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2011 SUBARU Outback

16 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 Subaru Legacy or Outback is the system that helps hold your vehicle in place when you park. In some 2010-2014 models with a manual transmission, this system might not engage properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the parking brake doesn't work as it should, your vehicle could roll away when you think it's safely parked. This could lead to a crash, especially if you're on a slope or in a hilly area.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the electronic parking brake actuator with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice – it's essential to keep your vehicle safe.
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 #10V326000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Manufacturer
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
What Happened
The manual transmission in your Outback or Legacy is the part that helps you shift gears while driving. In some 2010-2011 models, a small hole that keeps the gears lubricated was left out during manufacturing.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gears aren't properly lubricated, you might hear a strange grinding sound that could be a warning sign. If you ignore it, the gears can break, causing your vehicle to lose power and potentially leading to a crash.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will drill a new lubrication hole and replace the damaged parts, all at no cost to you. They'll fix the problem as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY DRILLING AN OIL LUBRICATION HOLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERNAL PARTS WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
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 side airbag in your vehicle has a critical component that could fail. This part is responsible for inflating the airbag in the event of a crash. In older Subaru models like yours, this component could have been replaced with a similar one that's now showing signs of weakness.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could rupture and send sharp metal fragments flying into the passenger area, putting you or your passengers at risk of serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the passenger airbag inflator with a safer one, free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as you get the recall notice, as it's crucial to 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 (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 inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that deploys the airbag in a crash. It's possible that the inflator in your Subaru, Saab, or other affected vehicle could explode due to long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could shoot sharp metal fragments into the passenger compartment, causing serious injury or even death to you or your passengers.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty passenger airbag inflator with a safer one, at no cost to you. You'll receive a notification, and you should contact the manufacturer to schedule the free repair as soon as possible.
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 #20V001000 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 crucial safety feature that deploys in a crash to protect you. However, in certain Subaru models, the airbag inflator could fail and explode due to prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments flying towards you or other passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru or Saab dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safer one, free of charge. Look for a recall notice and schedule the repair 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 #19V008000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
Your vehicle has a critical safety component called the passenger frontal air bag, which helps protect you in a crash. This air bag has an inflator that could fail if it's exposed to high humidity and temperature changes over time.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly into you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death in a front seat crash.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a new 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, 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 #19V007000 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 inflates to protect you in a crash. In some 2010-2014 Subaru models, the air bag inflator could burst and send sharp metal fragments flying, putting you and others in the vehicle at risk.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments into the passenger seat, driver, or other occupants, potentially 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 2010-2013 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 #19V009000 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 the event of a crash to protect you and your passengers. In some 2010-2014 Subaru models, the air bag inflator might not work properly after a long time, even if you've never had an accident.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator fails, it could explode and send sharp metal pieces into the passenger area, posing a serious risk of severe injury or even death to the front seat passenger, driver, or other occupants.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a new one, free of charge. You'll get a notice when the repair is ready, and you should schedule it as soon as you can to ensure everyone's safety.
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 #18V012000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The airbag in your passenger seat is designed to protect you in a crash. In some 2009-2013 Subaru models, the airbag inflator could fail and explode, sending sharp metal fragments into the passenger area.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, you or a passenger could be seriously hurt or even killed by sharp metal fragments. This is a life-threatening situation.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safe one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice, and you can reach Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
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 →
High Priority #17V014000 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 a crash to protect you. It uses a special propellant to fill the bag quickly and help it inflate. In certain Subaru models from 2005-2012, this propellant can break down over time, especially in humid and hot conditions.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator ruptures in a crash, it could send sharp metal fragments flying into your body, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a new one, free of charge. This repair is a safety precaution and should be done as soon as possible to protect you in the event of an accident.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle 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 March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #16V358000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The airbag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that helps deploy the airbag in a crash. In certain models, this inflator can weaken over time due to humidity and temperature changes.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator ruptures in a crash, it could send sharp metal fragments into the passenger area, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru or Saab dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new one, free of charge. This repair is crucial to ensure your safety in the event of a crash, so schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle 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 frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
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 is a critical component that turns your engine on and off. In certain models, the internal spring inside the switch can weaken over time, making it more prone to turning off unexpectedly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the ignition switch fails, your engine could suddenly shut off while you're driving, which could increase the risk of a crash. In a worst-case scenario, if you're in a crash, the airbag might not deploy, putting you at greater risk of injury.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if necessary – at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive 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 windshield wiper motor in your vehicle is the part that controls the back-and-forth motion of your windshield wipers. In certain 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback models, tiny particles can get stuck inside this motor, causing it to overheat.
Risk if Unfixed
If the motor overheats, your windshield wipers may stop working, reducing your visibility while driving and increasing the risk of a crash. In the worst case, the motor could also catch fire due to the heat.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty wiper motor bottom cover assembly with a new one, and this repair is completely free. When you get the recall notice, be sure to schedule the repair as soon as possible.
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) in your Subaru is a device that lets you start your engine from a distance. In some models, this device can malfunction and start your engine without you pressing the button if the fob is dropped.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fob malfunctions, your engine could start and keep running for up to 15 minutes, even if you're not in the vehicle. This can lead to carbon monoxide building up in an enclosed space, causing headaches, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty RES fob with a new one, at no cost to you. You should schedule the replacement as soon as you receive the recall notice.
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 →
Moderate #12V602000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Manufacturer
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
What Happened
The puddle lights under your vehicle's doors, which brighten up the area when you're parked, could be faulty. This is an accessory feature, not a standard part of your vehicle, but it's still a potential safety concern.
Risk if Unfixed
If moisture gets inside the puddle light circuit, it could cause a short circuit and start a fire. This could happen if you drive through areas with road salt, like during winter months, and the moisture seeps into the circuit board or connector.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will install a new, fused harness to prevent the short circuit, completely free of charge. When you get the recall notice, schedule an appointment to have this repair done to keep you and your vehicle safe.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Original — Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 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 →
Moderate #11V467000 Plain English
Component

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
What Happened
The glass panel in your sunroof, called the moonroof, is held in place by a special adhesive. In some 2011 Outback and Legacy models, the glue wasn't applied correctly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the moonroof glass comes loose, it could fall out while you're driving, creating a hazard for other cars on the road and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will check the adhesive and either reapply glue or replace the moonroof glass for you – free of charge. You'll get a notice in October 2011, and you should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY COME LOOSE OR DETACH. THE AMOUNT AND POSITION OF THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE GLASS AND RETAINER WAS INADEQUATELY APPLIED.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THE MOONROOF GLASS CAN LOOSEN AND DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE DURING DRIVING, RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GLASS ADHESION CONDITION AND EITHER APPLY ADDITIONAL ADHESIVE OR REPLACE THE MOONROOF GLASS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
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Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
9 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 recalls
VISIBILITY
2 recalls
PARKING BRAKE
1 recall
POWER TRAIN
1 recall
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall

Other SUBARU Outback Years

2019
3 recalls
2018
3 recalls
2017
4 recalls
2016
4 recalls
2015
5 recalls
2014
10 recalls
2013
12 recalls
2012
16 recalls
2010
18 recalls
2009
13 recalls
2008
8 recalls
2007
8 recalls
2006
7 recalls
2005
9 recalls
2004
11 recalls
2003
15 recalls
2002
5 recalls
2001
4 recalls
2000
2 recalls

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