On October 27, 2021 while driving the car a number of vehicle light began flashing. We checked every thing we could and proceeded to drive it home, approximately 47 miles. First thing on 10/28/2021 it was examined by a Subaru dealer service department and they found no issues other than they replaced the serpentine belt and a few light bulbs. The car was driven again on 1o/29/21 and 11/1/21 with no incident. On the way home from work on 11/3/21 the same vehicle lights began flashing. We checked everything we could and found nothing wrong. We began travelling home and about 25 miles into the trip we heard what sounded like metal clanking. Shortly thereafter we began to lose power and the engine started smoking. The engine compartment was on fire by the time we were on the side of the road so we exited the car. In around 10-15 seconds the car was fully engulfed by flames and burned to the metal.
2012 Subaru Outback: fire, smoke or burning smell
6 of the 295 complaints about the 2012 Subaru Outback describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 29,000
- recalls
- 1
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Was driving on highway when lights on dash started flashing on & off, cruise, brake, check engine, the temperature light was flashing blue & red. I pulled over to make sure emergency brake was off. Turned car off and on and checked gas cap was tight as I had googled why it might be flashing. I continued for another mile and engine started making clicking noise when I pressed gas. I pulled over and stopped, car lights were still flashing and it began to smoke under hood. Smoke started coming through air conditioning vents and we got out immediately and engine caught fire.
Driving on interstate 95 the engine caught on fire and very quickly engolfed the entire car - bumper to bumper.
Car had fire at starter with lots of smoke coming from transmission and alternator .vehilce had been having shifting issues and traction from all wheel drive not working. I had vehicle taken to different dealers but no one was able to fix problem until the day car caught fire which told them which parts where at fault. My vehicle is truely a lemon, for it has been one problem after another for the past 3 years
Coolant light then check engine light on. After driving 2 1/2 hours coolant appeared to be leaking so filled coolant to top with water.. 12 minutes later, while driving, lights back on/engine rev/engine dies/ smoke. Lifted hood/many flames from center /slammed hood shut and ran far away. Several small explosions as car burned. Voluntary fire dept. Finally arrived but car almost totally gone. Only back tires left usable.
I was driving into work on the morning of 3/3/14 when I notice a smoke/burning odor. I discounted it but kept alert waiting for a engine light to come on. It became evident that it was from my outback. I got the car parked. Shortly after flames erupted from underneath the hood. I was able to reach a fire extinguisher and put the fire out. Based on conversations with fire department and insurance investigators it appears that the source was from wind shield wiper motor.
Service bulletins that may apply
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Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Recall number 19V297000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2012 Subaru Outback fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 2012 Subaru Outback?
6 of 295 owner complaints about the 2012 Subaru Outback (2%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 2012.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Subaru Outback?
There is 1 recall and 83 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2012 Subaru Outback
Stalling 84CVT failure 26Shudder 25Check engine light 24Headlights 16Adaptive cruise 13Transmission failure 10Brake failure 9ABS 8Hesitation 8Jerking 8Airbag light 7No deployment 7Warning lights 7Loss of power 6Pulling 5
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