2012 Subaru Outback Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 51 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Subaru Outback, 17% of all complaints that year, including 5 fires and 1 crash. A related ignition switch recall (19V297000) covers this model year among others.
- Electrical System complaints
- 51
- 17% of 292
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 5
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 70,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Underhood fires reported near the starter, alternator, or transmission area, sometimes preceded by shifting or all-wheel-drive traction problems.
- Dashboard warning lights (cruise, brake, check engine) flash on and off intermittently, in one case followed by a clicking noise when accelerating.
- Instrument panel lights and headlights fail to illuminate at highway speed, then return when the light switch is toggled off and back on.
- Headlights burn out repeatedly, with owners reporting the bulbs failing multiple times.
- Key fob and remote entry stop working in certain locations, which owners attribute to radio frequency interference affecting the security system.
- Low beam headlight projector produces a vertical, obscuring beam pattern that dealers were unable to diagnose or fix.
When 2012 Subaru Outback electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 3, 2012, latest Mar 2, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Electrical System511 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Electrical System 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 electrical system complaints does the 2012 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 51 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Outback, which is 17% of the 292 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Subaru Outback electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 19V297000 covers the ignition switch on 2005-2014 Outback vehicles among other Subaru models, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch.
- Did the 2012 Subaru Outback have fires related to electrical problems?
- NHTSA records 5 fires and 1 crash linked to electrical system complaints for the 2012 Outback, with a median mileage at failure of 70,000 miles.
- How does the 2012 Outback compare to other years for electrical complaints?
- The 2012 Outback's electrical complaints made up 17% of that year's total, lower than years like 2016 (48%) and 2017 (43%), but similar to 2010 (17%).