IllustrationCAM CARRIER OIL SEEPAGE LEAKING ONTO MANIFOLD AND CAUSING OIL SMELL. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE CARS STARTING WITH LITTLE MILEAGE. OIL SEEPS OUT ONTO THE MANIFOLD, AND BURN CAUSING AN OIL SMELL EVERY TIME WE COME TO A STOP, PARTICULARLY DOWNHILL. POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD
2011 Subaru Forester
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Subaru Forester do not stand out strongly from 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
220–25K
1925–50K
2350–75K
1275–100K
19100–150K
1150K+
96 reports with mileage · 51 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.
- Engine. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 17 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 reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
147 reportsWHEN I PARKING MY CAR INTO THE PARKING PLACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY GAVE A ROAR AND RUSHED INTO SOMEONE'S BACKYARD. ALTHOUGH I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS DEEP AS POSSIBLE, THE CAR RUSHED AROUND 10 METERS(?) AND FULLY STOPPED AFTER THE CAR HIT THE RODS OF WOOD STAIRCASE(TWO OF THE RODS OF STAIRCASE WAS BOKEN BY MY CAR). AT THAT MOMENT …
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WHEN I PARKING MY CAR INTO THE PARKING PLACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY GAVE A ROAR AND RUSHED INTO SOMEONE'S BACKYARD. ALTHOUGH I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS DEEP AS POSSIBLE, THE CAR RUSHED AROUND 10 METERS(?) AND FULLY STOPPED AFTER THE CAR HIT THE RODS OF WOOD STAIRCASE(TWO OF THE RODS OF STAIRCASE WAS BOKEN BY MY CAR). AT THAT MOMENT I JUST WANT SHIFT THE CAR FROM "D" TO "R" (BUT NOT YET), THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAPPENED TO THIS CAR. TIME: IT HAPPENED BETWEEN 2:30 TO 3:00 PM ON NOV 30, 2017. PLACE: RUSHED INTO THE BACKYARDS OF 8352 KAVANAGH RD, DUNDALK MD 21222, THIS BACKYARDS LOCATED ON SANDY PLAINS ROAD. CONSEQUENCE: 1. SCRATCHS TO FRONT BUMPER. 2. FRONT BUMPER BECAME LOOSE AFTER COLLISION HAPPENED TO THE ROD OF STAIRCASE. 3. I HAVE STIFF MUSCLES ON BOTH THIGHS FOR TWO DAYS AFTER THIS ACCIDENT.
MY 2011 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 65,700 MILES ON IT IS SLUGGISH INTO GEAR WHEN FIRST STARTING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION ($5500+). I THINK THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. I READ IN FORBES THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY (SEE HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2017/07/07/FACING-COMPLAINTS-S…
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MY 2011 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 65,700 MILES ON IT IS SLUGGISH INTO GEAR WHEN FIRST STARTING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION ($5500+). I THINK THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. I READ IN FORBES THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY (SEE HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2017/07/07/FACING-COMPLAINTS-SUBARU-OFFERS-EXTENDED-WARRANTIES-ON-1-5-MILLION-VEHICLES/#662FD3AC79DC) AND WONDER IF THIS COVERS MY VEHICLE?
THE REMOTE STARTER STARTS THE IGNITION AFTER ONE, TWO, THREE, OR 4 PRESSES. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MANY OCCASIONS.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN PORTLAND OREGON AND STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE GOING UP A SLIGHT HILL I NOTICED AN AWFUL SMELL LIKE BURNING OIL OR TRANNY FLUID. I PICKED UP A FAMILY MEMBERS TO GO TO AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY SMELLED IT ALSO. IT WENT AWAY AS I CONTINUED BUT THEN NEXT HILL AND THE SMELL CAME BACK P…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN PORTLAND OREGON AND STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE GOING UP A SLIGHT HILL I NOTICED AN AWFUL SMELL LIKE BURNING OIL OR TRANNY FLUID. I PICKED UP A FAMILY MEMBERS TO GO TO AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY SMELLED IT ALSO. IT WENT AWAY AS I CONTINUED BUT THEN NEXT HILL AND THE SMELL CAME BACK PRETTY STRONG. I FOUND A SUBARU DEALER/SERVICE DEPT. NEAR BY AND DROVE THERE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT ENGINE SEAL AND CAM CARRIERS WERE LEAKING OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST. I ASKED IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY SAID NOT TOO FAR BECAUSE ITS LEAKING OIL. NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO MY NORMAL SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. AND THEY VERIFIED WHAT THE OTHER SERVICE DEPT. HAD TOLD ME WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SAYING IT WAS OK TO DRIVE IT. THEY COULDN'T GET ME IN FOR AT LEAST A WEEK. MY SUBARU FORESTER ONLY HAS 61,738 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE NEVER MISSED A MAINTENANCE SERVICE. I'M AFRAID NOW BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED A FEW MONTHS AGO AND I LOST MY JOB OF 10 YEARS JUST BEFORE TURNING 62. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT SUBARU WAS A GOOD LONG LASTING CAR. I'VE LOOKED AND IT APPEARS THAT REPAIRS COULD BE AS MUCH AS $2300. IT ALSO APPEARS FROM MY RESEARCH THAT THESE ENGINES HAVE OIL LEAK PROBLEMS AS WELL AS OTHER SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR THIS REPAIR. THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING. WHY ISN'T THERE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FOR THESE ENGINES AND ALL THE MONEY ITS COSTING ALL THESE FOLKS BECAUSE OF FAILURES. I AM A QUALITY REP FOR THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY AND THIS JUST WOULDN'T BE ACCEPTABLE IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM!
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO TAKATA RECALL REPAIRS WOULD BE PERFORMED UNTIL OCTOBER DUE TO A COURT CASE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A TICKING NOISE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN STOPPED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT EXITED THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A TICKING NOISE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN STOPPED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, RAISED THE HOOD, AND OBSERVED SMOKE AROUND THE DIPSTICK. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE OIL AND FOUND THAT THE RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS CLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RELATED TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE, BUT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE EVALUATED AND THEN DRIVEN 1,200 MILES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BLOCK ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
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
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.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000(AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAIL…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000(AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Official recalls
1622V838000 · 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.
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.