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2013 SUBARU Outback

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
Your vehicle's parking brake has an electronic part that helps hold the car in place when you're parked. In some 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback models with a manual transmission, this part might not work as intended.
Risk if Unfixed
If the parking brake fails, your vehicle could roll away if you're not in the right gear – which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty parking brake part with a new one, completely free of charge. You'll get a notification with instructions on how to schedule the repair.
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
The steering column in your Outback or Legacy is made up of two connected shafts that help you turn your wheels. In some 2013 models made between February and June 2012, these shafts can come loose.
Risk if Unfixed
If the shafts disconnect while you're driving, you'll lose control of your steering wheel, which could lead to a serious crash.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the entire steering column assembly with a new one, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
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 #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 safety device that deploys to protect you in a crash. In some models, the airbag inflator can fail due to long-term 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 occupants, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, safe one, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible, and you'll be notified by Subaru or Saab directly.
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 #20V002000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger airbag in your vehicle is designed to deploy in the event of a crash to protect you. However, in certain models, the inflator – the part that fills the airbag with gas – could fail and explode if exposed to high humidity and temperature changes over time.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly into the cabin and hit you or other occupants, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty passenger airbag inflator with a new one, free of charge. You'll receive a notification letter with instructions on how to schedule the repair – just follow the instructions and bring your vehicle in for the fix.
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 #20V001000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that protects you in the event of a crash. But in some 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX, 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles, the airbag inflator could be faulty.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator fails, it could explode and send sharp metal pieces flying towards you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, safe one, at no cost to you. You should 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's passenger air bag is a crucial safety feature that inflates in the event of a crash to protect you from injury. Unfortunately, in some 2010-2014 Subaru models, the inflator that makes the air bag work could explode and send sharp metal fragments flying, causing serious harm or even death.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you or a passenger could be hit by flying metal fragments, leading to severe injury or even fatal consequences.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a new, safer one, absolutely free of charge. When you get the recall notice, 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 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. It's made up of a module that contains a propellant that helps it deploy quickly and safely. In certain Subaru models made between 2010 and 2014, this propellant can degrade over time, causing the module to malfunction.
Risk if Unfixed
If the passenger air bag inflator explodes in a crash, it could send sharp metal fragments flying towards you, the driver, or other passengers. This could cause serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty passenger air bag inflator with a new, safer one at no cost to you. This is a free repair, 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 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 part that deploys the airbag in front of you is called the inflator module. In certain models of Subaru vehicles, this module can malfunction and explode in a crash, causing serious harm.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly everywhere, hitting you or other passengers and causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safe one, completely free of charge. You'll get a notification letter, but you should schedule the repair as soon as possible 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 inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that deploys the passenger airbag in a crash. In affected Subaru models from 2009-2013, this inflator can explode and send sharp metal fragments flying.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal pieces hurtling into the passenger seat area, putting you and others at risk of serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, safer one at no cost to you. This repair is urgent, so be sure to 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 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 Subaru is the part that turns on and off your engine when you turn the key. In some 2005-2014 models, a small spring inside the switch can break, making it weaker and more prone to turning off unexpectedly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the ignition switch fails, your engine could shut off while you're driving, making it harder to control your vehicle. If you crash, the airbag might not deploy, which could lead to serious injury.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will check the ignition switch and replace it if it's faulty, 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 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 is the part that powers your windshield wipers. In some 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback models, the wiper motor's cover can get clogged with snow or ice, causing the wipers to get stuck.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wiper motor gets too hot, the wipers could stop working, reducing your visibility while driving and increasing the risk of a crash. In the worst case, the motor cover could even melt, causing a fire.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the wiper motor cover with a new one, free of charge. This is a free repair, 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 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 fob in your Subaru sends a signal to start the engine remotely. In certain models, this fob can malfunction and send a start signal accidentally if it's dropped.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fob malfunctions, your engine could start on its own, even if you're not near the car. It could run for up to 15 minutes, possibly causing headaches, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness from carbon monoxide buildup if you're in an enclosed space.
Free Fix
Your Subaru dealer will replace the faulty fob with a new one, 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 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 Outback Years

2019
3 recalls
2018
3 recalls
2017
4 recalls
2016
4 recalls
2015
5 recalls
2014
10 recalls
2012
16 recalls
2011
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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