2012 Outback 3.6R - Any known issues?

Hey gang!

 

My bro just purchased a 2012 Outback 3.6R and wondering if there are any known issues or general things he needs to look out for?

 

Thanks,

We only had our 2012 3.6R until around 50,000 miles or so, but it had broken down three or four times from a corrosion issue. It was parked in a sea town outdoors for the last two years, and the problem started during that window.

 

Apparently, the paint on the part of the ignition coils that is exposed to outside air is crucial. It would wear off, the coil would visibly corrode, it would expand, and failure would ensue. The computer would begin reporting cylinder misfires each time.

 

It was from the same two cylinders, IIRC, where all three or four of the failures took place. That is, there is a vulnerable spot to air flow, and especially air that is really salty. If she's always inland, it might never happen; if the car was brought in from the shore, check it!

This reply is the most surprising first post I've ever seen!

Coil failure due to corrosion isn't a Legacy-specific, or even a Subaru-specific sort of issue. The subaru design does seem more prone than the Honda coils we have on our van. Wet, salty air isn't something that steel is happy with.