NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
35 reportsClear category filter27,290 miles · Oct 17, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
THE OUTSIDE BULBS CONSTANTLY BURN OUT, IT CAN BE A HEADLIGHT, (HIGH BEAM, LOW BEAM) LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, BRAKE LITE, RUNNING LIGHTS....THE INSIDE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN OK THIS BULB ISSUE STARTED AT 27,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM SINCE. OUT OF 24 SERVICE ORDERS, NINE OF THOSE ORDERS HAVE NEEDED TO HAVE ONE OR MORE BUL…
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THE OUTSIDE BULBS CONSTANTLY BURN OUT, IT CAN BE A HEADLIGHT, (HIGH BEAM, LOW BEAM) LICENSE PLATE LIGHT, BRAKE LITE, RUNNING LIGHTS....THE INSIDE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN OK THIS BULB ISSUE STARTED AT 27,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM SINCE. OUT OF 24 SERVICE ORDERS, NINE OF THOSE ORDERS HAVE NEEDED TO HAVE ONE OR MORE BULBS REPLACED. I LIVE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF CALAVERAS COUNTY, CALIFORNIA AND THE EXCUSE THE DEALERSHIP GIVES ME IS THAT WE HAVE ROUGH ROADS IN THESE HILLS. WELL, I SAY, WHAT A LINE OF POOP, I DRIVE A SUBARU, IT'S MADE FOR OUR AREA. EITHER I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT OBVIOUSLY STARTED WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY OR THAT THE BULBS THAT ARE BEING USED ARE TOTALLY OF BAD QUALITY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10648479
103,500 miles · Oct 8, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AFTER REPLACEMENT A YEAR AND 3WKS AGO. THIS IS THE 3RD HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT ON A 2010 VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE 3YRS AGO AT 29,500MI AS A CERTIFIED USED SUBARU FROM THE DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10643245
50,000 miles · Aug 29, 2014
Exterior Lighting
CONDENSATION CONTINUALLY GATHERS INSIDE ONE OF THE LIGHT FIXTURES. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE BULB AND FIXTURE ARE INSTALLED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS-THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THIS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE-WITH THE AMOUNT OF CONDENSATION INSIDE THE LIGHT, THE ILLUMINATION OF ONE HEADLIGHT IS GREATLY DIMIN…
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CONDENSATION CONTINUALLY GATHERS INSIDE ONE OF THE LIGHT FIXTURES. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE BULB AND FIXTURE ARE INSTALLED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS-THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THIS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE-WITH THE AMOUNT OF CONDENSATION INSIDE THE LIGHT, THE ILLUMINATION OF ONE HEADLIGHT IS GREATLY DIMINISHED MAKING DRIVING AT NIGHT VERY DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY IN DIMLY LIT SITUATIONS. I ALSO DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE COMBINATION OF ELECTRIC AND WATER INSIDE COMPONENTS IS "NORMAL" UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND SUBARU-THE COPY OF THE SENT TEXT FOLLOWS-THEY DO NOT RESPOND. I BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS COMPONENT IS MAKING A FAULTY PRODUCT THAT DECREASES SAFETY. I JUST WANT THEM TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT AT NO COST TO ME SINCE I'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG. SENT TO SUBARU OF AMERICA- "THIS IS PERTAINING TO PROBLEMS WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2010 OUTBACK. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MY DEALER-GOLDSTEIN SUBARU-THAT "CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLIGHTS IS NORMAL IN THE NORTHEAST" THEY ALSO TOLD ME I "COULD DRILL A SMALL HOLE IN THE LIGHT TO LET MORE AIR IN". QUESTION-IF IT IS "NORMAL" WHY SHOULD I DRILL A HOLE-THE LIGHT DESIGN SHOULD ACCOUNT FOR PROPER VENTILATION OF THE FIXTURE-SECONDLY HOW COME NO OTHER CARS ON THE LOT HAVE THIS, IT ONLY HAPPENS IN ONE LIGHT AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ONLINE? THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE-ELECTRICITY AND WATER DO NOT MIX-THIS "NORMAL" CONDENSATION GREATLY REDUCES THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHT AND VISIBILITY DURING NIGHT DRIVING-IT'S LIKE DRIVING WITH ONE HEADLIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM-MY LIGHT WAS CHECKED BY THE DEALER-THERE IS NO DAMAGE AND ALL THE FACTORY SEALS AND BULBS ARE INTACT, YET WATER CONTINUALLY GETS INSIDE THE FIXTURE. I THINK SUBARU OF AMERICA SHOULD REPLACE THIS SAFETY ITEM AT NO COST TO ME. (MY VIN WAS HERE). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629492
10,000 miles · Feb 5, 2014
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT HAD BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DEFECT WAS A POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT HAD BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DEFECT WAS A POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #10563152
150,000 miles · Jan 27, 2014
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS NEW FROM THE DEALER AND UNLIKE ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT I'VE EVER OWNED THIS ONE HAS TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED EVERY 3 TO 6 MONTHS. THE FOG LIGHTS, AND CLEARANCE LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP OF THE CAR, BUT NOTHING LIKE THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE SPENT HUNDRE…
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I HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS NEW FROM THE DEALER AND UNLIKE ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT I'VE EVER OWNED THIS ONE HAS TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED EVERY 3 TO 6 MONTHS. THE FOG LIGHTS, AND CLEARANCE LIGHTS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES DURING MY OWNERSHIP OF THE CAR, BUT NOTHING LIKE THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS BUYING THE BEST LIGHTS YOU CAN GET BY SYLVANIA AT $70.00 PLUS FOR A SET AND I HAVE GONE THROUGH ABOUT 5 SETS OF THESE LIGHTS. LUCKY FOR ME THAT AFTER HAVING PAID TO HAVE THEM REPLACED BY A MECHANIC THE FIRST FEW TIMES I WAS ABLE TO THEN DO IT MYSELF. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE OF CAR. I'M 60 YEARS OLD AND HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS PROBLEM.. I'M SORRY THAT I HAVE NOT KEPT RECORDS OF THE OUTAGES. THANK YOU.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561645
22,732 miles · Jan 20, 2014
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. BEGINNING IN DECEMBER 2012 I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BURNED OUT HEADLIGHTS FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. BESIDES THE COST... IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE CONSIDERING VISIBILITY IS HALF OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE WHEN THEY BLOW OUT. I NEVER KNOW WHEN I'M GOING TO PULL THE SWITCH AND NOT HAVE LIGHTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560644
30,000 miles · Dec 31, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT IN TANDEM. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN 2012. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ALMOST EXACTLY ONE YEAR LATER. HEADLIGHTS SHOULDN'T BURN OUT AFTER LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF REGULAR USE. THERE ARE FEW MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT DOES NOT HAVE EXCESSIVE USE (EITHER NIGHT DRIVING OR LEAVING THE HEADLIGHTS ON DURING REGULAR USE). MY…
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HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT IN TANDEM. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN 2012. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ALMOST EXACTLY ONE YEAR LATER. HEADLIGHTS SHOULDN'T BURN OUT AFTER LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF REGULAR USE. THERE ARE FEW MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT DOES NOT HAVE EXCESSIVE USE (EITHER NIGHT DRIVING OR LEAVING THE HEADLIGHTS ON DURING REGULAR USE). MY MECHANIC FEELS THIS IS A SIGN OF A LARGER ISSUE AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S FAIRLY WIDESPREAD. MY MECHANIC ALSO VERIFIED WITH A SUBARU MECHANIC THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BULBS SUPPLIED BY HIS SHOP AND A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE BOTH PHILLIPS BULBS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558002
11,000 miles · Oct 22, 2013
Exterior Lighting
MY HEADLIGHTS (LOW BEAM) BURN OUT AT A VERY FREQUENT RATE. I HAVE CHANGED THEM AT LEAST 4 TIMES IN 3 YEARS. I USE GLOVES AND NEVER TOUCH THE BULB. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548898
45,000 miles · Aug 15, 2013
Exterior Lighting
APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH LATER THE OTHER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS BURNED OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. 1 WEEK AGO A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED. TODAY THE OPPOSITE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT IS BURNED OUT. THIS IS ABNORMAL HEADLIGHTS SHOULD NOT BURN OUT THIS OFTEN. THE BULBS WER…
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APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH LATER THE OTHER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS BURNED OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. 1 WEEK AGO A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED. TODAY THE OPPOSITE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT IS BURNED OUT. THIS IS ABNORMAL HEADLIGHTS SHOULD NOT BURN OUT THIS OFTEN. THE BULBS WERE NOT TOUCHED ON THE GLASS WHEN REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10535544
6,000 miles · Aug 4, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE FAILING EVERY 6 MONTHS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10533499
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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