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2010 Subaru Forester

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Forester years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Forester are substantially higher than the model-year median of 131.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

201 reports with mileage · 61 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Seats. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports6 fire reports9 injury reports

Structure complaints

7 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructureWheels

ON AUGUST 2019 I PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM AN AUTO DEALERSHIP CALLED MOTOR CAR CONCEPT IN COLONIAL DRIVE IN ORLANDO, FL. THEY SCAM ME INTO BUYING A VEHICLE THAT THEY KNEW WAS NOT GOING TO BE RUNNING OR IN GOOD CONDITIONS WITHIN 6 MONTHS. I TRIED TO HAVE THEM FIX THE CAR WITHIN A DAY OF BUYING THE VEHICLE AS THE CHECK ENGINE TURNE…

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ON AUGUST 2019 I PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM AN AUTO DEALERSHIP CALLED MOTOR CAR CONCEPT IN COLONIAL DRIVE IN ORLANDO, FL. THEY SCAM ME INTO BUYING A VEHICLE THAT THEY KNEW WAS NOT GOING TO BE RUNNING OR IN GOOD CONDITIONS WITHIN 6 MONTHS. I TRIED TO HAVE THEM FIX THE CAR WITHIN A DAY OF BUYING THE VEHICLE AS THE CHECK ENGINE TURNED ON. THEY WILL GIVE ME DAYS TO COME IN AND THEN I WILL SHOW UP AND NOTHING WILL BE DONE, TURNING ME DOWN AS THEY WHERE "TO BUSY". ON NOVEMBER I WAS PUT INTO A POSITION OF VOLUNTARY DOING A REPOSSESSION AS I WAS PAYING INSURANCE AND A CAR LOAN FOR A VEHICLE THAT COULD NOT BE USED. THE WHOLE PART OF THE THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR IS MOLDY AND RUSTY AND IT NEEDS TO BE FULLY REPLACED. I WENT TO GET AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS AND THE TOTAL WAS OVER $7,000. THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME FOR $13,000. IS A COMPLETE SCAM. BELOW PLEASE FIND THE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGES OF THE VEHICLE. VIN # FOR THIS CAR IS (XXXXX) REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11280592

35,000 miles · Dec 4, 2017
SeatsStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT NO REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIM…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT NO REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11052192

85,000 miles · Oct 6, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire

AFTER WORK, I GOT IN MY CAR AND STARTED IT UP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY TRACTION CONTROL AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS. THIS WAS ODD BECAUSE THESE LIGHTS HAD NEVER BEEN ON BEFORE. I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME--IT WAS TOO LATE TO BRING THE CAR TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I LIVE A MINUTE AND A HALF FROM WORK. THE CRUISE CONTROL L…

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AFTER WORK, I GOT IN MY CAR AND STARTED IT UP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FOLLOWED BY TRACTION CONTROL AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS. THIS WAS ODD BECAUSE THESE LIGHTS HAD NEVER BEEN ON BEFORE. I STARTED TO DRIVE HOME--IT WAS TOO LATE TO BRING THE CAR TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I LIVE A MINUTE AND A HALF FROM WORK. THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT THEN CAME ON AND FLICKERED IN NO PARTICULAR PATTERN. THEN, ABOUT 45 SECONDS INTO MY 90 SECOND DRIVE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE LIGHT CAME ON. THE WEATHER WAS ABOUT 50 DEGREES AND RAINY. WHEN I GOT HOME THE ENGINE FAN WAS SPINNING REALLY FAST. I POPPED THE HOOD. NO SMOKE OR ANYTHING VISIBLY WRONG. AT ROUGHLY 2:10AM THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD BRING IT TO GET THE ISSUES LOOKED INTO. SO I LEFT THE HOOD OPEN TO LET SOME HEAT OUT AND WHEN THE FAN SLOWED AND THEN STOPPED, I CLOSED THE HOOD AND WENT INSIDE. ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES LATER, DURING WHICH TIME THE CAR HAD BEEN STATIONARY AND THE ENGINE HAD BEEN SHUT OFF, I HEARD A POP SOUND. IT WAS A STRANGE NOISE AND I GOT UP TO CHECK IT OUT. IT WAS A MASSIVE ENGINE FIRE. IT TOASTED THE ENGINE AND MELTED A GOOD PORTION OF THE FRONT END. THE FIRE DEPT SHATTERED THE WINDOWS AND PEELED THE HOOD BACK. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THE FIRE WAS JUST FEET AWAY FROM MY HOUSE ON ONE SIDE, AND THE NEIGHBOR ON THE OTHER SIDE. HAD I BEEN ASLEEP THE FIRE COULD HAVE SPREAD TO MY HOUSE OR MY NEIGHBOR'S, POTENTIALLY KILLING PEOPLE. IT WAS ONE OF THE SCARIEST THINGS I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED. THERE IS A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE WITH SOMETHING SIMILAR (SEARCH SUBARU ENGINE FIRE). THE CAR IS A 2010 FORESTER XT, COMPLETELY STOCK. IT HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND HAS ABOUT 85,000 MILES ON IT. MY MOTHER ORIGINALLY OWNED IT. SHE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND I BOUGHT IT FROM HER.

NHTSA ODI #10780056

46,000 miles · Jul 28, 2014
Service BrakesStructure

BESIDES CORROSION OF BRAKES IN RECENT RECALL, BODY PAINT BEHIND EACH WHEEL IS CORRODING SINCE 2013. FURTHERMORE, SUBARU ISSUED THE BRAKE CORROSION RECALL LETTER #1 TO A COMPANY THAT IS NOT THE REGISTERED OWNER!!! *JS

NHTSA ODI #10616987

200 miles · Oct 13, 2012
SeatsStructure

THE DRIVERS SEAT CAUSES PAIN IN MY BACK, HIP, ANKLE AND FOOT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY RIGHT LEG HAS GONE NUMB OR CRAMPED UP AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER SO THAT I CAN WALK OFF THE CRAMPS AND NUMBNESS. MY HUSBAND AVOIDS DRIVING THE SUBARU BECAUSE OF THE PAIN HE EXPERIENCES. EVEN FOLKS IN THEIR 20'S THAT HAVE DRIVEN MY SUBARU EXPERIENC…

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THE DRIVERS SEAT CAUSES PAIN IN MY BACK, HIP, ANKLE AND FOOT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MY RIGHT LEG HAS GONE NUMB OR CRAMPED UP AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER SO THAT I CAN WALK OFF THE CRAMPS AND NUMBNESS. MY HUSBAND AVOIDS DRIVING THE SUBARU BECAUSE OF THE PAIN HE EXPERIENCES. EVEN FOLKS IN THEIR 20'S THAT HAVE DRIVEN MY SUBARU EXPERIENCE PAIN IN SOME PART OF THEIR LOWER BODY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10479990

2,800 miles · Mar 16, 2011
Structure

WHEN WASHING MY CAR ONE DAY, I NOTICED A PAINT IMPERFECTION ON THE HOOD MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER XT. WHEN I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO BIRD DROPPINGS. THEY TOOK PICTURES (WITH A CELL PHONE CAMERA) AND SUBMITTED TO SUBARU AS PART OF A WARRANTY CLAIM. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED PAINT IMPERFECTIONS (LOOKS LIKE BLADES OF …

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WHEN WASHING MY CAR ONE DAY, I NOTICED A PAINT IMPERFECTION ON THE HOOD MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER XT. WHEN I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO BIRD DROPPINGS. THEY TOOK PICTURES (WITH A CELL PHONE CAMERA) AND SUBMITTED TO SUBARU AS PART OF A WARRANTY CLAIM. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED PAINT IMPERFECTIONS (LOOKS LIKE BLADES OF GRASS UNDERNEATH PAINT, BUBBLING UP) ON EVERY SINGLE PANEL OF THE CAR, FRONT TO BACK. FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES, I TOOK THE CAR TO 3 SEPARATE AUTO BODY SHOPS, WHO ALL CLAIM THE ISSUE IS A PAINT DEFECT AND SUBARU'S RESPONSIBILITY. SUBARU RECENTLY DENIED MY WARRANTY CLAIM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390451

10,600 miles · Nov 8, 2010
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORRESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BIRD DROPPINGS WERE EATING A HOLE IN THE CLEAR COATING PAINT ON THE TOP AND HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD PERFORM A ONE TIME COURTESY SPRAY AND RE-COAT THE TOP AND HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORRESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BIRD DROPPINGS WERE EATING A HOLE IN THE CLEAR COATING PAINT ON THE TOP AND HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD PERFORM A ONE TIME COURTESY SPRAY AND RE-COAT THE TOP AND HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT BIRD DROPPINGS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO FURTHER OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,600.

NHTSA ODI #10364397

Official recalls

17

22V838000 · Seat Belts

Nov 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.

20V001000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

20V002000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

20V003000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

19V297000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

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.

19V007000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 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 has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

19V008000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

19V009000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester 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 is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

18V012000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

18V013000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

17V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

16V738000 · Electrical System

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.

16V358000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

14V830000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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.

14V311000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

12V602000 · Exterior Lighting

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.

12V099000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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