NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
651 reports5,500 miles · Mar 27, 2013
Wheels
REPEATED SEVERE SHIMMING OF CAR WHEN DIRT OR MUD GETS IN WHEEL WELLS. IN WINTER ANY SLUSH OR SNOW ON THE WHEELS CAUSES A CONTROL PROBLEM. CAR AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE SEVERELY. ONCE INSIDE OF WHEELS ARE PRESSURE WASHED PROBLEM DISAPPEARS, ONLY TO REAPPEAR WHEN DIRT AGAIN GETS INTO THE WHEELS. DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALER INDIC…
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REPEATED SEVERE SHIMMING OF CAR WHEN DIRT OR MUD GETS IN WHEEL WELLS. IN WINTER ANY SLUSH OR SNOW ON THE WHEELS CAUSES A CONTROL PROBLEM. CAR AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE SEVERELY. ONCE INSIDE OF WHEELS ARE PRESSURE WASHED PROBLEM DISAPPEARS, ONLY TO REAPPEAR WHEN DIRT AGAIN GETS INTO THE WHEELS. DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN WINTER. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THIS ALSO IS A COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN THE 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK'S. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE WHEELS WHICH PICK UP DEBRIS ON A LARGE FLAT LEDGE. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS CONTROL OF VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED WHEN YOU HAVE SEVERE SHAKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504712
50,000 miles · Mar 25, 2013
Exterior Lighting
THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT AT A VERY FREQUENT RATE. REPLACING THEM IS VERY INCONVENIENT AND TIME CONSUMING SINCE YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE WHEELS IN ORDER TO GET ACCESS. DEALER CHARGES $100.00 TO REPLACE. SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SINCE MY OTHER SUBARU HAS NEEDED ONLY ONE REPLACEMENT SINCE 2004. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504486
40,000 miles · Mar 18, 2013
Air Bags
WE HAVE A SUBARU OUTBACK THAT WE PURCHASED IN MAY 2011. IN JANUARY 2013 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR BEGAN TO TURN OFF RANDOMLY WHILE I WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR OR MOVEMENT ON MY PART WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOT …
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WE HAVE A SUBARU OUTBACK THAT WE PURCHASED IN MAY 2011. IN JANUARY 2013 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR BEGAN TO TURN OFF RANDOMLY WHILE I WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR OR MOVEMENT ON MY PART WE HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM. I HAVE CALLED THE SUBARU COMPANY AND THEY SAY THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND SINCE THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM THERE IS NONE. THE COMPANY ALSO STATE THERE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINTS BY OTHER PEOPLE MY WEIGHT. (117 LBS.) THEY ALSO STATE THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT INFLATE IF THE INDICATOR FOR THE AIRBAG IS OFF. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY FEAR OF NOT HAVING AN AIRBAG IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT TO NO AVAIL. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10503466
60,000 miles · Mar 12, 2013
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE NOW REPLACED 3 LOW BEAM LIGHT BULBS IN MY CAR WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. TWO ON THE LEFT AND ONE ON THE RIGHT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. BULBS SHOULD NOT BURN OUT THIS QUICKLY AND REPEATEDLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502536
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2013
Exterior Lighting
DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP BURNED OUT, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP AND 12 WEEKS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP BURNED OUT. I AM SHOCKED THAT A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES WOULD ALREADY HAVE TWO HEADLAMPS BURN OUT WITHIN WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF A PROBLEM WITH HEADLAMPS EVEN THOUGH INTERNET IS FLOODED WI…
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DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP BURNED OUT, REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP AND 12 WEEKS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMP BURNED OUT. I AM SHOCKED THAT A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES WOULD ALREADY HAVE TWO HEADLAMPS BURN OUT WITHIN WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF A PROBLEM WITH HEADLAMPS EVEN THOUGH INTERNET IS FLOODED WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502304
10,000 miles · Mar 4, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
SUBARU OUTBACK LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. PURCHASED 2011 OUTBACK IN NOV 2010. JULY 2011 DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. NOV 2011 PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. JULY 2012 DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. DEALER CHECKED OUT LIGHTING SY…
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SUBARU OUTBACK LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. PURCHASED 2011 OUTBACK IN NOV 2010. JULY 2011 DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. NOV 2011 PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. JULY 2012 DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT REPLACED AT DEALER. DEALER CHECKED OUT LIGHTING SYSTEM AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. DEC 2012 BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS OUT. CALLED SUBARU CORPORATE AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NO REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM (EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE LOTS OF DISCUSSIONS ONLINE). REPLACED AT LOCAL MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WAS 17 DEGREES OUT AND THESE BULBS ARE NOT EASY OR CHEAP TO CHANGE (MY COST WAS $40+ FOR 2 BULBS PLUS $38 FOR MECHANIC INSTALL). IDENTIFIED THAT DEALER BULBS REMOVED WERE PHILIPS. REPLACED WITH SYLVANIA. MARCH 2013 DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT OUT AGAIN. CALLED CORPORATE AGAIN. THEY SUGGESTED TAKING TO LOCAL DEALER (45 MINUTES AWAY) TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE CAR OUT. CORPORATE AND DEALER ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF PROBLEM AND WILL CHANGE THE BULB ... BUT THAT DOESN'T ELIMINATE THE SAFETY ISSUE. IN ADDITION, IT DOESN'T TAKE CARE OF THE HASSLE OR THE COSTS. IF YOU NEED MORE EXAMPLES OF THIS SAME PROBLEM (TO PROVE IT IS NOT JUST MY CAR), CHECK OUT THESE OTHER CASES LISTED ON THIS NHTSA WEBSITE: 2011 ------------------------- DATE OF INCIDENT: 03/01/2013 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10500919 DATE OF INCIDENT: 05/03/2012 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10487940 DATE OF INCIDENT: 09/13/2012 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10475296 DATE OF INCIDENT: 08/17/2012 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10471366 2010 ---------------------------- DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/01/2011 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10498055 DATE OF INCIDENT: 10/01/2010 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10486749. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10501253
15,000 miles · Mar 1, 2013
Exterior Lighting
THE LOWBEAM HEADLAMPS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE AN UNUSUALLY SHORT LIFESPAN. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMPS HAVE FAILED WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF ONE ANOTHER LEADING TO AN UNSAFE VEHICLE CONDITION. THE DEALER AND SUBARU HAVE REFUSED TO PERFORM FREE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE HEADLAMP FAI…
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THE LOWBEAM HEADLAMPS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE AN UNUSUALLY SHORT LIFESPAN. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLAMPS HAVE FAILED WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF ONE ANOTHER LEADING TO AN UNSAFE VEHICLE CONDITION. THE DEALER AND SUBARU HAVE REFUSED TO PERFORM FREE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE HEADLAMP FAILURES AND SHORT LIFESPAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500919
42,000 miles · Feb 8, 2013
Air Bags
FIRST I WILL SAY I AM AN ADULT FEMALE WEIGHING 120 LBS, SUFFICIENT WEIGHT TO ACTIVATE AIRBAGS. WE JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND WENT FOR LONG TRIP AND I NOTICED MY AIR BAG LIGHT WAS OFF. I TRIED TO ADJUST POSITIONS AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET IT TO COME BACK ON, ONLY TO FIND A FEW MINUTES LATER THAT IS OFF AGAIN, THIS PROCESS WAS …
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FIRST I WILL SAY I AM AN ADULT FEMALE WEIGHING 120 LBS, SUFFICIENT WEIGHT TO ACTIVATE AIRBAGS. WE JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND WENT FOR LONG TRIP AND I NOTICED MY AIR BAG LIGHT WAS OFF. I TRIED TO ADJUST POSITIONS AND SOMETIMES I COULD GET IT TO COME BACK ON, ONLY TO FIND A FEW MINUTES LATER THAT IS OFF AGAIN, THIS PROCESS WAS REPEATED THE WHOLE 7 HOUR TRIP. WE WERE TRAVELING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS SO THIS WAS VERY UPSETTING TO NOT HAVE THE AIR BAGS WORKING. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEMS THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. WHAT GOOD ARE SAFETY FEATURES IN A CAR IF THEY DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496875
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2013
Service Brakes
I PURCHASED A SUBARU OUTBACK (2011). SINCE THAT TIME, I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER OF "SOFT BRAKES." THE CAR DOES NOT STOP IN A TIMELY, OR EFFECTIVE MANNER. I HAVE TO OVERCOMPENSATE FOR ROUTINE STOPPING DISTANCES; AND, YOU CANNOT PANIC STOP. THERE IS AT LEAST 2 INCHES OF PLAY IN THE BRAKE; IT FAILS TO STOP ADEQUATELY …
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I PURCHASED A SUBARU OUTBACK (2011). SINCE THAT TIME, I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER OF "SOFT BRAKES." THE CAR DOES NOT STOP IN A TIMELY, OR EFFECTIVE MANNER. I HAVE TO OVERCOMPENSATE FOR ROUTINE STOPPING DISTANCES; AND, YOU CANNOT PANIC STOP. THERE IS AT LEAST 2 INCHES OF PLAY IN THE BRAKE; IT FAILS TO STOP ADEQUATELY IN A SAFE MANNER; AND THE BRAKES ARE SIMPLY UNRESPONSIVE IN AN EMERGENCY STOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10492057
28,600 miles · Dec 20, 2012
Air BagsCrashInjury
THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN ITS FRONT END COLLIDED WITH THE SIDE OF A CAR MOVING SLOWLY ACROSS ITS PATH. THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT WORKED PROPERLY. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10489333
Official recalls
16Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Jan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Apr 11, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Jan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Jan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Jan 9, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
Sep 13, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
Jan 9, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Jan 10, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Sep 27, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
May 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Feb 25, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Electrical System
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Dec 26, 2012
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Sep 7, 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND RETAINER WAS INADEQUATELY APPLIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE MOONROOF GLASS CAN LOOSEN AND DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE DURING DRIVING, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GLASS ADHESION CONDITION AND EITHER APPLY ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE OR REPLACE THE MOONROOF GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Jul 20, 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY DRILLING AN OIL LUBRICATION HOLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERNAL PARTS WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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