Electric System
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.
What Owners Say
"I plugged in my Sirius radio and GPS into 2 different outlets. The fuse blew, and the outlet in the console has not worked since"
Anonymous, MA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"While using a usb adapter it would short out causing the airbags to short out and the seat alarm to go off continuously"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Drivers side electric window stopped working. Had to replace motor"
Anonymous, TX (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Cruise control simply died. c. $200 to replace."
Warren T., IA (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Puddle LED lights stopped working"
Eric N., IL (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Puddle lights have shorted out on drivers side. Although a $200 accessory (both sides) they want over $450 to replace on side!!!"
Stuart K., ON (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Shorts found in fog lights, license plate lights and tail/brake lights. Three tries to fix"
Robert I., NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Fog lights and tail lights regularly burn out"
Chris G., MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"See the previous comment"
Chris G., MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Since new, I've replaced 6 running lights, 3 headlights and both strings of puddle lights"
Howard F., NJ (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Several bulbs burned out"
K M., OH (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"brake lights - died - acceptable but the back up camera died - not acceptable"
Neil S., NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"All four front running lights failed at once. Again, Subaru had no answer"
Anonymous, VA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"During recall for airbags, dealer offered to replace marker light bulbs for an additional charge."
Leo P., PA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Tail lights have to be replaced frequently."
Paul S., WA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Light bulbs keep requiring replacement. Since they are no longer user replaceable, I have to take it in to the dealership each time."
Marseille B., MD (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"puddle lights - under carriage courtesy lighting failed two times in two years. dealership fixed both times but did not guarantee that they would continue to work. these lights were part of a recall on similar Subaru Outbacks however the 2012 Outback was not included in the recall. Subaru sent us a $500 credit to be used to fix ANY problem - parts or labor. we used this manufacturer credit to fix the problem."
Anonymous, IL (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"bulbs are frequently being replaced, and the dealer charges at least $25 for each bulb. I took my car in for a recall on an airbag, their FREE safety inspection revealed 4 burnt out bulbs. One was one of the rear license plate bulbs, the balance were minor bulbs for convenience."
Anonymous, (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"One side of lights under car are out"
Anonymous, OR (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Both sides of the Outback premium package are lit with "puddle light that illuminates the ground next to the car. Except the driver side doesn't work I noticed the problem a year ago but haven't had it fixed."
Anonymous, IA (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Puddle lights became inoperable and was too expensive to fix. It was a nice feature."
Anonymous, (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Fog lights have been replaced twice in the last two years."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Same issue as headlights - seems like the bulbs burn out more frequently than they should"
Anonymous, MN (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Fog light came loose in housing, dealer claimed that I struck something( I do not believe it so) Cost over $100 out of pocket"
Anonymous, MI (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Puddle lights did not work...replaced under warrenty"
Bob P., NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Puddle lights on driver side stopped functioning. Dealership said "problem with harness" repaired with out cost to me"
K H., IA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"3 dash warning lights would flash on and off at times. There was a defect in the emission system that was covered by warranty."
Gary A., CA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"1 headlight burned out. I had it replaced by a non-Subaru shop. Very difficult to clamp it in correctly. Mechanic warned me that he was not able to seat the headlight bulb correctly. It sat crooked and other cars flashed their beams at me. By the time I got it to a Subaru dealer, the heat of the lamp had melted the housing and I had to pay $350 to replace the entire lighting unit -- driving lights, headlights, signal lights, etc"
Anonymous, FL (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Low Beam headlights were replaced due to recall notice"
Stephen C., MA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Headlight lamp failed, had to be replaced. Did it myself, but it was VERY difficult to get to (had to access by taking inner fender off), many scratches and abrasions trying to reach it. Still not sure it got properly seated! Wouldn't surprise me if it failed again soon, but then I'll have the dealer do it. Whew!"
Thomas S., MO (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Low beam bulb burned out - VERY difficult to replace DIY"
Anonymous, IN (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"They burn out often and changing them is ridiculously difficult for such an important item"
Dennis L., MA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"They keep burning out at an alarming rate. Both the high and low beams. The DRL module quit also. And the lenses cloud over and make the lights useless as well as unsafe. But that issue, cloudy lenses, seems to be common to ALL cars with that type of cover. This is dangerous. Why doesn't the government demand the use of a material that does not get cloudy?"
Chris G., MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Some how your computer has decided that I have TWO Outbacks and is asking me these questions twice. I have only one Outback"
Chris G., MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced 3 headlights"
Howard F., NJ (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"apparently there was some sort of short in the system and they had to remove the entire front bumper to correct the headlight problem"
Anonymous, TX (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Both head light bulbs had to be replaced"
Anonymous, NM (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Have had to replace headlights more frequently than any Subaru we've ever owned (this is our 8th Subaru)--at least four times"
R C., MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Needed to change several bulbs - with subaru one has to take apart front end to get to the lights and this is expensive There is no easy way to get to the front lights also subaru radio died - had to replace in addition the backup camera died"
Neil S., NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I replaced one headlight 3 times and the other twice. Subaru said they have headlight issues but found no solution. I sold the car due to this continuous problem"
Anonymous, VA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The passenger side low beam headlight has been replaced twice since 2012. And it's a pain in the ass to change it yourself"
Anonymous, FL (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Lights not easy to acsess"
Michael S., NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Three headlights have blown in the past 5 months"
Anonymous, WA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Water got inside headlight and gets fogy in cold weather"
Colin W., CA (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Our low beam headlights have prematurely burnt out. More than the bulbs being fairly expensive, replacing them is very tedious if done independently or expensive if done via a mechanic. I have come to understand Subaru has a known problem with the automatic headlight setting... it causes a surge which burns out the bulbs. To my knowledge, Subaru has not offered a fix to date"
Les B., VA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced both lowbeams 4 to 5 times since purchased new"
Henry C., GA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Low beam headlight out and extremely difficult to replace myself - absurd design"
John D., RI (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"THE BULBS BURN OUT TOO SOON ...HAVE REPLACED ON EACH YEAR"
Patricia D., MA (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Headlight lamp fogged over."
Anonymous, ME (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"It wasn’t as simple as opening the hood and easily replace the bulb. It required removing the fender wheel cover. It was necessary to have a garage replace it. I was charged an hour labor."
Anonymous, NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Headlight bulbs fail frequently."
Paul S., WA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Left headlight has burned out twice. Right headlight has burned out once."
Anonymous, WA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Bulbs keep requiring replacement. As these are not user-replaceable, as they were in previous models, I feel I'm constantly having to take the car to the dealership to have lights replaced."
Marseille B., MD (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The standard headlights stopped coming on. We could only drive at night if the high beam was on. When taken it to look at it turned out to be some kind of fuse problem."
Anonymous, TX (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Headlights individually quit working had to be replaced"
Anonymous, UT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Right head light kept burning out. Took two replacements,last one is good 3 months on."
K H., IA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Difficult to replace yourself, I had the dealer do it, not inexpensive. Problem was resolved. Subaru bulbs just don't seem to last very long."
Anonymous, (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Headlight cover got foggy. Car parts place buffed it and it was much better."
Anonymous, WA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"To replace the low beam headlamp you need to remove the fender liners to get to the bulb housing!. Tried to do it myself three times. Failed! Been driving one-eyed for three months! If you think I'm taking the car into the dealership (or elsewhere) for a sixty plus dollar headlight replacement Subaru is NUTS ! Extremely POOR design! I know it has been fixed in later models but what if they do something this stupid in the following year models? KIA is looking like the replacement this time...."
Anonymous, WA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"In order to replace the headlights, you have to go in through the wheel well which involves taking off the wheel and removing the cowling. You cannot see the headlight and have to replace it by feel. Absurd."
Anonymous, CA (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"In the 3 years I have owned this car I have had to replace headlights or tail lights at least 5 or 6 times."
Anonymous, (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"I am amazed at how many times I have replaced the headlights (about once every 12 months if not sooner) and it is very inconvenient to replace headlights on the 2012 Outback!...lol"
Anonymous, CT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The problems with the headlights are two fold. 1. At least once a year a low or high beam burns out. Either side. Marker and brake lights burn out as well but not at the same rate. Subaru headquarters offer no solution. 2. The material of the headlight lens deteriorates to the point that driving in the dark is DANGEROUS because barely any illumination reaches the road. Driving in excess of 35mph at night is HAZARDOUS. NHTSA should demand a material that stays clear be used on ALL vehicles and that a retrofit be offered on all cars less than 11 years be offered FREE OF CHARGE. In essence, a government mandated recall should be enforced to address this issue on any and ALL vehicles that have this issue."
Anonymous, MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The headlight bulbs are very difficult to replace myself(access), and expensive to have done at the dealer. Poor design for an item that needs occasional replacement."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Six months ago I noticed that one of my low-beam headlights had ceased to function. I took it to my Subaru mechanic and they fixed it to my satisfaction."
Anonymous, (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Head lamps, signal/tail lights and marker sights needed to be replaced often."
Anonymous, (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The headlights fail when you leave them on auto and they are a real pain to replace. You have to remove the front clip to change them. The dealer told that's a problem with that year and don't leave the lights on auto."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Wouldn't stay on bright"
Anonymous, UT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Headlight bulbs do not hold up very well and it seems - I was told by service dept the bulbs burn out more quickly because they burn hot"
Anonymous, MN (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Have had to replace two headlights at cost of over $100 each time - not happy about that"
Anonymous, ME (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Bright light relay went bad - replaced by dealer (free, out of warranty) after I explained how they could find the defect in the daytime running light relay per Subaru forum"
Anonymous, IN (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Left headlight went out"
Anonymous, CA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Burned out ( one)"
Anonymous, WA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Headlights on this model are impossible to replace without taking the tire off and removing the inner fender. Had to take it to a mechanic which cost me an extra $30 per replacement lamp and parts of two afternoons"
Stephen W., NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"One of the headlights will go our and they must be changed by the dealer, can't get to them without disassembling the wheel well"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Each headlight has gone out. Recently a rear light has gone out. I have had previous cars for years without a light burning out. I was disappointed with the headlight service when a light went out again within a week and another subaru dealer discove"
Anonymous, MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"I have to press multiple times, sometimes, to get driver or all doors open"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"2x reset key code at $60 each time and airbag lamp replacement-Cost $358"
Lawrence M., VA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Warning system displays but the tires are fine. Reset by dealer but continues to display"
Anonymous, AZ (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Tire pressure monitor registers "false positive" a couple of times a year--weather changes?"
R C., MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"USB port is so poorly positioned it’s very difficult to access. That makes it easy to mis-insert a thumb drive or cord."
Warren T., IA (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"no longer works"
Anonymous, WI (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The check engine light and cruise control light both came on at the same time and wouldn't go out. After trouble shooting by the dealership (like they had never fixed this problem before and without calling Subaru for help), they found a loose wire in the wiring harness near the fire wall"
Tom F., IN (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"All warning lights came on twice while driving"
Anonymous, WV (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"4 warning lights come on at once and when the car is checked I am told I didn't put the gas cap on right. I don't believe that. I think there is a problem with the emission sensors and gas. The problem has happened 3 times now, all on long (hours long) trip after I get gas. One of the warning lights means you aren't suppose to drive but I do because I know there is nothing wrong with the car"
Anonymous, NM (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Warning lights randomly come on"
Anonymous, AL (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)""check engine" light comes on sporadically, usually without diagnosable reason. Same with tire inflation warning, although once it was accurate (nail in tire)"
R C., MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"all dashboard warning lights ON, however, car ran problem free. this has happened on multiple occasions. mechanic was able to turn off warning light. no recurrence for many months but then recurs"
Joanne L., FL (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"All lights came on the dash (brake, check engine, etc.). Had this fixed once and then it happened again 6 months later"
T M., NJ (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Check Engine light also deactivated the cruise control and remote starting systems, while also causing other unrelated warning lights to illuminate/flash. That has happened on 2 different occasions - once for a catalytic converter replacement and second (currently) for an oxygen sensor."
Mark M., OH (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Warning lights come on unexpectedly--dealer hasn't been able to diagnose problem. Car seems to perform okay"
R C., MT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Recall over the motor cover"
Anonymous, FL (2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R 3.6-L 6 Cyl)"Recall due to potential fire hazard"
Carl B., MA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Recall on wiper motor"
Anonymous, NE (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Will fix under warranty"
John K., FL (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"This was a recall"
Anonymous, CT (2012 Subaru Outback)"Windshield wiper switch went bad and had to be replaced"
Jonathan O., MN (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"the wipers came on and I could not shut them off, I had to remove the fuse and take it to the dealer for a new control mondul."
Anonymous, GA (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
"It just happened so it could be as simple as a fuse but not sure yet."
Anonymous, CT (2012 Subaru Outback 2.5-L 4 Cyl)