POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
Your vehicle's park/neutral start interlock switch, which helps prevent shifting into gear while the vehicle is in motion, may have a faulty weld that lets water in, causing it to fail.
Risk if Unfixed
If this switch fails, it could prevent your rear lights from turning on when you reverse and your rearview camera from working, making it harder to see behind your vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
The dealership will replace the inhibitor switch for free, and you should contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or check your mail for a letter with Subaru's recall number WRQ-23 for more information.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The transmission control unit in your Outback or Legacy is like the brain of the automatic transmission. It's a computer that tells the gears when to switch. But in some 2020-2021 models, there's a glitch that can cause the gears to engage too early.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the drive chain could slip and break, leaving you without power and increasing the risk of a crash. You might lose control of your vehicle, especially on the highway or in hilly terrain.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will upgrade the transmission control unit's software, check for signs of chain slip, and inspect the chain guide. If the chain has slipped or is damaged, they'll replace the transmission at no cost to you. The 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 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The Occupant Detection System (ODS) in your Outback or Legacy has a sensor that helps the front passenger air bag deploy in a crash. This sensor is a small electronic component that can crack and fail.
Risk if Unfixed
If the sensor fails, the front passenger air bag might not deploy during a crash. This could increase the risk of serious injury to the passenger.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty sensor with a new one, at no cost to you. Schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
