2012 Subaru Outback engine problems
The 2012 Subaru Outback has 52 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.
52
Engine complaints
14%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Engine complaints by year
What owners report
“COOLANT LIGHT THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. AFTER DRIVING 2 1/2 HOURS COOLANT APPEARED TO BE LEAKING SO FILLED COOLANT TO TOP WITH WATER.. 12 MINUTES LATER, WHILE DRIVING, LIGHTS BACK ON/ENGINE REV/ENGINE DIES/ SMOKE. LIFTED HOOD/MANY FLAMES FROM CENTER /SLAMMED HOOD SHUT AND RAN FAR AWAY. SEVERAL…”
Common questions
How many engine complaints does the 2012 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the 2012 Subaru Outback engine — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.