NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
651 reports1,000 miles · Jun 12, 2013
Steering
HIGH WINDS CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS MOVED AND I ALMOST BLEW INTO A SEMI.THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS IN HIGH WINDS (25- 30MPH AND ABOVE ). INTERNET BLOGGERS CALL THIS " LANE WANDERING" SUBARU REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I FILED A CLAIM WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS "IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THA…
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HIGH WINDS CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING AND THE ENTIRE CAR WAS MOVED AND I ALMOST BLEW INTO A SEMI.THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS IN HIGH WINDS (25- 30MPH AND ABOVE ). INTERNET BLOGGERS CALL THIS " LANE WANDERING" SUBARU REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I FILED A CLAIM WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS "IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED". I AM PAST THE DATE OF BEING ABLE TO USE THE LEMON LAW. THE ONLY OPTION SUBARU HAS GIVEN ME IS TO TRADE-IN THE CAR WITH A $1500 DISCOUNT TOWARD A NEW ONE. I HESITATE TO DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN AS THERE IS A TRUST ISSUE AND I CANNOT, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE,SELL THE CAR TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.I DID SPEAK TO A GENTLEMAN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE SAID SUBARU BOUGHT BACK THE CAR FROM HIM, HOWEVER THEY REFUSED TO DO THAT FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITH SUBARU FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS WITH NO SATISFACTION. HERE IS A LINK THAT MAY BE HELPFUL. HTTP:/WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/104-GEN-4-2010-PRESENT/31638-OB-LANEWANDERING.HTML. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519530
43,578 miles · Jun 10, 2013
Electrical System
THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND RADIO BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE VOLUME CONTROL. THE SYSTEM REFUSED TO CHANGE CHANNELS OR ALLOW YOU TO CONTROL THE VOLUME. IT EITHER BLASTED TO EAR-SPLITTING VOLUMES OR STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10515992
12,000 miles · May 16, 2013
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 OR 50 MILES AN HOUR, MY HUSBAND TRIES TO SHIFT TO 4TH OR 5TH GEAR AND THE GEAR SLIPS INTO REVERSE. THEN THE CAR CAN'T GO IN REVERSE. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN JUNE 2011. THIS FIRST HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS ABOUT 8 MONTHS OLD. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BUSHINGS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER,…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 40 OR 50 MILES AN HOUR, MY HUSBAND TRIES TO SHIFT TO 4TH OR 5TH GEAR AND THE GEAR SLIPS INTO REVERSE. THEN THE CAR CAN'T GO IN REVERSE. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN JUNE 2011. THIS FIRST HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS ABOUT 8 MONTHS OLD. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BUSHINGS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER, ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH MY TWO KIDS IN THE CAR, WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS SHIFTING FROM 5TH TO 6TH. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BUSHINGS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON MAY 11, 2013, WHILE WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY HUSBAND WAS SHIFTING FROM 4TH TO 5TH; THE GEAR SLIPPED INTO REVERSE. THE CAR THEN CAN'T GO IN REVERSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512418
55,000 miles · May 7, 2013
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT WAS UNABLE TO GENERATE A FAILURE CODE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10510937
5,000 miles · Apr 30, 2013
Exterior Lighting
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER 18 MONTHS AGO MY VEHICLE REQUIRES A LOW BEAM BULB REPLACEMENT EVERY 6 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO THIS DEFECT. POOR ACCESS FOR HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE THAT COMPOUNDS THIS PROBLEM. I'VE ALWAYS KEPT A REPLACEME…
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I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER 18 MONTHS AGO MY VEHICLE REQUIRES A LOW BEAM BULB REPLACEMENT EVERY 6 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO THIS DEFECT. POOR ACCESS FOR HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE THAT COMPOUNDS THIS PROBLEM. I'VE ALWAYS KEPT A REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT IN MY PREVIOUS CARS FOR SUCH THE RARE OCCASION THAT A BULB BURNED OUT I COULD EASILY PULL OVER AND IN 2-3 MINUTES BE BACK ON THE ROAD WITH FUNCTIONING LIGHTS. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT REQUIRED LAYING ON THE GROUND, HAVING TO REMOVE THE INNER FENDER AND LIKELY IF YOU AREN'T A PETITE 5 FOOT TALL INDIVIDUAL SUCH AS MYSELF YOU MAY ALSO HAVE TO REMOVE THE TIRE TO ACCESS A HEADLIGHT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS PERTAINING TO SUCH A PROBLEM. ALL THEY(SUBARU DEALER) CAN DO IS GIVE ME A NEW BULB AND THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR A BULB IF ANYONE OTHER THAN THEY (SUBARU DEALER)INSTALLS THE BULBS. RIDICULOUS! I FEEL A GREATER CONCERN ABOUT THE BULB BURNOUT SHORTOUT OR WHATEVER IT IS ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU JUST CAN'T FIX IT ALONG SIDE THE ROAD IF YOU HAD TO. ALL CAR HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE EASY TO GET TO AND REPLACE THEY ARE JUST THAT IMPORTANT. ESPECIALLY WHEN A CAR HAS REALLY QUESTIONABLY OPERATING HEADLIGHTS SUBARU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510013
5,000 miles · Apr 30, 2013
Exterior Lighting
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER 18 MONTHS AGO MY VEHICLE REQUIRES A LOW BEAM BULB REPLACEMENT EVERY 6 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO THIS DEFECT. POOR ACCESS FOR HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE THAT COMPOUNDS THIS PROBLEM. I ALWAYS LEAP A REPLACEMENT …
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I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER 18 MONTHS AGO MY VEHICLE REQUIRES A LOW BEAM BULB REPLACEMENT EVERY 6 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO THIS DEFECT. POOR ACCESS FOR HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE THAT COMPOUNDS THIS PROBLEM. I ALWAYS LEAP A REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT IN MY PREVIOUS CARS FOR SUCH THE RARE OCCASION THAT A BULB BURNED OUT I COULD EASILY PULL OVER AND IN 2-3 MINUTES BE BACK ON THE ROAD WITH FUNCTIONING LIGHTS. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT REQUIRED LAYING ON THE GROUND, HAVING TO REMOVE THE INNER FENDER AND LIKELY IF YOU AREN'T A PETITE 5 FOOT TALL INDIVIDUAL SUCH AS MYSELF YOU MAY ALSO HAVE TO REMOVE THE TIRE TO ACCESS A HEADLIGHT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS PERTAINING TO SUCH A PROBLEM. ALL THEY(SUBARU DEALER) CAN DO IS GIVE ME A NEW BULB AND THAT I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR A BULB IF ANYONE OTHER THAN THEY (SUBARU DEALER)INSTALLS THE BULBS . RIDICULOUS! I FEEL MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE BULB BURNOUT SHORTOUT OR WHATEVER IT IS ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU JUST CAN'T FIX IT ALONG SIDE THE ROAD IF YOU HAD TO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510012
36,750 miles · Apr 29, 2013
TiresWheels
MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK CAME WITH OE CONTIPROCONTACT P225/60R17. THIS IS A TIRE OF CONTINENTAL THAT HAS AN 80000 MILE WARRANTY. THESE TIRES ON MY CAR WORE DOWN TO THE TIRE REPLACEMENT INDICATOR AT 36750 MILES. . I CALL CONTINENTAL AND WAS TOLD THAT OE TIRES ON NEW CARS ARE FOR DEFECT ONLY, NOT MILEAGE. I FEEL THIS IS A TOTAL RIPO…
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MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK CAME WITH OE CONTIPROCONTACT P225/60R17. THIS IS A TIRE OF CONTINENTAL THAT HAS AN 80000 MILE WARRANTY. THESE TIRES ON MY CAR WORE DOWN TO THE TIRE REPLACEMENT INDICATOR AT 36750 MILES. . I CALL CONTINENTAL AND WAS TOLD THAT OE TIRES ON NEW CARS ARE FOR DEFECT ONLY, NOT MILEAGE. I FEEL THIS IS A TOTAL RIPOFF ON THE PART OF CONTINENTAL TIRES AND A TOTAL MISREPRESENTATION OF MATTER. WHEN THE RETAIL TIRE HAS THE 80K WARRANTY. I FEEL CONTINENTAL SHOULD REIMBURSE ME THE PRO RATED AMOUNT ON THE $724 SPENT ON THE EXACT REPLACEMENT TIRES I PURCHASED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509988
28,000 miles · Apr 23, 2013
Exterior Lighting
DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILED AT ABOUT 29,000 MILES. PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILED AT ~32,000 MILES (ROUGHLY 3 MONTHS TIME ELAPSED BETWEEN EVENTS). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509233
33,400 miles · Apr 23, 2013
Power Train
THE ISSUE STARTED AT AROUND 25,000 MILES. MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK, UPON SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR FROM PARK TO DRIVE FROM A COLD START, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD PAUSE FOR A SECOND OR TWO THEN WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD BANG/CLUNK AND THE CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD. WARMING THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES (~5-10 MINUTES) DID NOT SOLVE TH…
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THE ISSUE STARTED AT AROUND 25,000 MILES. MY 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK, UPON SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR FROM PARK TO DRIVE FROM A COLD START, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD PAUSE FOR A SECOND OR TWO THEN WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD BANG/CLUNK AND THE CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD. WARMING THE CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES (~5-10 MINUTES) DID NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. I READ OTHERS WHO HAD THE SAME ISSUE SO AT 28,622 MILES (~1.5 MONTHS FROM THE FIRST INCIDENT) I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SUBARU SERVICE/DEALER. UNFORTUNATELY THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE, LIKELY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY DID A TRANSMISSION RELEARN BEFORE TRYING TO TEST THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT FROM SERVICE, BUT THEN THE BANG/CLUNK/LURCH BEGAN AGAIN, ON AND OFF, UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS MENTIONED EARLIER (I.E., COLD START, SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, ETC.) UNTIL ITS FAILURE ON APRIL 22 (MILEAGE ~33,400, ~3 MONTHS AFTER BRINGING THE CAR TO THE SUBARU SERVICE/DEALER NOTED ABOVE). THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, AFTER I HEARD A BANG FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL CONTROLLABLE, BUT ONLY FIRST GEAR WORKED. THE CAR TODAY (APRIL 23) IS AT THE SERVICE STATION TO DETERMINE IF IT IS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE OR A COMPUTER ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509231
42,343 miles · Apr 9, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine
THIS CAR IS A SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I MANUAL 6SPD TRANSMISSION. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WITH CAR IDLING, THE RPM'S GET VERY LOW AND CAR DIES. STARTS BACK UP RIGHT AWAY, BUT THEN AFTER IDLING FOR 15-20 SECONDS, THE CAR WILL DIE AGAIN. CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AS I HAVE READ REPORTS OF MANY OTHER MODELS OF THE SA…
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THIS CAR IS A SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I MANUAL 6SPD TRANSMISSION. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WITH CAR IDLING, THE RPM'S GET VERY LOW AND CAR DIES. STARTS BACK UP RIGHT AWAY, BUT THEN AFTER IDLING FOR 15-20 SECONDS, THE CAR WILL DIE AGAIN. CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AS I HAVE READ REPORTS OF MANY OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME CAR DOING THE SAME THING WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THEY WILL CHARGE A TON OF MONEY TO COME BACK AND TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. IT IS A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE IF THE CAR CANNOT HOLD AN IDLE AND/OR DIES WHILE DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10505730
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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