2012 Subaru Outback problems
The 2012 Subaru Outback was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Subaru bóxer. The Subaru bóxer has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as electric parking brake fault due to a control unit capacitor.
2012 Subaru Outback score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 7 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.44 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension10.0No documented faults
- Brakes6.82 faults
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering10.0No documented faults
- Electrical system7.91 fault
- Headlights and lights10.0No documented faults
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior10.0No documented faults
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2011 Subaru Outback
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 2011.
Subaru bóxer engine in the 2012 Subaru Outback
Names: 2.5i · 2.0D
- With caution
2.5i 167-173 hp (EJ253, 2009-2014)
167–173 hp · EJ253
We have not found any European source that rates this particular engine; Gebrauchtwagenberater and Wikipedia cite cylinder head gaskets on the EJ engines and SlashGear says Subaru moved to multi-layer steel gaskets around 2010. Ask for the service history and check the coolant.[4][5][6]
- With caution
2.0 D 147-150 hp Euro 5 (EE20, 2010-2015)
147–150 hp · EE20
AUTO BILD sees an improvement from 2010, but its 2019 reader survey records engine problems in 32% of owners of the diesel XV I and it only advises the diesel for "true optimists"; insist on a service history, no oil leaks and a particulate filter in good condition.[7]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockDamaged cylinder head gasket on the EJ petrol enginesDamaged cylinder head gaskets are cited on the EJ petrols (2.0 and 2.5), especially on older cars; Wikipedia records frequent failures of the single-layer gasket on the EJ251, and SlashGear places Subaru's switch to multi-layer steel gaskets around 2010.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter on the EE20 dieselThe particulate filter on the EE20 boxer diesel tends to clog, especially on those built up to the end of 2010 according to Gebrauchtwagenberater; AUTO BILD cites it on the XV I together with a rising oil level, among the diesel's problems.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionImprecise injectors and sooty EGR valve on the EE20 dieselThe EE20's Denso injectors can work imprecisely and produce a knocking noise, and soot in the injectors and EGR valve can lead to expensive repairs; AUTO BILD cites 500-800 euros per injector in Germany.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareTransmissionLeaking CVT gearbox oil cooler hose on the Legacy and Outback (2010)In 2010 the DVSA recorded a recall of 404 British Legacy and Outback cars for a CVT gearbox oil cooler hose that could break, causing loss of drive and oil on the road; a modified hose is fitted.
Faults outside the engine in the 2012 Subaru Outback
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesElectric parking brake fault due to a control unit capacitorYes: Subaru recalled parts of the electric parking brake unit (a capacitor and a magnetic sensor ring) that could fail and cause the brake to apply or release unintentionally. In the UK, the remedy was to replace the brake actuator.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBrake pipe corrosion in salt areasYes: Subaru recalled 12,379 Legacy and Outback in the UK because the metal brake pipes running to the four-way connector could corrode in areas where salt is spread in winter, with a risk of fluid leaks and reduced braking efficiency.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemWiper motor at risk of overheatingYes: Subaru recalled 3,906 Legacy and Outback built between 2009 and 2014 in the UK because an obstruction in the scuttle area could stop the wiper blades returning to their rest position and overheat the wiper motor, with a risk of fire. The lower motor cover is replaced.
Buying a 2012 Subaru Outback?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Subaru Outback reliable?
The 2012 Subaru Outback was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Subaru bóxer. The Subaru bóxer has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 3 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as electric parking brake fault due to a control unit capacitor.
Is the 2012 Subaru Outback better than the 2011?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 2011 and 2012 cars. Choose on condition, mileage and maintenance history.
What is the best year for the Subaru Outback?
According to our score, the best are 2014, 2013, 2012 and 1 other years with the same score (6.3/10). The year with the worst score is 2009 (5.1/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2012 Subaru Outback have?
The most important ones documented for 2012 cars are: damaged cylinder head gasket on the EJ petrol engines (Subaru bóxer, high severity), electric parking brake fault due to a control unit capacitor (brakes, high severity), brake pipe corrosion in salt areas (brakes, high severity), wiper motor at risk of overheating (electrical system, high severity) and clogged particulate filter on the EE20 diesel (Subaru bóxer, medium severity).
Own a 2012 Subaru Outback? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Subaru OutbackWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Subaru Outback 2009-2013, un olvidado 4x4 de segunda mano con un gran maleteroDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 10 March 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Con 526 l de maletero, es un olvidado 4×4 irrompible que está disponible desde 7.500 €Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 24 September 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Subaru Impreza III – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 6 September 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Subaru EJ engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
- Why Subaru's Head Gaskets Became A Running Joke (And Whether It's Still Deserved)SlashGear · General press · published 13 September 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026
- Subaru XV I im Gebrauchtwagen-Test: «Vorsicht vor dem Boxer-Diesel!»AUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 17 December 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German