NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
94 reportsClear category filter126,500 miles · Jul 20, 2017
Power Train
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, MY 2010 OUTBACK SOMETIMES STUTTERS AND THEN STALLS. I MUST THEN PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE BEFORE PULLING OUT AGAIN. THIS CREATES DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR BEHIND ME IS EXPECTING ME TO PULL OUT AGAIN WITHOUT THIS ADDED DELAY. I'M VERY CONCERNED T…
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WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, MY 2010 OUTBACK SOMETIMES STUTTERS AND THEN STALLS. I MUST THEN PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE BEFORE PULLING OUT AGAIN. THIS CREATES DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR BEHIND ME IS EXPECTING ME TO PULL OUT AGAIN WITHOUT THIS ADDED DELAY. I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS IS GOING TO RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT AND I WILL BE REAR ENDED BY THE CAR BEHIND ME. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM IN THE SHOP THE ONE DAY THEY TRIED. I ALSO CONTACTED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY SAID THE DEALER NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO RECREATE IT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. FROM WHAT I READ W/R/T OTHER'S EXPERIENCES, THIS SOUNDS LIKE THE TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM THAT SUBARU JUST RECENTLY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON, YET THEY ARE STILL NOT GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I WOULD HOPE THAT THIS COULD BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL BEFORE MORE ACCIDENTS OCCUR.
NHTSA ODI #11006545
123,000 miles · Jul 17, 2017
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE DASH BOARD. POWER LOSS OCCURED. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED VEHICLE, WAITED 10 MINUTES, RESTARTED VEHICLE AND CONTINUED AT REDUCED SPEED. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FLASH LIGHTS AND LOSE POWER WITH NO WARNING BUT PARTICULARLY ON HILLS. SUBARU DELERSHIP IN RAP…
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WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE DASH BOARD. POWER LOSS OCCURED. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED VEHICLE, WAITED 10 MINUTES, RESTARTED VEHICLE AND CONTINUED AT REDUCED SPEED. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FLASH LIGHTS AND LOSE POWER WITH NO WARNING BUT PARTICULARLY ON HILLS. SUBARU DELERSHIP IN RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA ADVISED US TO CONTINUE HOME TO SASKATOON. TOTAL FAILURE ON CVT WITH REPLACEMENT COST ESTIMATED AT $6000+ TAX AND LABOR. WONDERING IF THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF MANY SUCH EXPERIENCES AS OUR YEAR IS ONE OF THE EARLIEST MODELS WITH THIS SEALED CVT. NO WAY TO CHECK ANY PARTS OR SERVICE IT AS THE UNIT IS SEALED.
NHTSA ODI #11005920
120,000 miles · Jun 16, 2017
Power Train
VEHICLE STARTED ACTING AS THOUGH IT WAS GOING TO STALL AT STOP SIGNS AND RED LIGHTS. ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS THEN BECAME LIT UP. TOOK TO MY PLACE OF DEALERSHIP AND UPON CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUID, THEY DESCRIBED IT AS SMELLING VERY FOUL AND WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. CAR IS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 120,000 MILES. THE CH…
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VEHICLE STARTED ACTING AS THOUGH IT WAS GOING TO STALL AT STOP SIGNS AND RED LIGHTS. ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS THEN BECAME LIT UP. TOOK TO MY PLACE OF DEALERSHIP AND UPON CHECKING TRANSMISSION FLUID, THEY DESCRIBED IT AS SMELLING VERY FOUL AND WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. CAR IS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 120,000 MILES. THE CHEAPEST I COULD FIND FOR NEW TRANSMISSION WAS 6000.00. THOUGHT IT WAS A JOKE AT FIRST, BUT WAS TOLD THE FIRST CALL THEY MADE IT WAS 7000.00. THE TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST CALLED THE CVT SUBARU TRANSMISSION "THE THROW AWAY TRANSMISSION' AS NO ONE EVER REPLACES THEM AT THAT COST. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED CHEVY VEHICLES UNTIL I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE OUTBACK. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE.NO MORE SUBARUS FOR ME!!!
NHTSA ODI #10995585
146,000 miles · Mar 18, 2017
Power Train
WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE CAR STALLS. THIS HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY GOING UP HILLS. IT HAPPENS MOST OFTEN JUST AS THE CAR IS NEARING NO MOTION OR NO LONGER IN MOTION. A QUICK STOP WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY THAN A SLOW GRADUAL STOP. IT DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THE CAR IS WARMED UP OR IF IT HAS BEEN RUNNING A FREE MIN…
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WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE CAR STALLS. THIS HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY GOING UP HILLS. IT HAPPENS MOST OFTEN JUST AS THE CAR IS NEARING NO MOTION OR NO LONGER IN MOTION. A QUICK STOP WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY THAN A SLOW GRADUAL STOP. IT DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THE CAR IS WARMED UP OR IF IT HAS BEEN RUNNING A FREE MINUTES. THE CAR CAN BE GOING STRAIGHT OR TURNING. A SHUDDER CAN BE FELT THEN THE CAR STALLS. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. I THINK IT MAY BE THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR SOMETHING IN THE TRANSMISSION. I DON'T THINK IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE FUEL DELIVERY.
NHTSA ODI #10966670
50 miles · Mar 8, 2017
Power Train
SUBARU TECH SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R - AFFECTS 2010 - 2012 CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED OUTBACK AND LEGACY MODELS CAR EXHIBITS SYMPTOMS LISTED IN ABOVE TSB. CAR STALLS / SEVERELY HESITATES WHEN TAKING OFF FROM REST DUE TO ISSUE WITH POORLY DESIGNED THRUST WASHER IN TORQUE CONVERTER. DISCOVERED ISSUE AS DESC…
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SUBARU TECH SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13R - AFFECTS 2010 - 2012 CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED OUTBACK AND LEGACY MODELS CAR EXHIBITS SYMPTOMS LISTED IN ABOVE TSB. CAR STALLS / SEVERELY HESITATES WHEN TAKING OFF FROM REST DUE TO ISSUE WITH POORLY DESIGNED THRUST WASHER IN TORQUE CONVERTER. DISCOVERED ISSUE AS DESCRIBED AFTER PURCHASE FROM USED DEALERSHIP. CAR WOULD STALL OUT WHEN TAKING OFF FROM REST IN INTERSECTIONS OR PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS COLLISION IF NOT PROPERLY ADDRESSED / REPAIRED. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, CAR HAD HAD TRANSMISSION FLUSHED 2X ACCORDING TO CARFAX AT MFG DEALERSHIP BY PREVIOUS OWNER, ISSUE UNRESOLVED. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) UPON DISCOVERING ISSUE. SUBARU ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM AS A KNOW ISSUE BUT ASSERTED THAT THEY WOULD NOT FINANCIALLY COVER WHAT SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SHOULD BE ESCALATED TO A SAFETY RECALL AND SUBARU OF AMERICA FORCED TO MAKE REPAIRS TO AFFECTED VEHICLES. ATTACHED ARE COPY OF TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN AND CARFAX HISTORY REPORT FOR VEHICLE IN QUESTION.
NHTSA ODI #10959635
93,000 miles · Jan 27, 2017
Power Train
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN I HAVE COME TO A QUICK STOP AT A LIGHT, THE ENGINE HAS CUT OUT. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOUND THE THE "TORQUE CONVERTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY." THE CAR HAS 93,414 ON THE CLOCK.
NHTSA ODI #10948002
126,000 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
121,000 miles · Jan 18, 2017
Power Train
OUR 2010 MODEL SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 121,000 MILES BEGAN STALLING WHILE BRAKING AT STOP LIGHTS AND BEHIND OTHERS VEHICLES ALSO BRAKING HARD. WHILE I AM ABLE TO START IT BACK UP IMMEDIATELY, THIS HAS BECOME A CONSISTENT PROBLEM AND I FEEL A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC BECAUSE TH…
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OUR 2010 MODEL SUBARU OUTBACK WITH 121,000 MILES BEGAN STALLING WHILE BRAKING AT STOP LIGHTS AND BEHIND OTHERS VEHICLES ALSO BRAKING HARD. WHILE I AM ABLE TO START IT BACK UP IMMEDIATELY, THIS HAS BECOME A CONSISTENT PROBLEM AND I FEEL A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN LEFT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BRAKED HARD. AFTER SPEAKING WITH OUR DEALERSHIP THE RESPONSE WAS THAT WE NEED A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER AND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2010-2012 OUTBACKS. AFTER A SECOND OPINION TO BE SURE, WE ARE HAVING THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACE TO THE TUNE OF $2000!! I AM ASKING FOR A RECALL FOR THESE MODELS FROM SUBARU TO PREVENT ANYONE FROM GETTING INJURED FROM THIS CONSISTENTLY-IDENTIFIED DANGER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10945902
93,200 miles · Jan 3, 2017
Power Train
CAR PARKED ON SLIGHT UPHILL INCLINE OF HOUSE DRIVEWAY.. STARTED ENGINE, MOVED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR TO D(RIVE). TRANSMISSION WENT TO REVERSE. MOVED TRANSMISSION LEVER TO N(EUTRAL) AND BACK TO D. TRANSMISSION AGAIN WENT TO REVERSE. MOVED SELECTOR (SHIFTER) TO P(ARK) AND THEN TO D. THIS TIME THE TRANSMISSION RESPON…
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CAR PARKED ON SLIGHT UPHILL INCLINE OF HOUSE DRIVEWAY.. STARTED ENGINE, MOVED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR TO D(RIVE). TRANSMISSION WENT TO REVERSE. MOVED TRANSMISSION LEVER TO N(EUTRAL) AND BACK TO D. TRANSMISSION AGAIN WENT TO REVERSE. MOVED SELECTOR (SHIFTER) TO P(ARK) AND THEN TO D. THIS TIME THE TRANSMISSION RESPONDED CORRECTLY. CARE WAS STATIONARY DURING THE EVENT.
NHTSA ODI #10939164
120,000 miles · Dec 4, 2016
Power Train
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS AND CAR STALLS AND ENGINE TURNS OFF DURING HARD BRAKING. MUST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHIFT TO NEUTRAL OR PARK TO RESTART ENGINE. 120,000 MILES. SUBARU DEALER SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE TORQUE CONVERTER AND WOULD COST ME $1750.00 DOLLARS. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10929808
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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