🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy Outback

Year:

2012

Platform:

Subaru fourth generation Legacy platform (BM/BR)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size crossover SUV/station wagon, known for its All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability and Subaru's signature boxer engines.

Key Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Rogue.

Vehicle Highlights:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent ground clearance for its class, boxer engine for a low center of gravity, practical and versatile interior, reputation for safety and durability.

Benefits For Owner:

Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose issues, and undertake repairs, potentially saving on labor costs and extending vehicle lifespan. Provides in-depth technical knowledge for independent mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Engines Covered:

2.5L (EJ253) Naturally Aspirated, 3.6L (EZ36D) Naturally Aspirated

Transmission Types Covered:

5-speed Automatic (4EAT), 6-speed Manual

Trim Levels Covered:

All available trims for 2012 Legacy Outback

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for complete factory service manuals)

Type:

Official Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (disassembly, assembly, inspection), engine management (EFI, ignition, emissions), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, 5-speed automatic transmission (ATF, diagnostics, overhaul), 6-speed manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, diagnostics, overhaul)

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints

Chassis And Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, bushings), rear suspension (multi-link, subframe), steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion), wheel hub assembly, wheel bearings

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs, calipers, pads), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake lines, master cylinder, parking brake

Electrical And Electronics:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM), engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), infotainment system, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, HVAC controls

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC), sound deadening

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush and replacement, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service, power steering fluid replacement, battery testing and replacement, tire rotation and balancing, wiper blade replacement

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) codes, engine performance issues, transmission shifting problems, braking system anomalies, electrical faults, HVAC system malfunctions, systematic diagnostic flowcharts

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head repair, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, sensors), body panel repair and replacement, airbag system service

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine bearing clearances, piston ring gaps, valve clearances, suspension alignment angles, brake pad thickness, fluid capacities

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures, electrical schematics, and component-level repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Features:

Searchable text, high-resolution images, hyperlinked sections (if expertly created), printable pages.

Image Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and illustrations suitable for detailed analysis.

Binding Type:

N/A (PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ253

Configuration:

2.5-liter, SOHC, 16-valve, Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Engine Code:

EZ36D

Configuration:

3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6

Horsepower:

256 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque:

247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

AWD System:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (standard on all models). Features a viscous coupling center differential with a front helical limited-slip differential for manual transmission and an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch for automatic transmission.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid, check manual for exact specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru 75W-90 Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5 specification)

📐 Dimensions

Value:

189.2 inches (4805 mm)

Value:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Value:

65.1 inches (1655 mm) (without roof rails)

Value:

107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Value:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Behind Rear Seats:

34.5 cubic feet (977 liters)

With Rear Seats Folded:

74.7 cubic feet (2115 liters)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg) depending on engine and trim

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for models tested, likely consistent with 2012)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models tested, likely consistent with 2012)

Standard:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts

Other:

Whiplash Protection System (front seats), LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

System:

Subaru's audio system with CD player, auxiliary input jack, and optional Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims may feature a larger touch-screen display with navigation.

Features:

Steering wheel audio controls, USB port (on some models).

Features:

Standard VDC and TCS. Optional features may include a rearview camera integrated into the infotainment system.

Bluetooth:

Available on some trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

System:

Manual or automatic climate control with air conditioning and cabin air filtration.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months for severe driving conditions, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months for normal driving. (Refer to owner's manual for specific conditions)

Engine Air Filter:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Coolant Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Transmission Fluid Atf:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under severe conditions, or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal conditions (consult manual for specific definition of severe/normal).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months.

Engine Oil:

0W-20 synthetic (recommended for both engines).

Engine Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or Subaru's long-life coolant.

Engine 2.5L:

Potential for head gasket failure (though less common than earlier generations), oil consumption (especially on higher mileage vehicles), premature wear of oil control rings.

Transmission At:

Some instances of torque converter shudder or premature wear, especially if maintenance is neglected.

Suspension And Chassis:

Worn strut mounts, front control arm bushings, and wheel bearings can lead to noise and handling issues.

Electrical:

Occasional issues with HVAC blower motors, power window regulators, and ABS wheel speed sensors.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Philosophy:

Known for its unique boxer engine layout and standard All-Wheel Drive, Subaru has built a reputation for safety, reliability, and capability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Outback Lineage:

The Outback originated as a trim level of the Subaru Legacy station wagon in 1995, designed with increased ground clearance and rugged styling. It evolved into its own distinct model line by the early 2000s, retaining its crossover-like capabilities.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

Generation:

Fourth Generation (2010-2014)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Awards:

Consistently recognized by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick for its safety performance.

NHTSA Awards:

Achieved high overall safety ratings from NHTSA.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as average to above-average for reliability by consumer organizations.