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2009 Subaru Outback

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Subaru Outback do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 207.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

78 reports with mileage · 28 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports3 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

106 reports
40,000 miles · Jan 13, 2017
Air Bags

THE RED LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD (WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER IS) FOR DRIVER'S AIR BAG COMES ON WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW ABOUT 44 DEGREES. IT STAYS ON 95% OF THE 8 WINTER MONTHS. I BOUGHT THIS USED (2014) FROM A DEALER, AND TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT IT. HE SAID UNLESS IT COMES ON 100% OF THE TIME, THEN DONT WORRY ABOUT IT. I…

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THE RED LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD (WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER IS) FOR DRIVER'S AIR BAG COMES ON WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW ABOUT 44 DEGREES. IT STAYS ON 95% OF THE 8 WINTER MONTHS. I BOUGHT THIS USED (2014) FROM A DEALER, AND TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT IT. HE SAID UNLESS IT COMES ON 100% OF THE TIME, THEN DONT WORRY ABOUT IT. I CAME BACK 1 TIME AND COMPLAINED AGAIN, HOPING A "SENSOR CHECK" MIGHT BE COVERED SINCE I HAD BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON IT. HE AGAIN SAID "DONT WORRY ABOUT IT." -- THE PASSENGER RED LIGHT ON THE OVERHEAD BOX ALSO STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. IT DOES NOT FLASH OR BEEP UNLESS I HAVE SOME HEAVY BOXES ON THE SEAT, SO I IGNORE IT. I AM JUST WORRIED THAT NEITHER AIR BAG WILL WORK IN AN EMERGENCY. I CANNOT GET AN ANSWER (OR SEARCH) THAT ANSWERS THAT. IT IS FRIGHTENING. WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED, AND WHEN MOVING, THIS HAPPENS. ONLY SHUTTING THE CAR OFF SHUTS OFF THE LIGHT. SPEED, MOVEMENT OR STREET DOES NOT AFFECT IT. IT DOES NOT FLICKER; IT STAYS ON.

NHTSA ODI #10945224

182,000 miles · Dec 29, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

AFTER FUSES BLOWN REPEATEDLY AND REPLACED, REAR WIPER, WASHER PUMP AND LOCK CEASED TO OPERATE FOR PERHAPS A YEAR. RECENTLY THE HEADLIGHTS GOT REAL FUNKY - WOULD NOT OPERATE IN NORMAL "ON" POSITION. BUT THEN SOME STRANGE BEHAVIOR WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE (IGNITION ON WITHOUT STARTING TO ALLOW SHIFTING). HEADLIGHTS STILL NOT LIT …

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AFTER FUSES BLOWN REPEATEDLY AND REPLACED, REAR WIPER, WASHER PUMP AND LOCK CEASED TO OPERATE FOR PERHAPS A YEAR. RECENTLY THE HEADLIGHTS GOT REAL FUNKY - WOULD NOT OPERATE IN NORMAL "ON" POSITION. BUT THEN SOME STRANGE BEHAVIOR WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE (IGNITION ON WITHOUT STARTING TO ALLOW SHIFTING). HEADLIGHTS STILL NOT LIT IN EITHER OFF OR ON POSITION, BUT THEN CAME ON AS SWITCH MOVED BACK FROM HEADLIGHTS ON TO RUNNING LIGHTS POSITION! I HAPPENED UPON THE VIDEO MENTIONED IN AN EARLIER POST ABOUT REAR WIRING HARNESS ISSUE WHICH EASILY COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO WIPER/LOCK ISSUE, SO TOOK A LOOK. INSPECTION REVEALED 11 SEVERED WIRES WITH A CLUMP OF 5 OR SO MELTED TOGETHER AND ANOTHER 3 WIRES NEARLY SEVERED (SEE PHOTOS). DEALER SAYS HE'LL REPLACE WIRING HARNESS FOR $350 -500, AND HAD A SAME GENERATION OUTBACK IN THE SHOP FOR SAME WORK. SERVICE MGR SUGGESTED A CALL TO SUBARU CUSTOMER CARE LINE. IF YOU HAVE GOOFY ELECTRICAL ISSUES, ESPECIALLY IN REAR, CHECK THE WIRING INSIDE BOOT FROM BODY TO DOOR ON UPPER RIGHT SIDE. IT'S NOT EASY TO GET AT AS WIRES ARE SHORT, WHICH MAY HAVE LED TO QUITE A SERIOUS, UM, SHORT. CALL SUBARU BEFORE YOUR HEADLINER IGNITES...

NHTSA ODI #10938409

95,000 miles · Dec 23, 2016
Air Bags

"TAKATA RECALL" 9/7/2016 VOICE MAIL SVC.MGR @ LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP ([XXX]), NO REPLY 9/12/2016 CALLED SVC REP TOOK VIN, WILL HAVE SVC ADV CALL ME. 9/13/2016 SVC. ADV. [XXX] CALLED ME - BACK ORDERED AIRBAG, WILL CALL ME BACK. 10/28/2016 CALLED [XXX] DEALERSHIP FOR STATUS, THEY NEVER RETURNED MY CALL. INFORMATION REDACT…

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"TAKATA RECALL" 9/7/2016 VOICE MAIL SVC.MGR @ LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP ([XXX]), NO REPLY 9/12/2016 CALLED SVC REP TOOK VIN, WILL HAVE SVC ADV CALL ME. 9/13/2016 SVC. ADV. [XXX] CALLED ME - BACK ORDERED AIRBAG, WILL CALL ME BACK. 10/28/2016 CALLED [XXX] DEALERSHIP FOR STATUS, THEY NEVER RETURNED MY CALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10937232

58,178 miles · Dec 20, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

THE FUEL PIPE FILLER AND VALVE ASSEMBLY FAILED AND ALLOWED GASOLINE TO LEAK. THERE WAS ALSO A LEAK ON THE FUEL PUMP THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE LOCATE ON THE FIRST TWO ATTEMPTS. THE LEAKS WERE MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND COULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUSED A FIRE.

NHTSA ODI #10936415

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2016
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10934699

115,000 miles · Dec 11, 2016
EngineFuel System, GasolineFuel/propulsion System

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED. LUCKILY WE WERE ON A LIGHTLY TRAVELED ROAD AND WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE. THE ENGINE WOULD START, RUN FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND, THEN DIE. WHILE WAITING ON A TOW TRUCK, A GEARHEAD-TYPE FRIEND THAT I HAD CALLED TO TAKE MY WIFE HOME ARRIVED, THOUGHT ABOUT THE PROBLEM A BIT, AND UNPLUGG…

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WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED. LUCKILY WE WERE ON A LIGHTLY TRAVELED ROAD AND WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE. THE ENGINE WOULD START, RUN FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND, THEN DIE. WHILE WAITING ON A TOW TRUCK, A GEARHEAD-TYPE FRIEND THAT I HAD CALLED TO TAKE MY WIFE HOME ARRIVED, THOUGHT ABOUT THE PROBLEM A BIT, AND UNPLUGGED THE MAF SENSOR. THE ENGINE RAN GREAT. IT TURNED OUT THAT A DEFECTIVE AIR FILTER HAD ALLOWED DEBRIS TO CLOG THE SENSOR. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT AN INVALID READING FROM A NON-CRITICAL SENSOR SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PULL THE ENGINE FUEL/AIR/TIMING PARAMETERS SO FAR OFF THAT THE ENGINE WILL NOT RUN. OBVIOUSLY THE ENGINE COMPUTER KNOWS APPROXIMATELY WHAT THOSE VALUES SHOULD BE SINCE IT RAN GREAT WITH THE SENSOR DISCONNECTED. SENSOR READINGS BEYOND WHAT WOULD REASONABLY BE EXPECTED SHOULD BE IGNORED. WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE WERE ON A COUNTRY ROAD WHEN THIS OCCURRED. HAD WE BEEN IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY FREEWAY, OR DARTING ACROSS FOUR LANES OF BUSY TRAFFIC, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10934540

300 miles · Nov 28, 2016
Air BagsEngine

AIR BAGS HAVE BECOME DISABLED DUE TO EITHER THE SWITCH IN THE SEAT OR IN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. THE ENGINE ALSO CONSUMES AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF OIL (HAS SINCE NEW) ABOUT 2 QUARTS EVERY OIL CHANGE OR 3000 MILES SOMETIMES MORE

NHTSA ODI #10928352

75,000 miles · Oct 17, 2016
Power Train

BROUGHT IT TO HONDA DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT USED. 18 MONTHS LATER, I'M HAVING THE CURRENT ISSUE. THOUGHT IT WAS AS SIMPLE AS USING WHITE LITHIUM GREASE TO DEAL WITH THE SQUEAK IN THE CLUTCH. THEY SAID IT WAS A RUBBER GASKET THAT IS PART OF THE FOOT PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND THAT THE FOOT PEDAL ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED REPLACING, THE SUBAR…

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BROUGHT IT TO HONDA DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT USED. 18 MONTHS LATER, I'M HAVING THE CURRENT ISSUE. THOUGHT IT WAS AS SIMPLE AS USING WHITE LITHIUM GREASE TO DEAL WITH THE SQUEAK IN THE CLUTCH. THEY SAID IT WAS A RUBBER GASKET THAT IS PART OF THE FOOT PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND THAT THE FOOT PEDAL ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED REPLACING, THE SUBARU DEALER SHIP ALSO CLAIMS THE NOISE TRANSFERS THROUGH THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER FROM THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE NOISE OCCURS WHEN PUSHING AND RELEASING THE CLUTCH AND IS DRIVING ME MAD. MUSCATELL SUBARU INFORMED ME IT WILL MAKE THIS NOISE AND EVENTUALLY BREAK AND MY CLUTCH WILL THEN BE DIFFICULT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO PUSH. I DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR THIS TO OCCUR AND ITS AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR SOMETHING THATS JUST ANNOYING AT THE MOMENT. BUT APPARENTLY THEY'LL HAVE TO LIFT THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE AREA WHERE THE REPAIR WOULD OCCUR. I'VE SEEN EARLIER YEARS OF THIS MODEL HAVE ISSUES LIKE THIS AND SUPPOSEDLY 2009 MODELS HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED, BUT IT SEEMS THAT MY 2009 IS HAVING THIS ISSUE... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10916681

75,000 miles · Oct 17, 2016
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. ON 7/29/16 WE RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE RECALL FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. WE CONTACTED HANSEL SUBARU IN SANTA ROSA TO SCHEDULE THE REPLACEMENT. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS AND PUT US ON A WAITING LIST. I'VE TRIED TO CALL THEM AGAIN 10/13/16 & LEFT VOICE MESSAGE, SENT THEM EMAIL 10/14/16. HANSEL IS …

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TAKATA RECALL. ON 7/29/16 WE RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE RECALL FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA. WE CONTACTED HANSEL SUBARU IN SANTA ROSA TO SCHEDULE THE REPLACEMENT. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS AND PUT US ON A WAITING LIST. I'VE TRIED TO CALL THEM AGAIN 10/13/16 & LEFT VOICE MESSAGE, SENT THEM EMAIL 10/14/16. HANSEL IS NOT RETURNING CALLS OR ANSWERING CALLS TO THEIR SERVICE DEPT. I CALLED THE SUBARU OF AMERICA NUMBER TODAY, 10/17/16 AND ONLY GOT A BUSY SIGNAL. AS INSTRUCTED, WE ARE NOT USING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS A REAL INCONVENIENCE AND WE ARE FRUSTRATED WITH THE DELAY IN GETTING THE REPLACEMENT..

NHTSA ODI #10916526

200,000 miles · Sep 21, 2016
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY DURING HOT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FAILED. THE MECHANIC DID NOT SPECIFY IF THE AIR BAG MODULE OR INFL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY DURING HOT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FAILED. THE MECHANIC DID NOT SPECIFY IF THE AIR BAG MODULE OR INFLATER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #10908423

Official recalls

13

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.

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.

18V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback 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 will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, 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 TKC-18.

17V026000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 11, 2017

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca 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. 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 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 passenger front 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 TKB-17.

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.

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.

13V110000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Subaru Outback problems