🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy Outback

Year:

2012

Chassis Code:

BM/BR

Engine Code Primary:

EJ253

Engine Code Secondary:

EZ36D

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2012 Subaru Legacy Outback is positioned as a versatile mid-size crossover wagon, blending the comfortable ride and features of a sedan with the all-wheel-drive capability and increased ground clearance of an SUV. It targets consumers seeking a practical, safe, and adventurous vehicle for both daily commuting and outdoor activities.

Competitive Analysis:

Competes with vehicles like the Toyota Venza, Honda Crosstour, and AWD versions of models like the Ford Edge and Chevrolet Equinox. Its unique selling proposition remains its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Subaru's reputation for durability and safety.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, elevated ground clearance, spacious interior, wagon practicality, focus on safety, and Subaru's characteristic build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete factory service and repair procedures, diagnostics, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, specifications, and maintenance for the 2012 Subaru Legacy Outback.

Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but described as 'complete').

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical (EJ253, EZ36D), engine management, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (CVT, automatic), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS/VDC), body electrical systems, HVAC, chassis, SRS (airbag) systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and troubleshooting.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled service, detailed repair procedures for all major components, disassembly and reassembly instructions, component testing, diagnostic procedures, wiring schematic interpretation, component replacement, calibration, and troubleshooting flowcharts.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Designed for high-quality printing, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine Description:

2.5-liter SOHC naturally aspirated Boxer 4-cylinder (EJ253).

Primary Engine Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

Primary Engine Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Secondary Engine Description:

3.6-liter DOHC naturally aspirated Boxer 6-cylinder (EZ36D).

Secondary Engine Horsepower:

256 hp @ 6000 rpm

Secondary Engine Torque:

247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Compression Ratio Ej253:

9.5:1

Compression Ratio Ez36D:

10.5:1

Fuel System Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Requirement:

87 Octane Recommended (91 Octane for optimal performance, especially EZ36D)

Engine Control Unit:

Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) for diagnostics

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - Lineartronic

Optional Transmission Type:

None (CVT was standard across most trims for 2012)

Transmission Features:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive integration, manual mode with paddle shifters (on some trims), adaptive shift control.

Transmission Fluid Spec Cvt:

Subaru CVT Fluid (SOA427V100, check manual for specific variant).

Transmission Fluid Capacity Cvt:

Approximately 7.0-7.5 US quarts (check manual for precise fill procedure and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

189.1 inches

Exterior Width:

71.5 inches

Exterior Height:

63.1 inches

Exterior Wheelbase:

107.9 inches

Exterior Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches

Interior Passenger Volume:

Approx. 105.5 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 30.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 70.2 cubic feet

Curb Weight 2.5I:

Approx. 3,472 - 3,593 lbs

Curb Weight 3.6R:

Approx. 3,770 lbs

Towing Capacity:

1,500 lbs (check owner's manual for specific trailer brake requirements).

Wheel Size Standard:

17-inch alloy

Tire Size Standard:

225/60R17

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Center Bore:

56.1 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for 2012)

NHTSA Overall Rating:

4-Star Overall (out of 5) - Frontal Crash: 4-Star, Side Crash: 5-Star, Rollover: 4-Star (ratings may vary slightly by specific test year).

Active Safety Features:

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

Passive Safety Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), driver's knee airbag, active head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners, whiplash protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional touchscreen navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, auxiliary input. Standard audio system includes CD player and 6 speakers.

Driver Assistance Features:

Available backup camera, cruise control.

Connectivity Features:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB connectivity, auxiliary audio input, steering wheel audio controls.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months for severe driving conditions, or 7,500 miles or 12 months for normal driving conditions (refer to manual for specific conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (refer to manual for severe conditions).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles (Iridium type plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change Cvt:

Recommended every 30,000 miles for CVT fluid.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 0W-20 API SN or higher.

Engine Oil Capacity Ej253:

Approx. 4.8 US quarts (with filter).

Engine Oil Capacity Ez36D:

Approx. 6.9 US quarts (with filter).

Coolant Spec:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue color) or equivalent Subaru-approved coolant.

Brake Fluid Spec:

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF DEXRON III (check manual for specifics).

Known Issues:

Some reported issues include CVT transmission issues (though less prevalent than earlier generations), oil consumption on some EJ253 engines, and potential for head gasket leaks on earlier Subaru models (less common on this generation but still worth noting for preventative maintenance).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history dating back to 1953. Known for its engineering prowess, particularly its horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, Subaru has built a reputation for reliability, safety, and capability, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Model Evolution:

The Outback originated as a trim level of the Subaru Legacy station wagon in 1995. Due to its popularity and distinct identity, it became its own model line in 1998. The 2012 model represents the fourth generation (fourth generation, BM/BR chassis), which debuted for the 2010 model year. This generation saw a significant redesign with a larger exterior, a longer wheelbase, and a focus on improved refinement and technology.

Production Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012, reflecting its strong performance in crash tests. Often praised by automotive journalists for its practicality, AWD capability, and value.