Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
17 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WRG-21
Recall Date: Jul 29, 2021
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WRD-20
Recall Date: Apr 16, 2020
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: WUH-93
Recall Date: Jun 26, 2019
Consumer Complaints
1.3K ComplaintsSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Potential Consequences:
Radio Headunit -- Freezes and has ghost inputs. Makes the unit unusable- no backup camera. Flashes and beeps constantly. You can not mute it or stop it. It seems to also cause the "Eyesight" to not behave normally
Corrective Action:
Radio Headunit -- Freezes and has ghost inputs. Makes the unit unusable- no backup camera. Flashes and beeps constantly. You can not mute it or stop it. It seems to also cause the "Eyesight" to not behave normally
Additional Notes:
Radio Headunit -- Freezes and has ghost inputs. Makes the unit unusable- no backup camera. Flashes and beeps constantly. You can not mute it or stop it. It seems to also cause the "Eyesight" to not behave normally
Mfg Campaign: 11546313
Recall Date: Sep 25, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
Minor rock strike from road driving on 09/15/23. This resulted in a crack about 8" long on passenger side of window. In 7 days, the crack has grown to about 36" and has fractured in multiple locations. The crack continues to grow even while the vehicle is stationary and not experiencing severe weather events. This is due to a poor bracing of the window on the top frame portion of its mounting location on the vehicle.
Corrective Action:
Minor rock strike from road driving on 09/15/23. This resulted in a crack about 8" long on passenger side of window. In 7 days, the crack has grown to about 36" and has fractured in multiple locations. The crack continues to grow even while the vehicle is stationary and not experiencing severe weather events. This is due to a poor bracing of the window on the top frame portion of its mounting location on the vehicle.
Additional Notes:
Minor rock strike from road driving on 09/15/23. This resulted in a crack about 8" long on passenger side of window. In 7 days, the crack has grown to about 36" and has fractured in multiple locations. The crack continues to grow even while the vehicle is stationary and not experiencing severe weather events. This is due to a poor bracing of the window on the top frame portion of its mounting location on the vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11546010
Recall Date: Sep 22, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The screen has bubbles form behind it from condensation and causes it to phantom press buttons. It will interrupt any activity you do it's is very distracting and dangerousfor equipped to fail when it is a known issue.
Corrective Action:
The screen has bubbles form behind it from condensation and causes it to phantom press buttons. It will interrupt any activity you do it's is very distracting and dangerousfor equipped to fail when it is a known issue.
Additional Notes:
The screen has bubbles form behind it from condensation and causes it to phantom press buttons. It will interrupt any activity you do it's is very distracting and dangerousfor equipped to fail when it is a known issue.
Mfg Campaign: 11544535
Recall Date: Sep 14, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the check battery warning light illuminated. After calling roadside assistance, the technician was unable to jump-start the vehicle. The battery was later replaced but had since displayed symptoms of excessive power drainage, requiring constant recharges. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the check battery warning light illuminated. After calling roadside assistance, the technician was unable to jump-start the vehicle. The battery was later replaced but had since displayed symptoms of excessive power drainage, requiring constant recharges. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the check battery warning light illuminated. After calling roadside assistance, the technician was unable to jump-start the vehicle. The battery was later replaced but had since displayed symptoms of excessive power drainage, requiring constant recharges. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11544337
Recall Date: Sep 13, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The screen gets has bubbles form behind it from condensation and causes it to flash and click buttons on its own. It will interrupt maps while navigating, is very distracting, and dangerous to have this radio equipped when it is a known issue. I have almost crashed because of this.
Corrective Action:
The screen gets has bubbles form behind it from condensation and causes it to flash and click buttons on its own. It will interrupt maps while navigating, is very distracting, and dangerous to have this radio equipped when it is a known issue. I have almost crashed because of this.
Additional Notes:
The screen gets has bubbles form behind it from condensation and causes it to flash and click buttons on its own. It will interrupt maps while navigating, is very distracting, and dangerous to have this radio equipped when it is a known issue. I have almost crashed because of this.
Mfg Campaign: 11544177
Recall Date: Sep 12, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
8/15/23 stopped at light. Car ceased to drive. Put in Neutral, then Drive, car lurched forward & drove. On 8/22/23, driving 50-60 mph, car suddenly goes into nothing. Flash of light across the dashboard. Manually put into Drive and drove. Took to Reynolds Subaru in Orange, VA. [XXX] , technician, drove car w/scan tool multiple times over several days. Unable to duplicate what happened to us. The Electric system? Transmission? Fear driving car as it could repeat incidents. We live with high speed roads, numerous 10- wheel trucks, no shoulders, no room for failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Corrective Action:
8/15/23 stopped at light. Car ceased to drive. Put in Neutral, then Drive, car lurched forward & drove. On 8/22/23, driving 50-60 mph, car suddenly goes into nothing. Flash of light across the dashboard. Manually put into Drive and drove. Took to Reynolds Subaru in Orange, VA. [XXX] , technician, drove car w/scan tool multiple times over several days. Unable to duplicate what happened to us. The Electric system? Transmission? Fear driving car as it could repeat incidents. We live with high speed roads, numerous 10- wheel trucks, no shoulders, no room for failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Additional Notes:
8/15/23 stopped at light. Car ceased to drive. Put in Neutral, then Drive, car lurched forward & drove. On 8/22/23, driving 50-60 mph, car suddenly goes into nothing. Flash of light across the dashboard. Manually put into Drive and drove. Took to Reynolds Subaru in Orange, VA. [XXX] , technician, drove car w/scan tool multiple times over several days. Unable to duplicate what happened to us. The Electric system? Transmission? Fear driving car as it could repeat incidents. We live with high speed roads, numerous 10- wheel trucks, no shoulders, no room for failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mfg Campaign: 11543780
Recall Date: Sep 11, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
I am the owner of the 2019 Subaru Outback. Since I purchased the car back in 2019, I replaced the windshield 3 times already in 4 years of car ownership (10/2019, 11/2021, 8/2022) and only ~30k miles driven. Every time even a minor struck into the windshield caused a major crack (over 1 foot length) within minutes of continued driving. This significantly impairs the clear vision through the windshield. Additionally, rapid advancement in the size of the crack means that it has to be fully replaced every time with the cost of additional calibration of safety systems which makes the cost of the replacement extremely high. Every windshield has been replaced in the Subaru dealership with Subaru-made components. This rate of replacement is highly unusual and I never experienced before such frequent windshield failure.
Corrective Action:
I am the owner of the 2019 Subaru Outback. Since I purchased the car back in 2019, I replaced the windshield 3 times already in 4 years of car ownership (10/2019, 11/2021, 8/2022) and only ~30k miles driven. Every time even a minor struck into the windshield caused a major crack (over 1 foot length) within minutes of continued driving. This significantly impairs the clear vision through the windshield. Additionally, rapid advancement in the size of the crack means that it has to be fully replaced every time with the cost of additional calibration of safety systems which makes the cost of the replacement extremely high. Every windshield has been replaced in the Subaru dealership with Subaru-made components. This rate of replacement is highly unusual and I never experienced before such frequent windshield failure.
Additional Notes:
I am the owner of the 2019 Subaru Outback. Since I purchased the car back in 2019, I replaced the windshield 3 times already in 4 years of car ownership (10/2019, 11/2021, 8/2022) and only ~30k miles driven. Every time even a minor struck into the windshield caused a major crack (over 1 foot length) within minutes of continued driving. This significantly impairs the clear vision through the windshield. Additionally, rapid advancement in the size of the crack means that it has to be fully replaced every time with the cost of additional calibration of safety systems which makes the cost of the replacement extremely high. Every windshield has been replaced in the Subaru dealership with Subaru-made components. This rate of replacement is highly unusual and I never experienced before such frequent windshield failure.
Mfg Campaign: 11543863
Recall Date: Sep 11, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mfg Campaign: 11543341
Recall Date: Sep 8, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Car has 28k miles, has required 4-5 battery replacements. Cause is parasitic power drain. Subaru dealer can not diagnose and/or fix the problem. Subaru America is no help whatsoever. Battery failure makes car inoperable, several instances have put us in significant risk.
Corrective Action:
Car has 28k miles, has required 4-5 battery replacements. Cause is parasitic power drain. Subaru dealer can not diagnose and/or fix the problem. Subaru America is no help whatsoever. Battery failure makes car inoperable, several instances have put us in significant risk.
Additional Notes:
Car has 28k miles, has required 4-5 battery replacements. Cause is parasitic power drain. Subaru dealer can not diagnose and/or fix the problem. Subaru America is no help whatsoever. Battery failure makes car inoperable, several instances have put us in significant risk.
Mfg Campaign: 11540848
Recall Date: Aug 25, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery drain issue. The battery was replaced by dealer twice, and it drains down after about one month to two months. The car won't start and I need to call roadside service for a jump start several times a week. The dealer ran tests and says there is no unusual electronic drain when car is off, but didn't diagnose what the issue is--just replaced battery, and now after about 7 weeks I'm having same issue again.
Corrective Action:
Battery drain issue. The battery was replaced by dealer twice, and it drains down after about one month to two months. The car won't start and I need to call roadside service for a jump start several times a week. The dealer ran tests and says there is no unusual electronic drain when car is off, but didn't diagnose what the issue is--just replaced battery, and now after about 7 weeks I'm having same issue again.
Additional Notes:
Battery drain issue. The battery was replaced by dealer twice, and it drains down after about one month to two months. The car won't start and I need to call roadside service for a jump start several times a week. The dealer ran tests and says there is no unusual electronic drain when car is off, but didn't diagnose what the issue is--just replaced battery, and now after about 7 weeks I'm having same issue again.
Mfg Campaign: 11539825
Recall Date: Aug 21, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The infotainment system suddenly started playing random songs, started switching from maps to music, going through stations on the radio etc..escalated to not accepting any touch commands and totally took over doing its own thing like making random phone calls, etc which I could not stop because it won’t accept touch commands. My husband thought I was in an accident because it kept calling him as I was driving on the highway and I couldn’t stop it from calling him and I also couldn’t answer it. Very dangerous as it gets loud at various times and suddenly will make a beep beep beep sound like it would if you were scrolling through stations. The service manager said this is a known issue in these cars and said it’s coming from behind the screen. He said we can try to turn it off by pushing the volume and station buttons at the same time but this only works for a few minutes then turns back on. He said the fix is like $2200 and everything is on back order so we are looking at months. His advice was to go to Best Buy and get a new radio. This is a $39,000 car with 32000 miles on it…but we followed his suggestion anyway and went to Best Buy and they said no way can they can do it because of the amplifier in the car. They said a new radio would not connect to the amplifier and Harman Kardon speakers and said it would be about $6000 to replace all of that.
Corrective Action:
The infotainment system suddenly started playing random songs, started switching from maps to music, going through stations on the radio etc..escalated to not accepting any touch commands and totally took over doing its own thing like making random phone calls, etc which I could not stop because it won’t accept touch commands. My husband thought I was in an accident because it kept calling him as I was driving on the highway and I couldn’t stop it from calling him and I also couldn’t answer it. Very dangerous as it gets loud at various times and suddenly will make a beep beep beep sound like it would if you were scrolling through stations. The service manager said this is a known issue in these cars and said it’s coming from behind the screen. He said we can try to turn it off by pushing the volume and station buttons at the same time but this only works for a few minutes then turns back on. He said the fix is like $2200 and everything is on back order so we are looking at months. His advice was to go to Best Buy and get a new radio. This is a $39,000 car with 32000 miles on it…but we followed his suggestion anyway and went to Best Buy and they said no way can they can do it because of the amplifier in the car. They said a new radio would not connect to the amplifier and Harman Kardon speakers and said it would be about $6000 to replace all of that.
Additional Notes:
The infotainment system suddenly started playing random songs, started switching from maps to music, going through stations on the radio etc..escalated to not accepting any touch commands and totally took over doing its own thing like making random phone calls, etc which I could not stop because it won’t accept touch commands. My husband thought I was in an accident because it kept calling him as I was driving on the highway and I couldn’t stop it from calling him and I also couldn’t answer it. Very dangerous as it gets loud at various times and suddenly will make a beep beep beep sound like it would if you were scrolling through stations. The service manager said this is a known issue in these cars and said it’s coming from behind the screen. He said we can try to turn it off by pushing the volume and station buttons at the same time but this only works for a few minutes then turns back on. He said the fix is like $2200 and everything is on back order so we are looking at months. His advice was to go to Best Buy and get a new radio. This is a $39,000 car with 32000 miles on it…but we followed his suggestion anyway and went to Best Buy and they said no way can they can do it because of the amplifier in the car. They said a new radio would not connect to the amplifier and Harman Kardon speakers and said it would be about $6000 to replace all of that.
Mfg Campaign: 11539662
Recall Date: Aug 20, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Driving normally with no other vehicles nearby, Crack developed in windshield almost half way up, from the left side, and within seconds crossed most of drivers side in a near direct line. This is the third windshield to Crack in a 12 month period. Both times replaced at my local Subaru Dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. I have received a warning ticket from police for the prior crack, just before replacement due to safety issue. This newest crack is in drivers field of vision.
Corrective Action:
Driving normally with no other vehicles nearby, Crack developed in windshield almost half way up, from the left side, and within seconds crossed most of drivers side in a near direct line. This is the third windshield to Crack in a 12 month period. Both times replaced at my local Subaru Dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. I have received a warning ticket from police for the prior crack, just before replacement due to safety issue. This newest crack is in drivers field of vision.
Additional Notes:
Driving normally with no other vehicles nearby, Crack developed in windshield almost half way up, from the left side, and within seconds crossed most of drivers side in a near direct line. This is the third windshield to Crack in a 12 month period. Both times replaced at my local Subaru Dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. I have received a warning ticket from police for the prior crack, just before replacement due to safety issue. This newest crack is in drivers field of vision.
Mfg Campaign: 11538810
Recall Date: Aug 16, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Dcm / starlinks unit has a parasitic drain on battery that requires battery change every year. Car doesn't start unexpectedly. Not great for an outdoorsy car where we'd be more likely to be outside of cell signal.
Corrective Action:
Dcm / starlinks unit has a parasitic drain on battery that requires battery change every year. Car doesn't start unexpectedly. Not great for an outdoorsy car where we'd be more likely to be outside of cell signal.
Additional Notes:
Dcm / starlinks unit has a parasitic drain on battery that requires battery change every year. Car doesn't start unexpectedly. Not great for an outdoorsy car where we'd be more likely to be outside of cell signal.
Mfg Campaign: 11538886
Recall Date: Aug 16, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Potential Consequences:
Multiple cracked windshields: Sept 2022: 1st incident - heard loud rock hit. So not surprised when I found windshield cracked the next morning. Replaced. June 9, 2023: 2nd incident - No recollection of rock hitting windshield. Came back to car after it was parked in the heat and found the windshield split. Started at top and then formed a crack along top of windshield in both directions. I believe this was caused by the heat, not a rock. You'll see this in 3 attached photos June 22, 2023: Picked up car from having windshield replaced and a small pebble hit the windshield and it immediately cracked. You'll see this in 1 attached photo. --- I know that Subaru is using a thinner windshield so it works with their Eyesight technology but I believe it makes it more prone to crack from extreme heat and from tiny rocks. Maybe Subaru owners have complained about this on the internet. I am now afraid to drive my car for fear of the windshield cracking again. Subaru should be made to improve their windshields or pay for all of the broken windshields -- especially those that don't show rock damage.
Corrective Action:
Multiple cracked windshields: Sept 2022: 1st incident - heard loud rock hit. So not surprised when I found windshield cracked the next morning. Replaced. June 9, 2023: 2nd incident - No recollection of rock hitting windshield. Came back to car after it was parked in the heat and found the windshield split. Started at top and then formed a crack along top of windshield in both directions. I believe this was caused by the heat, not a rock. You'll see this in 3 attached photos June 22, 2023: Picked up car from having windshield replaced and a small pebble hit the windshield and it immediately cracked. You'll see this in 1 attached photo. --- I know that Subaru is using a thinner windshield so it works with their Eyesight technology but I believe it makes it more prone to crack from extreme heat and from tiny rocks. Maybe Subaru owners have complained about this on the internet. I am now afraid to drive my car for fear of the windshield cracking again. Subaru should be made to improve their windshields or pay for all of the broken windshields -- especially those that don't show rock damage.
Additional Notes:
Multiple cracked windshields: Sept 2022: 1st incident - heard loud rock hit. So not surprised when I found windshield cracked the next morning. Replaced. June 9, 2023: 2nd incident - No recollection of rock hitting windshield. Came back to car after it was parked in the heat and found the windshield split. Started at top and then formed a crack along top of windshield in both directions. I believe this was caused by the heat, not a rock. You'll see this in 3 attached photos June 22, 2023: Picked up car from having windshield replaced and a small pebble hit the windshield and it immediately cracked. You'll see this in 1 attached photo. --- I know that Subaru is using a thinner windshield so it works with their Eyesight technology but I believe it makes it more prone to crack from extreme heat and from tiny rocks. Maybe Subaru owners have complained about this on the internet. I am now afraid to drive my car for fear of the windshield cracking again. Subaru should be made to improve their windshields or pay for all of the broken windshields -- especially those that don't show rock damage.
Mfg Campaign: 11537274
Recall Date: Aug 8, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Two batteries in my Subaru suddenly started draining completely within a few days of each other. One day my husband was on a busy street and the dashboard began flashing, the lights, dImmed, and the car started making an unusual beeping sound. Our mechanic called Subaru and was told that it could be a problem with a VCM fuse. He tested the car overnight and easily discovered the VCM fuse was the problem. The part to fix the problem has been back-ordered for two months and the local Subaru dealer says it will be at least two more months before the part arrives. Subaru has acknowledged that the car is not safe to drive. Subaru customer advocacy has told us that the repair is not covered under our power train warranty. The part costs $900. Plus, we have had to rent a car for over $1000 a month. Subaru wants us to bring the car to a dealer to confirm that the problem is the VCM. The dealership is quite a ways away and the cost of towing the car could be very expensive. I said that I would be willing to pay the cost of towing so long as Subaru agrees to reimburse me if the dealership finds that the problem is the VCM. Subaru will not pay the cost of towing and said they might not pay for the cost of repairing the VCM if that is the problem. They would decide that only after they saw the car. Although Subaru has known for years of the problems with the VCM, they have never issued a recall nor have they even informed us of the potential problem. (My daughter had the same thing happen a few years ago. At that time, the needed part was available and Subaru did not charge her). The defect with the VCM presents serious safety issues and now I will be without the car for at least two months and Subaru is not taking responsibility for the defect. I appreciate any help you can give me. Kathleen Engel
Corrective Action:
Two batteries in my Subaru suddenly started draining completely within a few days of each other. One day my husband was on a busy street and the dashboard began flashing, the lights, dImmed, and the car started making an unusual beeping sound. Our mechanic called Subaru and was told that it could be a problem with a VCM fuse. He tested the car overnight and easily discovered the VCM fuse was the problem. The part to fix the problem has been back-ordered for two months and the local Subaru dealer says it will be at least two more months before the part arrives. Subaru has acknowledged that the car is not safe to drive. Subaru customer advocacy has told us that the repair is not covered under our power train warranty. The part costs $900. Plus, we have had to rent a car for over $1000 a month. Subaru wants us to bring the car to a dealer to confirm that the problem is the VCM. The dealership is quite a ways away and the cost of towing the car could be very expensive. I said that I would be willing to pay the cost of towing so long as Subaru agrees to reimburse me if the dealership finds that the problem is the VCM. Subaru will not pay the cost of towing and said they might not pay for the cost of repairing the VCM if that is the problem. They would decide that only after they saw the car. Although Subaru has known for years of the problems with the VCM, they have never issued a recall nor have they even informed us of the potential problem. (My daughter had the same thing happen a few years ago. At that time, the needed part was available and Subaru did not charge her). The defect with the VCM presents serious safety issues and now I will be without the car for at least two months and Subaru is not taking responsibility for the defect. I appreciate any help you can give me. Kathleen Engel
Additional Notes:
Two batteries in my Subaru suddenly started draining completely within a few days of each other. One day my husband was on a busy street and the dashboard began flashing, the lights, dImmed, and the car started making an unusual beeping sound. Our mechanic called Subaru and was told that it could be a problem with a VCM fuse. He tested the car overnight and easily discovered the VCM fuse was the problem. The part to fix the problem has been back-ordered for two months and the local Subaru dealer says it will be at least two more months before the part arrives. Subaru has acknowledged that the car is not safe to drive. Subaru customer advocacy has told us that the repair is not covered under our power train warranty. The part costs $900. Plus, we have had to rent a car for over $1000 a month. Subaru wants us to bring the car to a dealer to confirm that the problem is the VCM. The dealership is quite a ways away and the cost of towing the car could be very expensive. I said that I would be willing to pay the cost of towing so long as Subaru agrees to reimburse me if the dealership finds that the problem is the VCM. Subaru will not pay the cost of towing and said they might not pay for the cost of repairing the VCM if that is the problem. They would decide that only after they saw the car. Although Subaru has known for years of the problems with the VCM, they have never issued a recall nor have they even informed us of the potential problem. (My daughter had the same thing happen a few years ago. At that time, the needed part was available and Subaru did not charge her). The defect with the VCM presents serious safety issues and now I will be without the car for at least two months and Subaru is not taking responsibility for the defect. I appreciate any help you can give me. Kathleen Engel
Mfg Campaign: 11535672
Recall Date: Aug 1, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Car battery loses charge often due to parasitic DCM wire. Have been stranded often with my children despite buying new batteries. Battery, Alternator, everything tests fine. But there is an electrical issue. The radio and other electronics go on the fritz a week or two before each time the car needs a jump. it’s unreliable and unsafe.
Corrective Action:
Car battery loses charge often due to parasitic DCM wire. Have been stranded often with my children despite buying new batteries. Battery, Alternator, everything tests fine. But there is an electrical issue. The radio and other electronics go on the fritz a week or two before each time the car needs a jump. it’s unreliable and unsafe.
Additional Notes:
Car battery loses charge often due to parasitic DCM wire. Have been stranded often with my children despite buying new batteries. Battery, Alternator, everything tests fine. But there is an electrical issue. The radio and other electronics go on the fritz a week or two before each time the car needs a jump. it’s unreliable and unsafe.
Mfg Campaign: 11535391
Recall Date: Jul 31, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery failed to start vehicle. Jumped with another battery, checked that the charging system was operating. The next morning it would not start. Changed battery with a new one slightly larger, no problems. Found out later that there are so many functions that drain the smaller battery. I did not want to be on the road and unable to restart the vehicle. Others have had the same issues, there is a class action lawsuit with a settlement. Filed the required forms and was denied because I did not have a Subaru dealer replace the battery.
Corrective Action:
Battery failed to start vehicle. Jumped with another battery, checked that the charging system was operating. The next morning it would not start. Changed battery with a new one slightly larger, no problems. Found out later that there are so many functions that drain the smaller battery. I did not want to be on the road and unable to restart the vehicle. Others have had the same issues, there is a class action lawsuit with a settlement. Filed the required forms and was denied because I did not have a Subaru dealer replace the battery.
Additional Notes:
Battery failed to start vehicle. Jumped with another battery, checked that the charging system was operating. The next morning it would not start. Changed battery with a new one slightly larger, no problems. Found out later that there are so many functions that drain the smaller battery. I did not want to be on the road and unable to restart the vehicle. Others have had the same issues, there is a class action lawsuit with a settlement. Filed the required forms and was denied because I did not have a Subaru dealer replace the battery.
Mfg Campaign: 11534754
Recall Date: Jul 27, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
There is a parasitic battery drain happening from somewhere in my Subaru Outback. I purchased a battery approximately 6 months ago because my previous one died. Today this one died. Nothing such as leaving lights on or anything else on my part precipitated this. It has not been inspected yet by the dealer. This seems to be a common thing based on research and needs to be a recall.
Corrective Action:
There is a parasitic battery drain happening from somewhere in my Subaru Outback. I purchased a battery approximately 6 months ago because my previous one died. Today this one died. Nothing such as leaving lights on or anything else on my part precipitated this. It has not been inspected yet by the dealer. This seems to be a common thing based on research and needs to be a recall.
Additional Notes:
There is a parasitic battery drain happening from somewhere in my Subaru Outback. I purchased a battery approximately 6 months ago because my previous one died. Today this one died. Nothing such as leaving lights on or anything else on my part precipitated this. It has not been inspected yet by the dealer. This seems to be a common thing based on research and needs to be a recall.
Mfg Campaign: 11534940
Recall Date: Jul 27, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Battery drain. The vehicle battery will be dead after 2 days. I've needed charges over 15 times in 6 months. The battery was replaced twice and dealer said there was no parasitic drain when car is off, but offered no solution for fixing the car. I'm still having to call roadside services for a charge off and on. It's highly inconvenient and could be dangerous to not have any reliance on the battery. The car has less than 10,000 miles. I have been gypped into buying this car that isn't working properly. When will Subaru take these vehicles back or provide a solution for dealers to implement?
Corrective Action:
Battery drain. The vehicle battery will be dead after 2 days. I've needed charges over 15 times in 6 months. The battery was replaced twice and dealer said there was no parasitic drain when car is off, but offered no solution for fixing the car. I'm still having to call roadside services for a charge off and on. It's highly inconvenient and could be dangerous to not have any reliance on the battery. The car has less than 10,000 miles. I have been gypped into buying this car that isn't working properly. When will Subaru take these vehicles back or provide a solution for dealers to implement?
Additional Notes:
Battery drain. The vehicle battery will be dead after 2 days. I've needed charges over 15 times in 6 months. The battery was replaced twice and dealer said there was no parasitic drain when car is off, but offered no solution for fixing the car. I'm still having to call roadside services for a charge off and on. It's highly inconvenient and could be dangerous to not have any reliance on the battery. The car has less than 10,000 miles. I have been gypped into buying this car that isn't working properly. When will Subaru take these vehicles back or provide a solution for dealers to implement?
Mfg Campaign: 11533930
Recall Date: Jul 23, 2023
Subaru Of America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
At roughly 57k miles, the infotainment system in my Subaru outback started flashing rapidly, thinking something was touching the top right corner of the screen. It changes the radio stations interrupts phone calls by transferring them off of the Bluetooth system, affects the navigation system by stopping the map, and eventually locks itself up and because unusable. Not only is this distracting to the driver, but it questions the integrity of all of the computer systems in the vehicle, including the Subaru EYESIGHT.
Corrective Action:
At roughly 57k miles, the infotainment system in my Subaru outback started flashing rapidly, thinking something was touching the top right corner of the screen. It changes the radio stations interrupts phone calls by transferring them off of the Bluetooth system, affects the navigation system by stopping the map, and eventually locks itself up and because unusable. Not only is this distracting to the driver, but it questions the integrity of all of the computer systems in the vehicle, including the Subaru EYESIGHT.
Additional Notes:
At roughly 57k miles, the infotainment system in my Subaru outback started flashing rapidly, thinking something was touching the top right corner of the screen. It changes the radio stations interrupts phone calls by transferring them off of the Bluetooth system, affects the navigation system by stopping the map, and eventually locks itself up and because unusable. Not only is this distracting to the driver, but it questions the integrity of all of the computer systems in the vehicle, including the Subaru EYESIGHT.
Mfg Campaign: 11533533
Recall Date: Jul 20, 2023
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Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
Focus: Lemon Law, Personal Injury