NHTSA Complaint #11439746 — 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK
ENGINE issue reported to NHTSA
Fire
Complaint Details
| ODI Number | 11439746 |
| Vehicle | 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK |
| Component | ENGINE |
| Date of Incident | |
| Date Filed | |
| Mileage | N/A miles |
| Crash | No |
| Fire | Yes |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Vehicle Towed | No |
| State | OH |
Consumer Description
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.
Related Complaints for the 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK
Other ENGINE Complaints
#11628345
Vehicle stalls when stopping. This is a huge safety issue because stalling at intersections can cause accidents. Deal...
#11578936
Just after 100k mile service, car began to shutter when slowing and then stalls at stops. Eventually after I leave it...
#11569490
The car stalls out at stops. It shutters and them stalls like a 5 speed car. I have almost been rear-ended on a coupl...
#11561859
When coming to a quick or hard stop, car will rumble then stall out. To confirm that the issue is transmission based ...
#11551816
No issues with the car since I bought it new and was dedicated to regular Maintenance. Less than a week after a regul...
Recent Complaints for the 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK
#11688694
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake pedal suddenly went almost to the floor while attempting to stop. Researching I found there was a recall. N...
#11683186
SERVICE BRAKES
I took my Outback to my local highly respectable mechanic on August 20, 2025 as I needed the oil changed and the conc...
#11646326
AIR BAGS
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In...
#11646326
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In...
#11646326
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In...