IllustrationTAKATA RECALL: LETTER RECEIVED EARLY JULY INDICATING A RECALL FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. LETTER STATED THAT OWNER SHOULD NOT USE FRONT SEAT. ITS A MONTH AND A HALF NOW WITH NO RELIEF IN SIGHT. WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY VEHICLE??
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Forester years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
380–25K
4325–50K
4050–75K
4375–100K
29100–150K
8150K+
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
What owners actually said
262 reportsTRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE IS FAILING DUE TO RUST MAKING THE TRANSMISSION ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT - SOON TO BRAKE - DEALERSHIP COULD NOT ESTIMATE HOW LONG IT HAD BEFORE IT BRAKES - NOT SURE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT BROKE - STILL DRIVING - GETTING QUOTES TO FIX - DEALERSHIP SAID $480 PLUS TAX
THE HEAT SHIELDS ON MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER HAVE HAD TO BE CLAMPED TWICE DUE TO THE HEAT SHIELDS BECOMING LOOSE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THIS COULD BE A FIRE DANGER IF A HEAT SHIELD CAKE LOOSE AND RUPTURED THE GAS TANK. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE.
REAR BRAKES WORE OUT AT 55K MILES. FRONT BRAKES STILL HAD 7MM WEAR ON THEM. TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO CORROSION OF THE CALIPERS. THE CALIPERS RUSTED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO BE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE ROTORS, WEARING THEM OUT PREMATURELY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO OVERHEATING OF …
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REAR BRAKES WORE OUT AT 55K MILES. FRONT BRAKES STILL HAD 7MM WEAR ON THEM. TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO CORROSION OF THE CALIPERS. THE CALIPERS RUSTED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO BE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE ROTORS, WEARING THEM OUT PREMATURELY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE ROTORS. SAME THING HAPPENED ON MY 2009 SUBARU FORESTER. REAR BRAKES WORE OUT AT 85K MILES, WITH 6MM LEFT ON THE FRONT BRAKES. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN PROBLEM TO ME.
I WAS HEADING TO WORK ON RT 80 W IN NJ WHEN MY CAR'S ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I GOT INTO THE RIGHT-HAND LANE AND EXITED RT 80 VIA EXIT 34B, RT 15N TOWARDS SPARTA NJ. I KNEW THERE WAS A GAS STATION AT THE EXIT AND…
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I WAS HEADING TO WORK ON RT 80 W IN NJ WHEN MY CAR'S ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I GOT INTO THE RIGHT-HAND LANE AND EXITED RT 80 VIA EXIT 34B, RT 15N TOWARDS SPARTA NJ. I KNEW THERE WAS A GAS STATION AT THE EXIT AND WAS JUST BARELY ABLE TO PULL IN WHEN THE CAR DIED. AT THAT POINT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN AT ALL AND THE CAR DIED. THE AAA DRIVER TOLD ME THE CAR HAD BURNED THROUGH ALL THE OIL (HE CHECKED THE OIL TANK; IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY.) I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MILFORD PA WHERE MY PLACE OF BUSINESS IS AS I HAD PERISHABLES I HAD JUST BOUGHT FOR MY CAFE WITH ME THAT NEEDED TO BE REFRIGERATED. MY MECHANIC SAID EXACTLY WHAT THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD SAID. THE ENGINE BLEW DUE TO THE CAR BURNING UP ALL THE OIL. NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON BEFORE THE ENGINE DIED. SINCE BUYING THIS CAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS TWICE, BOTH TIMES BEFORE THE CAR HAD REACHED 50,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE IGNITION COIL REPLACED 3 TIMES IN UNDER 3 YEARS. THE CAR IS A LEMON, BUT NO SIGNS WERE EVIDENT UNTIL I HIT 34,000 MILES OR SO. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T HIT OR HARM ANYONE ON RT 80 WHEN THE ENGINE DIED, OR THAT I WASN'T HARMED. SUBARU OF AMERICA IS VERY UNHELPFUL; THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY CAR NEEDS TO BE AT A SUBARU DEALER FOR THEM TO "OPEN A CASE", EVEN THOUGH I EXPLAINED I HAD PERISHABLES WITH ME AND HAD TO KEEP THEM COLD. I ASKED IF SUBARU WOULD TOW THE CAR FOR ME, BUT THEY SAID NO, AS IT HAS TOO MANY MILES ON IT. WHEN I ASKED THEM ABOUT WHY THE WARNING LIGHTS NEVER CAME ON, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS "NOT EQUIPPED" WITH THOSE LIGHTS, EVEN THOUGH I KNOW IT IS AS THEY CAME ON WHEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS MELTED AND THE DRIVER'S MANUAL FOR MY CAR INSTRUCTS THE DRIVER AS TO WHAT TO DO IF THE LIGHTS COME ON.
WE HAVE RECEIVED THE MANDATORY RECALL LETTER OF JULY 2016. THE OPEN-ENDED STATEMENT: "WE WILL NOTIFY YOU WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE" IS INSUFFICIENT. WHY? BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR OUR 2013 LEAF WHICH IS ALREADY THREE MONTHS OLD AND THUS FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE WITH THAT. I AM ANGRY BECAUSE NOW …
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WE HAVE RECEIVED THE MANDATORY RECALL LETTER OF JULY 2016. THE OPEN-ENDED STATEMENT: "WE WILL NOTIFY YOU WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE" IS INSUFFICIENT. WHY? BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR OUR 2013 LEAF WHICH IS ALREADY THREE MONTHS OLD AND THUS FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE WITH THAT. I AM ANGRY BECAUSE NOW THE "FAMILY" CAR CANNOT BE USED AS A FAMILY CAR! SO THE QUESTION IS WHEN?? WILL PARTS BE AVAILABLE NEXT YEAR? 5 YEARS FROM NOW?? WHEN???
IT APPEARS SEAT WELD BROKE ON DRIVER'S SEAT WHERE IT ATTACHES TO BRACKET. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THIS IS VERY COMMON. IT COULD POSE A HAZARD TO THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AND POTENTIALLY COME LOOSE IN AN ACCIDENT.
WHILE PARKING MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO JUMP OVER A CURB SIDESWIPING A HEDGE JUMPING ANOTHER CURB THEN HITTING A LARGE RAM 150 TRUCK. THE WHOLE TIME I WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKES TRYING TO AVOID PARKED CARS. UPON IMPACT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT HIGH RPM'S. AFTER SHUTTING IT OFF I LOOKED TO…
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WHILE PARKING MY 2010 SUBARU FORESTER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO JUMP OVER A CURB SIDESWIPING A HEDGE JUMPING ANOTHER CURB THEN HITTING A LARGE RAM 150 TRUCK. THE WHOLE TIME I WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKES TRYING TO AVOID PARKED CARS. UPON IMPACT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT HIGH RPM'S. AFTER SHUTTING IT OFF I LOOKED TO SEE IF THE MATS WERE THE CAUSE AND THEY WERE NOT. COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT THE CAUSE OF ACCELERATION. THERE WAS OVER $12.000 DAMAGE TO THE FORESTER.
THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 FAILED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST PERFORMED BY SUBARU. THE CAUSE FROM A SUBARU BULLETIN STATES THAT THE #1 AND/OR #4 INTAKE VALVE GUIDE INSERTION HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED, PERMITTING OIL TO ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. THIS OCCURRED ON THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 MODELS AS WELL AS 2011 LEGACY/OUTBACK, …
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THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 FAILED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST PERFORMED BY SUBARU. THE CAUSE FROM A SUBARU BULLETIN STATES THAT THE #1 AND/OR #4 INTAKE VALVE GUIDE INSERTION HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED, PERMITTING OIL TO ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. THIS OCCURRED ON THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 MODELS AS WELL AS 2011 LEGACY/OUTBACK, AND 2011 IMPREZA. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE MORE THAN 1.5 QUARTS OF OIL IS CONSUMED AFTER ONLY 1100 MILES DRIVEN. IN ALASKA YOU COULD BE STUCK IN THE FROZEN INTERIOR IF THIS DEFECT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND MALFUNCTION WHILE TRAVELING. SUBARU WILL NOT FIX THE KNOWN DEFECT. SUBARU STATES IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE BULLETIN DOESN'T APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE AND SUBARU SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY WILL ONLY PROVIDE $500.00 FOR A $5,000 FIX.
ENTERED VEHICLE AND SAT DOWN ON DRIVERS SEAT AND THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE DRIVER SEAT DROPPED. REMOVED SIDE COVER AND FOUND TWO WELDS BROKEN FROM BRACKET THAT GOES TO THE SEAT BOTTOM. AFTER LOOKING ON SAFERCAR.GOV FOUND SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER FORESTERS. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND WAS NEVER ABUSED. NEV…
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ENTERED VEHICLE AND SAT DOWN ON DRIVERS SEAT AND THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE DRIVER SEAT DROPPED. REMOVED SIDE COVER AND FOUND TWO WELDS BROKEN FROM BRACKET THAT GOES TO THE SEAT BOTTOM. AFTER LOOKING ON SAFERCAR.GOV FOUND SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER FORESTERS. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND WAS NEVER ABUSED. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT UNTIL NOW.
Official recalls
1722V838000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.