NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
510 reports4,500 miles · Jun 24, 2015
Visibility/wiper
CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AWAY FROM TREES OR ANY OTHER VEGETATION. WAS GONE FROM CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. UPON RETURN, THERE WAS A 12 INCH CRACK DESCENDING FROM UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF WINDSHIELD. BY MORNING, AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED INSIDE A LOCKED GARAGE, AND WITH LESS THAN 2 MORE MILES DRIVEN, CRACK HAD G…
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CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AWAY FROM TREES OR ANY OTHER VEGETATION. WAS GONE FROM CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. UPON RETURN, THERE WAS A 12 INCH CRACK DESCENDING FROM UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF WINDSHIELD. BY MORNING, AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED INSIDE A LOCKED GARAGE, AND WITH LESS THAN 2 MORE MILES DRIVEN, CRACK HAD GROWN ANOTHER 12 INCHES (APPROXIMATELY.)
NHTSA ODI #10730137
2,050 miles · Jun 24, 2015
Unknown Or Other
THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS. ONE HAPPENED TWICE. WHEN IN DRIVE AND FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR A LONG TIME -ABOUT 3 OR 4 MINUTES. THE BRAKE GOES SOFT, THE ENGINE SPEEDS UP AND THE CAR TAKES OFF. IF SOMEONE OR CAR IS IN FRONT OF ME THE CRASH WHEN BE BAD. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS WHEN TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE THE SAME THING HAPPENED AB…
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THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS. ONE HAPPENED TWICE. WHEN IN DRIVE AND FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR A LONG TIME -ABOUT 3 OR 4 MINUTES. THE BRAKE GOES SOFT, THE ENGINE SPEEDS UP AND THE CAR TAKES OFF. IF SOMEONE OR CAR IS IN FRONT OF ME THE CRASH WHEN BE BAD. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS WHEN TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE THE SAME THING HAPPENED ABOUT 5 TIMES. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS LOOKED FOR THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. A FIELD ENGINEER HOOK UP A COMPUTER AND RODE WITH ME FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. OF COURSE NOTING HAPPENED. ALSO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT KEPT THE CAR OVER NIGHT AND DROVE IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. AS THEY ALL HAVE TOLD ME IF NO PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN THEY HAVE IT THEY CAN NOT FIX IT. NOW I MAY TURN THE CAR BACK IN (A LEASE CAR) AND BE OUT MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OR DRIVE WITH FEAR AND HOPE NOTHING BAD HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI #10727026
45 miles · Jun 24, 2015
Steering
NEW 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK STEERING WANDERING LEFT AND RIGHT PREVENTING THE CAR FROM BEING STEERED STRAIGHT. WITHOUT CONSTANT DRIVER ATTENTION VEHICLE WANDERS ACROSS LANES OR OFF ROAD.
NHTSA ODI #10727004
14,025 miles · Jun 18, 2015
Visibility/wiper
OUR SUBARU OUTBACK WAS IMPACTED BY A SMALL PEBBLE THAT CRACKED OUR WINDSHIELD. I PUT IN A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY AND SETUP A REPLACEMENT WITH SAFELITE. GOT A CALL LATER INDICATING THAT THE PART IS NOT IN STOCK AND NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. THAT WAS 4 WEEKS AGO AT THIS POINT AND STILL NO INDICATION OF WHEN THIS W…
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OUR SUBARU OUTBACK WAS IMPACTED BY A SMALL PEBBLE THAT CRACKED OUR WINDSHIELD. I PUT IN A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY AND SETUP A REPLACEMENT WITH SAFELITE. GOT A CALL LATER INDICATING THAT THE PART IS NOT IN STOCK AND NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. THAT WAS 4 WEEKS AGO AT THIS POINT AND STILL NO INDICATION OF WHEN THIS WILL BE RESOLVED. THE CRACKS CONTINUE TO SPREAD AND NOW IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE CRACKS ARE IN THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT. I (AND I ASSUME MANY OTHER PEOPLE) HAVE TRIED CONTACTING SUBARU AND I FOR ONE AM NOT GETTING ANY RESPONSE FROM THEM ON THIS ISSUE THUS WE NEED TO CONTINUE DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR DUE TO THE FACT WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE A RENTAL AND AGAIN BECAUSE NO ONE CAN PROVIDE AN ETA WE WOULDN'T KNOW HOW LONG WE'D NEED ONE ASSUMING WE COULD GET ONE. BASED ON WHAT I READ HERE THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN WITHIN A SHORT TIME ONCE WE DO GET THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. SOME TYPE OF INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE CONDUCTED AND A RECALL ISSUED. I THINK THERE IS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO SHOW THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT WITH THE WINDSHIELDS OF THIS CAR AND WHEN SAFETY IS THREATENED, STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT US. I APOLOGIZE IF THIS DOESN'T FIT THE CRITERIA OF WHAT SHOULD BE POSTED HERE BUT NOT HAVING A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD IN A TIMELY FASHION IN ITSELF IS A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA ODI #10725893
1,250 miles · Jun 16, 2015
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,250.
NHTSA ODI #10725556
3,000 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
4,300 miles · Jun 11, 2015
Equipment Adaptive/mobility
DRIVING IN A HEAVY THUNDERSTORM, EYESIGHT AUTOMATICALLY WENT OFF BUT AUTOMATICALLY CAME BACK ON AS THE RAIN DIMINISHED. SO DID THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS IS EXPECTED. HOWEVER, THE SRVD (BLIND SPOT MONITOR, ETC.) TOTALLY SHUT DOWN. THE CAR NO LONGER HAS WORKING BLIND SPOT MONITOR OR REAR BACK UP ALERT WARNING. CONTACTED …
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DRIVING IN A HEAVY THUNDERSTORM, EYESIGHT AUTOMATICALLY WENT OFF BUT AUTOMATICALLY CAME BACK ON AS THE RAIN DIMINISHED. SO DID THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS IS EXPECTED. HOWEVER, THE SRVD (BLIND SPOT MONITOR, ETC.) TOTALLY SHUT DOWN. THE CAR NO LONGER HAS WORKING BLIND SPOT MONITOR OR REAR BACK UP ALERT WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER SAID THAT THE RADAR IN THE REAR BUMPER SHUT DOWN. TWO WEEKS AND THE DEALER NOR SUBARU HAS NOT FOUND THE PART TO REPAIR THIS FEATURE. CAR WAS PURCHASED IN SEPT. 2014 NEW.
NHTSA ODI #10724754
6,800 miles · Jun 10, 2015
Service Brakes
THE 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED W EYESIGHT SYSTEM HAD BEEN PARKED ON A SURFACE PARKING LOT NEAR MARSHALL BWI AIRPORT FOR ABOUT 12 DAYS. THE PARKING BRAKE HAD BEEN APPLIED AT THE TIME OF ORIGINAL PARKING. THIS ELECTRONIC BRAKE COULD NOT BE DISENGAGED AFTER REPEATED STARTS OF THE CAR. BRAKES WERE APPARENTLY LOCKED. A TOW …
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THE 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I LIMITED W EYESIGHT SYSTEM HAD BEEN PARKED ON A SURFACE PARKING LOT NEAR MARSHALL BWI AIRPORT FOR ABOUT 12 DAYS. THE PARKING BRAKE HAD BEEN APPLIED AT THE TIME OF ORIGINAL PARKING. THIS ELECTRONIC BRAKE COULD NOT BE DISENGAGED AFTER REPEATED STARTS OF THE CAR. BRAKES WERE APPARENTLY LOCKED. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED. THE CAR HAD TO BE MOVED WITH THE BRAKES ON TO GET IT OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND ON TO A FLATBED TOW TRUCK. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE WAS LOCKED IN POSITION. APPARENTLY THE OTHER THREE WHEELS WERE FREE TO MOVE. THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON THE DRIVERS SCREEN. THE SERVICE ADVISOR RECOMMENDED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE NOT BE APPLIED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR A NUMBER DAYS, PARTICULARLY ON A FLAT SURFACE.
NHTSA ODI #10724572
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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