2012 Subaru Legacy

The 2012 Subaru Legacy is a mid-size sedan known for its standard all-wheel drive, a feature that sets it apart from many competitors in its class. Engine options for the 2012 Legacy include a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. The 2.5-liter engine could be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 3.6-liter engine was only available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Legacy for its reliability, safety features, and all-weather capability. Common complaints include the somewhat uninspired styling and the lack of some advanced tech features compared to rivals.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and the need to add oil every few thousand miles.
  • Solution: In some cases, Subaru has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) and extended warranty for this issue. The solution may involve replacing the piston rings or even the short block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L Six-Cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT (paired with 2.5L engine)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, jerking during acceleration, or a complete failure to shift gears. Some drivers experience a delay or hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (paired with 3.6L engine)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise from the rear of the vehicle, which gets louder with speed. Can also cause excessive play in the rear wheels.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear wheel bearing assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or after a short period of inactivity, preventing the vehicle from starting. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty sensor, module, or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the parasitic draw, followed by replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Bulb Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent burnout of headlight bulbs.
  • Solution: Replacement of headlight bulbs, potentially upgrading to higher-quality bulbs or addressing any wiring issues causing premature failure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found Exterior
• No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Subaru Legacy presents a mix of common issues, with the most concerning being potential oil consumption in the 2.5L engine and valve body issues in the CVT transmission. The rear wheel bearing failures and electrical issues can also be problematic. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially expensive repairs. While the Legacy is generally considered a reliable vehicle, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problem areas and carefully inspect the vehicle before purchase.