NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Visibility/wiper complaints
130 reportsClear category filter22,000 miles · Jul 23, 2015
Visibility/wiper
A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD ON 7/17/15 SHOWING A TINY CHIP AND 2-3 MM CRACK. WE HAD THE CHIP REPAIRED BY SAFELIGHT EARLY MORNING OF 7/18/15 AND IT LOOKED GOOD. THE NEXT DAY, 7/19/15, THERE WERE 2 CRACKS OVER 6 INCHES LONG AND THE WINDOW WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. WOULD HAVE CHALKED IT UP TO JUST BAD LUCK TO HAVE THE REPAI…
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A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD ON 7/17/15 SHOWING A TINY CHIP AND 2-3 MM CRACK. WE HAD THE CHIP REPAIRED BY SAFELIGHT EARLY MORNING OF 7/18/15 AND IT LOOKED GOOD. THE NEXT DAY, 7/19/15, THERE WERE 2 CRACKS OVER 6 INCHES LONG AND THE WINDOW WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. WOULD HAVE CHALKED IT UP TO JUST BAD LUCK TO HAVE THE REPAIR FAIL UNTIL I CAME ACROSS REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON THE INTERNET AND THEN CAME ACROSS THIS SITE.
NHTSA ODI #10736145
2,120 miles · Jul 19, 2015
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
NAVIGATION SYSTEM SCREEN HAS SERIOUS GLARE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. ALMOST DROVE OFF ROAD INTO A DITCH YESTERDAY, WHILE TRYING TO SEE SCREEN. NO ONE ELSE ON ROAD. SYSTEM VIRTUALLY USELESS. ALSO SEVERE GLARE ON DRIVER-SIDE MIRROR FROM CAR INTERIOR, MAKES IT HARD TO SEE VEHICLES ON LEFT. SUBARU COULD FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH DESIGNI…
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NAVIGATION SYSTEM SCREEN HAS SERIOUS GLARE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. ALMOST DROVE OFF ROAD INTO A DITCH YESTERDAY, WHILE TRYING TO SEE SCREEN. NO ONE ELSE ON ROAD. SYSTEM VIRTUALLY USELESS. ALSO SEVERE GLARE ON DRIVER-SIDE MIRROR FROM CAR INTERIOR, MAKES IT HARD TO SEE VEHICLES ON LEFT. SUBARU COULD FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH DESIGNING A PRE-CUT ANTI-GLARE SCREEN COVER OR SIMPLY REPLACING THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM SCREEN WITH A NEW ANTI-GLARE PLASTIC ONE. SOMEONE WILL EVENTUALLY GET HURT OR KILLED.
NHTSA ODI #10735017
1,700 miles · Jul 19, 2015
Visibility/wiper
FOUND A 2 FOOT CRACK ON MY BRAND NEW SUBARU OUTBACK. AFTER WASHING MY CAR YESTERDAY, I STOOD BACK TO ADMIRE HOW GREAT THE CAR LOOKED AND THEN WENT INSIDE. WHEN I CAME BACK OUTSIDE 2 HOURS LATER, I NOTICED A 2 FOOT CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE STARTING POINT IMMEDIATELY UNDER THE WIPER BLADE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A ROCK …
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FOUND A 2 FOOT CRACK ON MY BRAND NEW SUBARU OUTBACK. AFTER WASHING MY CAR YESTERDAY, I STOOD BACK TO ADMIRE HOW GREAT THE CAR LOOKED AND THEN WENT INSIDE. WHEN I CAME BACK OUTSIDE 2 HOURS LATER, I NOTICED A 2 FOOT CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE STARTING POINT IMMEDIATELY UNDER THE WIPER BLADE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A ROCK COULD NOT HAVE POSSIBLY HIT THE CAR UNDER THE BLADE. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR AND I'VE TAKEN EXTRA PRECAUTIONS WITH IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA ODI #10734973
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2015
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
WINDSHIELD FOUND CRACKED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN COMING OUT FROM A STORE. 6" CRACK GREW QUICKLY OVER 2 WEEKS, SPREADING ALL OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A BRANCHED FORMATION ABOUT 2X1'. YESTERDAY, ANOTHER CRACK DEVELOPED IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND IS COMPROMISING VISIBILITY WITH A GLARE FROM THE CRACK AND GROWING QUICKLY AGAIN.…
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WINDSHIELD FOUND CRACKED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN COMING OUT FROM A STORE. 6" CRACK GREW QUICKLY OVER 2 WEEKS, SPREADING ALL OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A BRANCHED FORMATION ABOUT 2X1'. YESTERDAY, ANOTHER CRACK DEVELOPED IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND IS COMPROMISING VISIBILITY WITH A GLARE FROM THE CRACK AND GROWING QUICKLY AGAIN. REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD IS BACK-ORDERED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. HAVE BEEN WAITING ABOUT 1 MONTH NOW, DRIVING WITH AN UNSAFE/UNSIGHTLY BRAND NEW CAR, AND I'M OUT A $500 DEDUCTIBLE. GOING TO CONTACT SUBARU AS WELL, BUT THEY NEED MORE PRESSURE TO REPLACE AND REIMBURSE THIS SEEMINGLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS BRAND NEW CAR. UPDATED 10/9/15 *LN.......UPDATED 10/19/15 *BF UPDATED 11/28/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10734875
4,000 miles · Jul 14, 2015
Visibility/wiper
ON JULY 9, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I TAKE TO WORK AND HEARD A SMALL POP, LIKE A PEBBLE HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD INSTANTLY CRACKED IN AN L SHAPE DOWN AROUND THE REARVIEW MIRROR. BY THE TIME I GOT HOME FROM WORK THAT NIGHT, THAT CRACK HAD EXTENDED TO ABOUT 18 INCHES LONG. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CARS A LONG T…
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ON JULY 9, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I TAKE TO WORK AND HEARD A SMALL POP, LIKE A PEBBLE HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD INSTANTLY CRACKED IN AN L SHAPE DOWN AROUND THE REARVIEW MIRROR. BY THE TIME I GOT HOME FROM WORK THAT NIGHT, THAT CRACK HAD EXTENDED TO ABOUT 18 INCHES LONG. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CARS A LONG TIME, AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PEBBLE STRIKES WITHOUT ANY OF MY PREVIOUS WINDSHIELDS CRACKING. I FEEL THAT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY DUE TO SOME SORT OF DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD, AS IS EVIDENCED BY MANY OTHERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I LOVE THE CAR OTHERWISE, BUT AM WORRIED ABOUT HAVING TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND. SOME PEOPLE THAT HAVE POSTED COMPLAINTS WERE ON THEIR THIRD WINDSHIELD THIS YEAR ON THEIR 2015 OUTBACKS. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! I EMAILED SUBARU AND DID GET A REPLY SUGGESTING I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND LET THEM INSPECT IT, AND THAT THEY WERE "NOT AWARE" OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELDS FOR THE 2015 OUTBACKS. INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE AND SEVERAL OTHERS SUGGESTS OTHERWISE. WE NEED TO SPEAK UP SO SUBARU KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON AND IS FORCED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10734048
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2015
Visibility/wiper
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND A STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD. SHE CHECKED IT WHEN SHE GOT TO WORK AND SAID THERE WAS A SMALL CHIP. BY THE TIME SHE GOT HOME THE CHIP HAD BECOME A CRACK AND WAS ALMOST A FOOT LONG. WE HAVE LIMITED OUR USE OF THE VEHICLE BUT THE CRACK CONTINUES TO GROW AND IS NOW OVER TWO FEET LONG. SAFELITE HAS SAID …
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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND A STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD. SHE CHECKED IT WHEN SHE GOT TO WORK AND SAID THERE WAS A SMALL CHIP. BY THE TIME SHE GOT HOME THE CHIP HAD BECOME A CRACK AND WAS ALMOST A FOOT LONG. WE HAVE LIMITED OUR USE OF THE VEHICLE BUT THE CRACK CONTINUES TO GROW AND IS NOW OVER TWO FEET LONG. SAFELITE HAS SAID THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. I HAVE HAD STONE CHIPS BEFORE AND THEY WERE EASY TO REPAIR AND DID NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THAT I NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER WINDSHIELD IF THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW.
NHTSA ODI #10733972
12,000 miles · Jul 3, 2015
Visibility/wiper
DROVE THROUGH A CONSTRUCTION ZONE ON A MILITARY BASE (30 MPH) AND PARKED AT THE BANK. NO NOISE INDICATION OF A ROCK HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. CAME OUT OF THE BANK AND THERE WAS A 6-8 INCH CRACK STARTING UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPERS, THAT EXTENDED FROM THE EDGE UP INTO THE PASSENGERS VIEW. DROVE THE CAR ANOTHER APPROXIMATELY …
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DROVE THROUGH A CONSTRUCTION ZONE ON A MILITARY BASE (30 MPH) AND PARKED AT THE BANK. NO NOISE INDICATION OF A ROCK HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. CAME OUT OF THE BANK AND THERE WAS A 6-8 INCH CRACK STARTING UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPERS, THAT EXTENDED FROM THE EDGE UP INTO THE PASSENGERS VIEW. DROVE THE CAR ANOTHER APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES TO GET HOME, CRACK BECAME 12-16 INCHES. PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND MARKED IT WITH A WINDOW MARKER. THE NEXT DAY THE CRACK WAS 3 INCHES LONGER....FROM SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY?? EITHER WAY, HERE IT IS JULY AND STILL WAITING ON A NEW WINDSHIELD. CRACK EXTENDS HALFWAY UP AND INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD...AND THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN. IT HAS BEEN PARKED SINCE THE 19TH OF JUNE BUT THE CRACK IS STILL GETTING BIGGER.
NHTSA ODI #10731886
500 miles · Jul 2, 2015
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
WE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH OUR WINDSHIELD THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD -- SEE, EG, COMPLAINT # 10730819. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER BUYING A NEW 2015 OUTBACK, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF OUR SOMEWHAT STEEPLY-ANGLED GARAGE, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I SAW NO EVIDENCE OF A STONE HITTING THE WINDSHIELD AND THOUGHT THERE WAS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT. …
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WE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH OUR WINDSHIELD THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD -- SEE, EG, COMPLAINT # 10730819. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER BUYING A NEW 2015 OUTBACK, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF OUR SOMEWHAT STEEPLY-ANGLED GARAGE, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. I SAW NO EVIDENCE OF A STONE HITTING THE WINDSHIELD AND THOUGHT THERE WAS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT. TOOK THE CAR TO OUR DEALER WHO DID A "PEN TEST" ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE PEN TIP, INDEED, CAUGHT IN THE CRACK AND THE REPAIR PERSON SAID THAT INDICATED A ROCK HIT AND WE JUST HAD UNFORTUNATE LUCK. THE CRACK GREW QUICKLY, SNAKING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD, WHILE WE WAITED A FEW WEEKS FOR THE REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD TO BECOME AVAILABLE VIA SAFELITE. BASED ON THIS AND OTHER COMMENT SITES, I'M CONCERNED ABOUT A REPEAT CRACK. ALSO, OF COURSE, WONDERING IF IT WAS REALLY JUST "BAD LUCK." OUR SUBARU DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN NON-COMMUNICATIVE. I CONTACTED SUBARU CORPORATE WITH A COMPLAINT AND RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED - AND WE'VE BEEN A "SUBARU FAMILY" FOR A LONG TIME.
NHTSA ODI #10731697
4,500 miles · Jun 24, 2015
Visibility/wiper
CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AWAY FROM TREES OR ANY OTHER VEGETATION. WAS GONE FROM CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. UPON RETURN, THERE WAS A 12 INCH CRACK DESCENDING FROM UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF WINDSHIELD. BY MORNING, AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED INSIDE A LOCKED GARAGE, AND WITH LESS THAN 2 MORE MILES DRIVEN, CRACK HAD G…
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CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AWAY FROM TREES OR ANY OTHER VEGETATION. WAS GONE FROM CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. UPON RETURN, THERE WAS A 12 INCH CRACK DESCENDING FROM UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF WINDSHIELD. BY MORNING, AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED INSIDE A LOCKED GARAGE, AND WITH LESS THAN 2 MORE MILES DRIVEN, CRACK HAD GROWN ANOTHER 12 INCHES (APPROXIMATELY.)
NHTSA ODI #10730137
14,025 miles · Jun 18, 2015
Visibility/wiper
OUR SUBARU OUTBACK WAS IMPACTED BY A SMALL PEBBLE THAT CRACKED OUR WINDSHIELD. I PUT IN A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY AND SETUP A REPLACEMENT WITH SAFELITE. GOT A CALL LATER INDICATING THAT THE PART IS NOT IN STOCK AND NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. THAT WAS 4 WEEKS AGO AT THIS POINT AND STILL NO INDICATION OF WHEN THIS W…
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OUR SUBARU OUTBACK WAS IMPACTED BY A SMALL PEBBLE THAT CRACKED OUR WINDSHIELD. I PUT IN A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY AND SETUP A REPLACEMENT WITH SAFELITE. GOT A CALL LATER INDICATING THAT THE PART IS NOT IN STOCK AND NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. THAT WAS 4 WEEKS AGO AT THIS POINT AND STILL NO INDICATION OF WHEN THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THE CRACKS CONTINUE TO SPREAD AND NOW IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE CRACKS ARE IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT. I (AND I ASSUME MANY OTHER PEOPLE) HAVE TRIED CONTACTING SUBARU AND I FOR ONE AM NOT GETTING ANY RESPONSE FROM THEM ON THIS ISSUE THUS WE NEED TO CONTINUE DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR DUE TO THE FACT WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE A RENTAL AND AGAIN BECAUSE NO ONE CAN PROVIDE AN ETA WE WOULDN'T KNOW HOW LONG WE'D NEED ONE ASSUMING WE COULD GET ONE. BASED ON WHAT I READ HERE THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN WITHIN A SHORT TIME ONCE WE DO GET THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. SOME TYPE OF INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE CONDUCTED AND A RECALL ISSUED. I THINK THERE IS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO SHOW THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT WITH THE WINDSHIELDS OF THIS CAR AND WHEN SAFETY IS THREATENED, STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT US. I APOLOGIZE IF THIS DOESN'T FIT THE CRITERIA OF WHAT SHOULD BE POSTED HERE BUT NOT HAVING A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD IN A TIMELY FASHION IN ITSELF IS A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA ODI #10725893
Official recalls
5May 11, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Apr 27, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.
Aug 10, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Jun 12, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Sep 19, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.
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
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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