What 90 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Subaru Legacy

Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN: [XXX] Owner Location: Syracuse, NY (salt-belt state) Dealer: Romano Subaru (Syracuse, NY) Dealer Findings / Estimate: “Urgent Work — Subframe with sway links — $3,119.89” (front subframe replacement required), plus alignment and related items; total estimate $4,394.75. Summary of Safety Defect: The front subframe has corrosion holes near structural/mounting points. This compromises suspension/steering integrity and presents a risk of sudden loss of control while driving. Manufacturer Response (Subaru of America): I opened a case with Subaru Corporate. Subaru denied assistance on the basis of vehicle age (2012) and absence of a front-subframe recall, and instead offered a $500 coupon toward a new vehicle. This response does not address the current safety defect documented by a Subaru dealer. Why NHTSA Action Is Warranted: •Subaru has already recalled the rear subframe on these models in salt-belt states (NHTSA 19V-297) due to corrosion-related failure. •My vehicle exhibits the same corrosion failure on the front subframe, a critical load-bearing structure. •A safety defect should be addressed regardless of vehicle age. The manufacturer’s refusal leaves an unsafe vehicle on the road or forces the owner to pay for a safety-critical repair that appears systemic in salt-belt regions. Requested Action: I request NHTSA investigate front subframe corrosion on 2010–2014 Subaru Legacy/Outback vehicles in salt-belt states and determine whether the rear-subframe recall should be expanded to include front subframes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11688170

The front subframe and engine cradle broke while driving (corrosion). Car began swaying and brakes were affected. Car pulled hard to the right when applying minor pressure to brakes on highway immediately after hearing the part break. The car only has 110,000 miles on it and according to the repair shop and dealership this is an increasingly common problem for the car make and model for this specific part.

NHTSA ODI 11534560

PROBLEM WAS THE UNDERCARRIAGE SUPPORT, LITTLE OR NO PROTECTION FROM ESSENTIALLY A DROP, CAR "LEAPED' OFF EMBANKMENT BOTTOMING OUT. THE RESULT WAS SPINAL TRAUMA TO THE OCCUPANTS. VERY LITTLE SHOCK ABSORPTION IN THE SEAT OR SUSPENSION. THE CAR ROCKED BACK AND FORTH, FRONT AND REAR BUT THE SUDDEN IMPACT ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE WASN'T ABSORBED.

NHTSA ODI 11281706

VEHICLE VIBRATES AND PULSATES EVERY TIME YOU APPLY THE BRAKES WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH- VIBRATIONS ARE FELT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL. ON MARCH 11TH; SUBARU DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS TOOK A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATIONS WHILE BRAKING ON SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH, THEY ALSO FOUND ALL BRAKES AT 7MM AND FRONT ROTORS WITH ADDED MATERIAL TO IT MEASURING ABOVE 0.0008" - TECHNICIANS RECOMMENDED A SIMPLE RESURFACE OF ROTORS (CHARGED AT OWNERS EXPENSE) OR TO WAIT UNTIL THE CONDITION WORSEN ??? (AFFECTING OTHER SUSPENSION, STEERING OR BRAKES COMPONENTS) IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE USING THE WARRANTY. CURRENTLY MY CAR HAS 22,345 AND IT ALREADY CONTINUES TO PULSATE EVERY TIME I APPLY THE BRAKES AT SPEEDS WELL ABOVE 50 MPH. NOTHING WAS SAY ABOUT THE BRAKE PADS CONDITIONS OR QUALITY. I DID NOTED ON MANY SUBARU FORUMS ONLINE THAT MANY SUBARU OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE BUT IT SEEMS THAT NO ONE HAS REPORTED SUCH ISSUES TO THE NHTSA. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10583494