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We bought a 2012 Legacy about 10 months ago. It has started stalling during deceleration and the Subaru garage say it needs replacement at $4500 for a Subaru part or $2500 a generic. The internet tells me that this is a standard fault in 2012-12 Legacys and Outbacks. Should the importer/dealer we bought off have known this and addressed it or at least warned us? Should they replace it for free, or at least contribute?
If not, is there a cheaper way of getting a good repair from (say) automatic specialists?

Hi there,
I worked for Subaru for 9 years and never replaced a single torque converter, or experienced a converter causing this symptom.
It may not have been too much of an issue for vehicles in NZ and certainly not one that a used vehicle importer/dealer would have known. Japanese imports may be a different story and could well have a few more problems not experienced in NZ new ones.
After 10 months of ownership, the question to ask would be "is it reasonable for this vehicle, (taking into account age, mileage, price paid) to have this kind of problem?" The answer to this will determine if the dealer should be responsible to remedy under the CGA, and or if you need to receive a final answer in a disputes tribunal hearing. https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/get-guidance/buying-maintaining-and-renting-a-car/solving-issues-with-your-car-dealer/