NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
60 reportsClear category filter33,000 miles · Mar 9, 2017
EnginePower Train
MY WIFE AND I CURRENTLY OWN A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER WE PURCHASED NEW FROM HATFIELD SUBARU IN COLUMBUS, OHIO. WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD IT SERVICED AT BYERS DUBLIN SUBARU IN COLUMBUS OHIO. AT THE 25,000 MILE MARK BOTH HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING SO THE MECHANICS AT BYERS PULLED THE MOTOR AND REPLACED THEM. JUST RECENTLY AT THE 33,000 MILE …
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MY WIFE AND I CURRENTLY OWN A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER WE PURCHASED NEW FROM HATFIELD SUBARU IN COLUMBUS, OHIO. WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD IT SERVICED AT BYERS DUBLIN SUBARU IN COLUMBUS OHIO. AT THE 25,000 MILE MARK BOTH HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING SO THE MECHANICS AT BYERS PULLED THE MOTOR AND REPLACED THEM. JUST RECENTLY AT THE 33,000 MILE MARK I BROUGHT IN MY VEHICLE TO BYERS FOR MY 30,000 MAINTENANCE CHECK ALSO COMPLAINING OF A STRANGE NOISE. THEY INFORMED ME THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING AGAIN AND THE NOISE WE HEARD WAS THE TRANSMISSION RUNNING LOW ON FLUID. THEY AGAIN PULLED THE MOTOR AND MADE REPAIRS, HOWEVER, WHEN PLACING THE MOTOR BACK IN THE CAR A STRANGE NOISE DEVELOPED IN THE ENGINE, THEY AGAIN PULLED THE MOTOR ADJUSTING THE TENSIONING ON THE TIMING CHAIN YET THE NOISE WAS STILL PRESENT. THEY THEN CONTACTED SUBARU TECHNICAL SUPPORT ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE. THEY ARE CURRENTLY PULLING THE MOTOR FOR THE FOURTH TIME WITH THE INTENTION ON REPLACING THE CYLINDER HEADS AND CAM SHAFT. UP UNTIL NOW I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BOTH DEALERSHIPS EXPRESSING MY CONCERNS. I HAVE ALSO SPOKEN WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE, A SUPERVISOR, AND A MANAGER AT SUBARU OF AMERICA. THE MANAGER AT SUBARU HEADQUARTERS SAID THEY COULD ONLY OFFER ME 2500.00 TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE THE MANAGER AT HATFIELD WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE FROM PASSED ME OFF TO A SALES ASSOCIATE WHO ONLY WANTED TO SELL ME A NEW SUBARU AT FULL PRICE TO MEET HIS END OF THE MONTH FEBRUARY SALES QUOTA. THE MANAGER AT BYERS WHERE MY CAR IS BEING SERVICED HAS BEEN LESS THEN FORTH COMING AS TO THE TRUE STATUS OF MY VEHICLE AND I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HIM AS TO THE STATUS OF MY VEHICLE AS PROMISED IN THE LAST FOUR BUSINESS DAYS. WHAT CONCERNS ME THE MOST IS MY WIFE AND I NOW OWN A SUBARU WITH A LONG LIST OF ENGINE PROBLEMS SO EARLY IN ITS LIFE AND A TRANSMISSION WHICH HAS BEEN EX
NHTSA ODI #10959866
35 miles · Mar 1, 2017
Engine
ABNORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION WHICH IS OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION LAWSUIT. THE OIL WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT TURN BUT THE CAR WAS ALREADY OUT OF OIL IN 3 MONTHS OF USE (SUPPOSEDLY 6 MONTH WINDOW FOR OIL CHANGES). THE CAR STARTED TO BECOME JERKY BUT STILL MANAGED TO GET HOME AND HAD IT CHECKED. IF THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS, IT IS POSSIBLE I…
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ABNORMAL OIL CONSUMPTION WHICH IS OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION LAWSUIT. THE OIL WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT TURN BUT THE CAR WAS ALREADY OUT OF OIL IN 3 MONTHS OF USE (SUPPOSEDLY 6 MONTH WINDOW FOR OIL CHANGES). THE CAR STARTED TO BECOME JERKY BUT STILL MANAGED TO GET HOME AND HAD IT CHECKED. IF THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS, IT IS POSSIBLE IT CAN DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #10957953
74,000 miles · Oct 13, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE EMITTED A STRONG BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL ON THE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD, VALVE COV…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE EMITTED A STRONG BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL ON THE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD, VALVE COVER GASKET, CAMSHAFT, SPARKS PLUGS, AND ENGINE COVER SEALS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE ENGINE OIL CONTINUED TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA ODI #10915727
938 miles · Aug 22, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL AT A HIGHER RATE THAN NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING A QUARTER OF OIL EVERY THOUSAND MILES, WHICH CAUSED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TO SURPASS SUGGESTED AMOUNTS BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL AT A HIGHER RATE THAN NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING A QUARTER OF OIL EVERY THOUSAND MILES, WHICH CAUSED THE OIL CONSUMPTION TO SURPASS SUGGESTED AMOUNTS BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE PCV VALVE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BURN OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED OTHER LEAKS WERE THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THE LOCATIONS WERE NOT SPECIFIED. THE DEALER PLACED A SHORT BLOCK ENGINE INTO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A PENDING LAWSUIT RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 938.
NHTSA ODI #10897609
80,878 miles · Dec 11, 2015
Engine
MY SUBARU IS BEING TESTED FOR OIL CONSUMPTION USE, I RETURNED WITH 1 1/2 QUART LOW AFTER 948 MILES. TECH STATED IT WAS ON FULL AFTER IT WAS TAKEN TO GARAGE. IT WAS NOT CHECKED IN OUR PRESENCE. CAR HAS NO OIL SENSOR AND I FEAR THE MOTOR WILL LOCK UP & I DO NOT TRUST THE SUBARU DEALER NOW SINCE THEY DENIED ADDING OIL.
NHTSA ODI #10809614
1,200 miles · Mar 10, 2015
Engine
VEHICLE HAS HAD ABNORMALLY HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION SINCE PURCHASED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10693405
103,000 miles · Jan 13, 2015
Engine
I PURCHASED MY 2011 SUBARU FORESTER USED FROM A DEALERSHIP IN NY. I STARTED NOTICING THAT IT WAS BURNING THROUGH OIL. I TOOK IT TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND FOUND OUT THAT IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AND THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AS WELL. SUBARU DOESN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE THOUGH SO I HAVE TO MAKE …
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I PURCHASED MY 2011 SUBARU FORESTER USED FROM A DEALERSHIP IN NY. I STARTED NOTICING THAT IT WAS BURNING THROUGH OIL. I TOOK IT TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND FOUND OUT THAT IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AND THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AS WELL. SUBARU DOESN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE THOUGH SO I HAVE TO MAKE A CLAIM ON MY WARRANTY AND OF COURSE THEY HAVE FOUND A LOOP HOLE TO NOT COVER THE REPAIR (PISTON RINGS ARE DAMAGED DUE TO FAULTY CYLINDER WALLS AND, CONVENIENTLY, THE CYLINDER WALLS ARE NOT CONSIDERED AN INTERNAL PART SO THE WARRANTY WON'T COVER). NOW I'M LEFT WITH EITHER REPLACING MY ENGINE OR TAKING A LARGE HIT ON MY TRADE-IN VALUE. HAD I KNOWN THAT I WOULD'VE BEEN REPLACING THE ENGINE LESS THAN 2 YEARS AFTER BUYING THE CAR I WOULD'VE NEGOTIATED A MUCH LOWER PRICE FOR THE CAR OR WENT WITH A DIFFERENT MAKE/MODEL. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE AN ENGINE OR BUY A NEW CAR, I HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE THAN TO CONTINUE TO POUR OIL INTO THIS CAR AND HOPE THAT I DON'T BREAK DOWN ON THE EXPRESSWAY OR BACK ROADS DURING MY 60 MILE COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK OR WHEN I HAVE MY CHILD IN THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10672234
14,000 miles · Oct 16, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AFTER EVERY OIL CHANGE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA ODI #10645025
87,000 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Engine
OIL LEAKING FROM VALVE COVERS. IT IS CHRONIC ACROSS OTHER MODELS. JUST SEARCH REPAIR HISTORIES OF SUBARU BOXER ENGINES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10637213
63,000 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Engine
ENGINE BEGAN MAKING LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. I PULLED OFF AND PARKED AND CALLED FOR TOW TRUCK. DEALER SERVICE REPORTS THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 63,000 MILES AND GETS REGULAR MAINTENANCE. EACH TIME I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED, THE ENGINE IS A QUART LOW. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. THIS I…
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ENGINE BEGAN MAKING LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. I PULLED OFF AND PARKED AND CALLED FOR TOW TRUCK. DEALER SERVICE REPORTS THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 63,000 MILES AND GETS REGULAR MAINTENANCE. EACH TIME I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED, THE ENGINE IS A QUART LOW. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. THIS IS HARD TO BELIEVE FOR A MODERN VEHICLE WITH REDUCED (PARTIAL ZERO) EMISSIONS. I CHECK THE OIL REGULARLY AND AM SHOCKED THAT SUBARU SELLS CARS WITH ENGINES THAT BARELY LIVE PAST THE 60000 MILE DRIVE-TRAIN WARRANTY. SOMETHING IS FUNDAMENTALLY DEFECTIVE WITH THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF SUBARU'S ENGINES IF THIS IS HOW THEY ARE ENGINEERED TO PERFORM. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ONLINE AND MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I AM FORTUNATE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE SAFELY. SUCH A SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE COULD VERY EASILY HAVE ENDED IN A CRASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10633093
Official recalls
16Nov 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, 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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