NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
34 reportsClear category filter115,000 miles · May 9, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System
WHILE DRIVING, "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT, CRUISE LIGHT & TRACTION LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. DEALER SAID CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. REPAIR DONE & DEALER SAID, "IF IT DOESN'T 'TAKE,' WE'LL KNOW SOON." THREE WEEKS LATER, SAME THING HAPPENED. THIS REPAIR IS ON TOP OF A MAJOR GASKET REPLACEMENT DONE JUST A FEW MONTHS EARLIER BECA…
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WHILE DRIVING, "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT, CRUISE LIGHT & TRACTION LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. DEALER SAID CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. REPAIR DONE & DEALER SAID, "IF IT DOESN'T 'TAKE,' WE'LL KNOW SOON." THREE WEEKS LATER, SAME THING HAPPENED. THIS REPAIR IS ON TOP OF A MAJOR GASKET REPLACEMENT DONE JUST A FEW MONTHS EARLIER BECAUSE THE GASKETS WERE LEAKING. CAR HAS ABOUT 115,000 MILES & HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY.
NHTSA ODI #11206422
107,000 miles · Apr 15, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System
ON ROUTINE OIL VISIT CHANGE, DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING SLIGHTLY BUT DIDN'T NEED IMMEDIATE REPAIR. I HAD NOTICED NO SYMPTOMS. ON NEXT VISIT FOR AN UNRELATED PROBLEM, WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED IMMEDIATE REPAIR AT A COST OF MORE THAN $2,000. A QUICK ONLINE SEARCH CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG…
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ON ROUTINE OIL VISIT CHANGE, DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING SLIGHTLY BUT DIDN'T NEED IMMEDIATE REPAIR. I HAD NOTICED NO SYMPTOMS. ON NEXT VISIT FOR AN UNRELATED PROBLEM, WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED IMMEDIATE REPAIR AT A COST OF MORE THAN $2,000. A QUICK ONLINE SEARCH CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG FORESTER OWNERS. I LET THE DEALER MAKE THE REPAIR BUT COMPLAINED TO SUBARU CORPORATE, WHICH WROTE OFF SOME OF THE COST BUT STILL COST ME HUNDREDS TO FIX.
NHTSA ODI #11196457
85,000 miles · Feb 10, 2019
Engine
LEFT SIDE HEAD GASKET LEAKING OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. SUBARU FAULTY HEAD GASKETS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE FAULTY HEAD GASKETS. ONLY 85000 MILES ON THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11176119
Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2018
Engine
DEAR SUBARU, I OWN A SUBARU 2.0 DIESEL EE20. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM GERMANY. THE CAR ENGINE BROKE IN ROMANIA AFTER 10000 K. NOT EVEN RESIST UNTIL THE REVISION. I WAS TO SUBARU ROMANIA ( SUBARUMOTORS BUCHAREST ) TO MR DANIEL SIMION BEFORE ENGINE BREAK. HE TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WILL BREAK BECAUSE OF CRANKSHAFT FAILURE. THE CA…
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DEAR SUBARU, I OWN A SUBARU 2.0 DIESEL EE20. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM GERMANY. THE CAR ENGINE BROKE IN ROMANIA AFTER 10000 K. NOT EVEN RESIST UNTIL THE REVISION. I WAS TO SUBARU ROMANIA ( SUBARUMOTORS BUCHAREST ) TO MR DANIEL SIMION BEFORE ENGINE BREAK. HE TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WILL BREAK BECAUSE OF CRANKSHAFT FAILURE. THE CAR BROKE AFTER 1 MOUNTH. ( 2000 KM). I SPOKED WITH DANIEL SIMION TO TAKE MY CAR AND APPLY GOODWILL SUBARU LAW'. HE TOLD ME TO GO TO GERMAN DEALER. I SPOKE WITH MR SUBARU DEUTSCHLAND GMBH MICHAEL CADA-VASQUEZ KUNDENDIENST EMIL-FREY-STRASSE 6 61169 FRIEDBERG E-MAIL: [XXX] [XXX] TOLD ME THAT SUBARU ROMANIA BUCHAREST CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THAT IF MY CAR IT IS REGISTER IN ROMANIA THEY CAN APPLY GOODWILL. I SPOKE AGAIN TO [XXX] CONSILIER SERVICE SUBARU MOTORS TRADING SRL THEODOR PALLADY NR. 47, SECTOR 3 BUCURESTI, ROMANIA TEL.: +040 21 345.55.35 FAX: +040 21 345.55.40 MOBIL: 0752.28.77.83 E-MAIL : [XXX] BUT MR SIMION TOLD ME THAT IS DIFFICULT TO APPLY GOODWILL ..AND THAT HE WILL COME BACK WITH A RESPONSE. HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT IS RESPONSABILITY OF THE ORIGINAL DEALER TO APPLY GOODWILL. MY CAR HAVE ALL SERVICE BOOK IN GERMANY. AND LAST REVISION WAS AT SUBARU AUTHORISED SERVICE. AUTO KEMPINGER SUBARU.DE TRACK NB FOR THIS CAR IS : [XXX] CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? IT IS A SAD SITUATION AND I DON T KNOW WHO CAN HELP ME. WITH RESPECT, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11152124
184,320 miles · Nov 16, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR STARTS TO JERK AND HESITATE ALOT WHEN ACCELERATING HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY WHICH CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON SO THEN YOU TAKE IT GET IT PLUGGED IN ON LITTLE MACHINE TELLS YOU SOMETHING SO YOU FIX THAT ISSUE THINKING IT'S ALL BETTER BUT NOPE STILL CONTINUES TO HAPPEN MIGHT BE GOOD FOR A FEW WEEK…
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WHEN DRIVING THE CAR STARTS TO JERK AND HESITATE ALOT WHEN ACCELERATING HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY WHICH CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON SO THEN YOU TAKE IT GET IT PLUGGED IN ON LITTLE MACHINE TELLS YOU SOMETHING SO YOU FIX THAT ISSUE THINKING IT'S ALL BETTER BUT NOPE STILL CONTINUES TO HAPPEN MIGHT BE GOOD FOR A FEW WEEKS TO A MONTH BUT ALWAYS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GO UP HILLS OR ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE IS BARELY ANY ACCELERATION.
NHTSA ODI #11151932
83,000 miles · Nov 18, 2017
EngineService BrakesCrash
I HAD PULLED INTO MY COMPANY PARKING LOT AND WAS BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE. I PULLED FORWARD, APPLIED THE BRAKE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR ZOOMED BACKWARD. I JUMPED A CURB, WENT THROUGH VERY THICK BUSHES AND LANDED ON TOP OF A SMALL AUDI PARKED IN THE LOT BEHIND OURS. I HA…
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I HAD PULLED INTO MY COMPANY PARKING LOT AND WAS BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE. I PULLED FORWARD, APPLIED THE BRAKE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR ZOOMED BACKWARD. I JUMPED A CURB, WENT THROUGH VERY THICK BUSHES AND LANDED ON TOP OF A SMALL AUDI PARKED IN THE LOT BEHIND OURS. I HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR TO STOP THE ENGINE. I WAS TOO IN SHOCK TO TAKE PHOTOS BUT OTHERS DID AND I CAN ADD LATER, WITH THE POLICE REPORT WHEN IT'S COMPLETED, IF THAT'S POSSIBLE. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST THE CAR WAS GOING. MUCH TOO FAST TO BE BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE. AUTO BODY SHOP ACROSS THE STREET HELPED TO DISENGAGE THE CARS. NO TOWING NEC.
NHTSA ODI #11047177
138,900 miles · Nov 1, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS (TRACTION CONTROL, CRUISE CONTROL AND ENGINE LIGHT) ARE LIT BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IT IS VERY COSTLY TO FIX THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. BECAUSE WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WE ARE LEFT WITH NO TRACTION CONTROL OR CRUISE CONTROL. ALSO, IF SOMETHING HORRIBLE …
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DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS (TRACTION CONTROL, CRUISE CONTROL AND ENGINE LIGHT) ARE LIT BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IT IS VERY COSTLY TO FIX THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. BECAUSE WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WE ARE LEFT WITH NO TRACTION CONTROL OR CRUISE CONTROL. ALSO, IF SOMETHING HORRIBLE HAPPENS TO THE CAR, WE WILL NOT BE WARNED ABOUT IT SINCE THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I AM NOT ALONE. SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM - JUST LOOK AT THE HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ON THE ONLINE SUBARU FORUM. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. WHEN SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, THEN IT IS THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I AM REQUESTING FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE ADDRESSED IN A RECALL OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR THE 2010 SUBARU FORESTER.
NHTSA ODI #11042160
94,733 miles · Aug 12, 2017
Engine
PROBLEM OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WITH VEHICLE IN GEAR. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. BOTH ON CITY ROADS. ONCE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AND AGAIN WHILE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME. FEARED I WOULD COLLIDE WITH CARS AHEAD OF ME, BUT EXTREMELY FIRM PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL AVOIDED THIS. ALSO HAVE CEL ON. CODE INDICATES M…
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PROBLEM OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WITH VEHICLE IN GEAR. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. BOTH ON CITY ROADS. ONCE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AND AGAIN WHILE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME. FEARED I WOULD COLLIDE WITH CARS AHEAD OF ME, BUT EXTREMELY FIRM PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL AVOIDED THIS. ALSO HAVE CEL ON. CODE INDICATES MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 4. THAT WAS DETERMINED AT THE SERVICE CENTER OF BURDICK'S DRIVERS VILLAGE IN CICERO, WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR USED ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT DRIVERS VILLAGE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THEY COULD DO. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE IT TO ROMANO SUBARU, WHICH I DID. THE SERVICE CENTER AT ROMANO SUBARU REPLACED AN IGNITION COIL, BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINS. ROMANO WANTED TO DROP THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND INSPECT THE ENGINE, BUT I DECLINED. SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES WERE ALSO REPLACED BY MY MECHANIC. I HAVE ALSO SWITCHED TO TOP TIER FUEL, WHICH HASN'T HAD AN EFFECT. I LIKE MY FORESTER, BUT THE ISSUES WITH THE CEL AND SUDDEN ACCELERATION MAKE ME PONDER A TRADE. THE CAR IS A 2010, WITH 96,300 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11014812
80,000 miles · Apr 25, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 5,000 MILES AND NOTICED THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE FAILED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE S…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 5,000 MILES AND NOTICED THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE FAILED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SHORT BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10980525
74,000 miles · Apr 21, 2017
Engine
I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 BE INVESTIGATED FOR DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS AS THEY APPEAR TO BLOW SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. MY VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 74000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AND NEARLY EXCLUSIVELY BY THE DEALER. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, …
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I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE SUBARU FORESTER 2010 BE INVESTIGATED FOR DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS AS THEY APPEAR TO BLOW SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. MY VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 74000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AND NEARLY EXCLUSIVELY BY THE DEALER. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, I NOTICED THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO AN OIL CHANGE SERVICE STATION TO HAVE THEM CHECK ON AND REPLACE THE COOLANT AND CHANGE THE OIL. AFTERWARD, I DROVE THE CAR HOME BUT NOTICED THAT WHEN I WAS NEARLY HOME THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I COULD HEAR A LOW WHISTLING NOISE. IT WAS TOO LATE THAT EVENING TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THE NEXT MORNING, ON MY WAY TO GET THE CAR CHECKED/SERVICED, THE LIGHTS FOR COOLANT, CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL BEGAN FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY. WAS ADVISED OF BLOWN HEAD GASKET(S) AND THAT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER DID REPAIRS, INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE BLOCK, WHICH TOOK APPROX 6 WEEKS. THIS ISSUE HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, IN A CAR THAT HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR AND HAS RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE FOR ITS AGE. THIS ISSUE RENDERED THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THE TIME IT OCCURRED. I AM UNSURE IF THE ISSUES HAVE BEEN FULLY RESOLVED YET AS I GOT THE CAR BACK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON 2 DAYS LATER. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK AT THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. HOWEVER, I WANTED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE I AM HOPING OTHER CAR OWNERS MIGHT BE PROTECTED FROM ANY POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS/SAFETY INCIDENTS DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKETS. THANK YOU AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.
NHTSA ODI #10979833
Official recalls
17Nov 10, 2022
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRJ-22.
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
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.
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 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback 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 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 TKB-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.
Oct 13, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
May 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be 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 their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
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.
Dec 26, 2012
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Mar 13, 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR in the SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES LOCATED IN THE REAR CENTER SEATING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DO NOT MEET LOCKABILITY REQUIREMENTS AND FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION. SPECIFICALLY, THE ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT PERMIT PROPER INSTALLATION AND SECURE ATTACHMENT OF A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN INSECURE INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WITH A NEWLY MODIFIED AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2012. 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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