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KLUNK

2012 Subaru Legacy

The Verdict

75 Solid Pick

The 2012 Subaru Legacy has 90 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are transmission (27 complaints) and engine (23 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 75/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Subaru Legacy, consider the 2025 model year which has 93% fewer complaints.

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The 2025 has 93% fewer complaints

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75

Klunk Score: Solid Pick

Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 4

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

11V562000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTU...

Risk

THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY ...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

13V078000 VISIBILITY/WIPER

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.

Risk

If the components overheat, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire.

Remedy

Subaru has notified all affected owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly free of charge. The safety recall began February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru ...

Reported May 3, 2013

13V077000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. The moonroof glass may come loose or detach. The amount and position...

Risk

The moonroof glass can loosen and detach from the vehicle during driving, resulting in a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru has notified the affected owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge. The safety recall...

Reported May 3, 2013

12V047000 AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 1, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS TH...

Risk

THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, FREE OF FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Reported Sep 2, 2012

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200050792213
20013674312
20021853285
200315417215
20047325122
20054229435711
200622919316
2007731391
200813113065
20091393292
2010308393835
20114011463139
2012215142327
2013152172111
20141912355
2015689353611
2016676511110
20176843574
201861536140
201975234101
20209321556
2021162832
2022280310
202370300
202471700
202501140

By Category

Transmission
27
Engine
23
Body
21
Electrical
14
Brakes
5

By Severity

1
37
2
46
4
7

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 1

Pienso que es la trasmision porque cuando meto belosidad da un golpe , y cuando doy bueltas serrada resbalan las ruedas traseras

1mo ago
Engine 1

Engine failed 3 cyclinders blew, car would not start, was able to drive car into parking lot (Einstein Bagels)before failure, otherwise could have been reared ended, as was in heavy traffic on westbound Dundee Road, in Palatine IL. Parking lot was near Dundee and Rand Road intersection

3mo ago
Engine 2

My 2012 Subaru Legacy experiences involuntary engine stalling when coming to a quick stop, such as in stop-and-go traffic or during sudden braking at intersections. When the engine shuts off without warning, power steering and braking assist are lost, creating a serious risk of collision. This is a known issue documented by Subaru of America in Technical Service Bulletin 16-90-13R, applicable to 2010–2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles with CVT transmissions. Subaru attributes the condition to excessive thrust washer wear inside the torque converter, which prevents proper release of lock-up clutch pressure. Subaru describes the condition as similar to stopping a manual transmission vehicle without depressing the clutch, which inherently results in engine stalling. Subaru later redesigned the torque converter as a countermeasure beginning in October 2013, indicating prior knowledge of a defect. However, Subaru never issued a recall or notified owners and addressed the issue only through a non-customer-facing service bulletin. I contacted Subaru Customer Advocacy to report this safety concern and request assistance with the repair (quoted over $4,000). Subaru acknowledged my concern but declined responsibility, citing the vehicle being out of warranty and stating that TSBs are not customer facing. Subaru did not confirm whether the vehicle is safe to drive with this condition. This issue represents a safety defect, not a warranty dispute. Vehicles that can stall unexpectedly during normal braking events pose a serious safety risk, and many affected vehicles remain on the road today.

6mo ago
Transmission 4

Brakes malfunctioned and car spun out and hit deer

7mo ago
Body 2

Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN: [XXX] Owner Location: Syracuse, NY (salt-belt state) Dealer: Romano Subaru (Syracuse, NY) Dealer Findings / Estimate: “Urgent Work — Subframe with sway links — $3,119.89” (front subframe replacement required), plus alignment and related items; total estimate $4,394.75. Summary of Safety Defect: The front subframe has corrosion holes near structural/mounting points. This compromises suspension/steering integrity and presents a risk of sudden loss of control while driving. Manufacturer Response (Subaru of America): I opened a case with Subaru Corporate. Subaru denied assistance on the basis of vehicle age (2012) and absence of a front-subframe recall, and instead offered a $500 coupon toward a new vehicle. This response does not address the current safety defect documented by a Subaru dealer. Why NHTSA Action Is Warranted: •Subaru has already recalled the rear subframe on these models in salt-belt states (NHTSA 19V-297) due to corrosion-related failure. •My vehicle exhibits the same corrosion failure on the front subframe, a critical load-bearing structure. •A safety defect should be addressed regardless of vehicle age. The manufacturer’s refusal leaves an unsafe vehicle on the road or forces the owner to pay for a safety-critical repair that appears systemic in salt-belt regions. Requested Action: I request NHTSA investigate front subframe corrosion on 2010–2014 Subaru Legacy/Outback vehicles in salt-belt states and determine whether the rear-subframe recall should be expanded to include front subframes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

10mo ago
Brakes 2

The brake lines of my vehicle were corroded and started leaking brake fluid. The brakes no longer work and started failing when I was driving up a hill. Luckily there was no accident, however, not having functioning breaks is an obvious safety concern. An independent service center initially looked at the damage and suggested that the corrosion is unacceptable for the life of the vehicle. They provided me with the recall information I include below and instructed me to take the vehicle to a Subaru dealership. The dealership confirmed the issue and offered a quote of $5,000 for the repair. There is a recall for the same exact issue for similar vehicles (Subaru Recall Campaign WQK47: Brake Line Corrosion). The recall includes 2005‐2009 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008‐2014 model year Subaru Impreza WRX and STI vehicles, and others. However, it neglects to include 2012 model year Subaru Legacy vehicles. The issue is clearly the same.

25mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was slow to accelerate. After refueling, the fuel dissipated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the throttle body and valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

35mo ago
Body 2

The front subframe and engine cradle broke while driving (corrosion). Car began swaying and brakes were affected. Car pulled hard to the right when applying minor pressure to brakes on highway immediately after hearing the part break. The car only has 110,000 miles on it and according to the repair shop and dealership this is an increasingly common problem for the car make and model for this specific part.

36mo ago
Transmission 1

CVT transmission issues persist beyond the limited warranty extension that has now expired from Subaru. Vehicle RPMs regularly drop from 1000 to 500 when coming to a stop, causing engine to knock as it tries to stall. Vehicle then occasionally hesitates when attempting to move under power. Knocking and near stalling occasionally results in a sensation of vehicle being hit from behind while stopped with vehicle in drive and brakes applied.

37mo ago
Transmission 2

Faulty torque converter. The car will unexpectedly turn off when coming to a fast, sudden stop. The 1st time it happened, I was in a left-hand turn lane and didn't realize my car had turned off and I had to quickly restart it to complete the turn. A transmission repair shop confirmed that the torque converter and valve body would need to be replaced. No warning lights, messages or other symptoms appeared before the incident. There is a safety bulletin from Subaru on this issue but because my car has a salvage title, it would need to escalate to a recall in order for Subaru to complete the repair free of charge

40mo ago
Transmission 2

The vehicle will on occasion stall when coming to a complete stop. It is a known issue that has a service bulletin. Has something to do with the internals of the torque converter failing. Depending on where the vehicle stalls this could create a serious safety concern. Happens more when the vehicle is cold.

42mo ago
Engine 2

Please see ODI#11486236 & request # 562681 “ part 1” I wrote complaining about a 2012 Subaru Legacy Torque Converter issue. It was “ out of warranty 7/31/22 or 100k miles. At the time it started stalling it was at 103k miles in August 2022! I did not feel comfortable driving it. On 10/19/22 My mechanic drove my car & it shuddered & stalled at intersections for him also. I did not feel comfortable driving it 25 miles to a Subaru dealer to have them check it, diagnose it & repair it. My mechanic replaced the Torque Converter as well as the appropriate fluids. It cost about $1500 for parts & labor. Since this is a FAULTY part installed prior to purchase I feel Subaru needs to recall all these vehicles affected. I emailed you MULTIPLE emails online re: multiple complaints about this faulty part which causes a dangerous situation stalling at lights & intersections requiring one to stop & start. I was almost broadsided a few times. Subaru should do the right thing and recall all vehicles involved & your Agency should do the right thing & demand it for the safety of the public.

45mo ago
Engine 2

In August & September 2022 , 4 times I was stopping at stop signs & red lights and my car shuttered & stalled. No warning lights showed on the dashboard. I contacted my mechanic & he said he was aware of this issue on certain Subarus, possibly a Torque Converter defect but thought there was an extended warranty & I should look into it. My car was purchased 7/30/12 & had 103,000 miles on it when this issue started in August. I wrote to Subaru of America explaining the problem. They told me that my car was out of the “warranty” since it expired at 100,000 miles OR on 7/31/22. They said I’d need to take my car to a Dealer & have them diagnose the car, & if it was this issue then it would be reviewed to see if they would offer any “good will assistance”. After reading many blogs I’m noticing many Subaru owners complaining of similar dangerous stalls. Why hasn’t Subaru been forced to recall all these vehicles? This is a dangerous situation. I also read an article in FORBES MAGAZINE From 2017 by Chris Jensen that Subaru was allowed to offer extended warranty on this faulty transmission part instead of a recall being issued. I. Don’t understand how you can overlook this SAFETY issue. I would like to know what recourse I have since this started happening just outside my warranty limits. Subarus comment re: “ it would be reviewed to possibly offer some good will assistance” Is just not good enough. I would appreciate a response and some assistance in this dangerous situation. I have a date set in October to have my mechanic check it Thank you.

46mo ago
Transmission 1

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact’s husband, an independent mechanic, replaced the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel filter; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. Upon investigation, the contact became aware of Subaru Technical Service Bulletin Number: 16-90-13R for transmission failure. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not eligible for the Technical Service Bulletin repair due to the mileage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

47mo ago
Engine 1

Car stalls when coming to a stop. This is a known problem with an active tsb but Subaru will not support repairs. This is dangerous when engine quits unexpectedly

49mo ago
Engine 2

A lot of the times when I am driving the car, it starts stallings until it turns off every time I try to stop. Sometimes when I am driving with my family I am afraid someone will hit my car, because it turn off. When im on freeways and alot of traffic jams im afraid because i have to stop alot and it turns off i have to always check behind so no one hits me. So please help on makeing this a recal, i see alot of people are having the same problems not just me. This can cause a bad accident so please do t wait for this to happen.

51mo ago
Electrical 1

Contacting Subaru going on 4 years to get airbag recall completed. Subaru has Persistently promised to call back to set appointment BUT NEVER CALLS. Just did 2 chats again today both MYSTERIOUSLY disconnected AS USUAL. Please record for legal purposes my absolute frustration at trying to get Subaru to fulfill this Critical RECALL for Deadly Airbag Repair

53mo ago
Electrical 2

KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE LOW BEAM LIGHT BULB EVERY FEW WEEKS. UNSAFE FOR MY TEENAGE DRIVER TO NOT HAVE THE CORRECT LIGHTING TO SEE THE ROAD.

63mo ago
Transmission 2

FIRST TIME CAR STALLED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. CAR (SUBARU LEGACY 2012) HAD 140K MILES ON IT. WENT TO A SUBARU DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT THERE FOR THIS MODEL WHICH CAPS THE MILEAGE FOR FREE REPAIR AT 100K MILES. AFTER 30 MILES WITH A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER, CAR STARTED SHUDDERING AT 45MPH. MULTIPLE SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON WITH STEERING BECOMING DIFFICULT. TURNED INTO A SMALL STREET WHERE THE CAR STALLED AT LOW SPEEDS. TOOK A COUPLE OF TRIES TO START THE CAR AND SENT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS.

63mo ago
Body 2

CAR IS SOMETIMES EXPERIENCING SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AT SLOW SPEEDS. EVEN WITH DRIVER'S FOOT FIRMLY PUSHING DOWN ON THE BRAKE, CAR WILL NOT STOP UNTIL ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. THERE HAVE BEEN 2 RECENT, SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES: #1: CAR TURNED RIGHT TO A STOP SIGN ON A SEMI-RURAL ROAD, ENGINE BEGAN TO "REV" AND CAR JERKED FORWARD, BARELY MISSING A CAR AHEAD. ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE AT HIGH SPEED UNTIL THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER TURNING BACK ON, CAR OPERATED NORMALLY. #2: DRIVER TURNED RIGHT FROM A CITY STREET INTO A PARKING LOT AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT SLOW SPEED TO TURN RIGHT INTO A PARKING SPACE. ENGINE BEGAN TO "REV", CAR JERKED FORWARD, DRIVER BRAKED HARD, PUT CAR IN PARK BUT CAR KEPT MOVING. CAR JUMPED ONTO THE PARKING BARRIER AT THE FRONT OF THE SPACE, DRIVER TURNED THE CAR OFF. CAR APPEARED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AFTER.

71mo ago

90 total

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