2012 Subaru Outback MPG
EPA ratings for the 2012 Subaru Outback run from 18–21 mpg in town to 24–28 on the highway, or 20–24 combined, depending on which of its 3 versions you look at.
The most efficient pairs the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and all-wheel drive, at 24 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive and is rated 20 mpg combined. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2011 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular · 370 g CO₂/mi |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular · 404 g CO₂/mi |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular · 444 g CO₂/mi |
2012 Subaru Outback fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2012 Subaru Outback costs about $2,720 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (24 mpg combined), or roughly 18 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (20 mpg combined) comes to about $3,270 a year, $540 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2012 Subaru Outback specs
2012 Subaru Outback buyers could choose between 2 engines, according to EPA records: 2.5 L 4-cyl and 3.6 L 6-cyl. It came with automatic, continuously variable (CVT) and manual transmissions, with all-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a sport utility vehicle.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L | 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios); Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 3.6 L | 6 | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2012 Subaru Outback problems
Owners have filed 294 complaints about the 2012 Subaru Outback with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Power train is the most-reported area (29% of component mentions), followed by engine (13%) and air bags (11%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 20 complaints a year: fewer than the 2011 (41 a year) and about as many as the 2013 (21 a year).
That ranks 14th of 17 Subaru Outback model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 294, 15 mention a crash, 6 a fire and 11 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 108 | 29% |
| Engine | 50 | 13% |
| Air bags | 39 | 11% |
| Electrical system | 37 | 10% |
| Service brakes | 36 | 10% |
| Unknown or other | 24 | 6% |
| Exterior lighting | 18 | 5% |
| Steering | 9 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 2% |
| Structure | 5 | 1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 1% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 4 | 1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 1% |
| Seats | 4 | 1% |
| Suspension | 4 | 1% |
| Visibility | 4 | 1% |
| Seat belts | 3 | <1% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 3 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | <1% |
| Wheels | 2 | <1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | <1% |
| Parking brake | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
While driving on I-5 at about 70 mph, I made a normal upshift from 5th to 6th gear in my 6-speed manual transmission. …
Just after 100k mile service, car began to shutter when slowing and then stalls at stops. Eventually after I leave it in neutral for up to 2-20 min it will finally restart. First time it happened it wouldn’t start. …
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. …
2012 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2012 Subaru Outback.
The most recent, campaign 20V001000 from January 2020, concerns air bags.
Air bags account for 9 of the 16 campaigns, more than any other area.
13V077000 · March 5, 2013 · Visibility
Problem: The moonroof glass may come loose or detach. The amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied.
Risk: The moonroof glass can loosen and detach from the vehicle during driving, resulting in a potential road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified the affected owners, and dealers will inspect the glass adhesion condition and either apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass, free of charge.
13V078000 · March 5, 2013 · Visibility/wiper
Problem: Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.
Risk: If the components overheat, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire.
Remedy: Subaru has notified all affected owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly free of charge.
12V047000 · February 9, 2012 · Air bags
Problem: THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
Risk: THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, FREE OF FEBRUARY 21, 2012.
11V562000 · November 29, 2011 · Hydraulic service brakes
Problem: THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE.
Risk: THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Outback years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V001000 | January 2, 2020 | Air bags | 2008–2014 |
| 20V002000 | January 2, 2020 | Air bags | 2008–2014 |
| 20V003000 | January 2, 2020 | Air bags | 2008–2014 |
| 19V297000 | April 11, 2019 | Electrical system | 2008–2014 |
| 19V007000 | January 9, 2019 | Air bags | 2010–2014 |
| 19V009000 | January 9, 2019 | Air bags | 2010–2014 |
| 19V008000 | January 9, 2019 | Air bags | 2010–2014 |
| 18V626000 | September 13, 2018 | Parking brake | 2010–2014 |
| 18V012000 | January 9, 2018 | Air bags | 2009–2013 |
| 17V014000 | January 10, 2017 | Air bags | 2009–2012 |
| 16V694000 | September 27, 2016 | Visibility | 2010–2014 |
| 13V061000 | February 25, 2013 | Equipment, Electrical system | 2010–2013 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 1 version of the 2012 Subaru Outback; the best overall score is 4 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Subaru Outbacks can be compared fairly. Among other 2012 models in the EPA's sport utility vehicle class, the 2012 Toyota RAV4 (24 mpg), 2012 Ford Escape (25 mpg) and 2012 Ford Explorer (23 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 22 | 106 | 5.9 | 13 |
| 2010 | 24 | 360 | 21 | 18 |
| 2011 | 24 | 653 | 41 | 16 |
| 2012 | 24 | 294 | 20 | 16 |
| 2013 | 26 | 297 | 21 | 12 |
| 2014 | 26 | 208 | 16 | 10 |
| 2015 | 28 | 510 | 42 | 5 |
Every Subaru Outback model year compared →
Similar 2012 models
FAQ
Is the 2012 Outback a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2012 Subaru Outback has 20 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (14th most of 17 model years), 16 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 4 stars and up to 24 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2012 Outback problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are power train (108), engine (50) and air bags (39). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2012 Outback have?
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Outback get?
The EPA rates the versions at 20–24 mpg combined (18–21 city, 24–28 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Outback per year?
About $2,720 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $3,270 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).