How many 2012 Subaru Legacy owners reported engine problems?

NHTSA lists 25 engine complaints for the 2012 Legacy, which is 28% of all 90 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Subaru Legacy engine?

No. The NHTSA data provided shows no related recalls tied to this engine complaint area.

At what mileage do 2012 Legacy engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 93,000 miles.

What are the most common engine complaints on the 2012 Legacy?

Owners describe stalling, rough idling, warning-light cascades involving the check engine, brake, and cruise lights, and in one case a blown head gasket.

Did the 2012 Legacy engine issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires linked to these engine complaints, with 0 injuries reported.

2012 Subaru Legacy Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 25 engine complaints for the 2012 Subaru Legacy, 28% of that year's 90 total complaints. There are no related recalls, and the median mileage at failure is 93,000 miles. Owners most often report stalling, rough idling, and warning light patterns.

Engine complaints: 25; 28% of 90
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 93,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine stumbles, bogs down, or nearly stalls at low idle, sometimes repeatedly over many months.
Check engine light triggers cascading brake, traction, and cruise control light flashing that dealers could not diagnose or replicate.
Vehicle shudders or vibrates abnormally at lower speeds before stalling, sometimes with all warning lights activating first.
Engine stalls unexpectedly while braking, turning, or driving on the highway, in some cases locking the wheel.
One owner reported a blown head gasket with coolant backing up into the engine bay and affecting brakes and power steering while driving.

When 2012 Subaru Legacy engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 11, 2012, latest Apr 17, 2026.

25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2012 to Apr 2026; peak Jun 2012 (1).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Subaru Legacy

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Legacy model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201039 (27%)
201133 (20%)
201225 (28%)
201323 (35%)
20147 (13%)
201537 (23%)
201617 (12%)
20176 (5%)
201813 (11%)
20199 (7%)
20208 (7%)
20214 (13%)
20222 (6%)
20230 (0%)
20241 (6%)
20254 (67%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2012 Subaru Legacy owners reported engine problems?: NHTSA lists 25 engine complaints for the 2012 Legacy, which is 28% of all 90 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Subaru Legacy engine?: No. The NHTSA data provided shows no related recalls tied to this engine complaint area.
At what mileage do 2012 Legacy engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 93,000 miles.
What are the most common engine complaints on the 2012 Legacy?: Owners describe stalling, rough idling, warning-light cascades involving the check engine, brake, and cruise lights, and in one case a blown head gasket.
Did the 2012 Legacy engine issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires linked to these engine complaints, with 0 injuries reported.