2012 Subaru Impreza: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Dec 31, 2024 · Electrical · NJ · fire

The AC unit suddenly shutoff and there was a burning smell while I was driving. It turns out that the connector on the back of the climate control unit had either drawn too much current, or the resistance was too high, and the connector had started burning. Fortunately, the melted plastic interrupted the electrical connection, and the fire had went out on its own. It looks like this is not an isolated incident, and several others have dealt with similar when looking online.

Filed Nov 5, 2023 · Transmission · NY

I was on the highway in mixed traffic for a couple hours. There was a burning smell in the cabin and then the warning lights came on including a check engine light and transmission light. The car started to jerk erratically when I accelerated and ultimately it would not accelerate. I pulled over and turned the car off as recommended in the owner's manualAfter following the manual's instructions to let the engine cool down, I attempted to turn the car on and put it in gear. It would not move when I put it in reverse or drive. The transmission failed entirely. Previous to my taking the car on this trip, I brought the car to my Subaru Dealership because I smelled the same burning in the cabin along with a strange whirring sound and the transmission light came on then too. At that time, I pulled over and read the owner's manual and did what it recommended. The car started working again after 10 minutes of cooling. This is why I brought the car to the Subaru dealership to have this issue inspected. At the time they recommended that I change the CVT fluid and that the issue would then go away. The issue did not go away. When I informed them that the car was unsafe and dangerous to drive because of the jerking and violent shuddering, they told me that I should trade the car in or pay for a new transmission. They did not tell me that the 2012 version of the car had a history of issues with its CVT, and that some of the repairs were covered under warranty.

Filed Jul 2, 2020 · Electrical · 98,000 miles · CO · fire

On the heater controls, for the fan speed, the connector on the back caught fire, I was able to stop it in time to prevent any further damage. My mother in law and my son ride that car daily, could of been a disaster. I have purchased a new part, replaced the plug, and same issue occured, started smoking and ruined another heater control. Used auto part locations near me reported the same issue on at least 3 other cars. See attached images.

Filed Apr 7, 2019 · Engine · 888,000 miles · CA

Summary: our 'valve springs' recall ('subaru recall wty-84. The federal safety agency id 18v‑722. Dec. 2018') took five weeks to complete are damaged our vehicle. A mandatory recall repair should 'first do no harm', but our car was returned to us in significantly worse condition than when we left it with the dealer who performed the work. This dealer is refusing to address the issue, and we are now in a position where we must sell the vehicle, several years sooner than planned. Time line: 4 feb. 2019: dropped the vehicle at stevens creek subaru in santa clara, ca. At this time, our vehicle had no noticeable problems ' no oil leaks on our garage floor, no burning smells, and no funny noises. 7 march 2019: called by dealer and asked if I wished to spend 'several thousand dollars' to repair engine leaks they claim to have had found. I pointed out that there were absolutely no signs of oil leaks when I brought in the car, and that I expected our car back in at least as good condition as when I dropped it, but with the recall addressed. Concerned that I was going to have trouble, I emailed to the dealer a photo of my garage floor showing no evidence of oil drippings (attached). 9 march 2019: picked up my vehicle. Immediately noticed strong burning smells, and oil drippings began to appear on the floor. 16 march 2019: contacted dealer and arranged for them to inspect vehicle. Opened case number 1-41918146136 with suburu. E-mailed photos of garage floor, now with oil drippings (attached.) 20-22 march 2019: dealer performed a complementary repair to 'reseal the passenger side valve cover'. 22 march 2019: symptoms not improved. Wife reported hearing new sounds. Since then: dealer claims the problems were preexisting, despite the fact that there were no symptoms before the recall work, and are refusing to address the problem.

Filed May 28, 2013 · Airbags, Electrical · 16,850 miles · MI · crash · fire

Followed too closely through a double intersection with a non-functioning light. Police officer directed traffic through the intersection but apparently we had to stop before the second intersection. Apparently I slowed down enough that the airbag did not deploy. I indicated 20 but surely my airbag would have deployed at that speed. Was able to drive the car under its own power off the road into a subway parking lot. As I was maneuvering into a parking spot the engine caught on fire. It seems strange to me that if I was going slow enough for the airbag not to deploy but for some components to catch on fire that the car is road worthy. Worth looking into?