NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
178 reports21,000 miles · Dec 3, 2009
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
I AM WRITING TO YOU TODAY WITH GREAT REGRET. AFTER A LOT OF RESEARCHING AND THOUGHT, I PURCHASED THE SUBARU FORESTER ON AUGUST 2008 FROM DUNNING SUBARU ANN ARBOR MI 48103. WHAT DREW ME TOWARDS THE FORESTER WAS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SO I WAS VERY HAPPY TO PURCHASE THIS CAR. I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH IT UP TILL A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO WHEN…
Read full complaint
I AM WRITING TO YOU TODAY WITH GREAT REGRET. AFTER A LOT OF RESEARCHING AND THOUGHT, I PURCHASED THE SUBARU FORESTER ON AUGUST 2008 FROM DUNNING SUBARU ANN ARBOR MI 48103. WHAT DREW ME TOWARDS THE FORESTER WAS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SO I WAS VERY HAPPY TO PURCHASE THIS CAR. I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH IT UP TILL A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO WHEN I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. FIRST, AFTER RETURNING FROM AN OIL CHANGE ON MAY 2009, I CAME HOME AND PACKED MY CAR. LATER WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE GARAGE, THE FLOOR WAS FILLED WITH OIL BECAUSE IT WAS DRIPPING FROM THE ENGINE; I WAS TERRIBLY UPSET AND CONTACTED SUBARU RIGHT AWAY. THEY ASKED ME TO COME BACK AND TOOK CARE OF IT. AGAIN, ON NOVEMBER 29TH I WAS ON MY WAY BACK FROM DROPPING MY DAUGHTER AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY WHEN ENGINE SUDDENLY JUST STOPPED. IT STARTED MAKING SOME ODD SOUNDS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND JUST WITHIN 5 SECONDS, THE ENGINE WAS DEAD. I WAS ON HIGHWAY HEADING TOWARDS ANN ARBOR, WHICH IS A EXTREMELY BUSY HIGHWAY. BUT TO MY LUCK, AT THAT MOMENT IT WAS NOT CROWDED, AND I WAS ABLE TO SWITCH LANES AND PULL OVER TO THE CURB RIGHT AWAY. BECAUSE THE ENGINE STOPPED SO SUDDENLY AND QUICKLY, IT DID NOT GIVE ME ENOUGH TIME TO PULL OVER ALL THE WAY TO THE CURB, CAUSING MY CAR TO BE HALF IN THE LANE, AND HALF ON THE CURB, TRY TO CONSIDER HOW DANGEROUS THAT SITUATION IS, ESPECIALLY ON A RAINY NIGHT AT 11PM. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE CURB, WE WAITED 20 MINUTES(IN THE RAINY WEATHER) TO LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN AND TRIED RESTARTING THE CAR BECAUSE WE DIDN'T EXPECT SOMETHING LIKE THIS FROM SUBARU. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT DID NOT WORK, AND NOTHING WORK. THE ONLY OPTION WE WERE LEFT WITH WAS TO CALL AAA AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED. WHILE MAKING THE CALLS TO AAA, A COP PULLED UP BEHIND US TO TELL US THAT OUR CAR WAS IN DANGER BECAUSE WE WERE HALF IN THE LANE AND HALF IN THE CURB, AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, BECAUSE OF SUBARU'S' ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN ON US SO QUICKLY AND SUDDENLY, IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO PULL OVER COMPLETELY TO THE CURB. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10294344
3,411 miles · Nov 9, 2009
Electrical SystemFire
FIRE ERUPTED WITHOUT WARNING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE PANEL BELOW THE TRUNK COVER ON 2009 SUBARU FORESTER WITH LESS THAN 3,500 MILES. THE WIRE HARNESS BURNT. THIS HAPPENED ALMOST 2 MONTHS AGO AND SUBARU IS IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE INSURANCE AS IT SEEMS TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10291595
11,000 miles · Sep 23, 2009
Air BagsCrash
MY WIFE WAS IN COLLISION ON AUGUST 26, 2009, THAT DAMAGED THE ENTIRE FRONT CAP OF HER 2009 SUBARU FORESTER, WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW AND WITH APPROXIMATELY 11, 000 MILES ON IT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE WRECK WAS AT APPROXIMATE 35MPH. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU THE NEXT DAY. THE COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 1-365436785. MY SU…
Read full complaint
MY WIFE WAS IN COLLISION ON AUGUST 26, 2009, THAT DAMAGED THE ENTIRE FRONT CAP OF HER 2009 SUBARU FORESTER, WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW AND WITH APPROXIMATELY 11, 000 MILES ON IT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE WRECK WAS AT APPROXIMATE 35MPH. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU THE NEXT DAY. THE COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 1-365436785. MY SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE, LINDA PAYNE TOLD ME AT THAT POINT THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE SENDING ANYONE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND WOULD GO BUY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTERS REPORT. THE SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THE BODY SHOP COULD NOT BEGIN WORK ON THE VEHICLE. ION SEPTEMBER 11, 2009, I SENT SUBARU THE ESTIMATE ALONG WITH PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE. THE ESTIMATE AMOUNT IS SLIGHTLY MORE THAN $10,000. TODAY, SEPTEMBER 23 I RECEIVE A LETTER AND A PHONE CALL FROM THE SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE STATING THAT THEY NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THAT NO WORK CAN BE DONE ON THE VEHICLE IF THEY ARE GOING TO INSPECT IT. THEY ARE ASKING FOR MEDICAL BILLS, POLICE REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT AND SIMILAR INFORMATION. NONE OF THIS SHOULD MATTER. WHAT MATTERS IS MY WIFE WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 35 MPH THAT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10285079
2,000 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Power Train
BOUGHT THE 2009 FORESTER IN DECEMBER 08. DROVE FINE FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED TO LAG IN ITS SHIFTING. IF I WAS ABOUT TO STOP AT A LIGHT AND THE LIGHT CHANGED, I PUT MY FOOT BACK ON THE GAS AND CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE SO I GIVE IT MORE GAS AND THEN IT KICKS IN HARD ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT TO THE CAR IN FRONT O…
Read full complaint
BOUGHT THE 2009 FORESTER IN DECEMBER 08. DROVE FINE FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS. THEN IT STARTED TO LAG IN ITS SHIFTING. IF I WAS ABOUT TO STOP AT A LIGHT AND THE LIGHT CHANGED, I PUT MY FOOT BACK ON THE GAS AND CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE SO I GIVE IT MORE GAS AND THEN IT KICKS IN HARD ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. SO I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME. UNTIL I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 16 MILES FROM HOME GOT OFF THE EXIT AND IT DID IT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES THIS YEAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME TECH RESET THE COMPUTER AND IT DROVE FINE FOR 3 DAYS THEN STARTED AGAIN. IT HAPPENS IN ALL TYPES OF SITUATIONS WHEN IT WANTS TO. MY OTHER MECHANIC FELT THE SAME THING HAD ME TAKE IT BACK TO DEALER. I AM FRUSTRATED WITH DRIVING IT. I AM ALSO NOW HAVING THE VEHICLE MAKING LOUD NOISES AND ROUGH IDLING, MYSTERIOUS ACCELERATION THAT WILL ADJUST AFTER CAR IN TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN AND A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE AFTER BEING DRIVEN. I DRIVE LOCALLY A COUPLE OF DAYS A WEEK. SUBARU DEALER WANTS TO TAKE MY VEHICLE HOME TO EVALUATE TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE IT IS A LEARNING TRANSMISSION, SO WHY HASN'T IT LEARNED HOW I DRIVE AND I'M THE ONLY ONE DRIVING CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279320
1,400 miles · Jul 23, 2009
Power Train
UNEXPLAINED ENGINE ACCELERATION. STARTED VEHICLE IN A PARKED POSITION, WAS PREPARING TO PULL OUT, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO TOP RPM AND WAS SURGING. STILL IN NEUTRAL, WHEELS TURNED SLIGHTLY TO LEFT. COULD FIND NOTHING THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS, PLACED FOOT ON BRAKE UPON HEARING THE ENGINE ACCELERATION, FLOOR MATS WERE IN P…
Read full complaint
UNEXPLAINED ENGINE ACCELERATION. STARTED VEHICLE IN A PARKED POSITION, WAS PREPARING TO PULL OUT, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO TOP RPM AND WAS SURGING. STILL IN NEUTRAL, WHEELS TURNED SLIGHTLY TO LEFT. COULD FIND NOTHING THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS, PLACED FOOT ON BRAKE UPON HEARING THE ENGINE ACCELERATION, FLOOR MATS WERE IN PROPER POSITION, ETC. SHUT ENGINE OFF, RESTARTED AND THINGS RETURNED TO NORMAL. STILL CONSIDER IT A DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BY SUBARU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278028
3,100 miles · Jul 10, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE ENGINE WENT TO IDEL. THE CONTACT WAITED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. T…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE ENGINE WENT TO IDEL. THE CONTACT WAITED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS AND THE CONTACT REFUSES TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, BUT COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE WITH THE ENGINE OR ANY OTHER COMPONENT. SHE STATED THAT SHE WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,100. UPDATED 7/14/09 *CN UPDATED 07/17/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10276329
20,000 miles · Jun 30, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
2009 FORESTER BOUGHT IN JULY '08. LESS THAN A YEAR AND 20,000 MILES, THE ENGINE FAILED. I WAS DRIVING LONG DISTANCE, AND HAD STOPPED AT A SIGN WHEN I NOTICED A LOAD BANGING NOISE FROM HOOD. AS I PLACED PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR DIDN'T REACT APPROPRIATELY - IT WAS SLOW. THE CAR WAS TOWED, AND A REPLACEMENT ENGINE…
Read full complaint
2009 FORESTER BOUGHT IN JULY '08. LESS THAN A YEAR AND 20,000 MILES, THE ENGINE FAILED. I WAS DRIVING LONG DISTANCE, AND HAD STOPPED AT A SIGN WHEN I NOTICED A LOAD BANGING NOISE FROM HOOD. AS I PLACED PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR DIDN'T REACT APPROPRIATELY - IT WAS SLOW. THE CAR WAS TOWED, AND A REPLACEMENT ENGINE IS BEING INSTALLED. I HAVE CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA FOR POSSIBLE BUY-BACK, BUT NO RETURN CALL. I'VE READ OF OTHER SIMILIAR CASES OCCURRING WITH THE 2009 TURBO MODELS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275354
7,064 miles · Jun 20, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train
VEHICLE: 2009 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED, ON 6/20/09 I EXPERIENCED AN INCIDENT OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. BEFORE OUR EXIT I CANCELED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT LEFT IT "ON". ON THE RAMP, I LET THE CAR SLOW. AT ABOUT 40 MPH I MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO 'SPORT' MODE, DOWNSHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR, THEN 2…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE: 2009 SUBARU FORESTER LIMITED, ON 6/20/09 I EXPERIENCED AN INCIDENT OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. BEFORE OUR EXIT I CANCELED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT LEFT IT "ON". ON THE RAMP, I LET THE CAR SLOW. AT ABOUT 40 MPH I MOVED THE SHIFT LEVER INTO 'SPORT' MODE, DOWNSHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR, THEN 2ND, THEN BRAKED TO A STOP. THE CAR WAS STOPPED, IN GEAR, IDLING. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE RACED AND THE CAR JOLTED FORWARD ABOUT A FOOT; IT WOULD HAVE CONTINUED BUT I INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AND STOPPED THE CAR. THE ENGINE, WITH THE CAR STOPPED AND IN GEAR, RAN UP OVER 2000 RPM. I IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO REGULAR DRIVE MODE AND THEN INTO NEUTRAL. ONCE IN NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE BRIEFLY RACED HIGHER BUT THEN DROPPED TO IDLE AT ABOUT 700 RPM. I SWITCHED THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF. PLEASE NOTE: TO STOP THE CAR I DID NOT MOVE MY FOOT; IT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE, AND I MERELY PRESSED HARDER. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF PEDAL CONFUSION. THE FLOOR MATS ARE IN PLACE. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF A FLOOR MAT INTERFERING WITH THE ACCELERATOR. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, WE WERE NOT MOVING. I WAS NOT ON THE PHONE. I WAS NOT LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER. I WAS NOT OTHERWISE DISTRACTED. I WAS SITTING STILL, WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE, WITH MY FOCUS ON THE TRAFFIC STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. IN MY VIEW, THIS REPRESENTS A DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE, AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE ADVISE REGARDING YOUR PROPOSED RESOLUTION. I HAVE ADVISED SUBARU VIA THEIR WEBSITE TODAY BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. I AM HAPPY TO BE CONTACTED FOR FURTHER DETAILS IF NEEDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10274421
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2009
Seats
THE HEADRESTS FOR THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATS ARE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE, PUSHING THE PERSON'S HEAD FORWARD AND CAUSING BACK ACHE. I COULD NOT DRIVE LONG DISTANCES WITH MY HEAD PUSHED FORWARD. THE REMEDY I USED WAS TO TAKE OUT THE HEADREST AND TURN IT BACKWARDS, BUT THIS MAY NOT BE SAFE IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT NEED…
Read full complaint
THE HEADRESTS FOR THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATS ARE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE, PUSHING THE PERSON'S HEAD FORWARD AND CAUSING BACK ACHE. I COULD NOT DRIVE LONG DISTANCES WITH MY HEAD PUSHED FORWARD. THE REMEDY I USED WAS TO TAKE OUT THE HEADREST AND TURN IT BACKWARDS, BUT THIS MAY NOT BE SAFE IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS DEFECT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10274416
4,000 miles · Jun 4, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE FAILURE AT 4,000 MILES ON FORESTER TURBO. LOUD ENGINE BANGING ON ROAD TRIP LEAD TO THE NEED FOR A COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. DEALER SAID THAT CONTAMINATED METAL FORGING LEAD TO WEAK ENGINE COMPONENTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10272850
Official recalls
17Nov 10, 2022
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-22.
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Apr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.
Jan 11, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Jan 10, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Oct 13, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
May 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Dec 31, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Jun 10, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
Dec 26, 2012
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Mar 13, 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR in the SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES LOCATED IN THE REAR CENTER SEATING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DO NOT MEET LOCKABILITY REQUIREMENTS AND FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION. SPECIFICALLY, THE ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT PERMIT PROPER INSTALLATION AND SECURE ATTACHMENT OF A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN INSECURE INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WITH A NEWLY MODIFIED AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Sep 11, 2008
SUBARU IS RECALLING 16,715 MY 2007-2008 LEGACY SEDANS AND WAGONS, MY 2008 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS, AND MY 2009 FORESTER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE OIL SUPPLY PIPE AND TURBOCHARGER-SIDE PIPE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: VIBRATION WOULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND, OVER TIME, COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN CRACKING THE PIPE WHICH WOULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK. IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKING OR AN OIL LEAK AT THE OIL SUPPLY PIPE AT THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE. AN ADDITIONAL BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF THE PIPE AND THE PIPE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED PART. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
Illustration