NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
6 reports34,000 miles · Aug 27, 2018
Engine
AT APPROXIMATELY 34,000 MILES WHILE IN A DRIVING TO WORK I STARTED HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE BY THE TIME I MADE THE 5 MILE JOURNEY TO WORK THE KNOCKING HAD GOTTEN SO BAD, THAT I HAD TO HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE OIL WAS JUST CHANGED AT THE DEALERSHIP TWO DAYS BEFORE AND WAS STILL FULL. THEY SUBARU DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT…
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AT APPROXIMATELY 34,000 MILES WHILE IN A DRIVING TO WORK I STARTED HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE BY THE TIME I MADE THE 5 MILE JOURNEY TO WORK THE KNOCKING HAD GOTTEN SO BAD, THAT I HAD TO HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE OIL WAS JUST CHANGED AT THE DEALERSHIP TWO DAYS BEFORE AND WAS STILL FULL. THEY SUBARU DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT WARRANTY THE MAIN BEARING OR ROD KNOCK FAILURE THAT OCCURRED. WHEN I CONTACTED SOA, THEY WERE ALSO NOT ABLE TO HELP. THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME ROUGHLY $7,800.00 TO COVER A COMPLETELY NEW SHORT BLOCK. I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A REOCCURRING ISSUE WITH MY MODEL OF WRX. I HAD TO SHELL OUT MORE THAN $8,000.00 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH BETTER MORE RELIABLE PARTS BY A PRIVATE PARTY, BECAUSE I DID NOT TRUST THE DEALERSHIPS OR SOA.
NHTSA ODI #11122679
44,000 miles · Nov 7, 2017
Power Train
CLUTCH THROW OUT BEARING PREMATURE FAILURE (ALSO KNOWN AS RELEASE BEARING). REPLACED TOB AT APPROX 16,000 MILES, 33,000 AND 44,000 MILES. THE CAR IS NOW ON IT'S 4TH THROW OUT BEARING WITH 46,000 MILES AND THE BEARING IS ALREADY MAKING NOISE AGAIN. THE SYMPTOM IS A CHIRPING BEARING SOUND WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PUSHED PARTIALLY OR …
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CLUTCH THROW OUT BEARING PREMATURE FAILURE (ALSO KNOWN AS RELEASE BEARING). REPLACED TOB AT APPROX 16,000 MILES, 33,000 AND 44,000 MILES. THE CAR IS NOW ON IT'S 4TH THROW OUT BEARING WITH 46,000 MILES AND THE BEARING IS ALREADY MAKING NOISE AGAIN. THE SYMPTOM IS A CHIRPING BEARING SOUND WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PUSHED PARTIALLY OR FULLY TO THE FLOOR, AND AGAIN WHEN YOU START TO LET THE CLUTCH BACK OUT. THE NOISE GOES AWAY WHEN THE CLUTCH PETAL IS OUT (NOT IN USE). THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THE SOUND GOES AWAY AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN A FEW MILES, BUT HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN AFTER IT'S BEEN SITTING FOR A WHILE (LONG ENOUGH TO COOL DOWN). EVEN THOUGH IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS NOT A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM BECAUSE THE NOISE GOES AWAY AFTER YOU DRIVE A FEW MILES, EVERY TIME I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REMOVED SO THE CLUTCH CAN BE INSPECTED THE THROW OUT BEARING SHOWS SIGNIFICANT WEAR AS WELL AS THE FINGERS ON THE PRESSURE PLATE. THE CLUTCH PLATE ITSELF AND FLYWHEEL SHOW ONLY NORMAL WEAR, BUT THE THROW OUT BEARING FAILURE IS CHRONIC AND REOCCURRING (IT'S HAPPENED WITH FOUR BEARINGS NOW ON THIS CAR). I BELIEVE THAT IF THE THROW OUT BEARING WAS NOT REPLACED AT THE FREQUENCY THAT I REPLACED IT, IT WOULD LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND POSSIBLY TRANSMISSION. SUBARU PAID FOR THE FIRST TWO REPAIRS, BUT NOT THE MOST RECENT ONE. AT THIS POINT I THINK IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECTIVE PART (THE THROW OUT BEARING) - BUT SUBARU IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND I HAVE VERY LITTLE OPTIONS OTHER THAN PAYING FOR A $1,500 REPAIR (ALL LABOR FOR A $50 PART - THAT'S RIGHT - THE TOB IS ONLY A $50 PART) EVERY 10,000-15,000 MILES. THAT'S A HELL OF A MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.
NHTSA ODI #11044036
25,000 miles · Jul 15, 2016
Engine
ENGINE EXPERIENCED ROD BEARING FAILURE ON TWO ROD BEARINGS. WAS TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE DIED. COASTED OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED. WHEN TRYING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WAS HARD TO TURN OVER, AND KNOCKED WHILE RUNNING AFTER IT STARTED.
NHTSA ODI #10885144
42,000 miles · Sep 26, 2015
Service BrakesStructure
WHILE DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH OR BRAKE PEDAL IN THE VEHICLE I SEE EXCESSIVE FLEX AT THE FIREWALL AND NOTICEABLE MOVEMENT OF BREAK AND CLUTCH CYLINDERS. MY SPOT WELDS DO NOT APPEAR BROKEN AT THIS TIME HOWEVER THEY ARE LIKELY TO FATIGUE AND BREAK. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR DEFECT WHICH IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS IT AFFECTS BREAKING AND…
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WHILE DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH OR BRAKE PEDAL IN THE VEHICLE I SEE EXCESSIVE FLEX AT THE FIREWALL AND NOTICEABLE MOVEMENT OF BREAK AND CLUTCH CYLINDERS. MY SPOT WELDS DO NOT APPEAR BROKEN AT THIS TIME HOWEVER THEY ARE LIKELY TO FATIGUE AND BREAK. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR DEFECT WHICH IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS IT AFFECTS BREAKING AND SHIFTING. SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10777875
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2014
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10616858
2,200 miles · Jan 28, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
IN *EXTREMELY* COLD WEATHER - BELOW OF - THE VEHICLE WILL START SUCCESSFULLY HOWEVER THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND "HILL-ASSIST" (PART OF THE ABS SYSTEM) TROUBLE INDICATOR LIGHTS WILL LIGHT AND STAY LIT. BASED ON THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL IF THIS OCCURS, I SHOULD CYCLE THE IGNITION TO SEE IF THE CODE CLE…
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IN *EXTREMELY* COLD WEATHER - BELOW OF - THE VEHICLE WILL START SUCCESSFULLY HOWEVER THE STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND "HILL-ASSIST" (PART OF THE ABS SYSTEM) TROUBLE INDICATOR LIGHTS WILL LIGHT AND STAY LIT. BASED ON THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL IF THIS OCCURS, I SHOULD CYCLE THE IGNITION TO SEE IF THE CODE CLEARS. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SOLUTION BECAUSE THE CAR'S BATTERY IS ALREADY EXTREMELY STRESSED DUE TO THE COLD TEMPERATURE AND MAY NOT RESTART THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, ON ONE OCCURRENCE I DID CYCLE THE IGNITION AND THE PROBLEM REMAINED. WHILE I RECOGNIZE THAT A MORE VICIOUS BRAKE FLUID IS NEEDED IN A PERFORMANCE VEHICLE OF THIS TYPE, IF THE ABS PUMP'S ORIFICES WERE LARGER THIS ISSUE MIGHT NOT OCCUR. THE OTHER POSSIBILITY IS THE BRAKE FLUID USED DURING ASSEMBLY IS ALREADY SUPERSATURATED WITH MOISTURE AND THE COLD TEMPS ALLOWED THE SUSPENDED WATER TO FALL OUT OF SUSPENSION AND FREEZE IN THE HYDRAULIC LINES. VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, THE BRAKE'S MECHANICAL ACTION WAS UNAFFECTED BY THE FAULT. THE BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDALS (WHICH I BELIEVE TO USE THE SAME FLUID) IT DID FEEL LIKE I WAS PUSHING THROUGH MUD. I DID CONFIRM THE ABS WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561915
Official recalls
10Jan 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.
Feb 28, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
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.
Dec 31, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Jun 10, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
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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