IllustrationI HAVE A FAILING TORGUE CONVERTER. THE CAR STALLS OUT WHEN I AM COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE RPMS STAY NORMAL BUT THE CAR STOPS WHILE IN GEAR.
2012 Subaru Outback
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Outback do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 207.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Outback years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
410–25K
1325–50K
3250–75K
2875–100K
58100–150K
27150K+
199 reports with mileage · 93 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 107 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports6 fire reports11 injury reports
Power Train complaints
107 reportsWHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND THE CAR COMES TO A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF ('STALLS WHEN IDLING OR SLOWING DOWN'). THE VEHICLE THEN MUST BE PUT INTO 'PARK' MODE IN ORDER TO RE-START. THIS OCCURS NEARLY EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK, AND HAS CREATED MANY, MANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS FOR US AND THE DRIVERS AROUND US. …
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WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND THE CAR COMES TO A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF ('STALLS WHEN IDLING OR SLOWING DOWN'). THE VEHICLE THEN MUST BE PUT INTO 'PARK' MODE IN ORDER TO RE-START. THIS OCCURS NEARLY EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK, AND HAS CREATED MANY, MANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS FOR US AND THE DRIVERS AROUND US. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN MAY CONCERNING THIS ISSUE, AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, AND THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN THIS WEEK, AND THE DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THAT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE TSB WAS APPARENTLY ISSUED IN JAN 2014, BUT CUSTOMERS WERE NOT NOTIFIED IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE DEFECT POSES DIRE SAFTEY RISKS. WE ARE BEWILDERED GIVEN THAT THIS ITEM IS CLEARLY A RECALL-WORTHY DEFECT THAT PLACES THE VEHICLE OWNER, AND THE CARS AROUND THEM, IN FORESEEABLE AND CONSIDERABLE DANGER. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE ALSO BEING TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER THAT THERE IS 'NOTHING WRONG WITH THEIR VEHICLE' IN SPITE OF THE TSB ISSUED IN JAN '14. A CYNICAL PERSON MIGHT CONCLUDE THAT AN EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO OBFUSCATE THIS SAFETY DEFECT UNTIL CUSTOMER'S WARRANTIES RUN OUT. SIMILARLY, THE MANUFACTURERS TSB LANGUAGE APPEARS TO OBFUSCATE THE DEFECT WITH EUPHEMISTIC LANGUAGE. TO BE CLEAR --- THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT AN EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO AVOID A RECALL. ACCORDING TO THE TSB, SUBARU MODIFIED PRODUCTION IN OCTOBER 2013 TO ACCOUNT FOR AND CURE THIS SAFETY ISSUE. AGAIN, CUSTOMERS HO WERE SOLD VEHICLES WITH THE SAFETY DEFECT HAV NOT BEEN NOTIFIED.
2012 OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED WITH 93K MILES STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN PLACED IN PARK THE VEHICLE WILL START RIGHT UP AND RUNS FINE. THERE IS NO HESITATION OR ENGINE MISSING WHEN IN MOTION, ONLY WHEN COMING TO A FULL STOP. YESTERDAY IT STALLED 3 TIMES DURING A 6 MILE ROUND TRIP TO THE POST OFFICE.…
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2012 OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED WITH 93K MILES STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN PLACED IN PARK THE VEHICLE WILL START RIGHT UP AND RUNS FINE. THERE IS NO HESITATION OR ENGINE MISSING WHEN IN MOTION, ONLY WHEN COMING TO A FULL STOP. YESTERDAY IT STALLED 3 TIMES DURING A 6 MILE ROUND TRIP TO THE POST OFFICE. I AM FEARFUL THAT IT WILL STALL WHILE I'M IN AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND AM VULNERABLE TO CROSS TRAFFIC WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES. I'M TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER TOMORROW AND HOPING THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FIX IT. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I UNDERSTAND THAT TSB 16-90-13 ADDRESSES THIS TYPE OF FAILURE, APPARENTLY DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
CAR HAD FIRE AT STARTER WITH LOTS OF SMOKE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION AND ALTERNATOR .VEHILCE HAD BEEN HAVING SHIFTING ISSUES AND TRACTION FROM ALL WHEEL DRIVE NOT WORKING. I HAD VEHICLE TAKEN TO DIFFERENT DEALERS BUT NO ONE WAS ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM UNTIL THE DAY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHICH TOLD THEM WHICH PARTS WHERE AT FAULT. MY VEHICL…
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CAR HAD FIRE AT STARTER WITH LOTS OF SMOKE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION AND ALTERNATOR .VEHILCE HAD BEEN HAVING SHIFTING ISSUES AND TRACTION FROM ALL WHEEL DRIVE NOT WORKING. I HAD VEHICLE TAKEN TO DIFFERENT DEALERS BUT NO ONE WAS ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM UNTIL THE DAY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHICH TOLD THEM WHICH PARTS WHERE AT FAULT. MY VEHICLE IS TRUELY A LEMON, FOR IT HAS BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND JUST STARTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORNING, WHEN EXITING A FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH THE TRANSMISSION VERY INTERMITTENTLY WILL ALMOST FREEZE AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS IS EXITING OR DURING THE DE ACCELERATION PROCESS AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK…
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WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND JUST STARTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORNING, WHEN EXITING A FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH THE TRANSMISSION VERY INTERMITTENTLY WILL ALMOST FREEZE AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS IS EXITING OR DURING THE DE ACCELERATION PROCESS AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS CAN CAUSE WHIP LASH AND CAUSE SERIOUS BACK INJURY AND GIVE A PERSON A FALSE SENSE OF BRAKING ON EXITING THE HIGHWAY AS THE TRANSMISSION FREEZES FOR THE SPLIT SECOND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE. FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA CALL CENTER TOLD ME THERE ARE SEVERAL TECHNICAL BULLETINS REGARDING POWER TRAIN ISSUES AND WAS NOT SURE IF ANY WERE APPLIED TO MY CAR. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER THEY TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION AND STILL HAVE INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND SHAKING THE WHOLE, CAR, WE ARE NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES AND WE ARE AFRAID THAT WE MIGHT END UP GOING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUES THAT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IN AWHILE AND THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT, HOW, WHEN OR WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND IT IS VERY SCARY TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WE WISH SUBARU WOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND DO A RECALL OR TECHNICAL BULLETIN DEALER TRIED REPROGRAMMING TRANSMISSION CONTROL AND IT STILL HAS ISSUES AND THESE ARE EXTREMELY INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THESE INCIDENTS. *TR
WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND JUST STARTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORNING, WHEN EXITING A FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH THE TRANSMISSION VERY INTERMITTENTLY WILL ALMOST FREEZE AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS IS EXITING OR DURING THE DE ACCELERATION PROCESS AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE B…
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WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND JUST STARTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MORNING, WHEN EXITING A FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH THE TRANSMISSION VERY INTERMITTENTLY WILL ALMOST FREEZE AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS IS EXITING OR DURING THE DE ACCELERATION PROCESS AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS CAN CAUSE WHIP LASH AND CAUSE SERIOUS BACK INJURY AND GIVE A PERSON A FALSE SENSE OF BRAKING ON EXITING THE HIGHWAY AS THE TRANSMISSION FREEZES FOR THE SPLIT SECOND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE. FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA CALL CENTER TOLD ME THERE ARE SEVERAL TECHNICAL BULLETINS REGARDING POWER TRAIN ISSUES AND WAS NOT SURE IF ANY WERE APPLIED TO MY CAR. TOOK CAR INTO DEALER THEY TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION AND STILL HAVE INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND SHAKING THE WHOLE, CAR, WE ARE NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES AND WE ARE AFRAID THAT WE MIGHT END UP GOING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUES THAT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IN AWHILE AND THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT, HOW, WHEN OR WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND IT IS VERY SCARY TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WE WISH SUBARU WOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND DO A RECALL OR TECHNICAL BULLETIN. *TR
WHEN THE CAR IS COLD THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH TO ABOUT 45 MPH IT IS LIKE THE SCAR SKIPPED A GEAR AND YOU FEEL A BIG CLUNK DURING THE EXITING AND LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BACK INJURY AND FALSE SENSE OF BREAKING. IT DOES NOT DO THIS ALL…
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WHEN THE CAR IS COLD THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY FROM 60 MPH TO ABOUT 45 MPH IT IS LIKE THE SCAR SKIPPED A GEAR AND YOU FEEL A BIG CLUNK DURING THE EXITING AND LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BACK INJURY AND FALSE SENSE OF BREAKING. IT DOES NOT DO THIS ALL THE TIME EXTREMELY INTERMITTENTLY AND ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. OTHER SUBARU PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU CORPORATE OF AMERICA. ALSO THE DEALER TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE CAR AND IT DID NOT WORK AND THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND NOV 27, 2013. COMPUTER REPROGRAMMING OF THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. NOTE TO NHTSA, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
THE CAR WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES, THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 35 DEGREES AND WINDY. WENT AND PARKED THE CAR, RETURN TO THE CAR, AT NIGHT WHILE IT WAS STILL COLD, STARTED UP AND STARTED DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR AND THAT IS WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR GOES FROM 6…
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THE CAR WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES, THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 35 DEGREES AND WINDY. WENT AND PARKED THE CAR, RETURN TO THE CAR, AT NIGHT WHILE IT WAS STILL COLD, STARTED UP AND STARTED DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR AND THAT IS WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR GOES FROM 60 MPH TO 45 MPH AND IT IS COLD THE TRANSMISSION JERKS AND FREEZES AND LOCKS, AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE BACK WITH A BASEBALL BAT. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP, AND IT CAN LEAD TO A FALSE SENSE OF BREAKING AND CAN DEPLOY AIR BAGS. *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.
13V077000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
Mar 5, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 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 has notified the affected 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 began February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
13V078000 · Visibility/wiper
Mar 5, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from April 6, 2011, through May 12, 2011. Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the components overheat, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire.
Remedy: Subaru has notified all affected owners, and dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly free of charge. The safety recall began February 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
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.
12V047000 · Air Bags:side/window
Feb 9, 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 1, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS THAT CONTAIN AN INCORRECT PROPELLANT MIXTURE FOR THE INITIATOR COMPONENT USED, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF COMPRESSED GAS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULES, FREE OF FEBRUARY 21, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
11V562000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
Nov 29, 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. 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
1EQ12002 · Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
Opened Feb 14, 2012 · Closed May 8, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window
The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.