2012 Subaru Outback electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 37 complaints for the 2012 Subaru Outback, 10% of the complaints on file.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 37 10% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 70,000 miles 23 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 5
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 5 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 4 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 23 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 70,000 miles, and 43% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 5 fires, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
I was driving into work on the morning of 3/3/14 when I notice a smoke/burning odor. I discounted it but kept alert waiting for a engine light to come on. It became evident that it was from my outback. I got the car parked. Shortly after flames erupted from underneath the hood. I was able to reach a fire extinguisher and put the fire out. Based on conversations with fire department and insurance investigators it appears that the source was from wind shield wiper motor.
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In addition, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that during rainy weather, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner and retrieved DTC codes: P0420 (Catalytic convertor) and P0057 (Ignition System).
Other problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Outback
- Drivetrain & axles 104 complaints
- Engine 52 complaints
- Brakes 40 complaints
- Air bags 39 complaints
- Lighting 18 complaints