The Lemon Index2012 Subaru Legacy.
The 2012 Subaru Legacy is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 11 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 22, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 16 recalls, and it gets 20 to 25 mpg combined. It's the best Subaru Legacy year we track.
One of the most reliable. 4.5× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2020
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 90 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Legacy year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 49K to 119K miles on the car (66 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 91K–145K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 47K–114K miles
Recalls 16
- airbags 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall us.
- airbags 2020
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior.
Show all 16 recalls
- electrical 2019
The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch.
- airbags 2019
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipm.
- airbags 2019
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or rep.
- airbags 2019
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- parking brake 2018
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.
- airbags 2018
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- visibility 2016
Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other.
- wipers & visibility 2013
Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.
- visibility 2013
The moonroof glass may come loose or detach.
- electrical 2013
Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs.
- airbags 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 1, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2011.
- brakes 2011
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, 20…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 333 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Information regarding replacement revision of air intake duct for turbocharger where insulator
- If you encounter a vehicle that has the oil temperature warning lamp flashing with p0751,…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedAutoliv air bag propellant mixture2012
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The check engine light goes on and then causes the brake, traction and cruise lights to flash. The lights will go off after some time, not consistently. Spark plugs replaces two (2) coils replaced still no resolution.
2012 Subaru Legacy owner · NHTSA complaint 10630681
More owner reports
Engine stumbles and almost stalls. I have now 8500 miles on the car. This has happened at least 10 times sporadically to this point. Dealer can't find the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10524776
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 22; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2012 Subaru Legacy problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (45%), steering (18%) and speed control (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Subaru Legacy have?
16 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Subaru Legacy get?
20 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2012 Subaru Legacy problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 49,600 and 119,200 miles. The middle report was at 87,500 miles, from 66 complaints.
Does the 2012 Subaru Legacy have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Subaru Legacy cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Subaru Legacy have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works