2012 Subaru Outback: headlights failing or too dim

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 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!'

Filed Dec 30, 2016 · Lights · AK

My headlights on my outback are constantly going out. I purchased this vehicle in october of 2015 and I have replaced my headlights 9 times. I live in alaska with very little day light and it is important to always have my headlights on, regardless of where I live. I have been fortunate enough to not have been pulled over for this yet but I can see it happening in the near future. Please help.

Filed Nov 9, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 70,000 miles · NJ

The low beam headlamps are constantly burning out on my 2012 subaru outback. I have replaced the bulbs several times in the past two years, approximately every 3-6 months or 3,000-6,000 miles. One side burns out right after the other. I cannot say if the headlight bulbs burn out while driving or stationary; I drive mostly in daylight then notice the outage at night. Replacing the bulb involves removing the tire and having a mechanic or dealership perform the work. What should be an infrequent simple task is getting very expensive! I am primarily concerned about safety as the bulbs could easily both burn out while driving at night.

Filed Sep 25, 2016 · Lights · 19,241 miles · MT

2012 subaru outback. Two separate issues. First: both high beams inoperative. Cause: defective dlr module. Second: continual head light bulb failures. Left and right, high and low. No cause or cure found by our local subaru dealer. This has happened when driving on the highway at, would you believe, night.

Filed Jun 5, 2016 · Lights · 59,000 miles · SD

2012 subaru outback low beam headlight failure. Our 2012 outback blows headlights constantly. They last approx. 3 to 5 months before they fail. On a long trip we lost both low beams lights at the same time and had to drive through the night with high beams and fog lights only!!! All fuses have been checked and are fine. Obviously something is causing the lights to go out. This is an extremely dangerous situation that need immediate attention!!! Many owners have been complaining of this for years. The federal safety agency please do a recall before someone gets killed because of this!!!!