2012 Subaru Outback lights problems

Filed Oct 25, 2024 · Lights · 120,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that vehicle was consistently burning out the headlight bulbs. The contact stated that within 3-years he had replaced the driver's and the passenger’s side headlight bulbs 7 times, and following one failure the passenger’s side headlight housing was replaced. The contact stated that the bulb in the new housing was blown. The contact stated that a headlight bulb had blown while driving at night at an undisclosed speed. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the wiring and electrical system was working as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Aug 5, 2022 · Lights · NY

Headlights keep burning out in less than a year.

Filed May 28, 2020 · Lights · 175,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru outback. The contact stated that the bulbs in the headlamps needed to be replaced quite frequently. The vehicle was taken to miller subaru (1592 nj-38, lumberton, nj 08048) however, the contact was unsure if a diagnostic test was performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed May 24, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 73,763 miles · DC

Tl* the contact was driving a 2012 subaru outback company vehicle. While driving various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to fitzgerald subaru (11407 rockville pike, rockville, md 20852, (301) 230-9000) where it was diagnosed that the driver and passenger side knock sensors and the passenger side brake light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission body and harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired again, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 73,763.

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 50,000 miles · VA

The rear 3rd high brake light leaks every time it rains. This happens both when the car is stationary or moving. It has been doing this every time that it rains for about the last 6 months. I have seen numerous complaints on forums for the same problem.

Filed Jul 3, 2017 · Lights · 72,000 miles · TN

Both low beam headlights went out simultaneously while driving on a dark rural road. We were told the recall did not include our auto which was made the same year as other recalled automobiles of the same make and model. However it appears the problem was not corrected properly.

Filed Mar 13, 2017 · Lights · 84,000 miles · MN

The low beam headlights both burned out. Subaru said the issue only affected some of the outbacks but obviously it affects mine and was not covered.

Filed Feb 28, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · WI

In less than a year of ownership, we've had to replace four different directional/running/head lights. This is excessive, expensive, and awkward to do. (the front headlights require removal of the front tires to reach the access panel!) I know there is a class action lawsuit for this exact issue with earlier year's of outbacks.

Filed Feb 11, 2017 · Lights · 3,500 miles · AK

The left/right headlights, front/rear running lights and brake lights on my vehicle burn out at a very rapid rate. To date, I have replaced almost every non-LED light on the outside of the car at least once. Both headlights have been replaced twice (four bulbs). Complicating matters, subaru charges over $150 do change a single headlight in their shop. The design of the vehicle requires complete disassembly of the front end to access the headlights. Lights that burn out so frequently are a significant safety issue. Driving on the highway during the winter is not the time for bulbs to burn out. This is a known issue with subarus--the 2011 outback has lifetime bulb replacement. When I contacted subaru about my issues, I was informed that there was no issue with the 2012 model year. These issues have happened over the life of the vehicle since I purchased it in 2011. I have selected a generic date this month below.

Filed Jan 20, 2017 · Lights · 128,000 miles · WV

High and low beam bulbs constantly burning out. I have had this car for 4 years and I replace a light build in the headlamps every 4-6 months. Usually when one goes out another will follow. Example I replaced high beam then 4 days later the low beam. Great vehicle but I have replaced more bulbs for the headlights of this car than the last 4 past owned vehicles combined. Bulbs usually burn out when going from low to high or vice versus. Dealer claims everyone with same model spanning different years have the same problem. They claim it does not matter brand of bulb. I purchased expensive bulbs with a 1 yr warranty free replacement if they burn out knowing I will only get a few months out of them. I will still have the hassle of replacing them but atleast I'm done buying them. Subaru should recall these vehicles and fix this problem. With all the airbag recalls I doubt they really care about headlights. The federal safety agency please help us dealers should fix these vehicles before reselling these faulty vehicles!'