSION. CAR NOW HAS 121,000 MILES ON IT. CAR FUNCTIONS, BUT VIBRATION BETWEEN GEARS CONTINUES. ALSO OCCASIONALLY COMPLETELY LOSES POWER MOMENTARILY - VERY DANGEROUS. DEALERS SAY BLUE BOOK VALUE OF MY CAR IS LESS THAN COST OF A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO OFFERED ME A $100 GOODWILL PARTS & SERVICE COUPON.

POWER TRAIN 2019-06-17 · NHTSA 11220753

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUSTIN SUBARU (LOCATED AT 8100 BURNET RD, AUSTIN, TX 78757, (512) 220-0930) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2019-06-04 · NHTSA 11217959

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

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2019-05-09 · NHTSA 11206445

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.

POWER TRAIN 2019-04-29 · NHTSA 11204426

115000 MILES , SUDDEN STOPS KILLS THE ENGINE RENDERING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. CVT TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER ACTS AS IS LOCKS UP TAKING ENGINE RPM DOWN TO A STALL CONDITION . HAPPENS ANYTIME ONE HAS TO APPLY THE BRAKES SUDDENLY. NORMAL BRAKING CAR FUNCTIONS OK.

AIR BAGS 2019-04-26 · NHTSA 11202490

2012 LEGACY OUTBACK, CONSUMER WRITE SIN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS

SERVICE BRAKES 2019-04-10 · NHTSA 11195485

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.

POWER TRAIN 2019-03-25 · NHTSA 11191494

CAR SHUTTERS AND ENGINE DIES WHEN COMING TO A STOP. DEALERSHIP SAID IT'S THE TORQUE CONVERTER. COMMON FOR SUBARU LEGACY 2012. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT.

AIR BAGS 2019-03-22 · NHTSA 11190926

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2019-03-19 · NHTSA 11189896

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

AIR BAGS 2019-03-19 · NHTSA 11190035

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.

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2012 Subaru Legacy?
Problems with power train: 21 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 2 and a fire in 0. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.