Skip to main content

Used 2012 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
82 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
2 out of 5 stars

Lemon!!! Pick something else.

SGraham, 08/08/2018
2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

We bought this car new. Quality is non-existent. Cost of ownership is astronomical! For instance, suggested replacement of timing belt for maintenance purposes is $2000+. Now we have a faulty torque converter that will cost $1200 to repair. This vehicle kills on quick stops or sudden slowdowns at intersections. Other past issues include: faulty electrical, leaky hatch, broken audio, broken USB ports, murky headlight plastic, faulty headlights-expensive to replace, and on and on. We've owned other brands that have been easy repairs, safe, and good to 175K and 10 years old. Perhaps this car was among those that had falsified inspections done by bogus inspectors? Google Subaru Scandal.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Would buy another in a heartbeat

CLR, 11/03/2018
updated 11/06/2020
2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is a fun, peppy suv that wants to take off quickly. It is fun, comfortable , wonderful on snow/ice nd I will buy another at some point. The navagation system is complex but I think that issue was corrected since the 2018 navagation system works well on my husband’s new Outback. I have had a Volvo, Maxima, Lexus suv and others. Years ago lumbar seats were not an option but they are now and seats are very comfortable.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
2012 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 325 listings
See all 325 listings

5 out of 5 stars

Snow Gobbler off roader

John, 09/02/2015
2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 15 people found this review helpful

So far the Outback 3.6R - 5 speed trans Limited w/nav. is a gem. No problems just maint. Ice cold air, MPG avg 26+ - hwy around 30+ smooth ride, quiet engine, snow gobbler and easy to drive. Keeping this car for another 5 years or longer. Have a 2013 Legacy limited 2.5i and it was flawless and just as good. Big front seats, quality leather; the black leather looks as good as it did in 2012. Paint is shiny. Glad I purchased the Outback over the other FWD V6 brands this car can't be compared to other vehicles it's in a class of its own. The H6 is so smooth and quiet its a pleasure to drive. What is really fun is the turning radius you can do circles with it...

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

3 out of 5 stars

Love/Hate relationship Long Term

secondsubiesue, 04/20/2021
2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Currently Sitting pretty at 165K, I am the second owner. It has been great for off-roading and mountain roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Back seat is big enough for 3 carseats when needed. I have the premium with the entertainment package and the heated seats. She has been reliably in the garage for the past month. I am on my third battery though my dealership insists that there was no wirig places that are "leaking power" I've replaced the thermometer but I still get the fun flashing lights that disable cruise control in the middle of driving on the highway with the thermometer malfunctioning bad warning (This can also indicate that the gas cap is loose). The best thing about it to me right now is that it is still holding trade-in value at 165K. My family owns four of them right now. If you are looking to purchase get 2013 or newer- they have changed to a timing chain and have far fewer issues.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

2 out of 5 stars

Overpriced. Needs a LOT of Expensive Repairs!

bob, 08/28/2015
2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 23 people found this review helpful

Our 2012 has needed a new transmission with under 65,000 miles, new head gaskets, and a new timing belt. Altogether, we have paid well over $10,000 in repairs. It also go through oil very fast, the tires and brake pads wear out quickly, and the transmission fluid costs more than $300 per bottle!

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
Items per page:
5