← New search

2011 Subaru Legacy

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Legacy years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Subaru Legacy are substantially higher than the model-year median of 77.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

121 reports with mileage · 46 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports2 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

167 reports
82,000 miles · Mar 23, 2015
Exterior Lighting

REPLACED THE LOW BEAMS FIVE TIMES SINCE 20,000 MILES. THE DRIVER SIDE FOUR TIMES AND THE PASSENGER SIDE ONCE. SUBARU REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM WHEN IT STILL WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, AROUND 35,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10701252

63,000 miles · Mar 20, 2015
Air BagsCrashFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UNTIL 4 OR 5 SECONDS LATER. PRIOR TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING, BURNING FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INDICATE IF A POL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UNTIL 4 OR 5 SECONDS LATER. PRIOR TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING, BURNING FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INDICATE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR IF ANY INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH A DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 4/30/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/23/15 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10700736

114,000 miles · Jan 9, 2015
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

I WAS COMING TO A RED LIGHT SLOWING DOWN FROM 15 MPH WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR ACTS LIKE SOMETHING IS GRABBING & IT SHUTS DOWN THE MOTOR. THE CAR WAS NOT COLD IT WAS WARMED UP & DROVE ABOUT 28 MILES BEFORE DOING THIS. THE SKID LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS A DRY ROAD. THIS CAR HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE SEARCHED THIS ON …

Read full complaint

I WAS COMING TO A RED LIGHT SLOWING DOWN FROM 15 MPH WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR ACTS LIKE SOMETHING IS GRABBING & IT SHUTS DOWN THE MOTOR. THE CAR WAS NOT COLD IT WAS WARMED UP & DROVE ABOUT 28 MILES BEFORE DOING THIS. THE SKID LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS A DRY ROAD. THIS CAR HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE SEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET & HAVE SEEN OTHERS SAYING THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED WITH THEIR SUBARU. ITS SCARY TO THINK THIS MIGHT HAPPEN TO ME ON ONE OF OUR SLICK ROADS GOING OFF A HILL. I HAVE NOT HAD IT CHECKED OUT YET DO TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. I HAVE NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BREAKS WHEN IT STARTS FEELING LIKE THE ROTORS ARE GRABBING IF YOU EASE OFF JUST A LITTLE AND THEN APPLY AGAIN THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF IT WILL STAY RUNNING. I HAVE SHUT OFF THE SKID PROTECTION AND DROVE IT & STILL IT WILL DO THIS AND THE SKID LIGHT WILL SHOW UP. ON THE INTERNET IT SAYS IT COULD BE THE ICV VALVE. BUT IM NOT SURE THAT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SKID PROTECTION. I BOUGHT THE CAR THIS SUMMER & I HAD THE DEALER SHIP TO PUT NEW BREAKS AND ROTORS ON IT BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. HAD NO TROUBLE AT ALL WITH THIS UNTIL LAST MONTH. I JUST HAD THE OIL AND FILTER CHANGED THIS WEEK. THERE ARE NO SERVICE LIGHTS STAYING LIT. & IT STILL DOES THIS. I WILL BE GETTING THIS CHECKED OUT. A GUY MENTIONED THAT IT COULD BE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC & DOES HAVE THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFTERS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS IN THE AUTOMATIC MODE WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT IS NOT DROVE IN THE MANUAL SIDE. IM THINKING I SHOULD TRY DRIVING IN THE MANUAL SIDE TO SEE IF IT WILL DO THIS. I'VE HAD NO COMPLAINTS WITH ANY OF MY OTHER SUBARUS WEVE OWNED. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THEM. HOWEVER I HAVE NEVER OWNED ONE WITH THE SKID PROTECTION OR IN THE 2000 MODEL UNTIL THIS ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671506

78,000 miles · Dec 31, 2014
Exterior Lighting

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE BLOW OUT 3 TIMES IN ONE YEAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669294

30,000 miles · Nov 20, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. UPON LIGHT ACCELERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (AND STAYED ON), PARKING BRAKE LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK, CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR BEGAN TO BLINK, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. DRIVER DID NOT DETECT ANY SLIPPAGE. AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH OIL CONTROL…

Read full complaint

VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. UPON LIGHT ACCELERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (AND STAYED ON), PARKING BRAKE LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK, CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR BEGAN TO BLINK, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. DRIVER DID NOT DETECT ANY SLIPPAGE. AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) DESPITE COMPUTER CODE INDICATING POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THAT PART. DEALER, HOWEVER, INDICATED OIL FLUSH, RATHER THAN SIMPLY AN OIL CHANGE, WAS NECESSARY DESPITE LESS THAN 5,000 MILES SINCE PREVIOUS OIL CHANGE. DEALER ASSERTED THAT OIL LEVEL WAS NOT LOW, HOWEVER. CAUSE OF WHAT TRIGGERED THE INDICATORS TO BE SET OFF REMAINS UNCLEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10659768

50,000 miles · Nov 14, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY LE 3.6R, AND THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT. I WORK AN HOUR AWAY FROM MY HOME AND HAD TO DRIVE MOST OF THE WAY WITHOUT HEADLAMPS BECAUSE THE 2ND ONE BLEW ON THE WAY HOME. WITH ONLY HIGH BEAMS AND DAYTIME RUNNER LAMPS, IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND HAVE HAD …

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY LE 3.6R, AND THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT. I WORK AN HOUR AWAY FROM MY HOME AND HAD TO DRIVE MOST OF THE WAY WITHOUT HEADLAMPS BECAUSE THE 2ND ONE BLEW ON THE WAY HOME. WITH ONLY HIGH BEAMS AND DAYTIME RUNNER LAMPS, IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS TWICE ALREADY. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, IT APPEARS THAT THE HEADLAMPS DRAW TOO MUCH POWER FROM THE WIRING/ELECTRONIC BOARD THAT EVENTUALLY OVERHEATS THE HEADLAMPS CAUSING THEM TO BURN OUT. IT ALSO APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE SUBARU INVESTIGATING IT AND HANDING THEIR CUSTOMERS A SOLUTION! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10655144

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2014
Exterior Lighting

I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY HEAD LIGHTS. I AM DISABLED AND THIS HAS BECOME A HUGE PROBLEM AND IS NOT SOMETHING I WOULD ADVISE THE NHTSA TO LAUGH AT OR TAKE LIGHTLY. NOT CORRECTING A REOCCURING ISSUE THAT THEIR VEHICLE, WHICH IS PROMOTED TO BE EXTREMELY SAFE AND RELIABLE IS A HUGE MISCONCEPTION. IF THEY ARE OK WITH A DISAB…

Read full complaint

I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY HEAD LIGHTS. I AM DISABLED AND THIS HAS BECOME A HUGE PROBLEM AND IS NOT SOMETHING I WOULD ADVISE THE NHTSA TO LAUGH AT OR TAKE LIGHTLY. NOT CORRECTING A REOCCURING ISSUE THAT THEIR VEHICLE, WHICH IS PROMOTED TO BE EXTREMELY SAFE AND RELIABLE IS A HUGE MISCONCEPTION. IF THEY ARE OK WITH A DISABLED PERSON OR ANY PERSON DRIVING AT NIGHT EXPECTING THIER LIGHTS TO LAST BECAUSE THEY HAVE JUST HAD THEM CHANGED, JUST TO END UP HAVING TO DRIVE IN THE COMPLETE DARK, IS MORE THAN JUST AN ISSUE. ITS AN ACCIDENT, WHICH COULD END VERY BADLY, WAITING TO HAPPEN.. THIS NEEDS TO MADE A PRIORITY TO FIX FOR ANY 2011 SUBARU LEGACY OWNER. I AM ON MY TOWNS COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHICH HAPPENS TO BE LOCATED IN THE SAME TOWN THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP IS LOCATED. THIS TOPIC WAS DISCUSSED AT A PREVIOUS MEETING AND IT IS GOING TO BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY BY THE BOARD IF SOMETHING IS NOT DONE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. MULTIPLE OCCURANCES. I HAVE TRIED EVERY AVENUE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. I AM CONFIDENT THIS IS NOW A MANUFACTURERS ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THIS CORRECTED ONCE AGAIN TODAY AND IF SOMETHING IS TO HAPPEN TOMORROW WHEN I AM DUE TO TRAVEL IN THE DARK, MY FAMILY AND LAWYERS WILL BE HOLDING SUBARU PERSONALLY LIABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653899

900 miles · Oct 31, 2014
Exterior Lighting

ALL 2015 SUBARU LEGACYS, INCLUDING MINE, HAVE A HORSESHOE SHAPED CLOUDY IMAGE ON THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENS WHEN THE LOW BEAMS ARE TURNED ON. IT APPEARS TO BE A RESULT OF A REFLECTION FROM THE HEADLIGHT BULB BECAUSE WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE OFF THE CLOUDY IMAGE IS NO LONGER THERE. I NOTICED THE LIGHTS WERE PROJECTING AN INFERIOR BEAM…

Read full complaint

ALL 2015 SUBARU LEGACYS, INCLUDING MINE, HAVE A HORSESHOE SHAPED CLOUDY IMAGE ON THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENS WHEN THE LOW BEAMS ARE TURNED ON. IT APPEARS TO BE A RESULT OF A REFLECTION FROM THE HEADLIGHT BULB BECAUSE WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE OFF THE CLOUDY IMAGE IS NO LONGER THERE. I NOTICED THE LIGHTS WERE PROJECTING AN INFERIOR BEAM MAKING NIGHT DRIVING MORE DIFFICULT DUE TO THIS CLOUDINESS IN THE PLASTIC LENS COVERING THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I HAVE CONTACTED A FEW SUBARU SERVICE PEOPLE AND THEY KNOW ABOUT IT BUT SUBARU IS NOT FORTHCOMING WITH ANY INFORMATION. I DID WRITE TO THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IN NJ BUT NO ANSWER AS OF YET. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT AS IT DOES AFFECT THE LIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND SECONDLY IT LOOKS BAD AS WELL. CHECKING WITH OTHER LEGACY MODELS ON THE CAR LOT HAS SHOWN THEY ALL HAVE THIS SAME IMAGE WHICH I CALL THE "BAT SIGNAL" AS USED IN THE BATMAN MOVIES. I WOULD APPRECIATE A BETTER LIGHTING SYSTEM ON A $25,000 NEW CAR WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651718

40,000 miles · Oct 23, 2014
SteeringSuspension

VEHICLE SWAYS SIDE TO SIDE FROM ONE SIDE OF ROAD TO OTHER SIDE OF ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AROUND 60 MPH. WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ABOUT 45 HAD NOT EFFECT ON STEERING. WHEN DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING PULLS EXTREMELY, UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE GRIPING THE STEERING WHEEL HARD. THE CAR IS BEING PULLED SIDE…

Read full complaint

VEHICLE SWAYS SIDE TO SIDE FROM ONE SIDE OF ROAD TO OTHER SIDE OF ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AROUND 60 MPH. WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ABOUT 45 HAD NOT EFFECT ON STEERING. WHEN DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING PULLS EXTREMELY, UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE GRIPING THE STEERING WHEEL HARD. THE CAR IS BEING PULLED SIDE TO SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEED 60 MPH CAN NOT GET THE SPEED UP PASS 60 MPH AND HAPPENS IN SLIGHT WINDY CONDITIONS. DEALER IS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM SINCE ALL THE TIRES ARE BRAND NEW, ALIGNMENT IS FULLY PERFECT. SUSPENSIONS ARE PERFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649503

26,000 miles · Oct 15, 2014
Power TrainService Brakes

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 SUBARU LEGACY FOR OVER EIGHT MONTHS, MY CAR WOULD JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER, AFTER SEVERAL TRIES THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURING ONE MY CAR STILL HAVING TROUBLE, WHENEVER I START THE VEHIC…

Read full complaint

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 SUBARU LEGACY FOR OVER EIGHT MONTHS, MY CAR WOULD JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER, AFTER SEVERAL TRIES THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURING ONE MY CAR STILL HAVING TROUBLE, WHENEVER I START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FROM PARK TO REVERSE, ITS A HARD SHIFT AND THE CAR SHAKES LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL, ALSO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, I HAVE TAKING MY CAR BACK AND THEY TOLD ME THAT'S NORMAL, THERE IS NOTHING NORMAL ABOUT THAT, WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW THAT PROBLEM NEVER EXISTED, MY CAR HAVE 32, 800 MILES NOW, EVERYTIME I TAKE MY CAR I LOOSE A DAY FROM WORK, PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644781

Official recalls

16

20V001000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

20V002000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

20V003000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

19V297000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

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.

19V007000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

19V008000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

19V009000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

18V626000 · Parking Brake

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.

18V012000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

17V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

16V694000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

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.

16V358000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

13V061000 · Electrical System; Equipment

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.

12V602000 · Exterior Lighting

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.

11V467000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

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.

10V326000 · Power Train:manual Transmission

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.