IllustrationCVT FAILURE CAUSING RANDOM ENGINE SHUT OFFS WHEN STOPPING.
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 reportsTHE CAR SHUTS OFF OR SHUDDERS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP OR WHEN ACCELERATING. THE TRANSMISSIONIS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
WHILE SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE HAS PULLED (FEELING LIKE IT IS NOT SHIFTING DOWN , FOR YEARS, THOUGHT IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST) SO HAD TO BRAKE HARDER. SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2018 THE CAR PULLS AND SOMETIMES STALLS OR ALMOST STALLS WHEN DECELERATING FAST. THIS HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY AND ALSO CITY (BETWEEN STREETLIGHTS). I LOOKE…
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WHILE SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE HAS PULLED (FEELING LIKE IT IS NOT SHIFTING DOWN , FOR YEARS, THOUGHT IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST) SO HAD TO BRAKE HARDER. SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2018 THE CAR PULLS AND SOMETIMES STALLS OR ALMOST STALLS WHEN DECELERATING FAST. THIS HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY AND ALSO CITY (BETWEEN STREETLIGHTS). I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE THAT SUBARU HAS HAD A BULLETIN SINCE 2014 KNOWING ABOUT A THRUST WASHER WEAR PROBLEM INSIDE THE TORQUE CONVERTER . 1-27-2019 I TOOK THE OUTBACK IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIRS $1715.00. MY WIFE AND I NOT ONLY HAD THE STANDARD SUBARU WARRANTY BUT PAID EXTRA FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY,. ALL SERVICE WAS DONE AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP ( STANLEY SUBARU ) AND THE LAST SERVICE BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2017 I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR THE CAR TO BE GONE THOUGH WITH A FINE TOOTH COMB (AT THAT TIME WE WAS CONCERNED WITH NOISY WHEEL BEARINGS. NO MENTION OF THE BULLETIN ON THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS MENTIONED. *TR
MY 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK CVT TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS AND STALLS THE ENGINE WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU OD AMERICA AND THEY ARE OF NO HELP.
THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED A SHUDDERING FEELING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING AND MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 87,000 MILES, ALTHOUGH THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED SINCE AROUND 50,000 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO A SUBARU DEALER IN 2017 AND THE ISSUE WAS RECREATED HOWEVER WAS NOT FIXED SINCE THE…
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THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED A SHUDDERING FEELING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING AND MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 87,000 MILES, ALTHOUGH THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED SINCE AROUND 50,000 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO A SUBARU DEALER IN 2017 AND THE ISSUE WAS RECREATED HOWEVER WAS NOT FIXED SINCE THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT SUBARU ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN COVERING MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION VEHICLES FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE CVT TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS SPORADIC AND INTERMITTENT AND EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE GOES IN TO RE-CHECK THE PROBLEM, THE TECHNICIANS CANNOT REPLICATE IT. THIS IS VERY MUCH A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ELEVATED FROM A TSB TO A RECALL IF THE ISSUE IS KNOWN. THE FEELING OF A SHUDDERING ALMOST TO A VEHICLE STALL IS NOT SAFE. WHY SUBARU HAS NOT ISSUED A FULL ON A RECALL IS A LITTLE CONCERNING, ESPECIALLY WITH THE SEVERAL SUBARU FORUMS INDICATING FROM MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE TALKED TO SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY WERE NOT VERY ACCOMMODATING OF THE ISSUE AND SAID IF THEY CANT RECREATE THE PROBLEM, THEN THEY WONT FIX IT. APPARENTLY THE WORD OF THOUSANDS OF SUBARU OWNERS IS NOT SUFFICIENT ENOUGH.
VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND STALLS WHEN BRAKING/DECELERATING. ENGINE SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AND ABRUPTLY WITH LITTLE TIME TO REACT. I HAVE 128,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. MECHANICS DO NOT KNOW WHAT EXACLT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. ALMOST FELT LIKE IF I WAS COMING TO A STOP WITHOUT ENGAGING THE CLUTCH ON A STANDARD TRANSMISSION. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST THREE DAYS AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE LETTING MY FAMILY DRIVE IT!
ABOUT MONTH AGO I BOUGHT A CAR. IT'S A SUBARU OUTBACK 2012 WITH 156 000 MILES. AT THE BEGINNING EVERYTHING WAS FINE. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE HAPPENING. DECEMBER 10 WE DROVE AROUND SANTA FE, NM. AT FIRST I HAD STOPPED IN SOME STORES, SPENT TIME ABOUT 2 HOURS AND AFTER THAT DECIDED TO GO TO ANOTHER PLACE. AND WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CA…
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ABOUT MONTH AGO I BOUGHT A CAR. IT'S A SUBARU OUTBACK 2012 WITH 156 000 MILES. AT THE BEGINNING EVERYTHING WAS FINE. NOTHING SEEMED TO BE HAPPENING. DECEMBER 10 WE DROVE AROUND SANTA FE, NM. AT FIRST I HAD STOPPED IN SOME STORES, SPENT TIME ABOUT 2 HOURS AND AFTER THAT DECIDED TO GO TO ANOTHER PLACE. AND WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AGAIN IN 5 MINUTES IT SUDDENLY STARTED HAVING A STRANGE SOUND AND COULDN'T MOVE NORMALLY, WAS JUST SHARPLY BRAKING ON A CITY ROAD. WE WERE VERY CLOSE TO THE ACCIDENT, BECAUSE EVERYONE WAS DRIVING WITH THE SPEED 45-50 MILES. WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR KEPT TO HAVE THE STRANGE SOUND AND SLOWED DOWN MORE AND MORE. I WAS LUCKY TO FIND A PARKING SPACE NEXT TO ME ON SOMEBODY'S TIRES WEELS SHOP. I TOOK A LITTLE BREAK ABOUT 40 MINUTES TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED. AFTER THAT WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON IT STOPPED HAVING THE STRANGE SOUND BUT IT COULDN'T MOVE ANYMORE! I PUSHED ON A GAS PEDAL MANY TIMES BUT THE CAR JUST STAYED IN ON PLACE AND DIDN'T MOVE TO THE FRONT OR BACK. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SUBARU SERVICE CENTER. THE NEXT DAY I WAS CALLING TO THE SUBARU SERVICE CENTER SEVERAL TIMES, AND WHEN SOMEBODY ANSWERED I WAS REPLIED THAT "THE CAR HAD AN INSPECTION BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED YET" AND IT SHOULD TAKE ONE MORE DAY. I DID ONE MORE CALL THE NEXT DAY I RECEIVED AN ANSWER FROM SUBARU SERVICE CENTER THAT THE VEHICLE HAVE A BROKEN TRANSMISSION AND TO FIX IT COSTS $7600. IN THOSE DAYS I FOUND OUT THAT THE CARS 2010-2015 SUBARU OUTBACK HAVE RECALLS OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY FRIEND FROM FLORIDA HAVE A SUBARU OUTBACK 2012 WITH 168 000 MILES AND HE ALSO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A CAR LIKE ME ON OCTOBER 2018. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN FLORIDA FIXED THAT POWER TRAIN FOR FREE. BUT WHEN I TOLD WITH A SUBARU HEADQUARTER ABOUT MY AFFECTED VEHICLE THEY GAVE ME AN ANSWER THAT I HAVE ON MY CAR MORE THAN 100 000 MILES AND THEY CAN'T HELP ME AT ALL.
I WAS TAKING IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND LUBE. AFTER DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60-70 MPH, I CAME OFF THE FREEWAY, WENT 2 BLOCKS TO A STOPLIGHT. AS SOON AS I STOPPED, MANY WARNING LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, AND BECAME ALARMED, WENT 3 BLOCKS TO THE LUBE SERVICE CENTER AND SOME STEAM STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE SERVICE ME…
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I WAS TAKING IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND LUBE. AFTER DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60-70 MPH, I CAME OFF THE FREEWAY, WENT 2 BLOCKS TO A STOPLIGHT. AS SOON AS I STOPPED, MANY WARNING LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, AND BECAME ALARMED, WENT 3 BLOCKS TO THE LUBE SERVICE CENTER AND SOME STEAM STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE SERVICE MEN IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT IN TO CHECK IT OUT. THEY REPLACED SOME COOLANT, COMPLETED THE SERVICE AND TOLD ME TO HAVE IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC. I DROVE IT ABOUT A MILE TO THE NEAREST AUTO SHOP, A PLACE I'VE TAKEN MY LAST 2 CARS, AND LEFT IT. THE NEXT DAY THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED, AND THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND IT WAS READY TO PICK UP. FROM THERE I PICKED UP THE CAR AND DROVE IT TO A FRIEND'S IN A CITY ABOUT 100 MILES AWAY. I DROVE IT THE ENTIRE WAY ON THE FREEWAY, CAME OFF THE FREEWAY, DROVE IT ABOUT 4 BLOCKS TO MY FRIEND'S HOUSE. I WEN UP HER DRIVEWAY, AND AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE, THE WARNING LIGHTS AGAIN STARTED FLASHING. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SLOT AND STOPPED IT. MY FRIEND'S SON LATER WENT OUT TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD WITH ME. THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF SOME SPRAY UNDER THE HOOD, BUT NOT MUCH. I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I'D BOUGHT THE CAR A MONTH BEFORE, AND HE TOLD ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THEIR SHOP, WHERE I'D LEFT IT WITH THEM FOR ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS. WHEN I CALLED ABOUT THE PROGRESS, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T WANT TO RELEASE IT BACK TO ME UNTIL TO WAS REPAIRED. IN THE MEANTIME, MY FRIEND WHERE I WAS STAYING WHEN I HAD IT TOWED, TOLD ME SHE HAD AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH HER 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK AND AFTER REPLACING HOSES, THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, TJEY FINALLY REPLACED HER HEAD GASKET. MY DAUGHTER THEN REMINDED ME THE SAME HAPPENED TO HER 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK, SO I STARTED RESEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR ISSUES. MANY SITES, SOME WELL KNOWN SAID THIS IS COMMON WITH THE 2.5L ENGINE. THIS IS A DEFECT SUBARU SHOULD RECALL.
: THE TRANSMISSION STARED ACTING UP RANDOMLY IN EARLY FEBRUARY OF 2017. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLAM INTO GEAR WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, ACCOMPANIED WITH A HUGE BANG WHILE THE WHOLE CAR WOULD RATTLE FOR A SECOND OR SO. A VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE SCENARIO BECAUSE IT FELT LIKE YOU WERE BEING HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER C…
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: THE TRANSMISSION STARED ACTING UP RANDOMLY IN EARLY FEBRUARY OF 2017. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLAM INTO GEAR WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, ACCOMPANIED WITH A HUGE BANG WHILE THE WHOLE CAR WOULD RATTLE FOR A SECOND OR SO. A VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE SCENARIO BECAUSE IT FELT LIKE YOU WERE BEING HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER CAR. AFTERWARD, THE CAR WOULD RUN NORMALLY FOR FEW DAYS BEFORE IT REPEATS. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO RALLYSPORT ENGINEERING IN COSTA MESA, CA ON APRIL 10 WHO CONFIRMED MY COMPLAINT AND REPLACED THE VALVE COVER OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE SOLVED UNTIL A MONTH LATER. AROUND JUNE, A NEW TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM WAS APPEARING AND GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. WHEN TRIED TO ACCELERATE SLOWLY WHILE COASTING BETWEEN 3RD TO 5TH GEAR, THE CAR WOULD SHUDDER NOTICEABLY AND HESITATE FOR A SECOND OR TWO BEFORE GOT GOING. THIS IS A VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE SITUATION IF YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID OBSTACLES ON HIGHWAY OR SURFACE STREET. IN JULY, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO RALLYSPORT ENGINEERING FOR REPAIR. IT CONFIRMED THE SHUDDERING PROBLEM BUT IT COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE SO IT REFERRED ME TO SUBARU ORANGE COAST (OC) BECAUSE IT HAS ACCESS TO TECHNICAL SUPPORT FROM A DEDICATED SUBARU FACTORY 'SUPER-TECH'. SUBARU OC KEPT MY CAR FOR FOUR DAYS BEFORE RETURNING TO ME. IT COULD NOT IDENTIFY MY CAR PROBLEM, AND INSTEAD, THE MECHANIC STAFF TOLD ME I HAVE DIFFERENTIAL AND WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS. I NEED TO FIX THESE TWO PROBLEMS ($1012) BEFORE HE CAN ZERO IN ON THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERING PROBLEM. I TOLD THE MECHANIC MY CAR SYMPTOM IS VERY REPEATABLE AND HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE AND IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM WITHOUT REQUIRING ME SPENDING BIG MONEY UPFRONT. HE WAS UNABLE TO HELP BECAUSE THERE WAS NO STORED DIAGNOSTIC CODE TO GUIDE HIM! I COMPLAINED AND SHARED INFORMATION WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA BUT NO AVAIL.
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.