NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
292 reports29,000 miles · Mar 28, 2014
Electrical SystemFire
I WAS DRIVING INTO WORK ON THE MORNING OF 3/3/14 WHEN I NOTICE A SMOKE/BURNING ODOR. I DISCOUNTED IT BUT KEPT ALERT WAITING FOR A ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT IT WAS FROM MY OUTBACK. I GOT THE CAR PARKED. SHORTLY AFTER FLAMES ERUPTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO REACH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT THE…
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I WAS DRIVING INTO WORK ON THE MORNING OF 3/3/14 WHEN I NOTICE A SMOKE/BURNING ODOR. I DISCOUNTED IT BUT KEPT ALERT WAITING FOR A ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT IT WAS FROM MY OUTBACK. I GOT THE CAR PARKED. SHORTLY AFTER FLAMES ERUPTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO REACH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. BASED ON CONVERSATIONS WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS IT APPEARS THAT THE SOURCE WAS FROM WIND SHIELD WIPER MOTOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575368
35,000 miles · Jan 20, 2014
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY OUTBACK HAVE BURNED OUT AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560704
12,700 miles · Dec 11, 2013
Power Train
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
NHTSA ODI #10555682
13,310 miles · Dec 11, 2013
Power Train
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
NHTSA ODI #10555681
13,325 miles · Dec 11, 2013
Power Train
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
NHTSA ODI #10555678
45 miles · Dec 11, 2013
Power Train
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
NHTSA ODI #10555675
13,289 miles · Dec 8, 2013
Power Train
THIS VEHICLE HAS ONE OWNER, WHICH IS ME, AND THE TRANSMISSION, DOWNSHIFTS AND SKIPS A GEAR WHEN COLD AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PEOPLE WERE ALMOST INJURED AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD, AND ON A FREEWAY AND THAN EXITING, AND SLOWING DOWN TO 35 TO 45 MPH ON EXIT THE CAR TRANSMISSION KIC…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS ONE OWNER, WHICH IS ME, AND THE TRANSMISSION, DOWNSHIFTS AND SKIPS A GEAR WHEN COLD AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PEOPLE WERE ALMOST INJURED AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD, AND ON A FREEWAY AND THAN EXITING, AND SLOWING DOWN TO 35 TO 45 MPH ON EXIT THE CAR TRANSMISSION KICKS AND LIKE SOMEONE IS HITTING YOU IN THE BACK, AND SKIPS A GEAR. SUBARU HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND THEY NEED TO ADDRESS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT WORK. I WILL BE FILING LEMON LAW IN MY NEXT TWO VISITS IF IT IS NOT FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10555244
23,000 miles · Sep 11, 2013
Steering
STIFF/TIGHT STEERING WITHOUT MUCH FEEL, AND LANE WANDERING, AND TROUBLE KEEPING THE CAR CENTERED IN THE LANE DUE TO BAD CENTER FEEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543040
49 miles · Aug 25, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility
SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, WHILE DRIVING FOR 15-60 MINUTES WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS, MYSELF AND/OR ANOTHER PASSENGER WILL BEGIN TO FEEL VERY LIGHT HEADED, IRRITATED EYES, HARD TO FOCUS, AND NEARLY PASS OUT. IT'S A FORCED SITUATION LIKE BEING PUT IN A CHOKE HOLD OR SUFFOCATED GENTLY NOT JUST FEELING RE…
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SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, WHILE DRIVING FOR 15-60 MINUTES WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS, MYSELF AND/OR ANOTHER PASSENGER WILL BEGIN TO FEEL VERY LIGHT HEADED, IRRITATED EYES, HARD TO FOCUS, AND NEARLY PASS OUT. IT'S A FORCED SITUATION LIKE BEING PUT IN A CHOKE HOLD OR SUFFOCATED GENTLY NOT JUST FEELING RELAXED OR COMFY. THE EFFECTS LAST FOR SOME TIME DEPENDING ON EXPOSURE TOO. WE COULD BE LIVELY WITH GOOD ENERGY, BUT USING THE CAR AS SAID WILL KILL IT. IT ALSO OCCURS FASTER THE MORE YOU BREATHE. THE ONLY CURE IS FRESH AIR. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE HVAC SYSTEM FIRST, BUT THE FAN SPEED DOESN'T SEEM TO AFFECT IT SO I'D GUESS IT'S SOMETHING ELSE. MY BEST GUESS IS IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE REAR TAIL GATE SEAL NOT SEALING RIGHT SUCKING IN EXHAUST. THE REASON WE CAN'T READILY IDENTIFY A SMELL IS PROBABLY BECAUSE IT'S A PZEV SYSTEM, AND IT REALLY DOESN'T HAVE A TYPICAL EXHAUST ODOR. SUBARU REFUSED TO HELP AND SAID "IT SMELLS FINE". AFTER A MONTH OF TRYING THEY FINALLY AGREED TO DO A RIDE ALONG FOR JUST 30 MINUTES. AFTER COMPLETION ONE SAID "I DON'T FEEL ANYMORE TIRED THAN USUAL" AND THE OTHER AGREED. THEY ALSO TOLD ME AT ONE POINT AUTO NATION'S SUBARU REGIONAL REP SAID "YOU CAN PUT YOUR MOUTH ON THE TAIL PIPE AND SUCK ON IT AND YOU'LL BE FINE"... IN THE END I JUST TRADED IT IN FOR A 2013 OUTBACK BUT SOMEONE ELSE WILL OWN THIS CAR SOON. THIS CAR NEEDS A REAL INSPECTION BEFORE SOMEONE ACTUALLY DIES FROM IT. I'M LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE SURVIVED BECAUSE PROLONGED USE OVER A FEW WEEKS MAKES THE EFFECTS WORSE BUT IF DRIVEN SOMEONE WHO ISN'T VERY ALERT PROBABLY WILL FALL ASLEEP AND CRASH. I ALMOST DID A FEW TIMES AND WHY I SPENT THIS SUMMER WITHOUT AC EXCEPT IN MY TESTS, ALL BAD. AGAIN, I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS, OTHER PASSENGERS HAVE TOO. MY NEW OUTBACK DOESN'T HAVE THIS ISSUE EITHER. PLEASE KEEP ME UPDATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10537139
2,000 miles · Jun 5, 2013
Service Brakes
I HAVE HAD THE CAR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKES SINCE THE BEGINNING. SEVERAL TIMES UPON COLD STARTUP THE BRAKES BARELY WORK. NOT ALWAYS BUT FREQUENTLY. I HAVE TO USE BOTH FEET TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND IT TRAVELS SEVERAL FEET BEFORE STOPPING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERS ATTENT…
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I HAVE HAD THE CAR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKES SINCE THE BEGINNING. SEVERAL TIMES UPON COLD STARTUP THE BRAKES BARELY WORK. NOT ALWAYS BUT FREQUENTLY. I HAVE TO USE BOTH FEET TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND IT TRAVELS SEVERAL FEET BEFORE STOPPING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION SEVERAL TIMES, THIS LAST TIME, PUSHING THEM TO KEEP THE CAR TO DUPLICATE THE RESULTS. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT AND SUGGEST THAT I WARM THE CAR UP BEFORE MOVING IT. I WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THAT ANSWER, T IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND SUGGEST THEY TAKE IT HIGHER UP THE CHAIN. THEY KEPT IT FOR A FEW MORE DAYS AND WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND SEVERAL ON THEIR LOT. THEY TELL ME IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT IS JUST THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES. THE SUBARU NATIONAL TECH WAS OUT OF THE STATE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT KEEP MY CAR ANY LONGER TO WAIT ON THE TECH.THEY ARE CLOSING THE ORDER AND TOLD ME TO COME PICK UP MY CAR AT MY CONVENIENCE. I TOLD THEM I WAS NOT SATISFIED AND THAT I CONSIDERED IT A SAFETY CONCERN. THEY SAID I COULD PAY EXTRA AND HAVE SOME OTHER BRAKE OPTIONS BUT ON, BUT THAT THE WAY IT PERFORMS NOW IS THE WAY IT IS DESIGNED. JUST IN MY DRIVEWAY I COULD EASILY GO OVER THE HILLSIDE OR HURT SOMEONE IF THE CAR WOULD BEHAVE THAT WAY AT AN INOPPORTUNE MOMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10515362
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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