Should I buy a 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5?
Asked by GuruB9JLW Dec 06, 2018 at 07:07 AM about the 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i
Question type: Shopping & Pricing
Thank you all for your help with my
last question about purchasing the
2015 Subaru Outback. I do have
another question, what risk will I be
taking and what should I be looking
for if, when considering a 2012
Subaru Outback 2.5 with 109,635
miles on it?
Thank you for your help!
12 Answers
I would not. These are known for head gasket issues
Hornet_2497 answered 6 years ago
I agree with Guru9FSV8. And they have a fabric timing belt that can break without warning after 100,000 miles. Being an "interference engine" means that it will be destroyed when belt breaks. The belt replacement at the dealer is $1500 and don't believe anyone saying " it was already serviced". Get a Honda, Toyota, Jeep, Ford, Chevy. Not all five.. just one.
Thank you for your help on this.
My opinion I would buy a Toyota
The above answers are mistaken. The 2012 or 2015 Outback (FB engine) is not known for head gasket issues and does not have a timing belt!!! The FB can have oil consumption issues and problems with the CVT.
A Toyota Venza would be a safe alternative, CVTs are sometimes problems not always... newer Subarus 2010 and later don't usually have head gasket issues....YES, the newer FB engine especially 2013- 2015 .. have had oil consumption issues.....2010 to 2012 have the older EJ series engine...my 2010 doesn't burn excessive oil. You certainly can get AWD in the Toyota Venza, but, I think that the Subaru Outback AWD system is superior.... depends on what you want... good luck..
2012 outback suburbu - out of nowhere... head gaskets and radiator - cheaper for a new motor
My 2012 Subaru Outback has head gasket issues at 59,000 miles. It's currently stuck at the dealership, I've owned it for two years, maintained faithfully at Subaru.The car passed it's state safety inspection at the dealership in November. How in the world does that happen?
I wanted to add that Subaru offered to pay up to $1500 of the repair for the head gasket. Insultingly the rep ruined the offer by telling me that a head gasket/cooling system is NOT a common Subaru issue and they were being COURTEOUS in the offer. I have read so much about this today, and also of many owners stating they were also offered a similar $1500. to repair. My question is why is there not a recall? If this is not a common problem why are so many people getting offers to help repair the issue?
The head gasket issue is no longer a common problem. Subaru is correct. ALL engines have a small head gasket failure rate.
