2012 Subaru Outback

Introduction:

The 2012 Subaru Outback is a mid-size SUV offered with two engine and two transmission options. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine produces 243 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The Outback is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and all-wheel-drive capability. However, it has also received some complaints about its reliability.

Engine

2.5-liter Four-Cylinder

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, causing rough idling and reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt can fail prematurely, causing catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: 16V-340

3.6-liter Six-Cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Shifting Difficulty: Difficulty shifting gears, especially from first to second gear.
  • Solution: Replace the shift forks or synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage: The transmission may slip gears, causing loss of power or delayed acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and filter or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Sway Bar End Links: The rear sway bar end links can wear out or break, causing a clunking noise and reduced stability.
  • Solution: Replace the rear sway bar end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain: The battery may drain quickly, even when the vehicle is turned off.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator or check for parasitic battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Air Temperature Sensor: The intake air temperature sensor may fail, causing the engine to run poorly or stall.
  • Solution: Replace the intake air temperature sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Struts: The hood struts may fail, causing the hood to fall open.
  • Solution: Replace the hood struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Instrument Cluster Failure: The instrument cluster may fail, causing the gauges to become inoperable.
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Latch Failure: The door latches may fail, causing the doors to open unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Replace the door latches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: 14V-038

Summary The 2012 Subaru Outback has received a number of complaints about reliability issues. The most common problems include engine oil leaks, transmission slippage, suspension clunking, electrical battery drain, and interior instrument cluster failure. The severity of these issues can vary, with some being more costly to repair than others. Overall, the 2012 Subaru Outback has received mixed reviews, with some owners praising its performance and reliability, while others have experienced significant problems. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues before making a purchase decision.