NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Visibility/wiper complaints
130 reportsClear category filter8,900 miles · Aug 31, 2015
Visibility/wiper
THREE DAYS AGO, OUR NEW SUBARU OUTBACK (PURCHASED IN LATE FEBRUARY 2015) DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD OVERNIGHT THAT IS NOW OVER TWO FEET IN LENGTH. THE CRACK RUNS FROM THE TOP EDGE, MID-WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, AND CIRCLES AROUND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR BEFORE TAILING OFF A FOOT OR SO ABOVE THE BOTTOM EDGE, IN FRONT…
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THREE DAYS AGO, OUR NEW SUBARU OUTBACK (PURCHASED IN LATE FEBRUARY 2015) DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD OVERNIGHT THAT IS NOW OVER TWO FEET IN LENGTH. THE CRACK RUNS FROM THE TOP EDGE, MID-WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, AND CIRCLES AROUND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR BEFORE TAILING OFF A FOOT OR SO ABOVE THE BOTTOM EDGE, IN FRONT OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. NO OBJECT STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD, IT SIMPLY CRACKED. WE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO TOLD US THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, THAT NO AFTERMARKET WINDSHIELDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS MODEL, AND QUOTED A PRICE OF $625 (BEFORE TAXES) FOR REPLACEMENT WITH SUBARU GLASS. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE ARE ONLY A FEW SUBARU WINDSHIELDS AVAILABLE IN THE US. AFTER HEARING THIS, WE WENT ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES WITH THIS MODEL. NO WONDER THERE ARE SO FEW WINDSHIELDS AVAILABLE! SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR, WE HAVE NOTICED SIGNIFICANT ROAD NOISE INSIDE THE CABIN, EVEN WITH ALL WINDOWS TIGHTLY CLOSED. THIS, COUPLED WITH THE NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WE'VE SEEN ABOUT CRACKED WINDSHIELDS ON 2015 SUBARU OUTBACKS, LEADS US TO BELIEVE THAT SUBARU SHOULD RECALL THE MODEL, IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE DESIGN FLAW BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR INJURED.
NHTSA ODI #10760316
7,100 miles · Aug 27, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WE HAVE 7,100 MILES ON OUR NEW & VERY FIRST SUBARU OUTBACK. THIS PAST WEEK WE DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT BEGAN ON THE LOWER 4 INCHES / CENTER PORTION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD. YES, THERE IS A "VERY SMALL NICK" FROM WHERE IT BEGAN. BELIEVE ME, IT'S SMALLER THAN THE TOP OF A STRAIGHT PIN. THE CRACK STARTED OUT IN 2…
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WE HAVE 7,100 MILES ON OUR NEW & VERY FIRST SUBARU OUTBACK. THIS PAST WEEK WE DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT BEGAN ON THE LOWER 4 INCHES / CENTER PORTION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD. YES, THERE IS A "VERY SMALL NICK" FROM WHERE IT BEGAN. BELIEVE ME, IT'S SMALLER THAN THE TOP OF A STRAIGHT PIN. THE CRACK STARTED OUT IN 2 DIRECTIONS AND OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS HAS GROWN TO 20 INCHES AND 11 INCHES RESPECTFULLY, AS OF TODAY. IF YOU LOOK AT THE DATA ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE FOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK (104 TOTAL 8/20/15 ) 65 OF THEM ARE ABOUT WINDSHIELDS CRACKING AT A VERY HIGH FREQUENCY RATE. PLUS, THE SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG WEB SITE HAS A LITANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS . IT'S TO THE POINT, THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS BACKORDER OF WINDSHIELDS FOR THE OUTBACK. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN CASES, WERE AFTER REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM HAPPENS AGAIN, SHORTLY THEREAFTER. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH OTHER VEHICLES / BRANDS FOR 2015. THERE ARE NONE TO BE FOUND! EXCEPT THE 2015 SUBARU LEGACY, 10 CURRENTLY , SAME TYPE OF WINDSHIELD. THAT WOULD MAKE IT AROUND 75 WINDSHIELD CRACKING COMPLAINTS TOTAL. SOMETHING OTHER THAN "BAD LUCK" IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE. SUBARU NEEDS TO SERIOUSLY TAKE THIS ISSUE TO THEIR ENGINEERING PEOPLE AND FIND IT'S ROOT CAUSE AND COVER A PROPER REPLACEMENT . I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND ANYONE RUNNING OUT AND GETTING A REPLACEMENT UNTIL THIS WHOLE PROBLEM IS ADDRESSED. AGAIN, THE REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELDS ARE CRACKING ALSO. SUBARU "PLEASE STEP UP" AND DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR REPUTATION AND THE SATISFACTION OF YOUR MANY CUSTOMERS, BOTH OLD AND NEW.
NHTSA ODI #10759757
840 miles · Aug 25, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WITHIN 9 DAYS OF RECEIVING A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD FOR MY SUBARU OUTBACK, MY WINDSHIELD WAS DAMAGED AGAIN. THE DEALER NOTED IT ON 8/8/15 AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED ON 7/31/15. I DO NOT RECALL ANY ROCK HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THE TOP CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK. I DID CONTACT SUBARU OF AMERICA WH…
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WITHIN 9 DAYS OF RECEIVING A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD FOR MY SUBARU OUTBACK, MY WINDSHIELD WAS DAMAGED AGAIN. THE DEALER NOTED IT ON 8/8/15 AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED ON 7/31/15. I DO NOT RECALL ANY ROCK HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THE TOP CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK. I DID CONTACT SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO AGREED TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE.
NHTSA ODI #10759059
450 miles · Aug 25, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY A ROCK. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. APPROXIMATELY THE SIZE OF A DIME. WITHIN 4 HOURS, LEAVING THE CAR PARKED, THE CRACK SPREAD A FEW INCHES TO THE LEFT TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE. IT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE. OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW DAYS, THE CRACK SPREAD UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST WITHIN VIEW OF THE DRIV…
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WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY A ROCK. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. APPROXIMATELY THE SIZE OF A DIME. WITHIN 4 HOURS, LEAVING THE CAR PARKED, THE CRACK SPREAD A FEW INCHES TO THE LEFT TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE. IT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE. OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW DAYS, THE CRACK SPREAD UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST WITHIN VIEW OF THE DRIVER.
NHTSA ODI #10759058
20 miles · Aug 24, 2015
Visibility/wiper
DRIVING HOME UPON TAKING DELIVERY, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED, STARTING AT THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER. WITHIN 20 MILES, THE CRACK WAS 24" LONG. WE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. AFTER TWO DAYS OF FIGHTING WITH THE DEALER, THEY REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD. THREE DAYS AGO, WITH APPROX. 2000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, IT CRACKED AGAIN. AGAIN, WE DID …
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DRIVING HOME UPON TAKING DELIVERY, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED, STARTING AT THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER. WITHIN 20 MILES, THE CRACK WAS 24" LONG. WE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. AFTER TWO DAYS OF FIGHTING WITH THE DEALER, THEY REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD. THREE DAYS AGO, WITH APPROX. 2000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, IT CRACKED AGAIN. AGAIN, WE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE IT. THERE HAS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I'M AN ENGINEER, AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 35 YEARS. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
NHTSA ODI #10759014
5,700 miles · Aug 24, 2015
Visibility/wiper
HAD A SMALL STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND SAW NOTHING AT THE TIME. ABOUT HALF HOUR LATER, WE SAW A CRACK IN THE LOWER PART OF THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH SPREAD QUICKLY ACROSS THE DRIVER'S SIDE. WAS TOLD BY THE GLASS REPLACEMENT COMPANY THAT THESE WINDSHIELDS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND HAD TO WAIT WEEKS FOR REPAIR. THEN ON AUGUST 22, 20…
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HAD A SMALL STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND SAW NOTHING AT THE TIME. ABOUT HALF HOUR LATER, WE SAW A CRACK IN THE LOWER PART OF THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH SPREAD QUICKLY ACROSS THE DRIVER'S SIDE. WAS TOLD BY THE GLASS REPLACEMENT COMPANY THAT THESE WINDSHIELDS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND HAD TO WAIT WEEKS FOR REPAIR. THEN ON AUGUST 22, 2015 WE HAD ANOTHER SMALL STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. IT WAS SMALL AND NORMALLY WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THIS FIXED. BUT WE SAW IT START TO SPREAD AND THEN HEARD A LOUD POP AND SAW THE THING STAR OUT INTO SIX DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS QUICKLY. THESE STONES WERE NOT VERY LARGE AND I'VE NEVER HAD A WINDSHIELD REACT LIKE THE SUBARU. I'VE HAD LARGER STONES HIT OUR TOYOTA AND WAS ABLE TO GET A REPAIR PRIOR TO A WINDSHIELD BEING REPLACED. I BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THESE WINDSHIELDS. THESE ARE EXPENSIVE TO KEEP REPLACING AND I AM CONCERNED WITH SAFETY OF THESE WINDSHIELDS.
NHTSA ODI #10758773
17,600 miles · Aug 23, 2015
Visibility/wiper
A SMALL OBJECT HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER PART OF THE WINDSHIELD. AT FIRST THERE WAS A SMALL STAR SHAPE MARK THAT I THOUGHT COULD BE FIXED. HOWEVER IT SPREAD QUICKLY. I WENT TO AMERICAN AUTO GLASS AND WAS TOLD THAT HE HAD MANY OF THESE WINDSHIELD ON BACK ORDER AND THAT THEY WERE ONLY MADE BY SUBARU. I WAITED FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS …
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A SMALL OBJECT HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER PART OF THE WINDSHIELD. AT FIRST THERE WAS A SMALL STAR SHAPE MARK THAT I THOUGHT COULD BE FIXED. HOWEVER IT SPREAD QUICKLY. I WENT TO AMERICAN AUTO GLASS AND WAS TOLD THAT HE HAD MANY OF THESE WINDSHIELD ON BACK ORDER AND THAT THEY WERE ONLY MADE BY SUBARU. I WAITED FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS AND STILL NO WINDSHIELD . I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AT SUBARU AND FINALLY I RECEIVED A WINDSHIELD ABOUT 7 WEEKS AFTER IT CRACKED. THE MANAGER AT AMERICAN AUTO GLASS TOLD ME THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN SO MANY CRACKED WINDSHIELDS IN A NEW MODEL CAR AND FELT THAT SUBARU HAD AN ISSUE. LAST WEEK ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I HAD THE GLASS REPLACED I HAD ANOTHER CRACK AT ALMOST THE SAME PLACE AS THE FIRST CRACK. I CALLED SUBARU AND HAD IT INSPECTED BY SUBARU AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW WINDSHIELD AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I THAN BROUGHT IT TO SAFELIGHT AUTO GLASS AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPAIR IT. I FEEL THAT THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE WINDSHIELDS IN THE 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK AND THAT SUBARU NEEDS TO COME UP WITH A FIX. I WILL ALSO FOLLOW UP WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AT SUBARU
NHTSA ODI #10758656
7,900 miles · Aug 20, 2015
Visibility/wiper
CAR WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. SOMETHING HIT BASE OF WINDSHIELD AND STARRED IT AT SPOT HIT. THE STAR SPREAD QUICKLY AS A CRACK RUNNING UP THE WINDSHIELD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS OTHER 2015 OUTBACK OWNERS ARE REPORTING MULTIPLE CRACKS IN WINDSHIELDS AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI #10749986
13,582 miles · Aug 18, 2015
Visibility/wiper
2015 OUTBACK, OWNED LESS THAN A YEAR. A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING ON I-25 SOUTH OF PUEBLO, CO. THIS CREATED A DIME SIZE STARBURST PATTERN AT THE IMPACT SIGHT. MINUTES LATER A 12 INCH+ CRACK DEVELOPED. THE CRACK CONTINUED TO EXPAND TO ALMOST THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD DURING THE THE D…
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2015 OUTBACK, OWNED LESS THAN A YEAR. A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING ON I-25 SOUTH OF PUEBLO, CO. THIS CREATED A DIME SIZE STARBURST PATTERN AT THE IMPACT SIGHT. MINUTES LATER A 12 INCH+ CRACK DEVELOPED. THE CRACK CONTINUED TO EXPAND TO ALMOST THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD DURING THE THE DRIVE TO TX. THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 65 DEGREES SO THE WINDSHIELD WASN'T IN FREEZING CONDITIONS. THE PEBBLE IMPACT WAS NOTHING OF NOTE AND HARDLY GOT OUR ATTENTION. IN 4 DECADES OF DRIVING AND HAVEN TAKEN MANY ROCKS TO THE WINDSHIELD OF DIFFERENT MAKES OF VEHICLES I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS RESULT.
NHTSA ODI #10749565
1,000 miles · Aug 15, 2015
Visibility/wiper
THE WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A MYSTERIOUS CRACK FROM THE LOWER CORNER DRIVER SIDE, AND IT PROPAGATED ACROSS IN A WEEK A TWO. WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A REASONABLY PRICED AFTER MARKET WINDSHIELD AND THE QUOTED COST FROM THE DEALER IS WAY TOO HIGH. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE DEALER HAS DIFFICULTY GETTING THE NEW GLASS IN A TIM…
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THE WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A MYSTERIOUS CRACK FROM THE LOWER CORNER DRIVER SIDE, AND IT PROPAGATED ACROSS IN A WEEK A TWO. WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A REASONABLY PRICED AFTER MARKET WINDSHIELD AND THE QUOTED COST FROM THE DEALER IS WAY TOO HIGH. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE DEALER HAS DIFFICULTY GETTING THE NEW GLASS IN A TIMELY MANNER. I AM NOT WILLING TO SPEND SO MUCH MONEY TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WHEN IT APPEARS THAT ANOTHER CRACK MAY OCCUR ON THIS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
NHTSA ODI #10748906
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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