2012 Subaru Legacy
Introduction
The 2012 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, all-wheel drive capabilities, and comfortable interior. It comes with various engine and transmission options, including a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with a 6-speed manual or CVT, and a turbocharged 2.5L engine with a 6-speed manual or CVT.
While the Legacy has received positive reviews for its safety, practicality, and handling, it has also encountered some common issues that owners have reported. These issues range in severity and cost, but many are relatively minor and can be fixed at a reasonable cost.
Engine
2.5L Naturally Aspirated
- Oil Consumption: Some vehicles with high mileage may experience excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels if not addressed promptly.
- Description/Symptoms: Burning smell, low oil level warnings, engine knocking or ticking noises.
- Solution: Replace worn piston rings or valve seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.5L Turbocharged
- Head Gasket Failure: In some cases, the head gaskets may fail, causing coolant leaks and engine performance issues.
- Description/Symptoms: Overheating, loss of coolant, white smoke from exhaust.
- Solution: Replace failed head gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
- Grinding Gears: Some vehicles with manual transmissions may experience difficulty shifting gears, particularly when the transmission is cold.
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding or crunching noises when shifting, hard to engage gears.
- Solution: Replace worn synchronizers or shift linkages.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
CVT
- Transmission Slipping: In some cases, the CVT may slip or hesitate during acceleration.
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, jerking or hesitation when shifting, whining or grinding noises.
- Solution: Replace or reprogram the CVT control unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Bearing Failure: Front strut mount bearings may deteriorate, causing clunking or knocking noises when turning or driving over bumps.
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking, knocking, or grinding noises, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace worn bearing mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V919000
Electrical
- Battery Drain: Some vehicles may experience a parasitic battery drain, causing a dead battery after extended periods of parking.
- Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting, electrical system malfunctions.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair source of parasitic drain (e.g., faulty module, alternator, etc.).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Clearcoat Peeling: Some vehicles have reported peeling of the clearcoat on the exterior paint, particularly on the hood and roof.
- Description/Symptoms: Clearcoat layer flaking or peeling off, exposing paint.
- Solution: Repaint affected areas.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Rattle: Some vehicles have experienced a rattling noise coming from the dashboard, especially when driving on rough roads.
- Description/Symptoms: Clicking, rattling, or buzzing sounds from dashboard.
- Solution: Identify and secure loose parts within the dashboard.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
Overall, the 2012 Subaru Legacy has a good reputation for reliability and durability. However, it has encountered some issues that owners should be aware of, particularly as the vehicles age and accumulate mileage. The most common engine issue is excessive oil consumption, while the most frequent transmission problem is CVT slipping. Electrical issues can also arise, such as battery drain. Exterior issues are primarily cosmetic, such as clearcoat peeling. Interior issues are relatively minor and involve dashboard rattles. The severity and cost of the issues vary, but most are manageable and can be fixed at a reasonable cost.