2012 Subaru Outback: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Transmission · MD

Couple weeks back while driving on the highway my check engine light came on along with different lights and transmission oil warning and car immediately lost power. I was able to pull over without incident. Then I took it to my local mechanic, they changed the transmission fluid and changed some fuses. It seemed fine after the repair and I started to drive home, but again the same warning lights came on and the repair shop advised me to take it to the nearest Subaru dealer which is an hour away from my home. I paid for the diagnostics and the dealer concluded the problem as follows "Transmission Valve Body: faulty causing check engine light and at oil temp light, will need to sit overnight for sealant to dry before fluid can be added.". I did some research and found that this is a known problem for the 2012 Outback and Subaru had a 10 year/100k extended warranty for the exact problem and didn't do any recall even though so many vehicles were affected and are being affected every day. There are numerous complaints regarding this. Though as being 2nd owner and have driven just 9k miles in 2 years while performing regular maintenance this is very unfortunate and dangerous. I emailed the manufacturer to cover this since 100k was up and it should have been recalled. This was their response" Dear [XXX]: Thank you for contacting Subaru. Your vehicle did have a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty for extended transmission coverage. Regrettably, it is far outside of warranty and Subaru of America would not be in a position to consider financial assistance towards your repair. I will notate your feedback in the case for Product Development to consider when designing future models. Sincerely, David Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department 1-800-SUBARU3 (1‑800‑782‑2783) Case Number: [XXX]" They should recall the vehicle for this problem or offer free repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 8, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · OH · fire

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.

Filed Apr 9, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 114,000 miles · OH

Vehicle shudders and stalls when braking hard. It will not stall on a gradual stop but will stall in any situation when stopping quickly. Does not have to be a panic stop to stall, just hard braking. Resulting stall means loss of power brakes and steering. Have to shift into park and restart vehicle. Has no issues when running or driving. Engine runs vey smooth and has been well maintained as I am the original owner. It is an ongoing issue and repeatable in every circumstance. No computer codes set for this issue. Yet it happens every time there is hard braking which is every time it is driven. This is very dangerous and I am afraid to have my wife and son drive it much less myself.

Filed Nov 3, 2019 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · OR

When driving on the freeway my transmission suddenly lost power it would intermittently go then stop again. I had a semi right behind me that almost ran over the top of me. As I made it to my exit it began making noise. I drove it straight into my mechanic who thoroughly inspected it and said the transmission had failed.

Filed Aug 13, 2018 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · NV

Vehicle in motion traveling 65 MPH on the highway, vehicle appeared to lose power, all dash lights flash, gas pedal unresponsive, coast to side of road, wait 20 minutes, car starts back up, called subaru dealership, mechanic states it is okay to try and drive, all dash lights flashing, no cruise control, drove 75 + miles before lights stop flashing, scenario repeats itself x 3 more times, lights flashing, no cruise control, take to dealership, subaru states, "computer reset", has happened once since the "reset" but the car did not completely shut down. It felt like it lost power for a second but came back on while on the highway.

Filed Feb 8, 2018 · Steering · 55 miles · MA

When I was driving in a highway, the car lost power steering suddenly