NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
22 reportsClear category filter147,000 miles · May 16, 2019
Engine
WHEN DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP THE CAR STALLED. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC. APPARENTLY SUBARU DISTRIBUTED A BULLETIN NOTING THAT THIS WAS COMMON IN LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS MADE BEFORE 2013 (SEE ATTACHED) AND IS DUE TO A TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. THIS SEEMS DANGEROUS AS IT CAN HAPPEN …
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WHEN DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP THE CAR STALLED. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC. APPARENTLY SUBARU DISTRIBUTED A BULLETIN NOTING THAT THIS WAS COMMON IN LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS MADE BEFORE 2013 (SEE ATTACHED) AND IS DUE TO A TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. THIS SEEMS DANGEROUS AS IT CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OTHER CARS MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. APPARENTLY THIS IS OVER $1500 TO FIX, BUT I BELIEVE SUBARU SHOULD COVER SOME IF NOT ALL OF THE COST. THE CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS 147K MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11208024
230,000 miles · Feb 5, 2019
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
VERY ROUTINELY WHEN COMING TO A STOP FROM THE CAR MOVING WHEN YOU DECREASE YOUR SPEED WHEN STOPPING FOR A LIGHT, TRAFFIC, OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD REQUIRE A QUICK STOP, THE CAR WILL STALL OUT AS YOUR SPEED IS LESS THAN 10-20 MPH AND YOU LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING, BRAKES. ECT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS…
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VERY ROUTINELY WHEN COMING TO A STOP FROM THE CAR MOVING WHEN YOU DECREASE YOUR SPEED WHEN STOPPING FOR A LIGHT, TRAFFIC, OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD REQUIRE A QUICK STOP, THE CAR WILL STALL OUT AS YOUR SPEED IS LESS THAN 10-20 MPH AND YOU LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING, BRAKES. ECT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU IMMEDIATELY. THIS CAN OCCUR ON ANY STREET, HIGHWAY AND WILL DO THIS WHILE TURNING AS WELL. THIS HAPPENS DAILY IN MY COMMUTE AND IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. IT OCCURS WHEN COMING TO A STOP FROM A MOVING POSITION.
NHTSA ODI #11174622
1,380,000 miles · Jan 8, 2019
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
WHEN CAR IS COMING UP TO A STOP SIGN IT STALLS AND DIES ON ME AND I HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK AND START IT BACK UP. I HAD A TIME WHERE IT IDLED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE AND DIDN'T BUT IT DOES THIS 4 TO 8 TIMES A DAY. NOT SURE WHAT IS GOING ON BUT I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK DUE TO IT STALLING. PLEASE HELP THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXE…
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WHEN CAR IS COMING UP TO A STOP SIGN IT STALLS AND DIES ON ME AND I HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK AND START IT BACK UP. I HAD A TIME WHERE IT IDLED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE AND DIDN'T BUT IT DOES THIS 4 TO 8 TIMES A DAY. NOT SURE WHAT IS GOING ON BUT I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK DUE TO IT STALLING. PLEASE HELP THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED IT IS NOT SAFE ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN IN MY CAR . I NEED ANSWERS.
NHTSA ODI #11165890
148,450 miles · Sep 11, 2018
EngineService Brakes
MY CAR HESITATES AND TURNS OFF SOMETIMES WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT A STOP OR RED LIGHT, RPMS FLUCTUATE AS I BRAKE OR ACCELERATE, MY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON SOLID AND I GET A AT OIL TEMP LIGHT FLASHING AND THEN I CAN'T USE MY PADDLESHIFTERS AT ALL, CAR SOUNDS HIGHLY REV'D BUT DOESN'T GO AS FAST! PLEASE HELP AS THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, I DR…
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MY CAR HESITATES AND TURNS OFF SOMETIMES WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT A STOP OR RED LIGHT, RPMS FLUCTUATE AS I BRAKE OR ACCELERATE, MY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON SOLID AND I GET A AT OIL TEMP LIGHT FLASHING AND THEN I CAN'T USE MY PADDLESHIFTERS AT ALL, CAR SOUNDS HIGHLY REV'D BUT DOESN'T GO AS FAST! PLEASE HELP AS THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, I DRIVE ON CALIFORNIA FREEWAYS EVERYDAY AND THIS IS A DANGER TO MY FAMILY WHEN COMMUTING.
NHTSA ODI #11128791
65,000 miles · Jan 13, 2017
Engine
ENGINE IDLE RPM IS UNSTABLE. (+ / - 500 RPM) ENGINE STALLED MANY TIMES (6 OR 7) WITHOUT REASON AND IN DANGEROUS SITUATION AS TURNING IN THE INTERSECTION OR CROSSING RAIL ROADS, WHEN STOPPING OR SLOWING DOWN. I WENT TWICE IN SUBARU SERVICE. AT FIRST THEY REPLACED THE "TORQUE CONVERTER" AND PROCEEDED WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS IN THE…
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ENGINE IDLE RPM IS UNSTABLE. (+ / - 500 RPM) ENGINE STALLED MANY TIMES (6 OR 7) WITHOUT REASON AND IN DANGEROUS SITUATION AS TURNING IN THE INTERSECTION OR CROSSING RAIL ROADS, WHEN STOPPING OR SLOWING DOWN. I WENT TWICE IN SUBARU SERVICE. AT FIRST THEY REPLACED THE "TORQUE CONVERTER" AND PROCEEDED WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS IN THE ENGINE. SECOND TIME THEY "RE-PROGRAMMED" THE COMPUTER. AS OF TODAY I AM GETTING SAME ISSUE WITHOUT HELP FROM SUBARU SERVICE. THEY ADVISED TO FILE A CLAIM AND EVENTUALLY SUE THE COMPANY.
NHTSA ODI #10945061
140,000 miles · Jan 31, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineVisibility/wiperFire
01/07/2016 SHORTLY AFTER TAKING THE FREEWAY EXIT WIFE NOTICED THE BATTERY LIGHT TURNED ON AND POWER STEERING GOT HEAVY. ALL OTHER WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED TO FLICKER AS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT QUICKLY FILLED WITH SMOKE. SHE THEN PULLED OVER AND HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME TO GET BOTH KIDS OUT BEFORE THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGU…
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01/07/2016 SHORTLY AFTER TAKING THE FREEWAY EXIT WIFE NOTICED THE BATTERY LIGHT TURNED ON AND POWER STEERING GOT HEAVY. ALL OTHER WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED TO FLICKER AS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT QUICKLY FILLED WITH SMOKE. SHE THEN PULLED OVER AND HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME TO GET BOTH KIDS OUT BEFORE THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF HER 2011 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R LIMITED. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA ODI #10823290
59,000 miles · Dec 8, 2015
Engine
CAR SPUTTERS & STALLS WHEN BRAKING
NHTSA ODI #10809113
110,000 miles · Sep 10, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
WHENEVER THE BRAKE IS PRESSED HARD TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR STALLS AND ALL ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF. IT DOESNT SEEM TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU BRAKE VERY SLOW BEFORE COMING TO A FULL STOP. BUT IF YOU BRAKE SLOWLY AND THEN PRESSED THE PEDAL FULL, THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR. THIS CAN CAUSE PANIC AND ALSO DELAY ON CARS RUNNING BEHIND THE CAR.…
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WHENEVER THE BRAKE IS PRESSED HARD TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR STALLS AND ALL ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF. IT DOESNT SEEM TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU BRAKE VERY SLOW BEFORE COMING TO A FULL STOP. BUT IF YOU BRAKE SLOWLY AND THEN PRESSED THE PEDAL FULL, THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR. THIS CAN CAUSE PANIC AND ALSO DELAY ON CARS RUNNING BEHIND THE CAR. IT APPEARS THIS IS SIMILAR PROBLEM REPORTED UNDER 10395739. I ALSO FOUND A NUMBER OF SIMILARLY REPORTED PROBLEMS ONLINE WITH SUBARU CARS.
NHTSA ODI #10762795
65,000 miles · Apr 21, 2015
EnginePower Train
CAR CONTINUES TO STALL WHEN REDUCING SPEED. OCCURS MOSTLY AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS; HOWEVER, HAS OCCURRED WHEN SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC. CAR HAS COMPLETED ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES AS REQUIRED. INITIALLY TOLD TO SERVICE AIR FLOW SENSOR AND HAVE INSPECTED FOR VACUUM LEAK. VEHICLE SERVICE DID NOT RESOLVE STALLIN…
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CAR CONTINUES TO STALL WHEN REDUCING SPEED. OCCURS MOSTLY AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS; HOWEVER, HAS OCCURRED WHEN SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC. CAR HAS COMPLETED ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES AS REQUIRED. INITIALLY TOLD TO SERVICE AIR FLOW SENSOR AND HAVE INSPECTED FOR VACUUM LEAK. VEHICLE SERVICE DID NOT RESOLVE STALLING. SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13 SHOWS SUBARU KNOWS THE TORQUE CONVERTER TO BE FAULTY ON THESE VEHICLES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNDER THESE EXACT CONDITIONS. THIS IS CREATING A SAFETY CONCERN ON THESE VEHICLES FOR THE POTENTIAL TO BE REAR ENDED DUE TO STALLING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW VEHICLE. SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AND TORQUE CONVERTER SHOULD BE REPLACED BY SUBARU DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10711902
72,000 miles · Mar 25, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes
FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS MY SUBARU LEGACY HAS BEEN STALLING AND LOSING POWER WHEN I ROLL TO A STOP AND/OR WHEN SUDDENLY BRAKING. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY SEMI TRUCK ON THE FREEWAY AND MULTIPLE TIMES AT STOP LIGHTS IN FOGGY SITUATIONS. SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAID IF IT WAS AN ANNOYANCE I SHOULD BRING IT IN. ALMOST DYING IN A SUBARU WI…
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FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS MY SUBARU LEGACY HAS BEEN STALLING AND LOSING POWER WHEN I ROLL TO A STOP AND/OR WHEN SUDDENLY BRAKING. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY SEMI TRUCK ON THE FREEWAY AND MULTIPLE TIMES AT STOP LIGHTS IN FOGGY SITUATIONS. SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAID IF IT WAS AN ANNOYANCE I SHOULD BRING IT IN. ALMOST DYING IN A SUBARU WITH MY DAUGHTERS IS MORE THAN AN ANNOYANCE. DEALERSHIP HAS KNOWN ABOUT IT BUT PERFORMED A THROTTLE BODY SERVICE, WHICH WAS FUTILE. ONLINE FORUMS SUGGEST A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER AND A SERVICE#16-90-30. QUOTES FOR REPLACING IT ARE AROUND $2000. SUBARU KNOWS IT IS DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN OF TORQUE CONVERTER...THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. I USED TO LOVE SUBARUS AND THIS CAR, I AM NOW FORCED TO TAKE A LOSS FINANCIALLY AND BUY A SAFER CAR. COMPLETELY UNSAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10701824
Official recalls
16Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Apr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Jan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Jan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Jan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
Sep 13, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Jan 10, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Sep 27, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
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.
Feb 25, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Electrical System
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
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.
Sep 7, 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND RETAINER WAS INADEQUATELY APPLIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE MOONROOF GLASS CAN LOOSEN AND DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE DURING DRIVING, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GLASS ADHESION CONDITION AND EITHER APPLY ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE OR REPLACE THE MOONROOF GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Jul 20, 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY DRILLING AN OIL LUBRICATION HOLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERNAL PARTS WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2010. 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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