IllustrationTHE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT IN APRIL 2011 AS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. SOME LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR OR MORE TIMES. SOME HAVE GONE OUT AGAIN A WEEK AFTER THEY ARE REPLACED.
2010 Subaru Outback
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Outback do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 207.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Outback years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1050–25K
2025–50K
2250–75K
3375–100K
66100–150K
32150K+
278 reports with mileage · 82 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
12 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
360 reportsCENTER CONSOLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. ONGOING- STILL AS OF 6/15/15 REPEATED SERVICING AND CONTACTS WITH DEALER AND SUBARU NATIONAL HAVE FAILED TO RESOLVE PROBLEM CONCERNED WHETHER OTHER PROBLEMS WILL OCCUR
I HAVE 2 CARS, A 2002 CHEV. IMPALA AND A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. BOTH CARS HAVE AN AUTOMATIC ON HEADLIGHT FEATURE. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE IMPALA IS ON THE DASHBOARD AND I HAVE NEVER TOUCHED IT IN THE 13 YEARS I HAVE THE CAR. IT WORKS PERFECTLY, WHEN THE LIGHT LEVEL IS LOW THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON. THE OUTBACK HAS THE HEADLI…
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I HAVE 2 CARS, A 2002 CHEV. IMPALA AND A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. BOTH CARS HAVE AN AUTOMATIC ON HEADLIGHT FEATURE. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE IMPALA IS ON THE DASHBOARD AND I HAVE NEVER TOUCHED IT IN THE 13 YEARS I HAVE THE CAR. IT WORKS PERFECTLY, WHEN THE LIGHT LEVEL IS LOW THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON. THE OUTBACK HAS THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE END OF THE TURN INDICATOR STALK. THE SWITCH HAS A NUMBER OF POSITIONS, THE FIRST 3 BEING HEADLIGHT AUTOMATIC ON, HEADLIGHT MANUAL ON AND PARKING LIGHTS ON. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON, EITHER ON THE AUTOMATIC ON OR HEADLIGHTS MANUAL ON POSITIONS AS WELL AS THE PARKING LIGHTS ON POSITION THERE IS AN INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AS WELL AS THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE ON. WITH THE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ON YOU CANNOT TELL WHICH OF THE 3 POSITIONS THE SWITCH IS AT, ALL INDICATORS ARE THE SAME. MANY TIMES, INADVERTENTLY BECAUSE OF USING THE TURN SIGNAL STALK, THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TURNS TO THE PARKING LIGHT POSITION AND I FIND MYSELF DRIVING WITH THE PARKING LIGHTS ON RATHER THAN THE HEADLIGHTS, A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THERE IS NO INDICATION ON THE DASHBOARD OF THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION. THE LIGHT INDICATOR BULB IS ON AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE ON BUT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF. AGAIN A DANGEROUS CONDITION. THE LIGHT SWITCH SHOULD BE RELOCATED FROM THE TURN SIGNAL STALK TO THE DASHBOARD OR THE LIGHT INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD SHOULD BE OFF WHEN IN THE PARKING LIGHT POSITION. *TR
TRIED TO OPEN DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO EXIT CAR AFTER PARKING. HANDLE MADE A SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT SOUND THAN USUAL, AND FAILED TO OPEN LATCH. LOCKING/UNLOCKING AND MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO OPERATE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN OPENING THE DOOR. WITH DIFFICULTY, I WAS ABLE TO MOVE INTO PASSENGER SIDE OF FRONT SEAT BY CLIMBING O…
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TRIED TO OPEN DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO EXIT CAR AFTER PARKING. HANDLE MADE A SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT SOUND THAN USUAL, AND FAILED TO OPEN LATCH. LOCKING/UNLOCKING AND MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO OPERATE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL IN OPENING THE DOOR. WITH DIFFICULTY, I WAS ABLE TO MOVE INTO PASSENGER SIDE OF FRONT SEAT BY CLIMBING OVER THE CONSOLE AND WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE CARE. WHILE THIS WAS NOT AN EMERGENCY, HAD IT OCCURRED DURING AN EMERGENCY, THE DRIVER LIKELY WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. I TOOK IT IN FOR A REPAIR TODAY, AND SUBARU DEALER CAN'T GET THE PART (CABLE RUNNING BETWEEN INSIDE DOOR HANDLE AND LATCH) FOR 3-4 DAYS. TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. WONDERED IF IT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE 2010 TRIBECA DOOR LATCH PROBLEM WHICH PROMPTED A RECALL. *TR
I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR USED AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS DID NOT WORK. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS CAR AND THIS CAR HAS ALREADY HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON IT IN DECEMBER OF 2010. THE AFFECTED PART IS THE STEERING WHEEL ROLL CONNECTOR. THIS PART ALSO A…
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR USED AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS DID NOT WORK. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THERE WAS ALREADY A RECALL ON THIS CAR AND THIS CAR HAS ALREADY HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON IT IN DECEMBER OF 2010. THE AFFECTED PART IS THE STEERING WHEEL ROLL CONNECTOR. THIS PART ALSO ALLOWS FOR THE CONTACT OF OTHER ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FROM THE AIRBAG, CRUISE CONTROL AND PADDLE SHIFTERS TO THE CAR'S COMPUTER. I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. I PURCHASED THE PART FROM THE SUBARU DEALER AND INSTALLED IT PER THE SERVICE MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS. UPON INSTALLATION OF THE ROLL CONNECTOR AND COMPLETION OF THE TOTAL REPAIR THE STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS FUNCTIONED AS THEY WERE INTENDED. I THINK THIS IS A CONCERN BECAUSE SUBARU HAS REPLACED A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART WITH ONE THAT AFTER A LITTLE OVER 4.5 YEARS HAS FAILED AGAIN. ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION ON THE INITIAL RECALL THE STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS WERE ONLY THE FIRST SYMPTOM OF THE EVENTUAL TOTAL FAILURE OF ALL THE CONNECTIONS OF THE STEERING WHEEL ROLL CONNECTOR. WHICH COULD ALSO LEAD TO THE AIRBAG NOT PERFORMING AS IT SHOULD DURING A CRASH. *TR
PROBLEM STARTED IN ABOUT JULY, 2014 WHEN MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. I PURCHASED TWO NEW BULBS AND CHANGED THEM (AND THIS IS NO EASY PROCESS WITH THIS VEHICLE). I WORE LATEX GLOVES SO AS NOT TO DAMAGE THE NEW BULBS. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AFTER INSTALLING THE NEW BULBS, MY DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT …
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PROBLEM STARTED IN ABOUT JULY, 2014 WHEN MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. I PURCHASED TWO NEW BULBS AND CHANGED THEM (AND THIS IS NO EASY PROCESS WITH THIS VEHICLE). I WORE LATEX GLOVES SO AS NOT TO DAMAGE THE NEW BULBS. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AFTER INSTALLING THE NEW BULBS, MY DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN, BUT WOULD COME ON AND GO OUT SPORADICALLY. IT SEEMED TO COME AND GO WITH DAMP WEATHER OR WHEN I HIT BUMPS WHILE DRIVING, SO I QUESTIONED THE SEAL OF THE FIXTURE COVER AND/OR THE WIRING CONNECTION, SO I WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS AGAIN AND CHECKED THE SEATING OF THE BULB, WIRING CONNECTION, AND SEAL OF THE HOUSING, AND ALL WERE FINE. THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT THEN STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN. AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF ON/OFF OPERATION, IT WENT OUT FOR GOOD. I PULLED THE BULB AND CHECKED THE FILAMENT, AND IT WAS FINE, BUT I PUT THE OLD PASSENGER BULB (ORIGINAL TO THE VEHICLE) IN. IT WORKED AND DID NOT FLICKER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT EVENTUALLY STARTED TO SHOW THE SAME SIGNS AS THE NEWER BULBS I PUT IN. THEN IT STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. THE BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWO MORE TIMES BETWEEN THEN AND NOW, BUT I AM HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE AGAIN, STILL WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS MANY TIMES IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT WITH THE WIRING OR WITH THE ACTUAL HEADLIGHT UNIT ITSELF. OF COURSE, THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND I DREAD TAKING IT TO THE DEALER TO HEAR IT WILL BE AN EXPENSIVE FIX. WITH SO MANY DOCUMENTED OCCURRENCES, I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FAILED TO TURN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30. UPDATED 5/5/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON SPORADICA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FAILED TO TURN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30. UPDATED 5/5/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON SPORADICALLY OR FAIL COMPLETELY WHEN SHE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, DUE TO HER HEIGHT AND WEIGHT. THE DEALER NOTED IT WAS AN ISSUE, BUT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. UPDATED 05/12/15*JB
PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR SYSTEM IS FLAWED. THE AIR BAG REMAINS "OFF" WHEN I AM IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT WILL ONLY SHOW "ON" WHEN ADDITIONAL PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE SEAT, WHICH IS UNNATURAL TO HOW A PASSENGER WILL SIT IN THE VEHICLE AND DOES NOT OFFER PROTECTION IN AN ACCIDENT. THE SEAT BACK AND SEAT ARE POSITIONED AS RECOMME…
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PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR SYSTEM IS FLAWED. THE AIR BAG REMAINS "OFF" WHEN I AM IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT WILL ONLY SHOW "ON" WHEN ADDITIONAL PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE SEAT, WHICH IS UNNATURAL TO HOW A PASSENGER WILL SIT IN THE VEHICLE AND DOES NOT OFFER PROTECTION IN AN ACCIDENT. THE SEAT BACK AND SEAT ARE POSITIONED AS RECOMMENDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THERE IS NOTHING UNDER THE SEAT. LOCAL DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT THE CODES, RESET THEM TO ZEROS, AND STATED THEY DID NOT FIND ERRORS. A FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER PROVIDED FURTHER INVESTIGATION IN NOV 2014 AND RECOMMENDED A SEAT REPLACEMENT IF THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AFTER I FOLLOWED UP A FEW WEEKS LATER TO REPORT THE PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE AND TO REQUEST A SEAT REPLACEMENT, THE ENGINEER ADVISED THAT A SEAT REPLACEMENT WOULD IN FACT NOT LIKELY MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND THAT THE SYSTEM WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. NO REPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT HAS OCCURRED, AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS--I DO NOT HAVE AIRBAG PROTECTION AS A PASSENGER IN THIS VEHICLE. SUBARU AGREED THAT I SHOULD FEEL SAFE IN MY VEHICLE, AND OFFERED THE SUGGESTION THAT I TEST AND CONSIDER PURCHASING A NEWER SUBARU MODEL IF IT WORKS FOR ME. THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION. I AGREE WITH NHTSA COMPLAINT 10328146 AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE SUBARU PROPERLY INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM AND OFFER AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION--I.E., RETROACTIVELY FIX THE AIRBAG SENSOR TO WORK AT A LOWER WEIGHT THRESHOLD. *TR
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
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DISABLED WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER. ON A TRIP TO GA WITH MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHS 135 LBS, SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL INDICATE 'NOT ENABLED'. AT TIMES IT WILL DISPLAY ENABLED, THEN DISABLED ALL WHILE DRIVING. SHIFTING IN THE SEAT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING. IN SUMMARY SOMETIMES ITS ON, SOME…
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THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DISABLED WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER. ON A TRIP TO GA WITH MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHS 135 LBS, SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL INDICATE 'NOT ENABLED'. AT TIMES IT WILL DISPLAY ENABLED, THEN DISABLED ALL WHILE DRIVING. SHIFTING IN THE SEAT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING. IN SUMMARY SOMETIMES ITS ON, SOMETIMES NOT. WE TOOK THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE WITH A MECHANIC (PROBABLY A HEAVIER PERSON) IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THEIR RECOMMENDATION IS TO ADD WEIGHTS(!!), REPLACE THE SEAT ($1400). THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS ARE UNACCEPTABLE. THEY DID TELL MY WIFE THERE MAY BE DUST OR THE CONTACTS MAY BE FAULTY. I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY COULDN'T CHECK FOR DUST OR REMOVE, CLEAN AND RE-CONNECT CONTACTS. NOTHING WAS MENTIONED ABOUT THE SWITCH. BIG SAFETY ISSUE NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY, ESPECIALLY BY THE DEALER. *TR
Official recalls
1820V001000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
20V002000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
20V003000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
19V297000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
Apr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
19V007000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
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.
19V008000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
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.
19V009000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
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.
18V626000 · Parking Brake
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.
18V012000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
18V013000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
17V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 10, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
16V694000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
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.
16V358000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
May 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
13V061000 · Electrical System; Equipment
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.
12V602000 · Exterior Lighting
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.
10V326000 · Power Train:manual Transmission
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.
10V283000 · Steering:column
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.
10V196000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.