Skip to main content

2013 SUBARU Legacy

12 recalls Risk Grade: A Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #18V626000 Plain English
Component

PARKING BRAKE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The electronic parking brake in your Legacy or Outback is a system that helps keep your vehicle from rolling away when parked. But in certain 2010-2014 models, this system might not work as it should.
Risk if Unfixed
If the parking brake doesn't engage when you think it should, your vehicle could roll away even when you're parked on a slope or on uneven ground. This can lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty electronic parking brake actuator free of charge. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #13V194000 Plain English
Component

STEERING

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
Subaru is recalling certain 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles due to a potential issue with the steering column assembly.
Risk if Unfixed
If this isn't fixed, you could lose control of your vehicle, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Subaru will replace the steering column assembly free of charge, and you'll be notified when it's time to bring your vehicle in.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V001000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
Your passenger airbag inflator is a critical safety device that helps protect you in a crash. Unfortunately, some Subaru models from 2003-2014, originally sold or registered in certain states, had their inflators replaced under a previous recall, but they may still fail due to prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could shatter and send metal fragments into the passenger area, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty inflator with a safer one at no cost to you. You'll be notified when the repair is available, and you should schedule it as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V002000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger airbag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety device that helps protect you in a crash. In some 2003-2014 Subaru and Saab models, this inflator can fail and explode due to aging and environmental factors.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could hurt you or other occupants badly, leading to serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safer one, free of charge. You'll get a notice with instructions to schedule the repair, and you should act quickly to ensure your safety.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V003000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger airbag in your vehicle is a critical safety feature that deploys in the event of a crash. The inflator is the part that makes the airbag work by rapidly releasing gas to fill the airbag. Unfortunately, some of the original inflators in certain Subaru and Saab vehicles are prone to exploding due to age and environmental factors, which could be deadly if you're in the passenger seat when it happens.
Risk if Unfixed
If an inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments flying into you or other passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty passenger airbag inflator with a new, safer one at no cost to you. This is a free repair, and it's essential to schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V009000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger side air bag in your vehicle is designed to deploy in case of a crash to protect you. However, the inflator that makes this air bag work could suddenly explode due to age and environmental factors.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens while you're in the car, sharp metal fragments could hit you or other passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a safe one, at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V007000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The air bag in your passenger seat is a safety device that inflates in case of a crash to protect you. In certain Subarus made between 2010 and 2014, the inflator that makes the air bag work could burst, causing sharp metal fragments to fly around the cabin.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator bursts, sharp metal shards could hit you or other passengers, leading to serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a safe one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V008000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger frontal air bag in your vehicle is designed to inflate in a crash to protect you from injury. In certain models, the air bag inflator could fail due to age-related wear and tear, even if you've never been in an accident.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator fails in a crash, it could explode and send sharp metal fragments flying towards you or others in the vehicle, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a new, safer one - at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #18V012000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to protect the front seat passenger. In some 2009-2013 Subaru models, the air bag inflator might explode if it's exposed to high humidity and temperature changes for a long time.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could shoot sharp metal fragments towards the passenger, driver, or other occupants in the vehicle, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a safe one, at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #19V297000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The ignition switch in your vehicle controls when your engine starts and runs. It's the part that lets you turn your key to start the car. In some affected models, the switch's internal spring can break, making it harder to keep the key in the 'run' position.
Risk if Unfixed
If the ignition switch weakens, the key could shift to the wrong position, turning off the engine unexpectedly. If this happens, you could lose power steering and power brakes, making it harder to control your vehicle. In a crash, the airbag might not deploy, putting you at greater risk of injury.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will check the ignition switch, and if it's faulty, they'll replace it with a new one at no charge to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #16V694000 Plain English
Component

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The wiper motor in your Legacy or Outback is the part that helps your windshield wipers move back and forth. In some 2010-2014 models, dirt or debris can get trapped inside this motor and cause it to overheat.
Risk if Unfixed
If the motor gets too hot, it could fail and your windshield wipers might not work properly, making it harder for you to see the road and increasing the chance of a crash. In the worst case, the motor cover could melt, potentially causing a fire.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty wiper motor cover with a new one, at no cost to you. This repair is necessary to prevent any potential issues and ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #13V061000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The remote engine starter (RES) fob in your vehicle is the little device that lets you start your engine from a distance. In certain Subaru models, this fob can malfunction and start your engine unexpectedly if it's dropped.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fob malfunctions, your engine could start and run for up to 15 minutes without you intending it to. If you park in a garage or enclosed area, the engine's exhaust could build up and cause headaches, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty RES fob with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice, so you can avoid any potential risks.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
7 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 recalls
PARKING BRAKE
1 recall
STEERING
1 recall
VISIBILITY
1 recall

Other SUBARU Legacy Years

2023
2 recalls
2022
2 recalls
2021
3 recalls
2020
6 recalls
2019
3 recalls
2018
3 recalls
2017
2 recalls
2016
3 recalls
2015
3 recalls
2014
10 recalls
2012
16 recalls
2011
16 recalls
2010
18 recalls
2009
13 recalls
2008
9 recalls
2007
9 recalls
2006
7 recalls
2005
9 recalls
2004
11 recalls
2003
15 recalls
2002
5 recalls
2001
8 recalls
2000
4 recalls

Related Pages

2013 Toyota RAV4 Recalls 2013 Honda CR-V Recalls 2012 SUBARU Legacy Recalls 2014 SUBARU Legacy Recalls All SUBARU Recalls SUBARU Legacy Recall History