NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
129 reports130,000 miles · Feb 26, 2015
Air BagsElectrical System
DASHBOARD AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON. AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM IS SUBSEQUENTLY DISABLED, EVEN IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. SOURCE OF PROBLEM IS TRACED BACK TO INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE OVER HEAD CONSOLE. THE WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP AS THEY SHOULD. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT OR OFF LIGHTS DO NOT APPEAR WHEN THEY SHOULD SOMETIME…
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DASHBOARD AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON. AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM IS SUBSEQUENTLY DISABLED, EVEN IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. SOURCE OF PROBLEM IS TRACED BACK TO INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE OVER HEAD CONSOLE. THE WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP AS THEY SHOULD. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT OR OFF LIGHTS DO NOT APPEAR WHEN THEY SHOULD SOMETIMES THEY ARE DIM AND RESOLVE WITH A LIGHT TAP OR CHANGE IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. BRIEF INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS IS COMMON AND IS THE RESULT OF FAULTY SOLDER IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. DEALERSHIP ADVISES REPLACE THE ENTIRE CONSOLE AT OWNER EXPENSE. PART COSTS $130, LABOR IS EVEN MORE. I AM NOT AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AND HAVE NO IDEA IF SOLDERS SHOULD FAIL AT 8 YEARS. THIS PARTICULAR SOLDER IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND RENDERS THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SUBARU SHOULD REMEDY THIS WITH A RECALL OR AT LEAST REIMBURSE MY COST. I WILL PROVIDE THE DEALERSHIP WITH A COPY OF THIS REPORT.
NHTSA ODI #10690760
68,000 miles · Feb 23, 2015
StructureCrash
I WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT AND A FULL SIZED PREGNANT DEER JUMPED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE DEER FULL SPEED. IT DID OVER $8000. IN DAMAGE TO THE CAR, BUT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. IT WAS LIKE AN EXPLOSION, AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS MASHED UP AND HEAD LIGHTS KNOCKED OUT, ETC. THE DEER WAS CUT IN 1/…
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I WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT AND A FULL SIZED PREGNANT DEER JUMPED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE DEER FULL SPEED. IT DID OVER $8000. IN DAMAGE TO THE CAR, BUT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. IT WAS LIKE AN EXPLOSION, AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS MASHED UP AND HEAD LIGHTS KNOCKED OUT, ETC. THE DEER WAS CUT IN 1/2 AND FLEW AROUND THE CAR, BUT IT DID NOT HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF, I REPEAT, AND I'M KIND OF CONCERNED THAT IT WOULDN'T WORK IN A COLLISION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10690001
106,500 miles · Jan 26, 2015
Air Bags
AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MONITOR IN OVERHEAD CONSOLE FAILED. THE PROBLEM WAS WITH A FAULTY PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE, AND HAS SINCE BEEN FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10678975
40,000 miles · Jan 21, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion System
WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES F, THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF EXHAUST FUMES OR GAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WHEN YOU TURN THE CLIMATE CONTROL TO THE CABIN AIR RECIRCULATING POSITION THE SMELL DECREASES DRAMATICALLY. THIS CAR MUST BE DRIVEN WITH A WINDOW PARTIALLY OPEN FOR FRESH AIR FOR SAFETY. THE ODOR IS STRON…
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WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES F, THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF EXHAUST FUMES OR GAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WHEN YOU TURN THE CLIMATE CONTROL TO THE CABIN AIR RECIRCULATING POSITION THE SMELL DECREASES DRAMATICALLY. THIS CAR MUST BE DRIVEN WITH A WINDOW PARTIALLY OPEN FOR FRESH AIR FOR SAFETY. THE ODOR IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE NAUSEA. THERE ARE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THIS ISSUE WITH SUBARU. SUBARU HAS NEVER ISSUED A RECALL TO THE BEST OF BY KNOWLEDGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10676957
78,000 miles · Jan 3, 2015
Electrical System
SEVERAL BROKEN WIRES IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FLEXIBLE JOINT WHERE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING TRAVELS BETWEEN THE REAR CARGO AREA AND THE TAILGATE WERE DISCOVERED. IT APPEARS THAT INFERIOR WIRE INSULATION BECOMES BRITTLE OVER TIME AND LEADS TO BROKEN WIRES. SYMPTOMS WERE THAT THE REAR WINDOW WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILS SPORADICALLY / DOES …
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SEVERAL BROKEN WIRES IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FLEXIBLE JOINT WHERE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING TRAVELS BETWEEN THE REAR CARGO AREA AND THE TAILGATE WERE DISCOVERED. IT APPEARS THAT INFERIOR WIRE INSULATION BECOMES BRITTLE OVER TIME AND LEADS TO BROKEN WIRES. SYMPTOMS WERE THAT THE REAR WINDOW WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILS SPORADICALLY / DOES NOT RETURN TO HOME LOCATION, AND THERE IS NO POWER AT THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT. WIRING FOR REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND LOCKS ALSO TRAVEL THROUGH THIS JOINT AND CAN BE AFFECTED. MANY SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS ARE DISCOVERING THIS ISSUE AND DISCUSSING ONLINE. SINCE THIS CAN AFFECT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER AND THE REAR LIGHTS, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. GIVEN THE NUMBER OF OWNERS DISCOVERING THE ISSUE, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10669860
140,000 miles · Dec 30, 2014
Air Bags
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS COLD OR WET OUTSIDE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10669194
260,000 miles · Dec 3, 2014
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury
A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY FOR A PEDESTRIAN, AND I REAR ENDED IT. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I ENDED UP WITH A CONCUSSION. HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE THINKING AND SLEEPING - AND FINALS ARE NEXT WEEK! *JS
NHTSA ODI #10661945
109,000 miles · Nov 3, 2014
Engine
NO HEAT, ENGINE TEMP. CLIMBED. ENGINE COOLANT BOILED OUT A MILE LATER. 2.5 ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10652223
68,000 miles · Oct 16, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #10645024
23,000 miles · Sep 27, 2014
Engine
ENGINE MADE A SUDDEN RATTLING SOUND THAT GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER, THEN HAD A LOUD BANGING SOUND.AFTER A FEW DAYS OF INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER BOLT CAME LOOSE,BOUNCED AROUND IN MY ENGINE, DAMAGING A PLATE AND "TAKING A FEW 'CHUNKS' OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK,ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC.THE MECHANIC SAID IN…
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ENGINE MADE A SUDDEN RATTLING SOUND THAT GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER, THEN HAD A LOUD BANGING SOUND.AFTER A FEW DAYS OF INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER BOLT CAME LOOSE,BOUNCED AROUND IN MY ENGINE, DAMAGING A PLATE AND "TAKING A FEW 'CHUNKS' OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK,ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC.THE MECHANIC SAID IN HIS PROFESSIONAL OPINION,THE ONLY WAY THE BOLT COULD HAVE BEEN LOOSE,IS THAT IS WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE.THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED TO A SUBARU THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF.THE CAR IS 6YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR 5YEARS(BOUGHT IT IN 2009 WITH 33 MILES ON IT,AS IT HADN'T SOLD IN 2008), AND IT HAS ONLY 23,000 MILES ON IT. THERE IS NO RECALL, AND MY WARRANTY EXPIRED 7MONTHS AGO. SUBARU SAID THEY WOULD COVER HALF THE COST OF REPAIRS, BUT WE ARE STILL PURSUING OPTIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10639518
Official recalls
8Jan 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.
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 28, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
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.
Mar 27, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003, through April 2009 and 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.
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 inspect the vehicles. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area 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 on May 30, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQG-43.
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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