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2011 Subaru Outback

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Outback years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Subaru Outback are substantially higher than the model-year median of 207.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

462 reports with mileage · 189 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 216 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

23 crash reports6 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

651 reports
110,351 miles · Mar 7, 2020
Power Train

THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL DURING EMERGENCY BRAKING. THUS INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ISSUED A TSB 16-90-13R.

NHTSA ODI #11316799

120,000 miles · Mar 6, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

HAVE HAD THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BLOWN MULTIPLE TIMES ON MY SUBARU OUTBACK, 2011, AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES EACH ONES, LEFT AND RIGHT. DON'T REMEMBER IF I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM SUBARU OR SAW IT ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM MANY OWNERS AND SUBARU HAVING A FIX FOR IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 2017 AND THEY REPLACED THE…

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HAVE HAD THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BLOWN MULTIPLE TIMES ON MY SUBARU OUTBACK, 2011, AT LEAST 3-4 TIMES EACH ONES, LEFT AND RIGHT. DON'T REMEMBER IF I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM SUBARU OR SAW IT ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM MANY OWNERS AND SUBARU HAVING A FIX FOR IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 2017 AND THEY REPLACED THE BLOWN BULB AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A IMPROPER CONTACT THAT CAUSED THE ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST 2 TIMES SINCE AND HAVE ONE BLOWN AGAIN. SUSPECT THAT THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE AND NEEDS A THROUGH FIX. IT CAN CAUSE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF BOTH HEADLIGHTS BLOW AT THE SAME TIME.

NHTSA ODI #11316658

115,000 miles · Feb 27, 2020
Power Train

VEHICLE STALLS DURING HARD BRAKING CAUSING AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN HAPPENING ON THE ROAD. OBVIOUSLY ONCE THE CAR STALLS THE OPERATOR CAN NO CONTROL AND MUST PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO RESTART. DIAGNOSED BY DEALER AS BAD TORQUE CONVERTER.

NHTSA ODI #11311980

142,000 miles · Feb 20, 2020
Power Train

MY TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED FOR A TORQUE CONVERTER RECALL AT THIS DATE. JUST A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER MY TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE.IT MAKES LOUD NOISES WHILE DRIVING. MY SUBARU DEALER INDICATES THE TRANSMISSION COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME AND WILL FAIL EVENTUALLY.SUBARU CORPORATE SAYS THAT THIS IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. TH…

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MY TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED FOR A TORQUE CONVERTER RECALL AT THIS DATE. JUST A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER MY TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE.IT MAKES LOUD NOISES WHILE DRIVING. MY SUBARU DEALER INDICATES THE TRANSMISSION COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME AND WILL FAIL EVENTUALLY.SUBARU CORPORATE SAYS THAT THIS IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. THEY HAVE AN ARBITRARY 100,000 WARRANTY FOR THE ISSUE. I'M CONCERNED THE ISSUE WILL CAUSE ME TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. OR LEAVE ME STRANDED, BOTH OF WHICH ARE SAFETY ISSUES. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS WITH SUBARU. SHOULDN'T BY TRANSMISSION WARRANTY HAVE RESET, WHEN THEY SERVICED THE TRANS FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER RECALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ODI #11310363

180,000 miles · Feb 17, 2020
Service BrakesSteeringUnknown Or OtherCrash

ON 2/11/20 AROUND 12:30PM ET, I WAS APPROACHING THE HIGHWAY VIA AN ONRAMP, AND MY SPEED WAS BARELY 25 MPH. SUDDENLY, AS I WAS ON THE APPROACH-ROAD, I SUDDENLY FELT THAT THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND TURNING ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY (EITHER STEERING OR ANTI-LOCK MALFUNCTION). IT HIT THE FENCE AND THEN TURNED (FLIPPED) ON ITS DRIVER S…

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ON 2/11/20 AROUND 12:30PM ET, I WAS APPROACHING THE HIGHWAY VIA AN ONRAMP, AND MY SPEED WAS BARELY 25 MPH. SUDDENLY, AS I WAS ON THE APPROACH-ROAD, I SUDDENLY FELT THAT THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND TURNING ON THE RIGHT SIDE ONLY (EITHER STEERING OR ANTI-LOCK MALFUNCTION). IT HIT THE FENCE AND THEN TURNED (FLIPPED) ON ITS DRIVER SIDE AS CAN BE SEEN IN THE PICTURE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SO PLEASE MAKE A PROPER INVESTIGATION. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. MY DAMAGED CAR IS IN 'COUNTY TOWING' IN 49 FULLERTON AVE, YONKERS, NY 10704, PHONE: (914) 423-1101

NHTSA ODI #11309657

78,291 miles · Feb 12, 2020
EngineService Brakes

CAR STALLS OUT WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, ESPECIALLY IF I HAVE TO STOP SHORT DUE TO BEING CUT OFF. CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC, SO THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN AND IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CARS ARE COMING BEHIND ME. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND EACH TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND …

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CAR STALLS OUT WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, ESPECIALLY IF I HAVE TO STOP SHORT DUE TO BEING CUT OFF. CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC, SO THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN AND IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CARS ARE COMING BEHIND ME. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND EACH TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THUS NO DIAGNOSIS. AFTER READING ONLINE, IT SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM TO SUBARU WITH A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER.

NHTSA ODI #11308723

143,802 miles · Feb 9, 2020
Structure

OUR MOONROOF SUDDENLY DETACHED AND FLEW OFF FROM THE CAR WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WE WERE GOING ACROSS THE SAN MATEO BRIDGE AROUND 10:45 AM ON SUNDAY 2/9/20 AND SUDDENLY HEARD LOTS OF WIND NOISE FROM THE MOONROOF, SLID BACK THE SUN SHADE, AND FOUND THE MOONROOF WAS GONE.

NHTSA ODI #11308031

120,600 miles · Feb 8, 2020
Power Train

2011 SUBARU OUTBACK ENGINE OCCASIONALLY SHUDDERS AND IS SLOW TO START UP, PARTICULARLY IN EXTREME COLD. STARTING TODAY, 2/8/2020,WHEN DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP, RUNNING ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. FIRST WHEN DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET; TURNED IGNITION OFF AND RESTARTED ENGINE, DRIVING SLOWLY HOME. SECOND…

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2011 SUBARU OUTBACK ENGINE OCCASIONALLY SHUDDERS AND IS SLOW TO START UP, PARTICULARLY IN EXTREME COLD. STARTING TODAY, 2/8/2020,WHEN DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP, RUNNING ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT DOWN ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. FIRST WHEN DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET; TURNED IGNITION OFF AND RESTARTED ENGINE, DRIVING SLOWLY HOME. SECOND WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION ON DRIVE TI BERMAN SUBARU OF CHICAGO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. BERMAN'S INSPECTION SAID NO CODES WERE STORED, PROVIDED THIS SERVICE RECOMMENDATION: "GIVE OWNER OPTION OF EITHER A NEW TRANS OR A TORQUE CONVERTER. IF CONVERTER IS REPLACED THERE MAY BE INTERNAL TRANS ISSUES. RECOMMENDATION: REPLACE TORQUE CONVERTER AND O RING. APPROVED: $ 154.95 - DECLINED: $ 2,457.53"

NHTSA ODI #11307924

117,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Visibility/wiper

WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 60 MPH ON A 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY, SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED INTO HUNDREDS OF BITS OF GLASS. FORTUNATELY, THE SHADE WAS CLOSED SO NO GLASS CAME INSIDE THE VEHICLE. NO OTHER DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE, AND I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER FULL CONTROL. THIS OCCURRED DURING DAYTIME HOURS ON JANUAR…

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WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 60 MPH ON A 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY, SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED INTO HUNDREDS OF BITS OF GLASS. FORTUNATELY, THE SHADE WAS CLOSED SO NO GLASS CAME INSIDE THE VEHICLE. NO OTHER DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE, AND I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER FULL CONTROL. THIS OCCURRED DURING DAYTIME HOURS ON JANUARY 17, 2020. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 37 DEGREES. NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME THAT MAY HAVE THROWN UP ANY ROCKS, SO THERE IS NO APPARENT CAUSE FOR THIS GLASS FAILURE TO OCCUR.

NHTSA ODI #11300827

140,000 miles · Jan 19, 2020
Power Train

I HAVE READ OTHER OWNERS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TORQUE CONVERTERS CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL OUT AND DIE. NOW I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM IN MY CAR. THIS WILL CAUSE DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SUBARU WILL BE SUED BECAUSE THEY DID NOT PERFORM A RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11300272

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.

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