NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
73 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Oct 10, 2011
Air BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE TOLD THE SUBARU DEALER(S) THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT SAYS "OFF" UNLESS THE PASSENGER WEIGHS OVER 150 LBS OR SO. THE DEALER(S) DENY KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, IT IS ON A SUBARU BLOG AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE AIRBAG IS WORKING OR NOT. MY BRAKE P…
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I HAVE TOLD THE SUBARU DEALER(S) THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT SAYS "OFF" UNLESS THE PASSENGER WEIGHS OVER 150 LBS OR SO. THE DEALER(S) DENY KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, IT IS ON A SUBARU BLOG AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE AIRBAG IS WORKING OR NOT. MY BRAKE PEDAL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE SUBARU DEALER TOLD ME HE KNEW THIS HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE 2010 MODELS BUT DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS HAPPENING TO THE 2011 MODELS AND HE SAID THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO ABOUT IT UNTIL SUBARU COMES OUT WITH A RECALL. SO FAR I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM SUBARU, IT'S BEEN 5 MONTHS. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10429351
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2011
Air Bags
THE SENSOR TURNS OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (5 FT, 4 INCHES, 110 LBS). IT WILL ALSO TURN OFF WHEN SHE SHIFTS HER SITTING POSITION. THE SENSOR WILL REMAIN OFF, REGARDLESS OF HOW SHE IS SITTING, FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME (80+ MILES) OR UNTIL I RESTART THE CAR. I SPOKE WITH TWO SUBARU DEALERS…
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THE SENSOR TURNS OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT (5 FT, 4 INCHES, 110 LBS). IT WILL ALSO TURN OFF WHEN SHE SHIFTS HER SITTING POSITION. THE SENSOR WILL REMAIN OFF, REGARDLESS OF HOW SHE IS SITTING, FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME (80+ MILES) OR UNTIL I RESTART THE CAR. I SPOKE WITH TWO SUBARU DEALERS AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE WITH LIGHTER PASSENGERS AND DON'T THING A RECALIBRATION WILL HELP DUE TO THE SENSOR'S SENSITIVITY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10425193
8,832 miles · Aug 26, 2011
Air Bags
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WE BOUGHT IT DUE TO HIGH SAFETY RATINGS AND OTHER FEATURES. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHILE MY WIFE (WHO IS 115 LBS) SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSOR SWITCHES THE AIRBAG ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD IT INSPECTED. THEIR FINDINGS WERE THA…
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WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WE BOUGHT IT DUE TO HIGH SAFETY RATINGS AND OTHER FEATURES. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHILE MY WIFE (WHO IS 115 LBS) SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSOR SWITCHES THE AIRBAG ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD IT INSPECTED. THEIR FINDINGS WERE THAT THE CAR IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE AIRBAG IS TURNING OFF WHEN HER WEIGHT IS NOT IN AN EXACT SPOT. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND HAD MULTIPLE HITS FOR COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF THE SAME CAR (AND THE 2010 MODEL). WE WERE INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SURE MY WIFE SITS UP STRAIGHT WITH HER LEGS EXTENDED AND THE SEAT FULLY UPRIGHT AND BACK TO HELP THE AIRBAG SENSOR GET A MORE ACCURATE READING. OBVIOUSLY IT IS NOT REASONABLE TO EXPECT A PERSON TO SIT UNMOVING FOR AN EXTENDED LENGTH IN A CAR. ALSO, IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, HER WEIGHT WOULD NATURALLY SHIFT AND THUS THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY. TO ME, THIS NEGATES THE SAFETY RATING FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DISCRIMINATES AGAINST SMALLER ADULTS WHO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS I READ HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ADULTS UP TO 140 LBS, AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLICATED THE PROBLEM WITH A MAN WEIGHING 125 LBS. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10421638
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2011
Air Bags
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN ADULT FEMALE ~120LBS IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MINIMUM WEIGHT TO CONSISTENTLY ACTIVATE AIRBAG SEEMS TO BE ABOUT 140LBS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RE-CALIBRATED THE PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR BUT THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF …
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THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN ADULT FEMALE ~120LBS IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MINIMUM WEIGHT TO CONSISTENTLY ACTIVATE AIRBAG SEEMS TO BE ABOUT 140LBS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY RE-CALIBRATED THE PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR BUT THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF OTHER CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING OF THIS ISSUE BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE A SOLUTION (AND DID NOT THINK THE RE-CALIBRATION WOULD HELP). THEY ALSO STATED THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM FOR OTHER CUSTOMERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10419588
10,000 miles · Aug 11, 2011
Air Bags
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHEN I AM SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I AM 5'3 110LBS. THE SENSORS WERE RECALIBRATED WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. EVEN IF YOU SIT IN ONE SPOT AND NOT MOVE THE SENSOR WILL TURN ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FI…
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PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHEN I AM SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I AM 5'3 110LBS. THE SENSORS WERE RECALIBRATED WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. EVEN IF YOU SIT IN ONE SPOT AND NOT MOVE THE SENSOR WILL TURN ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THE SENSORS HAVE TROUBLE SENSING 70-90LBS OF WEIGHT. I AM OVER THAT THEREFORE THERE SHOULD BE NO ISSUE. I NOW OWN A CAR THAT THE AIRBAG MIGHT BE ON OR OFF IF I WAS EVER IN A COLLISION. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10418536
5,000 miles · Jul 22, 2011
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY WHENEVER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANTS WEIGHT WAS 100 POUNDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE; HOWEVER THERE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY WHENEVER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANTS WEIGHT WAS 100 POUNDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE; HOWEVER THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10414713
Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2011
Air Bags
THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG INDICATOR RANDOMLY SHOWED THE STATUS 'ON' OR 'OFF' WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT PASSENGER. NO PATTERN COULD BE IDENTIFIED FOR THE INDICATION ALTHOUGH WE TRIED EVERY PERTURBATION OF SITTING, FASTENING SEAT BELT, CLOSING DOOR, STARTING ENGINE, ETC. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER…
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THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG INDICATOR RANDOMLY SHOWED THE STATUS 'ON' OR 'OFF' WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT PASSENGER. NO PATTERN COULD BE IDENTIFIED FOR THE INDICATION ALTHOUGH WE TRIED EVERY PERTURBATION OF SITTING, FASTENING SEAT BELT, CLOSING DOOR, STARTING ENGINE, ETC. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR(S) WAS REPLACED AS DEFECTIVE, NOW THE INDICATOR NEVER INDICATES 'ON', ALWAYS 'OFF' REGARDLESS OF ACTIONS AS ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED A SECOND TIME, THIS TIME IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR(S) WERE BEING INHIBITED BECAUSE OF SEAT COVERS DISTRIBUTING THE WEIGHT IN SUCH A WAY AS TO 'FOOL' THE SENSORS. IT TOOK A 180 LB. PERSON TO ACTIVATE THE SENSOR, [A 170 LB. PERSON DID NOT] WITH THE SEAT COVERS ON, THE SENSORS APPEARED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY WITHOUT THE SEAT COVERS. THIS RAISES THE QUESTION OF WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION, ARE LARGE BUTTOCKS REQUIRED GIVEN THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE WEIGHT SENSORS IN THE SEAT, HOW ABOUT A SMALL FRAMED 120 LB ADULT. THE ANSWER IS CLEAR, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON UNLESS MANUALLY TURNED OFF BY THE USER. SUBARU MUST PROVIDE A PROGRAMMING OPTION TO THE OWNER TO DEFAULT THE AIRBAG STATUS TO ALWAYS 'ON'. MY TOYOTA AND HONDA BOTH PROVIDES A KEY LOCK OPTION TO DISABLE THE UNIT, DEFAULT IS, AND SHOULD BE REQUIRED, TO BE 'ON'. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND SUBARU IS OPENING THEMSELVES TO CLASS ACTIONS, AND HEAVEN FORBID THE FIRST ACCIDENT WHEN THE UNIT FAILS TO DEPLOY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT ARMED BECAUSE OF QUIRKY WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS. I BELIEVE THAT A PREVENTIVE RECALL SHOULD BE ORDERED IF SUBARU DOES NOT UNILATERALLY PROVIDE AN ALWAYS 'ON' DEFAULT OPTION FOR THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10411310
50 miles · Apr 10, 2011
Air BagsElectrical System
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SWITCH IRREGULARLY CHANGES STATE WITH LIGHTER OCCUPANT. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS OFF EVEN THOUGH OCCUPANT IS WITHIN LIMITS STIPULATED VERBALLY BY SUBARU SALESMAN. THE INDICATOR LIGHT CHANGES STATE WITH OCCUPANT IN SEAT, EVEN THOUGH THE OCCUPANT REMAINED COMPLETELY STIL…
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FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SWITCH IRREGULARLY CHANGES STATE WITH LIGHTER OCCUPANT. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS OFF EVEN THOUGH OCCUPANT IS WITHIN LIMITS STIPULATED VERBALLY BY SUBARU SALESMAN. THE INDICATOR LIGHT CHANGES STATE WITH OCCUPANT IN SEAT, EVEN THOUGH THE OCCUPANT REMAINED COMPLETELY STILL.
NHTSA ODI #10396301
200 miles · Nov 28, 2010
Air Bags
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED 2.5 PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG NOT ACTIVATED. I AM 130 LB AND THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DOES NOT GO ON WHEN I SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND SUBARU NOTHING CAN BE DONE, BUT I DON'T FEEL SAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368064
3,000 miles · Nov 16, 2010
Air Bags
SOMETIMES THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS "OFF" DESPITE A FULL-SIZED ADULT SITTING IN THAT SEAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366468
Official recalls
16Jan 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 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.
Sep 7, 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND RETAINER WAS INADEQUATELY APPLIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE MOONROOF GLASS CAN LOOSEN AND DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE DURING DRIVING, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GLASS ADHESION CONDITION AND EITHER APPLY ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE OR REPLACE THE MOONROOF GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
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.
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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