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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

What owners actually said

651 reports
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2018
Exterior Lighting

FREQUENT HEADLIGHT BURNOUT (HAVE HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULBS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR) REVIEW OF DATA ONLINE INDICATES THAT SUBARU RECOGNIZED THIS AS A PROBLEM AND WAS OFFERING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THESE COSTS TO CONSUMERS. DEADLINE WAS 2016. CLASS ACTION SUITS HAVE ALSO BEEN FILED. PLEASE HELP! THIS IS RIDICULOUS TO CO…

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FREQUENT HEADLIGHT BURNOUT (HAVE HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULBS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR) REVIEW OF DATA ONLINE INDICATES THAT SUBARU RECOGNIZED THIS AS A PROBLEM AND WAS OFFERING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THESE COSTS TO CONSUMERS. DEADLINE WAS 2016. CLASS ACTION SUITS HAVE ALSO BEEN FILED. PLEASE HELP! THIS IS RIDICULOUS TO CONTINUALLY NEED TO REPLACE BULBS SO FREQUENTLY AND EXPENSIVE SINCE THEY ARE NOT EASY TO DO ON MY OWN

NHTSA ODI #11097170

35,000 miles · Apr 3, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT GARAVEL SUBARU (10 TINDALL AVE, NORWALK, CT 06851, (203) 642-0620) FOR MONTHS DUE TO AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK THAT WAS IMPACTING THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE IN A TIMELY MANNER TO ALERT TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT GARAVEL SUBARU (10 TINDALL AVE, NORWALK, CT 06851, (203) 642-0620) FOR MONTHS DUE TO AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK THAT WAS IMPACTING THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE IN A TIMELY MANNER TO ALERT THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS SEVERAL TIMES. THE RADIO, SPEAKER PHONE, AND GPS WERE ALSO SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #11082706

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2018
Power Train

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. MY CAR WHEN MAKING AN ABRUPT STOPS SEEMS TO STALL OUT AND DIE

NHTSA ODI #11081488

93,000 miles · Mar 15, 2018
Exterior Lighting

BOUGHT A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK ON FEBRUARY 7, 2018 FROM DEALERSHIP, 90K MILES. I'VE OWED THIS CAR FOR 5 WEEKS AND ONE DAY AND I FINALLY HAD TIME TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM BULB (WHICH BLEW OUT ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE BUT IS UNDER WARRANTY) AND ALSO BOTH BROW LIGHTS (DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS). ONE…

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BOUGHT A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK ON FEBRUARY 7, 2018 FROM DEALERSHIP, 90K MILES. I'VE OWED THIS CAR FOR 5 WEEKS AND ONE DAY AND I FINALLY HAD TIME TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM BULB (WHICH BLEW OUT ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE BUT IS UNDER WARRANTY) AND ALSO BOTH BROW LIGHTS (DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS). ONE WAS DIM, THE OTHER WAS OUT. I BROUGHT THE BULBS AND GAVE THEM TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSTALLED. WHEN FINISHED REPLACING, DEALERSHIP SAID I HAD A TAIL LIGHT OUT TOO. I TOLD THEM I WOULD REPLACE AND WENT ACROSS THE STREET TO PURCHASE A BULB. DROVE HOME AND WENT TO REPLACE TAIL LIGHT AND NOTICED I HAD TWO OUT, ONE ON EACH SIDE?! CONFUSED, I GRABBED A FRIEND TO VERIFY AND AFTER A BIT, I ENDED UP TAPPING THE LIGHT LENSE AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. BOTH OF THEM DID AFTER TAPPING EACH LENSE. CHECKED THE BULBS AND THEY WERE SECURE. ALSO, ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, I HAD A PLATE LIGHT OUT. AGAIN, I BOUGHT BULBS AND WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE, IT WAS MIRACULOUSLY WAS WORKING.

NHTSA ODI #11079709

130,000 miles · Mar 8, 2018
Engine

VEHICLE DIES WHEN STOPPED QUICKLY. TORQUE CONVERTER HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR/MODEL/MAKE

NHTSA ODI #11076909

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. NO ONE CAN TELL ME IF MY CAR NEEDS A NEW AIRBAG. MY GRANDDAUGHTER HAS TO RIDE IN THAT FRONT SEAT AS THERE ARE 3 GRAND CHILDREN IN THE BACK. I DON'T WANT TO KEEP PUTTING HER IN DANGER (DATE BELOW IS DATE I WRITING THIS COMPLANT

NHTSA ODI #11076903

Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2018
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THERE WAS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. DRIVER SLOWED DOWN TO PULL INTO PARKING SPACE AND PUT CAR IN PARK WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED AND SPED OVER CEMENT PARKING BLOCK AND CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BASE OF LIGHT POLE. THERE IS NO KNOWN RECALL…

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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THERE WAS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. DRIVER SLOWED DOWN TO PULL INTO PARKING SPACE AND PUT CAR IN PARK WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED AND SPED OVER CEMENT PARKING BLOCK AND CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BASE OF LIGHT POLE. THERE IS NO KNOWN RECALL. POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. *TT *JS

NHTSA ODI #11075930

134,000 miles · Feb 8, 2018
Exterior Lighting

THE SUBARU OUTBACK 2011 HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT FREQUENTLY. I REPLACE 7 HEADLIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN SEPTEMBER 2017 COSTING ME $200. THE OUTBACK HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR LIGHTBULB REPLACEMENT, BUT THAT ENDS IN 2021, AND CAUSES THE DRIVER THE INCONVENIENCE OF FREQUENTLY …

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THE SUBARU OUTBACK 2011 HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT FREQUENTLY. I REPLACE 7 HEADLIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN SEPTEMBER 2017 COSTING ME $200. THE OUTBACK HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR LIGHTBULB REPLACEMENT, BUT THAT ENDS IN 2021, AND CAUSES THE DRIVER THE INCONVENIENCE OF FREQUENTLY TAKING THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE CREATED TO FIX THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11071807

79,233 miles · Feb 1, 2018
EngineUnknown Or Other

ISSUE - STALLING WHILE BRAKING HARD OR STOPPING (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WHAT HAPPENED - MY 2011 SUBARU HAS JUST UNDER 80K MILEAGE. IT HAS NOW HAPPENED TO ME 3X THIS WEEK AND ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN IN HOURS (MORNING EARLY ON MY WAY TO WORK OR ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK). IN THE MORNING, I WAS DRIVING DO…

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ISSUE - STALLING WHILE BRAKING HARD OR STOPPING (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WHAT HAPPENED - MY 2011 SUBARU HAS JUST UNDER 80K MILEAGE. IT HAS NOW HAPPENED TO ME 3X THIS WEEK AND ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN IN HOURS (MORNING EARLY ON MY WAY TO WORK OR ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK). IN THE MORNING, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET TO DROP OFF MY KIDS AT SCHOOL. I NEEDED TO MAKE A LEFT, BUT SINCE THERE WAS ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I HAD TO BRAKE. IT WAS NOT A GRADUAL BRAKE, BUT WAS A BIT SUDDEN. THE CAR SHUDDERED AND STALLED. IT IS SIMILAR TO WHAT HAPPENS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS IF YOU ARE IN GEAR AND COME TO A STOP WITHOUT PRESSING THE CLUTCH. BUT MY CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC, SO I HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK AND RESTART IT. IF THE CAR STALLED WHILE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION OR IF I PANICKED, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE - UNKNOWN. IT AT THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT. SOME ONLINE SOURCES MENTIONED THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR SENSORS.

NHTSA ODI #11066522

35,000 miles · Jan 27, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. A SUBARU DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE AIRBAG (ACCORDING TO THEIR SERVICE RECORDS). HOWEVER, SUBARU CORPORATE CONTINUED TO SEND ME RECALL NOTICES. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED. 1) THEY REPLACED MY AIRBAG AND FORGOT TO TELL SUBARU. OK OUTCOME 2) THEY REPLACED MY AIRBAG, AND UPDATED A DIFFERENT CAR WITH SUBARU (WHICH …

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TAKATA RECALL. A SUBARU DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE AIRBAG (ACCORDING TO THEIR SERVICE RECORDS). HOWEVER, SUBARU CORPORATE CONTINUED TO SEND ME RECALL NOTICES. NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED. 1) THEY REPLACED MY AIRBAG AND FORGOT TO TELL SUBARU. OK OUTCOME 2) THEY REPLACED MY AIRBAG, AND UPDATED A DIFFERENT CAR WITH SUBARU (WHICH WON'T GET RECALL NOTICES ANYMORE). PASSENGERS IN THAT CAR AT AT LETHAL RISK NOW. 3) THEY DIDN'T REPLACE MY AIRBAG, AND ACTUALLY PUT THAT AIRBAG INTO A DIFFERENT CAR. MY PASSENGERS ARE AT LETHAL RISK NOW. I ASKED THE SERVICE PERSON TO INVESTIGATE, BUT HE JUST SAID "IT'S DONE, DON'T WORRY" AIRBAG REPLACEMENT WAS NOVEMBER 2016. THE LAST SERVICE WAS THIS WEEK.

NHTSA ODI #11065400

Official recalls

16

20V001000 · 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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