NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
94 reportsClear category filter112,000 miles · Nov 8, 2018
Power Train
WHEN BRAKING TO A SUDDEN STOP, THE CAR SHUDDERS AND STALLS. IT IS SIMILAR TO THE FEELING OF BRAKING WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH IN A MANUAL CAR, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE HAS AN AUTOMATIC CVT TRANSMISSION. THIS HAPPENED IN AN INTERSECTION, AND THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME HONKING AS I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. AFTER SOME BA…
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WHEN BRAKING TO A SUDDEN STOP, THE CAR SHUDDERS AND STALLS. IT IS SIMILAR TO THE FEELING OF BRAKING WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH IN A MANUAL CAR, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE HAS AN AUTOMATIC CVT TRANSMISSION. THIS HAPPENED IN AN INTERSECTION, AND THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME HONKING AS I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. AFTER SOME BASIC RESEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN TO MANY VEHICLES LIKE THIS, THAT HAVE THE NEW CVT STYLE TRANSMISSION. SUBARU DID OFFER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE OF SO MANY COMPLAINTS, BUT THIS GOES BEYOND THAT. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED, IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11150165
163,000 miles · Nov 3, 2018
Power Train
COMING TO A SUDDEN STOP THE VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND STALLS. SIMILAR TO DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND NOT DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, BUT MINE IS AN AUTOMATIC. THE RPM DROPS LOWER THAN 500. IT IS ALWAYS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND TRYING TO COME TO A STOP. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I ALMOST RAN INTO A SCHOOL BUS. THIS MADE ME REALI…
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COMING TO A SUDDEN STOP THE VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND STALLS. SIMILAR TO DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND NOT DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, BUT MINE IS AN AUTOMATIC. THE RPM DROPS LOWER THAN 500. IT IS ALWAYS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND TRYING TO COME TO A STOP. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I ALMOST RAN INTO A SCHOOL BUS. THIS MADE ME REALIZE THAT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST TEN TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.
NHTSA ODI #11145081
83,000 miles · Oct 31, 2018
Power TrainService BrakesFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE HOOD AND INTO THE VEHICLE. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK AND FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO FIRST GEAR. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10-15 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE HOOD AND INTO THE VEHICLE. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK AND FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO FIRST GEAR. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER MULLER SUBARU (1350 PARK AVE W, HIGHLAND PARK, IL 60035 (888) 285-8152) WHERE DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO PAY FOR THE $1800.00 FEE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-373-484-69104 HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V626000 (PARKING BRAKE) WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #11144460
177,000 miles · Sep 28, 2018
Power Train
SLOWING DOWN TO UNDER 10MPH THE CAR WILL DROP TO AROUND 500RPM AND WILL SHUDDER AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO STALL. ON A FEW OCCASIONS IT HAS ACTUALLY STALLED. I AM AWARE THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO FIX THE TORQUE CONVERTER SINCE SUBARU HAS CHANGED THEM, BUT I DID NOT HAVE A WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE AND EVEN IF I DID IT IS STILL…
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SLOWING DOWN TO UNDER 10MPH THE CAR WILL DROP TO AROUND 500RPM AND WILL SHUDDER AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO STALL. ON A FEW OCCASIONS IT HAS ACTUALLY STALLED. I AM AWARE THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO FIX THE TORQUE CONVERTER SINCE SUBARU HAS CHANGED THEM, BUT I DID NOT HAVE A WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE AND EVEN IF I DID IT IS STILL OVER 100,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11132174
120,000 miles · Sep 13, 2018
Power Train
WHILE I WAS ON MY WAY HOME, THE CAR STARTED BUCKING AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER ON & OF ON THE DASH. I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND THANK GOODNESS I WAS CLOSE TO MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR. I WAS EXTREMELY SCARED! SHAKING! THEY TOOK THE CAR RIGHT AWAY & TOLD ME THAT IT WAS…
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WHILE I WAS ON MY WAY HOME, THE CAR STARTED BUCKING AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER ON & OF ON THE DASH. I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND THANK GOODNESS I WAS CLOSE TO MY SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR. I WAS EXTREMELY SCARED! SHAKING! THEY TOOK THE CAR RIGHT AWAY & TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION - MY SON RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES. APPARENTLY MY DEALER WAS AWARE ALSO SINCE THEY KNEW RIGHT AWAY WHAT WAS WRONG. COST OF REPAIR $1,70.86 + TAX! WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2ND OUTBACK B'CAUSE WE LOVE THE SUBARU BRAND & OUR DEALER. WHAT HAPPENED TO ME IS A SHAMEFUL NEGLECT ON SUBARU'S PART SINCE THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INCIDENTS THE SAME AS MINE. I THANK GOD THAT I DIDN'T BREAK DOWN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY OR BRIDGE THAT WAS ON MY WAY HOME. BUT MOSTLY, I AM GRATEFUL THAT MY 19 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WASN'T DRIVING THE CAR WHEN THIS PROBLEM AROSE! SHAME ON SUBARU FOR NOT DOING A RECALL ON THIS! VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE BRAND. MY DEALER WAS EXCEPTIONAL AND FIXED THE CAR IN 1 DAY! REPLACED TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY.
NHTSA ODI #11129403
107,000 miles · Sep 13, 2018
Power Train
CAR STOPPED DEAD ON THE FREEWAY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT, AND AGAIN IN A MAJOR INTERSECTION. CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING AN ENTIRELY NEW TRANSMISSION AT A SUBARU DEALER AND THE QUOTED COST WAS MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ATTEMPTING TO COVER UP THIS SITUATION BUT, AS A NEW OWNER, I WAS NEVE…
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CAR STOPPED DEAD ON THE FREEWAY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT, AND AGAIN IN A MAJOR INTERSECTION. CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING AN ENTIRELY NEW TRANSMISSION AT A SUBARU DEALER AND THE QUOTED COST WAS MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ATTEMPTING TO COVER UP THIS SITUATION BUT, AS A NEW OWNER, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF THE END DATE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL....NONE OF MY FAMILY WILL EVER DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AGAIN BECAUSE THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11129331
90,000 miles · Jul 16, 2018
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO SIXTH GEAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO SIXTH GEAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #11111508
153,000 miles · Jun 18, 2018
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE IGNITION TURNED OFF AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE IGNITION TURNED OFF AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
NHTSA ODI #11102452
115,000 miles · Mar 6, 2018
Power Train
WHEN DRIVING AND IN MOTION AND WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR MAKES A SHUDDERING NOISE AND HAS STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AT JUNCTIONS, TRAFFIC LIGHTS ETC., AND HAVE HAD TO TAKE DIVERSION TACTICS TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF OTHER CARS. I HAVE SEEN THIS IS A COMMON FAULT WITH SUBARU AND APPARENTLY HAS TO DO WITH THE TORQUE …
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WHEN DRIVING AND IN MOTION AND WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR MAKES A SHUDDERING NOISE AND HAS STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AT JUNCTIONS, TRAFFIC LIGHTS ETC., AND HAVE HAD TO TAKE DIVERSION TACTICS TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF OTHER CARS. I HAVE SEEN THIS IS A COMMON FAULT WITH SUBARU AND APPARENTLY HAS TO DO WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTOR.
NHTSA ODI #11076556
70,000 miles · Feb 21, 2018
Power Train
AFTER SHIFTING FROM P TO R OR D OR FROM D TO R OR R TO D, THE CAR HESITATES 2-3 SECONDS WHEN PULLING AWAY. THE ENGINE SHUDDERS AND USUALLY PULLS AWAY WITH NO PROBLEM. OCCASIONALLY, THE ENGINE STALLS. IT WILL START UP AGAIN IMMEDIATELY. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED DEC. 2016, BUT THIS PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY WORSE SINCE THE REPA…
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AFTER SHIFTING FROM P TO R OR D OR FROM D TO R OR R TO D, THE CAR HESITATES 2-3 SECONDS WHEN PULLING AWAY. THE ENGINE SHUDDERS AND USUALLY PULLS AWAY WITH NO PROBLEM. OCCASIONALLY, THE ENGINE STALLS. IT WILL START UP AGAIN IMMEDIATELY. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS REPLACED DEC. 2016, BUT THIS PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY WORSE SINCE THE REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #11074016
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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