2012 Subaru Outback Exterior Lighting Problems
- 14
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 4 |
| 1–30k mi | 4 |
| 30–60k mi | 3 |
| 100–150k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting · Service Brakes
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.
ODI 11016060
Exterior Lighting
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.
ODI 11002811
Exterior Lighting
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.
ODI 10960297
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting
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.
ODI 10957627
Exterior Lighting
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…
ODI 10954027
Exterior Lighting
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…
ODI 10946813
Exterior Lighting
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.
ODI 10938860
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting
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…
ODI 10925263
Exterior Lighting
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…
ODI 10872549
Exterior Lighting
In less than 4 years, i have had to replace a headlight 4 times. On the 4 cars i owned/leased prior to this vehicle, i have never had to replace a headlight ever.
ODI 10818049
Exterior Lighting
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.
ODI 10909564
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru outback. The contact stated that the low beam headlight projector bulb was not shielded. When the light was illuminated, the beam appeared to be vertical which caused the driver's vision to be obscured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. They were unable to so and the contact was driving around with duct tape over the light to prevent glare. The manufacturer was…
ODI 10490731
Exterior Lighting
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru outback. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, all the lights on the instrument panel and the headlights failed to illuminate. The driver then turned the light switch to off and all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The contact pulled into his driveway with the switch still turned to the off option and all of the lights illuminated. The manufacturer was…
ODI 10464052
Exterior Lighting
The headlights of my outback have burned out at least 4 times. The dealer claims there is no issue with the electrical system. *tr
ODI 10560704
Catalog parts for this system
Catalog year/make/model rows for 2012 Subaru Outback.
Catalog fitment does not by itself prove OEM-equivalent compatibility.