10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,570
Average Mileage:
99,150 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. rebuild head and valves (2 reports)
  2. get a used engine (1 reports)
2012 Subaru Outback engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Subaru Outback Owner Comments

problem #3

Oct 192023

Outback Limited 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 114,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No issues with the car since I bought it new and was dedicated to regular Maintenace. Less than a week after a regular scheduled oil change and driving on the main interstate highway cruising at 65mph, the car just suddenly jerked. I thought I had blown a tire but the Brake light came on and then soon after the engine light came on. I was able to get off the highway but the acceleration decreased to a slow crawl. I had it towed to the nearest Subaru dealership that morning in which they said the issue is that both 1 and 4 are not correctly firing. They checked the spark plugs and checked the injector, but both did not fix the issue. They have now quoted me $8K to fix the pistons/valves as well as a slight oil leak in which they need to get the engine pistons/valves "machined". They are reaching out to Subaru to see if they can help since there is nothing I could have done to prevented this issue and they are hearing more of this issue occurring in Subaru cars. I'm praying that Subaru will help me with my vehicle but am waiting to hear from the Subaru dealership.

- Jay R., Manassas, US

problem #2

Jul 092021

Outback Premium 2.5L 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 100,382 miles

The engine blew a cylinder. Died completely. I trusted Subaru to be dependable and there is no reasonable explanation why this happened. The first estimate was $6000. Because it's a very bad time to buy a new or used car, I decided to fix it when I got an estimate of $4500 for a used motor. Now the CVT Transmission went at 382 miles past warrantee. I definitely am complaining to Subaru of America and hope that they cover this if they want us to remain a Subaru family. This car has become a money pit.

- Paul T., High Falls, US

problem #1

Feb 072019

Outback LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

I urge people to avoid buying a Subaru. I have a 2012 Subaru Outback with 83K miles and it suffered catastrophic engine failure though no fault of my own. Subaru has refused to contribute any money towards the repair stating that the warranty expired at 60 K miles. Avoid Subaru at all costs.

- Edward S., Concord, US

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