IllustrationBURNOUT OF FRONT HEADLAMPS....TWICE IN 6 MONTHS....WHEN THEY ARE WORKING THEY DON'T EMIT ENOUGH LIGHT......I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE.....WHY DOESN'T SUBURU ADDRESS THIS....IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!?
2011 Subaru Outback
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Outback years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Subaru Outback are substantially higher than 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
920–25K
5925–50K
4950–75K
7475–100K
151100–150K
37150K+
462 reports with mileage · 189 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 216 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
23 crash reports6 fire reports5 injury reports
Exterior Lighting complaints
117 reportsI HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT NOW TWICE WITHIN 4000 MILES. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING.
I PURCHASED THE CAR (2011 OUTBACK) NEW IN OCTOBER OF 2011. SINCE THEN HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST 4 TIMES AND NOW (SEPTEMBER 2015) OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE STARTING TO FAIL. IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND IT IS ALREADY BURNED OUT AGAIN. THIS IS A …
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I PURCHASED THE CAR (2011 OUTBACK) NEW IN OCTOBER OF 2011. SINCE THEN HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST 4 TIMES AND NOW (SEPTEMBER 2015) OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE STARTING TO FAIL. IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT LESS THAN A MONTH AGO AND IT IS ALREADY BURNED OUT AGAIN. THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS THAT WE'RE GETTING LESS AND LESS LIFE OUT OF THE HEADLIGHTS AS TIME GOES ON. THE SUBARU DEALER SEEMS TO THINK THIS IS JUST AN EFFECT OF DRIVING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON (WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO, DRIVE WITHOUT LIGHT?) AND NOT AN ACTUAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR.
I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHT BULBS 3 TIMES FOR EACH HEADLIGHT AND I ONLY HAVE 88,000 MILES ON MY CAR.
MY VEHICLE IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND I'VE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM BULBS 4 TIMES. IT IS NOT DRIVEN IN HARSH CONDITIONS AND I AVERAGE 14-15000 MILES PER YEAR. THE MECHANICS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL AT THE DEALERSHIP ADMIT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH SUBARU OUTBACKS. I'VE FOUND MANY REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS OF OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME …
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MY VEHICLE IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND I'VE REPLACED THE LOW BEAM BULBS 4 TIMES. IT IS NOT DRIVEN IN HARSH CONDITIONS AND I AVERAGE 14-15000 MILES PER YEAR. THE MECHANICS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL AT THE DEALERSHIP ADMIT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH SUBARU OUTBACKS. I'VE FOUND MANY REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS OF OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME BULB FAILURES. THE FREQUENCY OF THE BULB FAILURE OBVIOUSLY PRESENTS A SAFETY CONCERN WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. I WOULD LIKE SUBARU TO CORRECT THIS DESIGN FLAW AND REIMBURSE ME FOR PREVIOUS AND FUTURE REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE.
WE WERE COMING HOME FROM A FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT NIGHT AND MY SON TOLD ME TO TURN ON MY LIGHTS WHICH ALREADY HAD DONE, AND THE LOW BEAMS ON BOTH SIDES AND THE MARKER LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK. I TRIED TURNING SWITCH TO ALL POSITIONS AND THEY STILL DIDN'T COME ON. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK OKAY AND TURN SIGNALS FRONT AND BACK & BRAKE LIGHTS WO…
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WE WERE COMING HOME FROM A FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT NIGHT AND MY SON TOLD ME TO TURN ON MY LIGHTS WHICH ALREADY HAD DONE, AND THE LOW BEAMS ON BOTH SIDES AND THE MARKER LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK. I TRIED TURNING SWITCH TO ALL POSITIONS AND THEY STILL DIDN'T COME ON. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK OKAY AND TURN SIGNALS FRONT AND BACK & BRAKE LIGHTS WORK. WE DROVE HOME WITH THE FOG LIGHTS WHICH STILL WORK. WE NEED THE CAR TO GO ON VACATION AND THE DEALER CAN'T FIX IT RIGHT AWAY AS WELL AS WHAT IT WILL COST THERE OR IF I HAVE TO HAVE SOME ELSE FIX IT. IT'S DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE ROAD WE DRIVE HOME ON HAS VERY LITTLE IF ANY LIGHTING AND THERE ARE TWISTS AND TURNS AND YOU COULD EASILY DRIVE INTO A STONE OUTCROPPING OR INTO HE WATER AT ANY POINT. I HAD MY WIFE AND TWO YOUNG NEPHEWS WITH US AS WELL. I CHECKED THE LIGHTS AGAIN TO MAKE SURE WHAT ONES WERE OUT, I CHECKED THE FUSES AS WELL TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAD BLOWN AND THEY WERE OKAY.THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND OTHER WEBSITES ABOUT THE SUBARU LIGHTS. WITH ALL THE RECALLS OF EVERY VEHICLES OF EVERY 'DESCRIPTION, THE WHOLE AUTO INDUSTRY IS TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL AND NEEDS TO BE REIGNED IN, IT'S A HUGE SAFETY AND OVERALL QUALITY ISSUE NOT TO MENTION THE MILLIONS OF WORK HOURS AND TIME LOST BY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM
OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS HAD AN EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF HEADLIGHT BULBS BURN OUT OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS. OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 HEADLIGHT BULBS, 2 DRIVER SIDE AND 2 PASSENGER SIDE. THEY HAVE ALL OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE …
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OUR 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS HAD AN EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF HEADLIGHT BULBS BURN OUT OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS. OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 HEADLIGHT BULBS, 2 DRIVER SIDE AND 2 PASSENGER SIDE. THEY HAVE ALL OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS BECOMING A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND A COSTLY REPAIR. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING IN THE DESIGN OF THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT SYSTEM DESIGN WHICH IS CAUSING THESE FAILURES.
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT BOTH SIDES. LIGHTS BURN OUT INDEPENDENTLY OF EACH OTHER. SO FAR HAVE REPLACED LIGHTS 3 TIMES 6 IN TOTAL. PROBLEM REPORTED AS AN ISSUE IN SUBARU FORUMN
THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS HAVE FAILED (BURNED OUT) MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE 4 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. SOME WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF BEING REPLACED OTHER MIGHT LAST 8 MONTHS TO A YEAR. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS A WIRING ISSUE CAUSING SUCH SHORT BULB LIFE. *TR
PURCHASED THIS CAR 7/2011. NO PROBLEM WITH EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS UNTIL ABOUT ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. HIGHBEAMS ARE FINE. NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THEM. RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE. AROUND 11/2012, REGULAR HEADLIGHTS(BOTH BULBS IN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING )HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY REPLACED. IN OCT 2013, BOTH BULBS ON DRIVER SIDE W…
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PURCHASED THIS CAR 7/2011. NO PROBLEM WITH EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS UNTIL ABOUT ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE. HIGHBEAMS ARE FINE. NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THEM. RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE. AROUND 11/2012, REGULAR HEADLIGHTS(BOTH BULBS IN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING )HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY REPLACED. IN OCT 2013, BOTH BULBS ON DRIVER SIDE WERE REPLACED. WENT SEVERAL WEEKS LATER FOR MY STATE SAFETY STICKER, THE SMALL BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THEN IN FEB 2014, THE LARGE BULB ON THE DRIVER SIDE BURNT OUT AND WAS REPLACED. MAY 2014, BOTH LIGHTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE OUT. REPLACED THEM. THESE NEEDED TO BE DONE AT A GARAGE EACH TIME. JAN 2015, BOTH REPLACED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.NOW, FEB 12, 2015 AND AGAIN, BOTH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ARE OUT, AND NEED REPLACING. GOING TO TRY MORE HEAVY DUTY BULBS. HUSBAND HAS LEARNED HOW TO REPLACE THE BULBS THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL. I HAVE PAPERWORK FOR AT LEAST 7- 8 BULBS IN 3 1/2 YRS NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THINK SUBARU NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM IN EXTERIOR LIGHTS IN THE SUBARU 2011. *TR
Official recalls
1620V001000 · 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.
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.
11V467000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
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.
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.
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.