NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Visibility/wiper complaints
130 reportsClear category filter3,000 miles · Jun 15, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WE SENT A SIMILAR EMAIL TO SUBARU OF AMERICA JUNE 5. THEY HAVE BEEN RESPONSIVE...BUT WE STILL HAVE A CRACKED WINDSHIELD AND IT REMAINS A DRIVING DISTRACTION....WE PURCHASED OUR 2015 OUTBACK IN JANUARY FROM SUBARU OF LAS VEGAS. IN APRIL A WINDSHIELD CRACK APPEARED -WE DIDN'T SEE THE ROCK, SAW NO CHIP TO CAUSE IT BUT THE DEALER …
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WE SENT A SIMILAR EMAIL TO SUBARU OF AMERICA JUNE 5. THEY HAVE BEEN RESPONSIVE...BUT WE STILL HAVE A CRACKED WINDSHIELD AND IT REMAINS A DRIVING DISTRACTION....WE PURCHASED OUR 2015 OUTBACK IN JANUARY FROM SUBARU OF LAS VEGAS. IN APRIL A WINDSHIELD CRACK APPEARED -WE DIDN'T SEE THE ROCK, SAW NO CHIP TO CAUSE IT BUT THE DEALER SAID HE COULD FEEL ONE, SO SORRY, NO WARRANTY, SO WE CLAIMED IT ON THE INSURANCE -REPLACED A FEW WEEKS AGO FOR THE $500 DEDUCTIBLE. CHANGED TO A $100 DEDUCTIBLE THE FIRST OF JUNE AND TWO DAYS LATER ANOTHER CRACK-INSTANT AND BIGGER. SAW THE ROCK THIS TIME. CLAIMED ON THE INSURANCE, AGAIN, BUT SAFELIGHT HAD TO CANCEL THE APPOINTMENT DUE TO A SHORTAGE OF SUBARU WINDSHIELDS -THE AFTERMARKET ONES ARE OUT, AND DEALER IS APPARENTLY HAVING TO RATION OUT THE OEMS!!! SO WE GET TO DRIVE WITH A GLARING, HAZARDOUS CRACK...I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND PAGES OF NEW SUBARU WINDSHIELD CRACK PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO OURS -SOME SEEMED TO INDICATE SOA HAD COVERED REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY WHICH SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME AS THERE TRULY WAS NO CHIP TO START THE CRACK. SUBARU NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS -MAYBE THICKER GLASS? MAYBE A RECALL? WE'VE DRIVEN SUBARU'S FOR MANY YEARS AND HAVE NOT HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO REPAIRS, REIMBURSEMENTS, ETC., AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR THE FUTURE -WE CANNOT BE REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD EVERY FEW MONTHS! NOW IT IS GOING ON THREE WEEKS AND NO WINDSHIELD, WHILE THE CRACK KEEPS GETTING BIGGER THANKS
NHTSA ODI #10725438
7,950 miles · Jun 15, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WHILE WASHING MY CAR, THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER BLADE WAS EXTENDED AND RETRACTED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. I FINISHED BY DRYING THE CAR, INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD, WITH A CHAMOIS CLOTH. NO DAMAGE WAS NOTICEABLE AT THAT TIME. AFTER DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE AND BACK HOME, NEVER GOING OVER 40 MPH, I LOOKED OVER AND NOTICED AN 18 INCH …
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WHILE WASHING MY CAR, THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER BLADE WAS EXTENDED AND RETRACTED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. I FINISHED BY DRYING THE CAR, INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD, WITH A CHAMOIS CLOTH. NO DAMAGE WAS NOTICEABLE AT THAT TIME. AFTER DRIVING TO THE GROCERY STORE AND BACK HOME, NEVER GOING OVER 40 MPH, I LOOKED OVER AND NOTICED AN 18 INCH CRACK HAD DEVELOPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. CLOSE INSPECTION REVEALS A POSSIBLE VERY SMALL IMPACT MARK DIRECTLY UNDER ONE OF THE METAL BLADE RETENTION PIECES ON THE WIPER BLADE FRAME. THERE WERE NO ROCKS THAT HIT THE WINDSHIELD BETWEEN THE CAR WASH, THE GROCERY STORE, AND HOME. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY TO REPLACE IT, AND THAT I COULD JUST GET SAFELITE TO DO IT. SAFELITE ORDERED THE GLASS FOR ME AND CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALERSHIP HAD SAID, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT INDEFINITELY FOR THE GLASS, AS IT IS ON BACK ORDER. THIS NO DOUBT IS DUE TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF FAILURES AS SEEN ON THIS WEBSITE AND ELSEWHERE ON THE INTERNET. THE LOCAL SAFELITE REPAIR SHOP EVEN HAD 5 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT GLASS ON ORDER. MY RESEARCH HAS UNCOVERED NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE GLASS ON THESE 2015 VEHICLES MULTIPLE TIMES. IN MY 37 YEARS OF DRIVING, I HAVE HAD WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES RETRACT AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD UNTOLD NUMBERS OF TIMES, AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS EVER CAUSED A FAILURE. I THINK SUBARU NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE, FIND OUT WHY IT IS OCCURRING, AND REIMBURSE THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED. THIS IS MY FIRST SUBARU. OTHER THAN THIS ISSUE, I LIKE THEIR PRODUCT VERY MUCH. MY CONTINUED ALLEGIANCE TO THEM WILL DEPEND ON HOW THEY HANDLE THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10725382
17,600 miles · Jun 15, 2015
StructureUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT. IN THE MORNING A 12" S SHAPED CRACK HAD APPEARED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO DETECTABLE PRIOR DAMAGE AND NO KNOWN IMPACT TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE CRACK HAS CONTINUED TO GROW AND BRANCH. DEALER STATES THE WINDSHIELD FAILS THE "PEN TEST," I.E. THERE IS A TINY NICK AT O…
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VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT. IN THE MORNING A 12" S SHAPED CRACK HAD APPEARED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO DETECTABLE PRIOR DAMAGE AND NO KNOWN IMPACT TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE CRACK HAS CONTINUED TO GROW AND BRANCH. DEALER STATES THE WINDSHIELD FAILS THE "PEN TEST," I.E. THERE IS A TINY NICK AT ONE POINT OF THE CRACK WHICH, THEY SAY, PROVES THE CRACK IS DUE TO IMPACT DAMAGE. I BELIEVE THE CHIP APPEARED AFTER THE CRACK FORMED, BUT CANNOT PROVE THIS (NOR CAN THE DEALER PROVE THE OPPOSITE). ONLINE RESEARCH SUGGESTS THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK WINDSHIELDS, WHICH FAIL AT REMARKABLE RATE.
NHTSA ODI #10725338
2,856 miles · Jun 8, 2015
Visibility/wiper
I WAS WASHING THE WINDSHIELD, SO I RAISED THE WIPER ARMS LIKE MOST PEOPLE DO WHEN THEY WANT TO CLEAN THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. A SLIGHT BREEZE BLEW AND KNOCKED THE PASSENGER-SIDE WIPER DOWN ONTO THE GLASS CRACKING THE WINDSHIELD ON IMPACT. THE IMPACT CRACK THEN SPLIT UP AND TOWARD THE DRIVER'S-SIDE ABOUT 2 FEET IN LENGTH. I HAVE…
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I WAS WASHING THE WINDSHIELD, SO I RAISED THE WIPER ARMS LIKE MOST PEOPLE DO WHEN THEY WANT TO CLEAN THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. A SLIGHT BREEZE BLEW AND KNOCKED THE PASSENGER-SIDE WIPER DOWN ONTO THE GLASS CRACKING THE WINDSHIELD ON IMPACT. THE IMPACT CRACK THEN SPLIT UP AND TOWARD THE DRIVER'S-SIDE ABOUT 2 FEET IN LENGTH. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CARS OVER MY LIFETIME, AND A FALLING WIPER ARM HAS NEVER CRACKED MY WINDSHIELDS. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE WEB, I DISCOVERED SCORES OF STORIES OF FOLKS GOING ON THEIR THIRD OR FOURTH WINDSHIELD (ON A 2015 MODEL!!). I HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND IN AN UNSAFE MANNER BECAUSE SAFELITE CANNOT GET THE ORIGINAL PART FROM THE DEALER DUE TO THEM BEING BACKLOGGED. THE WINDSHIELDS ARE BACKLOGGED BECAUSE THEY KEEP CRACKING ON EVERYONE. NOW I'M SHORT $500 ON MY DEDUCTIBLE, AND I CAN JUST IMAGINE LIKE MOST OTHERS, I WILL BE SHORT $500 AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE BECAUSE OF A FAULTY DESIGN. THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT SAFE ON THE ROAD FOR IMPACTS (ONE GUY SHUT HIS DOOR AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED...CRAZY!). PLEASE, GET THESE WINDSHIELDS OFF THE ROAD AND MAKE SUBARU DESIGN ANOTHER WINDSHIELD AND PAY TO REPLACE THEM ALL! THANK YOU!
NHTSA ODI #10724108
7,000 miles · Jun 7, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WE PURCHASED OUR 2015 OUTBACK JAN 2, 2015. WE WERE JUST GETTING ON THE FREEWAY LEAVING NEW ORLEANS WHEN WE HEARD A POP. WE ARE NOT SURE IF A STONE HIT IT OR NOT, BUT A STARBURST SMALLER THAN A DIME ALONG WITH ABOUT 6 INCH CRACK HAD OCCURRED ON THE LOWER PASSENGER AREA. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE SUN SO IT WAS REALLY HOT. NO…
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WE PURCHASED OUR 2015 OUTBACK JAN 2, 2015. WE WERE JUST GETTING ON THE FREEWAY LEAVING NEW ORLEANS WHEN WE HEARD A POP. WE ARE NOT SURE IF A STONE HIT IT OR NOT, BUT A STARBURST SMALLER THAN A DIME ALONG WITH ABOUT 6 INCH CRACK HAD OCCURRED ON THE LOWER PASSENGER AREA. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE SUN SO IT WAS REALLY HOT. NOW TWO DAYS LATER IT IS ABOUT 24 INCHES LONG AND IS ZAGGING ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. WHEN WE CALLED OUR INSURANCE COMPANY WE WERE TOLD THAT THEIR VENDOR COULD NOT GET TO US FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. THEY REFERRED US TO A DIFFERENT VENDOR BUT THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR 3 WEEKS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE SO ADD ME TO THE LIST OF COMPLAINANTS.
NHTSA ODI #10723808
3,000 miles · Jun 6, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WE WERE EXTREMELY HAPPY TO PURCHASE OUR FIRST SUBARU OUTBACK WITH THE NEW EYESIGHT TECHNOLOGY IN MID-MARCH. THE CAR WAS ALMOST 2 MONTHS OLD AND I HEARD SOMETHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE ON A HIGHWAY THAT I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS. I DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING IMMEDIATELY. NINE HOURS LATER, I PICKED UP A PASSENG…
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WE WERE EXTREMELY HAPPY TO PURCHASE OUR FIRST SUBARU OUTBACK WITH THE NEW EYESIGHT TECHNOLOGY IN MID-MARCH. THE CAR WAS ALMOST 2 MONTHS OLD AND I HEARD SOMETHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE ON A HIGHWAY THAT I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS. I DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING IMMEDIATELY. NINE HOURS LATER, I PICKED UP A PASSENGER WHO NOTICED A LARGE CRACK AT THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD (THE REARVIEW MIRROR WAS OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW OF THE CRACK) WHICH WAS ABOUT A FOOT LONG. OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW DAYS, THE CRACK GOT LARGER AND EXTENDED INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT. AFTER SPEAKING TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY, THE WINDSHIELD WOULD BE COVERED, BUT IT WAS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER AND WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR 2-4 WEEKS. THE GLASS ARRIVED TWO WEEKS LATER AND MY WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. EXACTLY ONE WEEK AFTER THE WINDSHIELD WAS FIXED, I HEARD A LITTLE POP ON THE WINDOW WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I LOOKED AROUND AND NOTICED I GOT ANOTHER CRACK ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS TIME ON THE LOWER PART OF THE WINDSHIELD BETWEEN THE WIPER BLADES. THE CRACK STARTED OUT AROUND 3" LONG. A DAY LATER, THE CRACK GREW AN ADDITIONAL 5". I STARTED TO THINK THIS CAN'T BE NORMAL FOR A WINDSHIELD TO CRACK SO EASILY, AND AFTER READING ALL THE POSTS ON THIS SITE AND OTHERS, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THE 2015 OUTBACKS.
NHTSA ODI #10723786
1,000 miles · Jun 1, 2015
VisibilityVisibility/wiper
BRAND NEW VEHICLE, PARKED ON THE STREET FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR. WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR, A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD, BEGINNING AT THE LOWER CENTER AND EXTENDING TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHES WAS EVIDENT. NO DEBRIS ON WINDSHIELD AND NO EVIDENCE OF IT BEING HIT WITH ANYTHING. CRACK HAS NOW EXTENDED …
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BRAND NEW VEHICLE, PARKED ON THE STREET FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR. WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR, A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD, BEGINNING AT THE LOWER CENTER AND EXTENDING TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHES WAS EVIDENT. NO DEBRIS ON WINDSHIELD AND NO EVIDENCE OF IT BEING HIT WITH ANYTHING. CRACK HAS NOW EXTENDED FURTHER UP AND AROUND (SHAPE OF A LARGE QUESTION MARK) OF ABOUT 2 FT IN LENGTH. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERS AND GLASS COMPANIES FOR REPAIR BUT NO ONE HAS ANY IN STOCK DUE TO A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF THESE ISSUES. AND THE PROJECTED DATE FOR WHEN REPLACEMENT GLASS WILL BE AVAILABLE IS NOW JULY 1 2015, MORE THAN 10 WEEKS SINCE THE DEFECT APPEARED. GIVEN WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING, I FULLY EXPECT THIS CRACK TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND BEGIN TO HAMPER VISIBILITY. WEB SEARCHES HAVE YIELDED MANY SIMILAR REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10722704
2,474 miles · May 29, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WHILE CAR WASH PARKED IN DRIVEWAY BEING WASHED I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDSHIELD .THE CRACK IS COMING FROM THE LOWER WINDSHIELD HEATER THEN GOES UP TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD.STILL USING CAR AND THE CRACK IS PAST THE REAR VIEW MIRROR.TOLD BY DEALER SUBARU DOESN'T COVER GLASS BREAKAGE ADVISED HIM I WA…
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WHILE CAR WASH PARKED IN DRIVEWAY BEING WASHED I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDSHIELD .THE CRACK IS COMING FROM THE LOWER WINDSHIELD HEATER THEN GOES UP TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD.STILL USING CAR AND THE CRACK IS PAST THE REAR VIEW MIRROR.TOLD BY DEALER SUBARU DOESN'T COVER GLASS BREAKAGE ADVISED HIM I WAS FOLLOWING UP WITH SUBARU TO PLEASE TAKE INFO AND PIC'S.HE SUGGESTED GOING THRU MY CAR INSURANCE BUT THERE ARE NO ROCK CHIPS OR CRACKS SO WHY SHOULD THEY PAY. HE ADVISED HE WOULD SHOW TO THE REP IN A FEW WEEKS ON HIS VISIT??. I PERSONALLY THINK A WINDSHIELD IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY SHOULD MOVE ON IT NOW. WHILE RESEARCHING IT AND SEEING HOW THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH OTHER PEOPLE I AM WONDERING ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR NOW. STARTED A CASE WITH SUBARU.
NHTSA ODI #10722222
1,000 miles · May 28, 2015
Visibility/wiper
2015 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH EYESIGHT TECHNOLOGY. HAD VEHICLE LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, SITTING IN DRIVEWAY, NEXT AM NOTED LARGE CRACK IN WINDSHIELD BEGINNING IN PASSENGER LOWER CORNER AND TRAVELING DIAGONALLY UP TOWARDS CENTER OF WINDSHIELD. NO TRAUMA NOTED TO WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING (NO ROCKS, ETC). SEEMED TO HAVE BROKEN SPONTANEOUSLY.…
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2015 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH EYESIGHT TECHNOLOGY. HAD VEHICLE LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, SITTING IN DRIVEWAY, NEXT AM NOTED LARGE CRACK IN WINDSHIELD BEGINNING IN PASSENGER LOWER CORNER AND TRAVELING DIAGONALLY UP TOWARDS CENTER OF WINDSHIELD. NO TRAUMA NOTED TO WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING (NO ROCKS, ETC). SEEMED TO HAVE BROKEN SPONTANEOUSLY. MADE INSURANCE CLAIM 4/12/15. UNABLE TO GET NEW WINDSHIELD AS SUCH A LARGE BACKORDER OF THESE WINDSHIELDS FOR SAME REASON AND IN SAME LOCATION. STILL WAITING WITH NO END IN SIGHT. ON-LINE THREADS INDICATE THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT HAS YET TO GENERATE A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10721934
100 miles · May 21, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WE BOUGHT THE SUBARU IN ANCHORAGE AND STARTED HEADING TOWARD OUR HOME IN FAIRBANKS. APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES INTO THE JOURNEY WE STOPPED TO REST AND EAT. WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR TALKING, THERE WAS A POP SOUND AND A LARGE 9-10" CRACK APPEARED BEHIND THE MIRROR AND BINOCULAR CAMERAS DESCENDED INTO THE PASSENGER'S VIEW. I INSPECTED…
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WE BOUGHT THE SUBARU IN ANCHORAGE AND STARTED HEADING TOWARD OUR HOME IN FAIRBANKS. APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES INTO THE JOURNEY WE STOPPED TO REST AND EAT. WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR TALKING, THERE WAS A POP SOUND AND A LARGE 9-10" CRACK APPEARED BEHIND THE MIRROR AND BINOCULAR CAMERAS DESCENDED INTO THE PASSENGER'S VIEW. I INSPECTED THE OUTSIDE WINDOW FOR EVIDENCE OF IMPACT FROM A ROCK OR DEBRIS, SUCH AS CHIPPING, BUT THERE WAS NONE. I TRIED TO GET A REPLACEMENT WINDOW AFTER SUBARU BLEW ME OFF, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUE TO AN APPARENT LARGE DEMAND FOR REPLACEMENT GLASS FOR THIS MODEL. SINCE THEN CRACKS HAVE APPEARED SPONTANEOUSLY FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD WORKING THERE WAY UP. MY SON HAS A BRAND NEW 2015 SUBARU FORESTER, WHICH DID THE EXACT SAME THING ON THE WAY HOME FROM ANCHORAGE. AGAIN SUBARU DEALER DENIED THEY HAVE SEEN ANY PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD, BUT READ THE COMPLAINTS LOGGED WITH NHTSA AND ONE CAN ONLY COME TO A DIFFERENT CONCLUSION. PERHAPS SUBARU IS MAKING THEIR GLASS TOO THIN TO REDUCE WEIGHT OR THERE IS SOME SORT OF FLEXING OF THE WINDOW MIDPOINT ON THE GLASS BUT THIS IS A PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10717895
Official recalls
5May 11, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Apr 27, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.
Aug 10, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Jun 12, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Sep 19, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.
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
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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