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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
33,000 miles · Sep 26, 2017
SteeringVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREGORIS NISSAN (555 W MERRICK RD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 115…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREGORIS NISSAN (555 W MERRICK RD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 (516) 825-8700), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA ODI #11029921

143,000 miles · Aug 30, 2017
EnginePower Train

I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT MY CAR'S SYMPTOMS TO DEALERS AND SERVICE MECHANICS SINCE AUGUST 2014 (90,000+MILES) WITH NO DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. SYMPTOMS COULD NOT BE REPLICATED OR WHEN LOW RPMS WERE NOTED, IT WAS JUST THAT - NOTED. MY VEHICLE SHUDDERS, HEADLIGHTS DIM, AND DIPS TO LOW RPMS WHEN APPROACHING A STOP OR WHEN IN REVER…

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I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT MY CAR'S SYMPTOMS TO DEALERS AND SERVICE MECHANICS SINCE AUGUST 2014 (90,000+MILES) WITH NO DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. SYMPTOMS COULD NOT BE REPLICATED OR WHEN LOW RPMS WERE NOTED, IT WAS JUST THAT - NOTED. MY VEHICLE SHUDDERS, HEADLIGHTS DIM, AND DIPS TO LOW RPMS WHEN APPROACHING A STOP OR WHEN IN REVERSE AT LOW SPEEDS. IT HAS STALLED 4 TIMES SINCE I HAVE BROUGHT IT UP. THE FIRST FEW WERE IN A PARKING LOT AND AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THIS MORNING WAS SCARY (143,000MILES)- I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK, REMOVE MY KEY OR RESTART MY CAR. I HAD TO RUN OUT OF MY CAR AND LEAVE IT THERE MOMENTARILY TO GET HELP. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, SUBARU HAS AN EXTENDED CVT WARRANTY TSB 16-107-17. IN IT, TSB 16-90-13R - DESIGN CHANGE TO LOCK-UP TYPE TORQUE CONVERTER IS REFERRED TO. I BELIEVE THIS IS MY PROBLEM. BUT I'M GETTING THE RUNAROUND FROM DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS AND SUBARU OF AMERICAS HOTLINE ON HOW THIS IS ADDRESSED SINCE I HAVE OVER 100K MILES AND WHETHER OR NOT THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS COVERED IN THIS WARRANTY. SINCE IT IS "NOT A RECALL, AS IT DOES NOT IMPACT THE SAFETY OF YOUR VEHICLE", I CANNOT GET IT LOOKED AT RIGHT AWAY NOR AM I OFFERED A RENTAL WHILE WAITING TO DO SO. PLEASE - STALLING IN TRAFFIC RANDOMLY IS A SAFETY HAZARD! I HAVE TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE I CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT TO JUST CHECK THIS AND HOPE THIS TIME THEY DISCOVER THE SAME THINGS I HAVE - MEANWHILE I'M NOT OFFERED A RENTAL AND HAVE TO DRIVE THIS ONE THAT MAY STALL AT ANY TIME. PLEASE CONSIDER HAVING THE FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER ASSEMBLY RECALLED. THOSE WHO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF RANDOMLY STALLING IN TRAFFIC - OUR LIVES ARE IN DANGER AND IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE TRAGEDY OCCURS.PERHAPS UNRELATED - MY VEHICLE HAS ALSO STALLED ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65MPH... LOST ACCELERATION AND I HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER.

NHTSA ODI #11020568

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL : MULTIPLE DEALERS HAVE REPORTED THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THIS AIRBAG RECALL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MORE THAN ONE DEALER IN MORE THAN ONE CITY WHO HAS GIVEN ME THE SAME RESPONSE. I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING AROUND WITH THESE FAULTY AIRBAGS WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD HARM ME IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I WOUL…

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TAKATA RECALL : MULTIPLE DEALERS HAVE REPORTED THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THIS AIRBAG RECALL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MORE THAN ONE DEALER IN MORE THAN ONE CITY WHO HAS GIVEN ME THE SAME RESPONSE. I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING AROUND WITH THESE FAULTY AIRBAGS WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD HARM ME IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE THEM REPLACED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

NHTSA ODI #11020233

114,000 miles · Aug 28, 2017
Power Train

CAR ABRUPTLY SHIFTS, LOSES POWER, AND INTERMITTENTLY STALLS IN LOWER GEARS DURING OPERATION. THIS MAY OCCUR DURING BRAKING, IDLING, OR ACCELERATION. THREE TIMES THE ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. ALL CHECK ENGINE DASH LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED BACK INTO PARK AND THE I…

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CAR ABRUPTLY SHIFTS, LOSES POWER, AND INTERMITTENTLY STALLS IN LOWER GEARS DURING OPERATION. THIS MAY OCCUR DURING BRAKING, IDLING, OR ACCELERATION. THREE TIMES THE ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. ALL CHECK ENGINE DASH LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED BACK INTO PARK AND THE IGNITION TURNED OFF AND BACK ON TO RESTART. IT SOMETIMES TOOK SEVERAL TRIES. THIS CREATES A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD FOR BEING STRUCK IN INTERSECTIONS, OR FROM BEHIND IN MOVING TRAFFIC. CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS. SUBARU MECHANICS CONFIRMED A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT. MY MILEAGE WAS 114K AT ONSET. CAR IS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 I. I HAD CAR MAINTAINED PROPERLY AT ALL RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED AFTER 100K AND OCCURRED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ESSENTIALLY, THE AUTOMOBILE WENT FROM FULLY FUNCTIONAL TO THIS SITUATION (SUDDEN STALLING DURING OPERATION) WITHIN A WEEK. THIS SITUATION IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THE TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. THERE IS A SAFETY BULLETIN RELATED TO THIS ISSUE (TSB NO. 16-101-16) AND A WARRANTY EXTENSION IS NOT ENOUGH. CARS BEYOND 100K MILES MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE OF THE REPAIRS, WHICH MAY INCUR COSTS OF SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. MANUFACTURERS MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.

NHTSA ODI #11020222

75 miles · Aug 22, 2017
Exterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT COVER ENOUGH VISIBILITY WHILE MOVING FORWARD DOWN ROAD. THERE IS A NOTICEABLE LINE WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS SHINE. THEY BEAM VERY LOW TO THE ROAD SURFACE. WE BROUGHT TO DEALER BECAUSE OF CONCERN THE RESPONSE WAS THAT THAT IS THE WAY THEY ARE. NO RESOLVE. DIFFICULT TO SEE DRIVING IN DARK UNLESS HIGH BEAMS ARE ON…

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THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT COVER ENOUGH VISIBILITY WHILE MOVING FORWARD DOWN ROAD. THERE IS A NOTICEABLE LINE WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS SHINE. THEY BEAM VERY LOW TO THE ROAD SURFACE. WE BROUGHT TO DEALER BECAUSE OF CONCERN THE RESPONSE WAS THAT THAT IS THE WAY THEY ARE. NO RESOLVE. DIFFICULT TO SEE DRIVING IN DARK UNLESS HIGH BEAMS ARE ON. HIGH BEAMS ARE VERY NICE. THE LINE OF DARKNESS TO LIGHTED ROAD IS NOT PREVALENT. OTHER DRIVERS OFTEN SHINE BRIGHTS ON ME WHEN I HAVE MY LIGHTS ON REGULAR LOW BEAM.

NHTSA ODI #11019039

80,000 miles · Aug 12, 2017
Unknown Or Other

OUR SUBARU OUTBACK (2011) HAS BEEN SHUDDERING AND DYING WHEN COMING TO STOPS. IT BEGAN DOING THIS APPROXIMATELY MARCH/APRIL OF 2016, AND THE ISSUE IS STILL NOT RESOLVED. WE TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE CENTER IN MADISON, WISCONSIN, VERY CONCERNED, IN MAY OF 2016, BUT THEY TOLD US THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLE…

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OUR SUBARU OUTBACK (2011) HAS BEEN SHUDDERING AND DYING WHEN COMING TO STOPS. IT BEGAN DOING THIS APPROXIMATELY MARCH/APRIL OF 2016, AND THE ISSUE IS STILL NOT RESOLVED. WE TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE CENTER IN MADISON, WISCONSIN, VERY CONCERNED, IN MAY OF 2016, BUT THEY TOLD US THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. (HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE, SINCE IT DOES IT SO OFTEN?) WE TOOK IT IN AGAIN IN WINTER/SPRING 2016, AND THEY FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED WE HAD AN ISSUE AND TOLD US THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $1500-$1800! WE WERE CONCERNED, ESPECIALLY, BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE, AND, FURTHER, BECAUSE OF THE COST TO US TO FIX IT. IF SUBARU HAD IDENTIFIED AND DEALT WITH THE ISSUE WHEN IT FIRST STARTED, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN UNDER SOME KIND OF WARRANTY. WE TOOK THE CAR HOME, DID SOME RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED THAT LOTS AND LOTS OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WE DESCRIBED TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP OVER A YEAR AGO. HOW COULD SUBARU NOT KNOW THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE? THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OUT THERE! WE HAVE SINCE BEEN BORROWING MY PARENTS' CAR FOR LONGER DRIVES AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. TODAY WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SUBARU INDICATING THEY WERE GIVING US A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE CAR'S CVT. GUESS WHAT? IT COVERS THE OUTBACK 2010-2015, THEY WROTE. HOW LONG HAS SUBARU KNOWN THIS WAS AN ISSUE WHILE FAMILIES LIKE MINE WERE DRIVING A CAR WITH A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW? I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DESK IMMEDIATELY AND TALKED WITH A REP WHO WANTED TO BE CLEAR THAT THIS ISN'T A RECALL, (REALLY?) AND THAT I'D HAVE TO CALL BACK TO FIND OUT IF IT'LL BE COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION SINCE, APPARENTLY, THE TORQUE CONVERTER, THOUGH RELATED, ISN'T "TECHNICALLY" THE CVT. HE SAID THEY HAD DONE A SIMILAR REPAIR, THOUGH, AND THE WARRANTY HAD COVERED IT.

NHTSA ODI #11014818

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11013968

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2017
Exterior Lighting

WHEN PUT INTO GEAR, AND YOU TURN ON HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAM, THEY ARE NOT WORKING. CAR CAN BE STATIONARY OR MOVING. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK. FOG LIGHT WORK. LOW BEAMS ARE THE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING, IN MOTION THE SENSOR LIGHT WILL BLINK ON & OFF, THEN HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN PAST YEAR. WAS A…

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WHEN PUT INTO GEAR, AND YOU TURN ON HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAM, THEY ARE NOT WORKING. CAR CAN BE STATIONARY OR MOVING. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK. FOG LIGHT WORK. LOW BEAMS ARE THE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING, IN MOTION THE SENSOR LIGHT WILL BLINK ON & OFF, THEN HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN PAST YEAR. WAS ALREADY IN FOR SERVICE, BUT NOW PROBLEM IS BACK

NHTSA ODI #11012069

50,000 miles · Jul 21, 2017
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE RPMS DECREASED TO LESS THAN 500. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPEN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE RPMS DECREASED TO LESS THAN 500. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (CHIPP AUTO IN FAIRMONT, WV) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11010026

68,000 miles · Jul 11, 2017
Power Train

VERY LOW ENGINE RPM WHEN COMING TO A STOP.IT, ONCE IN A WHILE WITH A/C RUNNING, KILLED THE ENGINE WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT CERTAINLY IS SCARY TO ALMOST HAVING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. PERFORMED RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE BY THE DEALERSHIP (TRANS FLUID REPLACEMENT, NEW SPARK PLUGS, NEW AIR FILTER), HOWEVER, IT DIDN'T FIX THIS V…

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VERY LOW ENGINE RPM WHEN COMING TO A STOP.IT, ONCE IN A WHILE WITH A/C RUNNING, KILLED THE ENGINE WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT CERTAINLY IS SCARY TO ALMOST HAVING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. PERFORMED RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE BY THE DEALERSHIP (TRANS FLUID REPLACEMENT, NEW SPARK PLUGS, NEW AIR FILTER), HOWEVER, IT DIDN'T FIX THIS VERY LOW IDLE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11004632

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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