NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
42 reportsMileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Unknown Or Other
Refused to change the rear catalyst due to a modification. I said I would return it back to the original factory tune and they said it was impossible and refused to do it. The tune physically wouldn’t stop them from changing the catalytic converter. They said that the ecu would let them. I can put the factory CID on the vehicl…
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Refused to change the rear catalyst due to a modification. I said I would return it back to the original factory tune and they said it was impossible and refused to do it. The tune physically wouldn’t stop them from changing the catalytic converter. They said that the ecu would let them. I can put the factory CID on the vehicle for the work to be done. The catalyst threshold is below efficiency and it’s their mistake. This is now going to cost me out of pocket which is not fair. Again this tune can be ininstalled back to factory so they can reflash the ecu like they need to. They refused to answer my questions and sent me away. Now on this website they must have reported it being fixed but it has not absolutely.
NHTSA ODI #11747579
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2026
Unknown Or Other
Subaru Orange Coast and Ocean Subaru of Fullerton refused to work on my recall due to my car has aftermarket parts not related to the recall. The dealership is very keen in extorting money to the naïve customers instead of fixing the safety issue with my car.
NHTSA ODI #11742482
Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safet…
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2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and declined further repair despite active safety condition.
NHTSA ODI #11718606
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2025
Engine
Oil changes always done, no modifications to vehicle. Driving down road lights all come one and car starts smoking. Rod broke and put hole in engine.
NHTSA ODI #11683233
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System
Shortly after purchase (within 1 month), a strong raw gasoline vapor odor began entering the passenger cabin, strongest near the driver’s side rear seat and rear wheel well area. The odor intensifies at idle and after short periods of driving, filling the interior cabin with fuel fumes. The smell is so strong that it causes dizz…
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Shortly after purchase (within 1 month), a strong raw gasoline vapor odor began entering the passenger cabin, strongest near the driver’s side rear seat and rear wheel well area. The odor intensifies at idle and after short periods of driving, filling the interior cabin with fuel fumes. The smell is so strong that it causes dizziness and headaches when operating the vehicle. This is not an isolated occurrence — Subaru’s own service technicians were able to replicate the issue and confirmed the smell, but reported that smoke and pressure testing showed “no leaks.” Despite replacing the evaporative canister, purge valve, and fuel check valve, the problem persists. The dealership has admitted they cannot determine the source of the vapors. Safety Concern: This condition presents a serious safety hazard because: •Fuel vapors are toxic and pose an immediate health risk to occupants breathing them inside a closed cabin. •Gasoline vapors are highly flammable, creating a potential fire/explosion risk if vapors accumulate near ignition sources. •Subaru has suggested the condition is “normal under certain circumstances” and advised me to alter my driving habits (avoid idling, use engine braking). This is not an acceptable or safe resolution. Attempts to Remedy: •Vehicle has been at the Subaru dealership for over two weeks. •Multiple components in the evaporative emission system were replaced (canister, check valve, purge vent). •Subaru engineers have been contacted but no permanent fix has been provided. •Dealership admitted another customer reported a similar issue in a newer model, but stated it was “normal.” Summary: This is not normal vehicle operation. A car cabin filling with raw fuel vapor represents a defect affecting safety. Subaru has failed to remedy the issue despite multiple repair attempts, and is minimizing it rather than acknowledging it as a defect.
NHTSA ODI #11681878
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2025
Power Train
When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the t…
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When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the turbo or the transmsission. This is creating a significant safety hazard as the vehicle is behaving unpredictable and could lead to an accident when having to accelerate into traffic or merge. The vehicle has already had 3 CVT transmission replacements under factory warranty. The vehicle currently has approximately 47,000 miles but is outside factory warranty now.
NHTSA ODI #11674850
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure f…
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I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera inspection of the engine bay. They have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive and have strongly advised against further use due to the potential fire hazard. It is important to note that my vehicle has never been involved in an accident, and no prior mechanical work has been performed in the affected area, which suggests this may be a manufacturing defect.
NHTSA ODI #11648026
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2024
Unknown Or Other
Cluth was replaced at a little over 50,000 miles and throw out bearing failed within 200 miles of the break in period. Took it back to dealer and they found that the throw out bearing was faulty and they replaced it. A year later same sound that was heard after replacement came back (almost like a chirping sound), took the car i…
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Cluth was replaced at a little over 50,000 miles and throw out bearing failed within 200 miles of the break in period. Took it back to dealer and they found that the throw out bearing was faulty and they replaced it. A year later same sound that was heard after replacement came back (almost like a chirping sound), took the car in for them to examine the car and determine if the throw out bearing waa faulty again. Associate who helped indicated that if it was the throw out bearing it would be covered, once the mechanic checked the car they found a front valve leak, at first indicated that the throw out bearing was fine and then changed that. They also indicated that the entire clutch needed to replace again even though it was just replaced a year ago. They indicated that there were hot spots on the clutch and that it was due to my driving. I did reach out to SOA but they indicated that the dealer told them that it was my fault and they shouldn't help me.
NHTSA ODI #11614223
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes
Fuel pump failing Reverse switch failing
NHTSA ODI #11612016
Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2024
Engine
I bought a 2018 Subaru WRX with 61,000 miles, After driving it 6,000 miles with engine spun a rod bearing, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a vehicle that in the previous 4th generation of the car, it was recalled for this exact issue. the total repair bill for this fix is $11,720.43. This is on a car with 67,000…
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I bought a 2018 Subaru WRX with 61,000 miles, After driving it 6,000 miles with engine spun a rod bearing, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a vehicle that in the previous 4th generation of the car, it was recalled for this exact issue. the total repair bill for this fix is $11,720.43. This is on a car with 67,000 miles. 7,000 miles over Subaru's manufacture warranty. After speaking with a few service advisors at Subaru. it is my belief, that this is a known issue with this model.
NHTSA ODI #11604876
Official recalls
2Jul 21, 2022
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Jul 29, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗