Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1810–25K
6925–50K
5350–75K
2675–100K
8100–150K
6150K+
343 reports with mileage · 167 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Visibility/wiper. Review the 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
20 crash reports5 fire reports13 injury reports
What owners actually said
510 reports
13,000 miles · Apr 27, 2015
Visibility/wiper
OUR FULLY-LOADED '15 OUTBACK WITH EYESIGHT & LANE ASSIST WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN THE GARAGE (AS ALWAYS). WHEN WE GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, WE NOTICED AN 12-INCH CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD (BEGINNING IN THE LOWER CORNER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND HEADING UP TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE). THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR ROCK INCIDENT TO WA…
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OUR FULLY-LOADED '15 OUTBACK WITH EYESIGHT & LANE ASSIST WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN THE GARAGE (AS ALWAYS). WHEN WE GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, WE NOTICED AN 12-INCH CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD (BEGINNING IN THE LOWER CORNER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND HEADING UP TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE). THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR ROCK INCIDENT TO WARRANT THE CRACK - IT CAME OUT OF NOWHERE. WE CALLED OUR SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY REFERRED US TO THEIR (OUTSIDE VENDOR) WINDSHIELD REPAIR GUY. AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO SUBARU, HE WAS TOLD THAT SUBARU HAS PULLED THESE WINDSHIELDS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION LINE BECAUSE THERE IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH CRACKING DUE TO THEIR SUBSTANDARD QUALITY AND INFERIOR AERONAUTICAL DESIGN. HE SAID THAT THE SUBARU PLANT WAS WAITING ON A SET OF WINDSHIELDS AND AN ORDER WAS PLACED FOR ME, BUT THAT I WOULD BE COMPETING WITH THE NEW CARS ROLLING OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE. THIS INFORMATION ALONE (ASSUMING IT IS ACCURATE) SHOULD WARRANT A RECALL. WE CONTACTED THE WINDSHIELD GUY AGAIN TODAY TO FOLLOW UP AND HE SAID HE JUST ORDERED ANOTHER '15 OUTBACK WINDSHIELD FOR SOMEONE THIS MORNING - - SAME PROBLEM (NO ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT). HE REITERATED HIS CONVERSATION WITH SUBARU PRODUCTION PERSONNEL ONCE AGAIN THAT "THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELDS AND SUBARU HAS PULLED THEM FROM THEIR PRODUCTION LINES." TWO WEEKS AGO WE PUT A POST-IT FLAG INSIDE THE WINDSHIELD AT THE END OF THE CRACK TO MARK ITS PLACE AND PROGRESS - THE CRACK HAS NOW GROWN TO 20+ INCHES STRAIGHT ACROSS THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS EASY TO FIND OTHER FOLKS WITH THIS PROBLEM - - INEXPLICABLE CRACKED WINDSHIELDS WITH NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF CAUSE. THE CAUSE AND EFFECT OF THESE BROKEN WINDSHIELDS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR INJURED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10713161
30 miles · Apr 27, 2015
Engine
ENGINE IDLE IS ERRATIC WHEN COLD. BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE IN THE MORNING THE ENGINE SURGES 3-400 RPM MAKING THE CAR JERK FASTER AND SLOWER. THIS IS WITH ONLY THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED. I HAVE A SECOND IDENTICAL CAR THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM. TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 40'S. WHEN THE ENGINE SLOWS, YOU HAVE TO EASE OFF THE BR…
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ENGINE IDLE IS ERRATIC WHEN COLD. BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE IN THE MORNING THE ENGINE SURGES 3-400 RPM MAKING THE CAR JERK FASTER AND SLOWER. THIS IS WITH ONLY THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED. I HAVE A SECOND IDENTICAL CAR THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM. TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 40'S. WHEN THE ENGINE SLOWS, YOU HAVE TO EASE OFF THE BRAKE, THEM IT SUDDENLY SPEEDS UP 50% AND THE CAR TAKES OFF. THE CYCLE REPEATS FOR A FEW MINUTES IN THE MORNINGS. THE PROBLEM IS VERY REPEATABLE -THE SAME THING EVERY MORNING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10713082
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2015
Child Seat
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A BRITAX ADVOCATE 70 G3 REARFACING INFANT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER 39BG81A. THE SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN OCTOBER OF 2013. THE SAFETY SEAT WAS BEING UTILIZED IN A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HARNESS STRAPS FRACTURED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LATCH STRAPS FRACTURED A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A BRITAX ADVOCATE 70 G3 REARFACING INFANT SEAT, MODEL NUMBER 39BG81A. THE SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN OCTOBER OF 2013. THE SAFETY SEAT WAS BEING UTILIZED IN A 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HARNESS STRAPS FRACTURED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LATCH STRAPS FRACTURED AND THE FOAM PADDING TO PROTECT THE CHILD FROM A SIDE IMPACT ALSO FRACTURED ON BOTH SIDES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10712171
1,300 miles · Apr 21, 2015
Visibility/wiper
UPON ENTRY OF VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST TIME OF THE DAY, I DISCOVERED A 5-6 IN. CRACK IN WINDSHIELD. I HAD NOT OBSERVED ANY IMPACTS WHILE DRIVING THE DAY PRIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD AT THE TIME. ALL OTHER AUTO GLASS ISSUES PREVIOUSLY WERE OBSERVED AND OBVIOUS. HAVING REVIEWED SIMILAR STORIES AND PICTURES ONLINE OF IS…
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UPON ENTRY OF VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST TIME OF THE DAY, I DISCOVERED A 5-6 IN. CRACK IN WINDSHIELD. I HAD NOT OBSERVED ANY IMPACTS WHILE DRIVING THE DAY PRIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD AT THE TIME. ALL OTHER AUTO GLASS ISSUES PREVIOUSLY WERE OBSERVED AND OBVIOUS. HAVING REVIEWED SIMILAR STORIES AND PICTURES ONLINE OF ISSUES WITH THE WINDSHIELD OF THIS MODEL AND YEAR THE VEHICLE, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ISSUE IS MORE THAN COINCIDENCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10712088
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2015
Visibility/wiper
SUBARU OUTBACK 2015 WINDSHIELDS HAVE VERY LOW QUALITY AND CRACK WITH MINIMAL CONTACT. OUR WINDSHIELDS BROKE TWICE IN ONE MONTH AFTER REPLACING THE ORIGINAL ONE WITH ANOTHER FROM SUBARU. THE TWO TIMES DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND TWO TINY ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CREATED A 12" LONG CRACK ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. THE COST FOR THE W…
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SUBARU OUTBACK 2015 WINDSHIELDS HAVE VERY LOW QUALITY AND CRACK WITH MINIMAL CONTACT. OUR WINDSHIELDS BROKE TWICE IN ONE MONTH AFTER REPLACING THE ORIGINAL ONE WITH ANOTHER FROM SUBARU. THE TWO TIMES DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND TWO TINY ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CREATED A 12" LONG CRACK ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. THE COST FOR THE WINDSHIELDS IS VERY EXPENSIVE AT AROUND $700 TO PURCHASE A NEW WINDSHIELD AND TO HAVE IT INSTALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10712080
2,500 miles · Apr 13, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WINDSHIELD ON EYESIGHT EQUIPPED 2015 OUTBACK DEVELOPED A LARGE CRACK STARTING IN THE WIPER HEATING AREA JUST UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER. THE CRACK APPEARED SPONTANEOUS AS IT APPEARED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WAS AT LEAST EIGHT INCHES LONG. BY THE NEXT MORNING WITH THE CAR REMAINING PARKED AND ONLY A FEW DEGREE TEMPERATU…
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WINDSHIELD ON EYESIGHT EQUIPPED 2015 OUTBACK DEVELOPED A LARGE CRACK STARTING IN THE WIPER HEATING AREA JUST UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER. THE CRACK APPEARED SPONTANEOUS AS IT APPEARED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WAS AT LEAST EIGHT INCHES LONG. BY THE NEXT MORNING WITH THE CAR REMAINING PARKED AND ONLY A FEW DEGREE TEMPERATURE CHANGE OVERNIGHT IT WAS AT LEAST 14 INCHES LONG. THE ONLY MARK ON THE GLASS I CAN FIND ALONG THE CRACK IS A MINUSCULE DOT THAT IS ABSOLUTELY NO LARGER THAN A GRAIN OF SAND IN THE WIPER HEATING AREA. IT IS A BARELY VISIBLE AND IS NOT EVEN AS DEEP AS A GRAIN OF SAND. IT WOULD BE INVISIBLE EXCEPT IN THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT AND IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE THAT IT COULD OR SHOULD BE RELATED TO THE CRACK. I HAVE DONE A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE AND AM FINDING AN INORDINATE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF SPONTANEOUS CRACKING, OR CRACKING FROM ENTIRELY INSIGNIFICANT CHIPS ON OUTBACK WINDSHIELDS. MY OLDER OUTBACK HAS 160,000 MILES AND NUMEROUS PITS AND MARKS ON THE WINDSHIELD WITH NO CRACKING. DITTO WITH THE OLD LEGACY WAGON I OWNED BEFORE THAT. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF WINDSHIELDS CRACKING THE WAY THEY ARE ON THE NEW EYESIGHT EQUIPPED VEHICLES. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURE THAT RESULTS IN THE WINDSHIELDS BEING UNDER ENORMOUS PRESSURE. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A SPONTANEOUS CRACK SHOOTS THROUGH SOMEONE'S LINE OF SIGHT AS THEY ARE DRIVING AND CAUSES AN ACCIDENT. SUBARU NEEDS TO BE ORDERED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIND A WAY A TO PREVENT THIS. I FORESEE A CLASS ACTION SUIT PARTICULARLY IN LIGHT OF THOSE WHO HAVE REPORTED TWO OR THREE DESTROYED WINDSHIELDS IN THE FIRST MONTHS OF VEHICLE USE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10705316
1,200 miles · Apr 9, 2015
Visibility/wiper
PURCHASED CAR NEW FROM DEALER. CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR 4-5 DAYS. I WENT OUTSIDE AND NOTICED A LONG HORIZONTAL CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD RUNNING FROM HALF WAY UP DRIVERS SIDE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE GLASS. I DID NOT SEE OR HEAR ANYTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD AT ANY TIME WHILE I HAD BEEN DRIVING, AND I CAN SEE NO CHIPS, PITS …
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PURCHASED CAR NEW FROM DEALER. CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR 4-5 DAYS. I WENT OUTSIDE AND NOTICED A LONG HORIZONTAL CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD RUNNING FROM HALF WAY UP DRIVERS SIDE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE GLASS. I DID NOT SEE OR HEAR ANYTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD AT ANY TIME WHILE I HAD BEEN DRIVING, AND I CAN SEE NO CHIPS, PITS OR SCRATCHES IN THE WINDSHIELD. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THESE "SPONTANEOUS" WINDSHIELD CRACKS FROM NEW OUTBACK OWNERS ON THE SUBARU OWNERS WEBSITE, SO I KNOW THIS IS NOT SOME RANDOM UNLUCKY EVENT. SOME OWNERS HAVE REPORTED 2-3 WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENTS CRACKING. SUBARU DEALERS REFUSE TO TAKE BLAME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10704673
1,720 miles · Apr 7, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WHILE DRIVING ON THE ACCESS ROAD AT AROUND 38MPH. A ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A 8INCH CRACK AT THE LOWER PART OF DRIVERS SIDE AND GOES UP INTO DRIVERS VISIBILITY. I HAVE HAVE OWNED A SUBARU IN THE PAST AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL WINDSHIELD INCIDENTS AND NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN OR SEVERE. I FEAR THAT THEIR IS A DEFECT IN THE WI…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE ACCESS ROAD AT AROUND 38MPH. A ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A 8INCH CRACK AT THE LOWER PART OF DRIVERS SIDE AND GOES UP INTO DRIVERS VISIBILITY. I HAVE HAVE OWNED A SUBARU IN THE PAST AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL WINDSHIELD INCIDENTS AND NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN OR SEVERE. I FEAR THAT THEIR IS A DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD AND SPOKE WITH SUBARU AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO REPAIR IT OR TAKE ACTION TO THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10704311
13,000 miles · Apr 2, 2015
Visibility/wiper
WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT THIS MORNING AND MY WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY DEVELOPED AN 8 INCH CRACK. NO ROCK OR IMPACT. THIS IS THE THIRD WINDSHIELD I WILL HAVE TO HAVE REPLACED ON THIS CAR IN FOUR MONTHS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703360
3,400 miles · Mar 28, 2015
Power Train
.OF US AS TRAFFIC WAS CAUSING IT TO SPEED UP AND SLOW DOWN. WITH NO WARNING, OUR CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED AHEAD AS IF I HAD STEPPED HARD ON THE GAS PEDAL, THROWING US BACK IN OUR SEATS. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, IT HIT BRAKES AND THREW US FORWARD. IT DID NOT COMPLETELY STOP BUT RESUMED PREVIOUS SPEED. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN EVERY…
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.OF US AS TRAFFIC WAS CAUSING IT TO SPEED UP AND SLOW DOWN. WITH NO WARNING, OUR CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED AHEAD AS IF I HAD STEPPED HARD ON THE GAS PEDAL, THROWING US BACK IN OUR SEATS. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, IT HIT BRAKES AND THREW US FORWARD. IT DID NOT COMPLETELY STOP BUT RESUMED PREVIOUS SPEED. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN EVERY COUPLE OF MINUTES. I TOOK THE FIRST EXIT THAT APPEARED, ABOUT TWO MILES AHEAD. I WAS VERY FRIGHTENED THAT WE MIGHT COLLIDE WITH THE VAN IN FRONT OR SWERVE INTO THE TRAFFIC IN THE LANE NEXT TO US, OR THAT IT MIGHT SUDDENLY STALL IN OUR LANE. I DID NOT TRY TO STOP THE CAR ALTHOUGH I HAD MY FOOT RESTING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT BADLY FRIGHTENED MY WIFE AND I. THE CAR HAS A CVT TRANSMISSION. WE STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT AND THEN HAD CAR TOWED TO CLOSEST OF TWO SUBARU DEALERS IN THE AREA. I HAD BOTH OF THEM RUN EXTENSIVE CHECKS ON ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, COMPUTER, ETC. NEITHER COULD IDENTIFY ANY ISSUES THAT WOULD CAUSE THE PROBLEM. MY WIFE HAS SWORN SHE WILL NEVER DRIVE OR RIDE IN THE CAR AGAIN. I CAN'T BLAME HER. WE HAVE TO GO OVER A WINDING, HILLY ROAD OF ABOUT TEN MILES TO GO HOME. THERE IS HEAVY CAR AND TRUCK TRAFFIC OFF AND ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY. TO GET HOME, WE RENTED A CAR AS I NOW FEAR DRIVING THIS ROAD IN THIS CAR AT ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT. THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR HAS OFFERED TO STORE THE CAR FOR US UNTIL WE DECIDE WHAT TO DO. I'VE TRIED CALLING SUBARU AND WILL TRY AGAIN. LONG WAIT PERIODS SO FAR. THIS IS OUR SECOND SUBARU. FIRST WAS A 2012 OUTBACK WHICH WE TRADED FOR THE CURRENT ONE WHICH WE HAVE LEASED. THE IRONY OF THIS IS THAT WE BOUGHT THE CURRENT ONE FOR ITS MANY SAFETY FEATURES! I'VE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY LIFE BUT HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS! *TR
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1
EA21002 · 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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