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2013 Subaru Outback

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru Outback do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 207.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

207 reports with mileage · 89 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.

  • Engine. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports6 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

296 reports
2,000 miles · Jun 14, 2016
Engine

VIN: [XXX] YEAR: 2013 VEHICLE: OUTBACK MODEL: 2.5I PREMIUM VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE 08/05/2013 AUGUST 2013 (LESS THAN 2500 MILES IN THE CAR) RETURNING FROM A TRIP PEMBROKE PINES, FL TO CLIFTON, NJ TO PEMBROKE PINES, FL. ON RETURNING TRIP SATURDAY, 11:00 AM OR SO. SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 BEFORE JACKSONVILLE, FL, OIL LIGHT TURN ON. SU…

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VIN: [XXX] YEAR: 2013 VEHICLE: OUTBACK MODEL: 2.5I PREMIUM VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE 08/05/2013 AUGUST 2013 (LESS THAN 2500 MILES IN THE CAR) RETURNING FROM A TRIP PEMBROKE PINES, FL TO CLIFTON, NJ TO PEMBROKE PINES, FL. ON RETURNING TRIP SATURDAY, 11:00 AM OR SO. SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 BEFORE JACKSONVILLE, FL, OIL LIGHT TURN ON. SUBARU ROAD ASSISTANCE RECOMMENDED SUBARU OF JACKSONVILLE, FL. WENT THERE AND THEY POUR SOME OIL AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. AUGUST 31ST, 2015, STARTED TO TRAVEL TO JACKSONVILLE, TALLAHASSEE AND GAINESVILLE, FL. MORE THAN 3 SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN 2015. JANUARY 2016 SITUATION INCREASES. BETWEEN DEC 2015 AND JAN 2016, CAR REPEATED THE LOW OIL LEVEL SITUATION 3 TIMES. JAN 25, 2016, SUBARU OF JAX RAN A 1200 MILES OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. RESULT WAS NEGATIVE. MISSING OIL WAS BETWEEN SUBARU STANDARDS. WEEKEND ON FRI, 04/08/2016 7:30 PM, DRIVING FROM JAX TO PEMBROKE PINES, FL, LOW OIL LEVEL LIGHT CAME BACK ON. TRIED TO RESET IT SEVERAL TIMES, TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON. ONLY BY FORT LAUDERDALE LIGHT WENT OFF COMPLETELY. OIL LEVEL CHECKED NEXT DAY 04/09/2016. OIL MISSING ON THE STICK. 2/3 OF QTR. OIL ADDED. MON, 04/11/2016, VISITED SUBARU OF JAX AND REGISTER THE OCCURRENCE. FRI, 05/06/ 2016, FROM JAX TO PEMBROKE PINES, FL AND BACK ON SUN, 05/08/2016. LOW OIL LEVEL LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES. NEXT GAS STATION, PURCHASED MOST COMPATIBLE FULL SYNTHETIC QUARTER OIL AND POUR HALF OF THE BOTTLE. LIGHT WENT OFF FOR THE REST OF TRIP. THU, 05/12/2016, WENT TO SUBARU OF JAX TO REPORT PROBLEM EXPERIENCED AND TO MAKE OIL CHANGE AT 49,702 MILES. AGREED WITH SERVICE MANAGER TO USE OIL WITH MORE VISCOSITY, 5W30 INSTEAD OF SUBARU RECOMMENDED 0W20. THEY CHECK OIL LEVEL AND DETERMINE THAT 3/4 OF A QUARTER OF OIL WAS MISSING. SO WE ARE TALKING OF QUARTER OR MORE OF TOTAL OIL MISSING BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. I DIDN'T LIKE THAT. 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10874229

49,935 miles · May 23, 2016
Visibility/wiperFire

2013 SUBARU OUTBACK FRONT WIPER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. JUST PRIOR TO FIRE, WIPERS HAD BEEN ACTIVATED BUT WOULD NOT RETURN TO HOME OR STOP WHEN TURNED TO OFF POSITION. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN OCTOBER 2012. ROOT CAUSE OF WIPER MOTOR AS DETERMINED BY SUBARU DEALER SHOP. SUBARU CLAIMS THIS IS UNREL…

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2013 SUBARU OUTBACK FRONT WIPER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. JUST PRIOR TO FIRE, WIPERS HAD BEEN ACTIVATED BUT WOULD NOT RETURN TO HOME OR STOP WHEN TURNED TO OFF POSITION. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN OCTOBER 2012. ROOT CAUSE OF WIPER MOTOR AS DETERMINED BY SUBARU DEALER SHOP. SUBARU CLAIMS THIS IS UNRELATED TO PRIOR RECALL FOR WIPER MOTORS WVW32 WHICH HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO 2012 MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #10870295

108,610 miles · May 20, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS, AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A LOCKED UP DUTY SOLENOID CIRCUIT FAILURE. THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS, AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A LOCKED UP DUTY SOLENOID CIRCUIT FAILURE. THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,610.

NHTSA ODI #10870045

23,767 miles · Apr 29, 2016
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

THIS VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL ISSUES. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND WITHIN 1 WEEK THEY HAD TO ADD 1.3 QUARTS. CAR HAD 23,767 MILES. IN JUST OVER A MONTH I HAVE HAD TO ADD ALMOST 4 QUARTS OF SYNTHETIC OIL AND SPENT CLOSE TO $100 FOR THE OIL. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC WITH A MANUAL OPTION AND I AM ALSO HAVEING PROBLEMS WHERE THE GEARS WON'T CH…

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THIS VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL ISSUES. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND WITHIN 1 WEEK THEY HAD TO ADD 1.3 QUARTS. CAR HAD 23,767 MILES. IN JUST OVER A MONTH I HAVE HAD TO ADD ALMOST 4 QUARTS OF SYNTHETIC OIL AND SPENT CLOSE TO $100 FOR THE OIL. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC WITH A MANUAL OPTION AND I AM ALSO HAVEING PROBLEMS WHERE THE GEARS WON'T CHANGE IN AUTO NOR MANUAL OPERATION. IT REVS THE ENGINE AND I HAVE TO STOP, TURN IT OFF THEN RESTART. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME BUT THE DEALER SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT..THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH VIBRATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE TIME AND THE BRAKES DON'T WANT TO CATCH ALL THE TIME. SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES 2 OR 3 TIMES TO GET THEM TO ENGAGE.

NHTSA ODI #10862189

28,000 miles · Mar 1, 2016
Steering

WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2-7-16 USED WITH 28,000 MILES.WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OVER 50 VEHICLE WANDERED ALL OVER THE ROAD WE CONSTANTLY HAD TO CORRECT THE STEERING TO KEEP BETWEEN THE WHITE LINES.DEALER SAID THIS WAS THE WAY RACK AND PINION STEALING WORKED.AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION ON YOUR WEB SITE THIS SEEMS TO AFFECT…

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WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2-7-16 USED WITH 28,000 MILES.WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OVER 50 VEHICLE WANDERED ALL OVER THE ROAD WE CONSTANTLY HAD TO CORRECT THE STEERING TO KEEP BETWEEN THE WHITE LINES.DEALER SAID THIS WAS THE WAY RACK AND PINION STEALING WORKED.AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION ON YOUR WEB SITE THIS SEEMS TO AFFECT MANY OF THESE VEHICLES.SEEMS THAT SUBARU HAS DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE 3013 OUTBACK.WE PUT UP WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR TWO WEEKS AND TRADED THIS LEMON IN AT THE SAME DEALER THAT SOLD US THIS JUNK.WE LOST ABOUT 5 K IN THIS TRANSACTION BUT OUR SAFETY IS MUCH MORE INPORTANT THEN THE MONEY.IN 40 YEARS PURCHASING AND DRIVING ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST EVER.WE WILL NEVER LOOK FOR A SUBARU AGAIN. HOPEFULLY OUR GOVERNMENT WILL LOOK INTO THIS SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI #10839229

21,000 miles · Feb 10, 2016
Power Train

RANDOMLY, THE FLOOR SHIFT LEVER LOCKS WHILE IN PARK AND I CAN NOT START THE CAR OR TURN THE KEY. I HAVE TO PULL BACK AND FORTH ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND JIGGLE THE SHIFT LEVER UNTIL I AM ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I AM STUCK WHERE EVER I HAVE PARKED UNTIL I CAN GET THE KEY TO TURN AND START THE CAR…

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RANDOMLY, THE FLOOR SHIFT LEVER LOCKS WHILE IN PARK AND I CAN NOT START THE CAR OR TURN THE KEY. I HAVE TO PULL BACK AND FORTH ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND JIGGLE THE SHIFT LEVER UNTIL I AM ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I AM STUCK WHERE EVER I HAVE PARKED UNTIL I CAN GET THE KEY TO TURN AND START THE CAR AND SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE WHAT EVER THE CASE MAY BE. THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AS I PARK, JUST RANDOM AND NOTHING SEEMS TO TRIGGER THE LOCKING EVENT.

NHTSA ODI #10825402

31,000 miles · Feb 2, 2016
Visibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE MOON ROOF EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

NHTSA ODI #10823835

25,000 miles · Jan 4, 2016
Engine

THIS CAR CONSUMES OIL. IT'S BEEN A CONSISTENT PROBLEM SINCE TURNING 25K, WE HAVE HAD 3 OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS AND SUBARU STATES THAT LOSING BETWEEN 1.1QTS BETWEEN SERVICE INTERVALS IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. THESE ENGINES ARE FLAWED. NO MODERN CAR SHOULD CONSUME/LOSE OIL. HAVING OWNED A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK IMPREZA SPORT A…

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THIS CAR CONSUMES OIL. IT'S BEEN A CONSISTENT PROBLEM SINCE TURNING 25K, WE HAVE HAD 3 OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS AND SUBARU STATES THAT LOSING BETWEEN 1.1QTS BETWEEN SERVICE INTERVALS IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. THESE ENGINES ARE FLAWED. NO MODERN CAR SHOULD CONSUME/LOSE OIL. HAVING OWNED A 2009 SUBARU OUTBACK IMPREZA SPORT AND KNOWING OTHERS WITH SUBARU OUTBACKS W/OUT THIS PROBLEM IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT SUBARU DOES NOT WANT TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR. I URGE THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THESE COMPLAINTS AND FORCE SUBARU TO RECALL THE EFFECTED ENGINES.

NHTSA ODI #10817628

70,000 miles · Dec 10, 2015
Engine

ENGINE IS BURNING OIL INTO ATMOSPHERE. GETTING LESS THAN 800 MILES BEFORE OIL LIGHT COMES ON. CONSUMES OVER A QUART OF SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS. SUBARU HAS BEEN REPLACING MOTORS FOR ONLY WHEN PEOPLE COMPLAIN AND ONLY IF THEY ARE IN WARRANTY, I WAS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY WHEN I EXPERIENCED THIS, THANKFULLY I BOUGHT SOM…

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ENGINE IS BURNING OIL INTO ATMOSPHERE. GETTING LESS THAN 800 MILES BEFORE OIL LIGHT COMES ON. CONSUMES OVER A QUART OF SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS. SUBARU HAS BEEN REPLACING MOTORS FOR ONLY WHEN PEOPLE COMPLAIN AND ONLY IF THEY ARE IN WARRANTY, I WAS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY WHEN I EXPERIENCED THIS, THANKFULLY I BOUGHT SOME EXTENDED INSURANCE, HOWEVER THEY ONLY REPLACE THE MOTOR WITH A JUNKYARD MOTOR, WHICH MAY FAIL AGAIN, I ALREADY SUSPECT I AM BURNING OIL AND AM INDEED FACING THE SAME ISSUE AFTER ONLY 4 WEEKS. SUBARU NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS MFGR. DEFECT. THEY ARE POLLUTING THE ATMOSPHERE AND DOING AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE TO RESOLVE. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO AFFECT A GOOD PORTION OF THESE CARS AS EVIDENCED BY ALL OF THE ONLINE CHATTER ABOUT IT. THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE. I ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS ISSUE UPON NOTICING LACK OF POWER AND HAVING MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED DUE TO IT BEING CLOGGED. I AM ALREADY NOTICING THIS SAME ISSUE THERE TOO. WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR, THE ISSUE WAS ALREADY KNOWN TO SUBARU. YET THEY DID NOT TO RESOLVE THE POLLUTING ISSUE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS TO PREVENT ANY WORSE DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING RID OF THIS VEHICLE, BUT SOMEONE ELSE MAY BE STUCK WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS HAPPENS DURING ALL DRIVING SITUATIONS.. EG: HIGHWAY OR ON LOCAL ROADS.

NHTSA ODI #10809536

60,000 miles · Dec 3, 2015
Engine

SEVERE BURNING OIL ISSUE. RELEASING TOXIC SMOKE INTO ATMOSPHERE. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH SUBARU 2.5 MOTORS. THEY ARE ONLY OFFERING A FIX FOR ANYONE IN WARRANTEE. THIS IS PREVENTING MANY VEHICLES FROM BEING REPAIRED DUE TO COST OF REPAIR. THIS HAPPENS MAINLY ON HIGHWAY DRIVING FOR ME. I HAD MY ENGINE REPLACED OUT OF…

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SEVERE BURNING OIL ISSUE. RELEASING TOXIC SMOKE INTO ATMOSPHERE. THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH SUBARU 2.5 MOTORS. THEY ARE ONLY OFFERING A FIX FOR ANYONE IN WARRANTEE. THIS IS PREVENTING MANY VEHICLES FROM BEING REPAIRED DUE TO COST OF REPAIR. THIS HAPPENS MAINLY ON HIGHWAY DRIVING FOR ME. I HAD MY ENGINE REPLACED OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOW THE JUNKYARD MOTOR THEY GAVE ME IS DOING THE SAME THING. SUBARU NEEDS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS ISSUE, AND NEEDS TO FIX ALL OF THESE AFFECTED MOTORS.

NHTSA ODI #10808194

Official recalls

12

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.

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.

13V194000 · Steering; Steering:column

May 13, 2013

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:column

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.

Consequence: If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.

Steering

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.

Consequence: If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.

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.

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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