2012 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 41 brake complaints for the 2012 Subaru Outback, 14% of that year's 292 total complaints, with 3 crashes and 1 injury reported. Two brake-related recalls apply: campaign 11V562000 for the brake master cylinder and 18V626000 for the electronic parking brake actuator on manual-transmission cars.
- Brakes complaints
- 41
- 14% of 292
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 70,870 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden brake pedal failure or hesitation while braking at low to moderate speeds, sometimes resulting in a collision.
- Some report the brake pedal traveling far toward the floor before engaging, especially on cold startup.
- Several owners had the ABS master cylinder crack or fail, requiring replacement.
- Owners report unusually fast or uneven rear brake pad wear, with rear pads wearing out much sooner than fronts.
- A cracked vacuum valve near the brake booster check valve triggered brake and check-engine warning lights for one owner.
- One owner who had recall repairs done reported an abnormal clicking noise from the brakes afterward, which the dealer would not address.
When 2012 Subaru Outback brake complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 27, 2011, latest Aug 17, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 18V626000Sep 13, 2018Brakes27,175 vehicles
Parking brake
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
- NHTSA 11V562000Nov 29, 2011Brakes32,685 vehicles
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 manufactured from october 17, 2011, through november 23, 2011. These vehicles may be equipped with a brake master cylinder that could malfunction and cause an increase in the amount of brake pedal travel distance required to slow or stop the vehicle.
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 contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Brakes complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2012 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 41 brake complaints for the 2012 Subaru Outback, making up 14% of the 292 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Subaru Outback?
- Yes. Recall 11V562000 covers the brake master cylinder, and recall 18V626000 covers the electronic parking brake actuator on manual-transmission Outbacks from 2010-2014.
- At what mileage do 2012 Outback brake problems usually occur?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 70,870 miles for brake complaints on this model year.
- Did the 2012 Outback brake issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records 3 crashes and 1 injury linked to brake complaints for the 2012 Outback.
- How does 2012 compare to other Outback years for brake complaints?
- The 2012 Outback's 14% brake-complaint share is the highest among the listed years, compared to 11% for 2010 and 2013, and lower percentages of 2% to 6% for 2015 through 2022.