NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
651 reportsMileage unknown · Nov 29, 2011
Air Bags
THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION SENSOR. MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHS APPROX. 125 LBS, OFTEN SITS IN THAT SEAT. THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT MIGHT GO ON, OR IT MIGHT NOT. SOMETIMES SHE CAN SHIFT HER WEIGHT AND HAVE IT COME ON. OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SHE DOES, IT WILL NOT GO ON. WE CAN BE RID…
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THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ACTIVATION SENSOR. MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHS APPROX. 125 LBS, OFTEN SITS IN THAT SEAT. THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT MIGHT GO ON, OR IT MIGHT NOT. SOMETIMES SHE CAN SHIFT HER WEIGHT AND HAVE IT COME ON. OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SHE DOES, IT WILL NOT GO ON. WE CAN BE RIDING ALONG WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, FOR NO REASON, IT WILL GO OFF. THEN, INEXPLICABLY, IT MIGHT, OR MIGHT NOT, COME BACK ON. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A LOCAL SUBARU DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS MADE AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. THEY SAID THAT IT IS AGAINST FEDERAL LAW FOR THEM TO MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS AND THAT I SHOULD JUST MAKE SURE MY WIFE WEARS HER SEAT BELT WHEN WE'RE DRIVING. THIS IS A MAJOR IRRITANT, SINCE NEITHER OF US CAN BE SURE IF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL ACTUALLY DEPLOY SHOULD WE BE IN AN ACCIDENT. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS, ESPECIALLY NOW THAT I'VE SEARCHED THIS SITE AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR. I JOKE WITH MY WIFE THAT WE MIGHT NEED TO FATTEN HER UP TO SAVE HER LIFE, BUT FOR SOME REASON SHE JUST DOESN'T THINK IT'S FUNNY. MAYBE YOU FOLKS CAN LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10437774
8,100 miles · Nov 29, 2011
SuspensionWheels
VEHICLE VIBRATION - AFTER ABOUT 8K MILES A VIBRATION STARTED IN THE SEAT AND STEERING. TIRES WERE REBALANCED USING A ROAD FORCE BALANCING MACHINE. THEN THE VIBRATION WOULD COME AND GO EVEN AT SET SPEEDS. BUT WOULD GET WORSE GOING AROUND TURNS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP DID A "FIX" WHICH DIDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING. NO MATTER TH…
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VEHICLE VIBRATION - AFTER ABOUT 8K MILES A VIBRATION STARTED IN THE SEAT AND STEERING. TIRES WERE REBALANCED USING A ROAD FORCE BALANCING MACHINE. THEN THE VIBRATION WOULD COME AND GO EVEN AT SET SPEEDS. BUT WOULD GET WORSE GOING AROUND TURNS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP DID A "FIX" WHICH DIDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING. NO MATTER THE LOAD IN THE CAR 5 PEOPLE IN THE CAR OR EMPTY VIBRATION COMES AND GO. THEY SAY THE ISSUE WAS FIXED IN 2012 MODELS HAD A LOANER WHILE CAR WAS IN FOR THE 2 DAY FIX. SAME VIBRATION ISSUE AS I HAD. THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT THIS FIX. MY REAR TIRES ARE WEARING BETTER THEN THEY WERE BEFORE IT. THE OUTSIDE OF MY TIRES WERE WEARING FUNNY EVEN WHEN THE ALIGNMENT WAS WITHIN SPEC. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10437645
14,000 miles · Nov 10, 2011
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS FILLED WITH DIRT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE POSSIBLY OF THE VEHICLE STALLING OR RESULTING IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS FILLED WITH DIRT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE POSSIBLY OF THE VEHICLE STALLING OR RESULTING IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA ODI #10435193
11,483 miles · Nov 4, 2011
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V467000 (VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS BECAUSE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V467000 (VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW WEEKS BECAUSE THE NECESSARY PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION BECAUSE THE RECALL NOTICE INFORMED HER THAT SHE WOULD HAVE HER VEHICLE BACK ON THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,483.
NHTSA ODI #10434232
20 miles · Nov 2, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT PROVIDE PROPER ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT LIGHT SHADES WHERE THE TOP HALF OF THE LIGHT WAS DARK AND THE LOWER PART OF THE LIGHT WAS BRIGHT, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE DEAL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT PROVIDE PROPER ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT LIGHT SHADES WHERE THE TOP HALF OF THE LIGHT WAS DARK AND THE LOWER PART OF THE LIGHT WAS BRIGHT, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10433970
Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2011
Unknown Or Other
I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER AFTER TWO VISITS THAT THE TRANSMISSION AXLE SEAL NEEDS REPLACED AND POSSIBLY SOME OTHER PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10433631
5,035 miles · Oct 28, 2011
Exterior Lighting
WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IN AUTO MODE THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON AND THEN TURN OFF WHILE GOING UNDER INTERSTATE BRIDGE OVERPASSES. THE HAZARD WITH THIS IS: VEHICLES IN FRONT THINK THEY ARE BEING SIGNALING AT AND THEY SUDDENLY SLOW . ALSO VEHICLES IN ONCOMING LANES THINK THEY ARE BEING SIGNALED AT. THEY SLOW AND STARE. THIS …
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WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IN AUTO MODE THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON AND THEN TURN OFF WHILE GOING UNDER INTERSTATE BRIDGE OVERPASSES. THE HAZARD WITH THIS IS: VEHICLES IN FRONT THINK THEY ARE BEING SIGNALING AT AND THEY SUDDENLY SLOW . ALSO VEHICLES IN ONCOMING LANES THINK THEY ARE BEING SIGNALED AT. THEY SLOW AND STARE. THIS ISSUE I HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALERS. THEY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM BUT GIVE NO SOLUTION OR HAVE A CORRECT REPLACEMENT PART.THEY SAY IT IS NORMAL, "ALL SUBARUS DO THIS". THERE IS AN ADJUSTMENT THEY HAVE TRIED BUT EITHER THE LIGHTS COME ON TOO SOON OR THEY DON'T COME ON SOON ENOUGH. AT THE HAPPY MEDIUM THEY COME ON AS DESCRIBE ABOVE AT EVERY BRIDGE OVERPASS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I WISH SOMEONE WOULD ADDRESS THIS DEFECT. OTHER OWNERS I HAVE TALKED WITH EITHER MANUALLY TURN THEIR LIGHTS ON WHEN NEEDED OR THEY LEAVE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IN THE "ALWAYS ON" POSITION. HEADLIGHTS ARE EXPENSIVE FOR THIS MODEL AND LEAVING THEM ON IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME. SOMETIMES I FORGET TO TURN THEM AND I FIND MYSELF DRIVING IN THE DARK. ALL MY OTHER CARS HAVE AUTO-ON LIGHTS AND NATURALLY WORK PROPERLY. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS DEFECT. IF I WAS PRIVY TO THIS DEFECT I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT A SUBARU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10433127
13,000 miles · Oct 25, 2011
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS TOO LOW FOR HIM TO SEE THROUGH BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED HE WAS ON HIS OWN WITH REPAIRING THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD NOT APPROVE ANY MODIFI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS TOO LOW FOR HIM TO SEE THROUGH BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED HE WAS ON HIS OWN WITH REPAIRING THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD NOT APPROVE ANY MODIFICATIONS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
NHTSA ODI #10432720
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2011
Air BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE TOLD THE SUBARU DEALER(S) THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT SAYS "OFF" UNLESS THE PASSENGER WEIGHS OVER 150 LBS OR SO. THE DEALER(S) DENY KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, IT IS ON A SUBARU BLOG AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE AIRBAG IS WORKING OR NOT. MY BRAKE P…
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I HAVE TOLD THE SUBARU DEALER(S) THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT SAYS "OFF" UNLESS THE PASSENGER WEIGHS OVER 150 LBS OR SO. THE DEALER(S) DENY KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, IT IS ON A SUBARU BLOG AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE AIRBAG IS WORKING OR NOT. MY BRAKE PEDAL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I RELEASE THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE SUBARU DEALER TOLD ME HE KNEW THIS HAPPENED TO ALL OF THE 2010 MODELS BUT DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS HAPPENING TO THE 2011 MODELS AND HE SAID THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO ABOUT IT UNTIL SUBARU COMES OUT WITH A RECALL. SO FAR I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM SUBARU, IT'S BEEN 5 MONTHS. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10429351
4,710 miles · Oct 6, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER ST…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY, GEAR BOX ASSEMBLY AND POWER STEERING FLUID WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,710. UPDATED 10/27/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WAS STIFF ALL THE TIME. HE STATED THE FASTER HE DROVE, THE HARDER THE STEERING BECAME, AS IF THERE WERE NO POWER STEERING. UPDATED 11/07/11
NHTSA ODI #10428908
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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