NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
44 reportsClear category filter126,000 miles · Jan 26, 2017
EnginePower Train
2010 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5L CVT AUTOMATIC 126,000 MILES. CAR WILL UNEXPECTEDLY SHUDDER THEN ENGINE WILL QUIT AT LOW RPMS EITHER COMING TO A STOP OR UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. SYMPTOMS MIMIC A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SLIPPING/STALLING. ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURE HAS NO EFFECT, NOR VEHICLE TURNING, OR VARYING ELECTRI…
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2010 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5L CVT AUTOMATIC 126,000 MILES. CAR WILL UNEXPECTEDLY SHUDDER THEN ENGINE WILL QUIT AT LOW RPMS EITHER COMING TO A STOP OR UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. SYMPTOMS MIMIC A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH SLIPPING/STALLING. ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURE HAS NO EFFECT, NOR VEHICLE TURNING, OR VARYING ELECTRICAL LOADS. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IT CAN HAPPEN WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC (FOR EXAMPLE) AND IT HAPPENS REPEATEDLY, UNEXPECTEDLY AND RANDOMLY. I URGE THE NHTSA IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS TO ISSUE MANDATORY RECALL AND REPAIR ORDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT LOSS OF LIFE AND SERIOUS INJURY. I AM AWARE OF MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU HAS ISSUED TSB 16-90-13 WHICH ADDRESSES FAULTY PART REPLACEMENT IN TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER WITH A NEWLY REDESIGNED PART. HOWEVER, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, OWNERS ARE NOT BEING NOTIFIED OF THIS SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION, NOR IS SUBURU REPLACING THE PART FREE OF CHARGE IF THE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.I HAVE BEEN QUOTED $1200-$ 2000 DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS BY SUBARU. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT SINCE THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, EVEN IF THE OWNERS ARE NOTIFIED BY A VOLUNTARY TSB, THEY MAY NOT GO TO THE EXPENSE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, RESULTING IN POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIFE AND INJURIES. THIS NEEDS TO BE A MANDATORY RECALL. AS AN ASIDE, I AM AN AIRLINE CAPTAIN AND A FAA CERTIFIED MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN WITH OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN MAINTENANCE RELATED SAFETY ISSUES, AND IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS SITUATION REQUIRES URGENT ACTION ON BEHALF OF NHTSA AND SUBARU. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10947862
92,000 miles · Jan 3, 2017
Engine
DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. AT STOP AND ENGINE IDLING, THE ENGINE MISFIRES (STUMBLES) ON OCCASION. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE ENGINE WILL DIE, BUT THEN IDLES NORMALLY. THIS IS INTERMITTENT AND NO ENGINE LIGHT OR FAULT CODE COMES UP. DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT BECAUSE THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR IS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. I…
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DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP. AT STOP AND ENGINE IDLING, THE ENGINE MISFIRES (STUMBLES) ON OCCASION. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE ENGINE WILL DIE, BUT THEN IDLES NORMALLY. THIS IS INTERMITTENT AND NO ENGINE LIGHT OR FAULT CODE COMES UP. DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT BECAUSE THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR IS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. I AM AFRAID THE CAR WILL STALL IN TRAFFIC. THIS HAS OCCURRED OVER THE LAST 3-4 YEARS
NHTSA ODI #10939166
121,000 miles · Dec 20, 2016
Engine
OVER HEATING MAYBE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #10936464
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2016
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
CAR SHUDDERS AND SOUNDS LIKE ENGINE WILL DIE WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE STOP. IF THIS WERE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, FEELS AS IF CLUTCH SHOULD BE PUSHED IN. PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. COLD OR HOT ENGINE. PROBLEM BECAME NOTICEABLE AROUND 58,000-60,000 MILE.
NHTSA ODI #10924989
105,000 miles · Jun 14, 2016
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
WE BOUGHT OUR CAR IN 2010 ITS A SUBARU OUTBACK. THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH A LOSS OF POWER. THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD UP ON THE PISTONS. ITS NOW 2016 AND THE CAR WILL STUTTER AND SHUT OFF WHEN YOU ARE BRAKING AT RED LIGHTS. TO TRY TO BEAT THE STUTTER AND STALL, I FIND MYSELF…
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WE BOUGHT OUR CAR IN 2010 ITS A SUBARU OUTBACK. THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH A LOSS OF POWER. THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD UP ON THE PISTONS. ITS NOW 2016 AND THE CAR WILL STUTTER AND SHUT OFF WHEN YOU ARE BRAKING AT RED LIGHTS. TO TRY TO BEAT THE STUTTER AND STALL, I FIND MYSELF HAVING TO EASE OFF THE BRAKES AND TRY TO REAPPLY MY BRAKES TO SEE IF IT WON'T SHUT OFF. I'VE AVOID MANY ACCIDENTS BUT ONE OF THESE DAYS I WON'T BE SO LUCKY. I FEEL A REAR END ACCIDENT IS COMING. THIS STUTTER AND STALL HAPPENS ANY TIME DURING THE DAY AND IN ANY WEATHER. THIS MORNING THERE WAS NO ISSUE, THIS AFTERNOON THERE MIGHT BE. USUALLY ONCE THE CAR STUTTERS AND STALLS THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY FOR THE DAY. I READ SOME OTHER COMPLAINTS ON NHSTA AND THEY ARE REPORTING THEIR SIMILAR ISSUE AS IT BEING A POSSIBLE TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. I'M NOT SURE EITHER WAY SINCE MY MILEAGE PUTS ME OVER THE WARRANTY AND I DON'T WANT AN ACCIDENT TO DEAL WITH I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT ARE OPTIONS TO GETTING THIS PROBLEM TAKEN CARE SINCE ITS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE 2010.
NHTSA ODI #10874166
105,000 miles · Jun 14, 2016
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
WHEN DRIVING AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO STUTTER AS IF THERE IS A CLOG IN THE SYSTEM. THEN IT WILL SHUT OFF. I CONTACTED SUBARU REGARDING THE ISSUE WHEN WE FIRST HAD THE CAR BECAUSE THERE WAS ALWAYS A LOSS OF POWER. OUR MODEL IS THE OUTBACK 2010. THEY INSPECTED AND SAID IT WAS A CARBON BUILD UP IN THE P…
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WHEN DRIVING AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO STUTTER AS IF THERE IS A CLOG IN THE SYSTEM. THEN IT WILL SHUT OFF. I CONTACTED SUBARU REGARDING THE ISSUE WHEN WE FIRST HAD THE CAR BECAUSE THERE WAS ALWAYS A LOSS OF POWER. OUR MODEL IS THE OUTBACK 2010. THEY INSPECTED AND SAID IT WAS A CARBON BUILD UP IN THE PISTONS THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS ISSUE. THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY RECALLS OR SUBARU NOTICES ABOUT THIS. NOW WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF. ON YOUR SITE NHSTA SOME OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT IT COULD ALSO BE A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. EITHER WAY THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF NOT DEALT WITH. THE STUTTER AND SHUTTING OFF HAPPENS ANY TIME OF THE DAY AND COLD OR HOT WEATHER IT DOESN'T MATTER. SOME DAYS IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THE OTHERS AND USUALLY AFTER A FEW TIMES OF SHUTTING OFF THE PROBLEM DOES STOP FOR REMAINDER OF THE DAY.
NHTSA ODI #10874163
72,000 miles · Jan 12, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS ABNORMALLY HIGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND MORE COOLANT NEEDED TO BE ADDED. THE VEHICLE WAS R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS ABNORMALLY HIGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND MORE COOLANT NEEDED TO BE ADDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOTH HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN, THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED, AND THE WATER PUMP HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
NHTSA ODI #10819602
85,725 miles · Oct 28, 2015
Engine
THE HEAD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 85,000. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AND THE OVERHEAT LIGHT WENT ON. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR INTO SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HEAD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPLACED, SHORT BLOCK REPLACED AND OTHER RELATED ENGINE PARTS. A HEAD GASKET ISSUE SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING A…
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THE HEAD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 85,000. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AND THE OVERHEAT LIGHT WENT ON. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR INTO SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HEAD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPLACED, SHORT BLOCK REPLACED AND OTHER RELATED ENGINE PARTS. A HEAD GASKET ISSUE SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT 85K MILES ON ANY CAR, BUT ESPECIALLY A SUBARU WHOSE REPRESENTATION IS ABOUT DEPENDABILITY AND RUGGEDNESS.
NHTSA ODI #10786845
100,000 miles · Oct 24, 2015
EnginePower Train
CVT TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE PREDICTABLY STALLS WHILE IN MOTION APPROACHING A STOP ON CITY STREETS OR ON THE HIGHWAY. ELECTRIC SYSTEM REMAINS OPERATIONAL DURING AND AFTER STALLING INDICATING THAT THE ISSUE IS UNRELATED TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. MECHANIC BELIEVES ISSUE TO BE NOW-KNOWN AND WIDESPREAD FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. VEHICLE …
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CVT TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE PREDICTABLY STALLS WHILE IN MOTION APPROACHING A STOP ON CITY STREETS OR ON THE HIGHWAY. ELECTRIC SYSTEM REMAINS OPERATIONAL DURING AND AFTER STALLING INDICATING THAT THE ISSUE IS UNRELATED TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. MECHANIC BELIEVES ISSUE TO BE NOW-KNOWN AND WIDESPREAD FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. VEHICLE STALLING IN TRAFFIC HAS BECOME VERY DANGEROUS AND HAS NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA ODI #10785747
66,800 miles · Sep 18, 2014
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash
AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH A FOOT TO GO, GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SURGED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD, CLIMBED A 6 INCH CURB AND TRAVELED ABOUT 4 FEET AND HIT A WOODEN STAIRCASE OF A BUILDING. THE ENTIRE TIME MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THIS ENTIRE EVENT TOOK LESS THAN A SECOND. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10637349
Official recalls
18Jan 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.
Sep 13, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
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 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.
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.
Sep 27, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
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.
Feb 25, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Electrical System
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
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.
Jul 20, 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY DRILLING AN OIL LUBRICATION HOLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERNAL PARTS WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Jun 24, 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2010. THE WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL ROLL CONNECTOR LOCATED BEHIND THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL MAY DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS AND EVENTUALLY BREAK. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN CERTAIN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS MAY NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POSSIBLE CIRCUITS AFFECTED ARE THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG, PADDLE SHIFTER FUNCTION, CRUISE CONTROL, HORN CONTROL AND RADIO FUNCTIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK LOT NUMBER OF THE STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR. THE ROLL CONNECTOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE IF THE LOT NUMBER SHOWED ANY AFFECTED RANGE OF THE FAILURE OCCURRENCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
May 7, 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 31 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2009. A CRACK OR SPLIT CAN OCCUR IN THE CVT COOLER HOSE RESULTING IN A FLUID LEAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE FLUID IS COMPLETELY LEAKED DURING DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A STOP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED COOLER HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-SUBARU3 (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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