Subaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals

Subaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    

September 17, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Camden, NJ  – September 17, 2023 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 8,915 sports cars – including the 2022 Subaru BRZ and the 2022 Toyota GR8 – because of a problem with the rear turn signals which may result in a higher risk of an accident. 

Both models were made in partnership with Toyota, which owns a 20% stake in Subaru.

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, exposure to strong sunlight could cause less voltage to flow through the car, resulting in the rear turn signal being temporarily disabled.

Recall risks

The risks caused by a faulty turn signal are covered in this report about a similar recall by Toyota.  

Warning signs

If there is an issue with the signal, “the driver will notice rapid flashing of the dashboard turn signal indicator lamp,” according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Other Subaru recalls

In December 2022, Subaru recalled a number of 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs due to overheating electrical systems that led to a higher risk of fire. 

In March 2023, Subaru issued a recall for some 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid units over a charging problem with the cars’ 12-volt battery. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the rear lamp assemblies with ones containing an improved circuit. This will be done free of charge, and Subaru will reimburse owners who paid for repairs before the recall order was issued.

Owners will be notified by October 29, 2023.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Close to 9,000 vehicles are affected by this Subaru rear turn signal recall. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    
Subaru recalls Crosstrek Hybrid over loss of power, crash risk

Subaru recalls Crosstrek Hybrid over loss of power, crash risk

March 19, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Camden, NJ – March 19, 2023 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) has issued a recall for 8,413 2019–2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SUVs that may stall while driving due to an issue with the cars’ 12-volt battery,  which supplies electricity for a host of cars’ functions. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary

Cars use onboard batteries to supply electricity for the vehicle’s various functions. Subaru’s hybrid powertrain includes a battery pack that powers the electric motor assisting the engine. This battery is charged by a harness terminal that delivers electricity from the onboard voltage converter. 

In the affected vehicles, due to faulty design, this terminal could corrode and eventually break. When this happens, the battery will no longer be charged.

Recall risks

If the battery cannot be recharged, the engine could lose the electric motor assist. This could lead to a stall, upping the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If the harness breaks, a corresponding light will illuminate on the dashboard.

Other Subaru recalls

In August 2022, Subaru recalled 59,934 2015–2021 WRX sedans over “inoperative” rear lights and reverse camera, which could increase the risk of a crash.  

In December 2022, Subaru issued a recall for 271,694 2019–2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs on account of overheating of the vehicles’ electrical components, leading to an increased risk of fire.        

There have been no other recent Subaru Crosstrek recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the defective terminal mounting bracket with a new one. If no corrosion is found on the terminals of an affected vehicle, a protective rubber cap will be installed. Corroded terminals will involve replacing the entire 12-volt wiring harness with a new one.   

All repairs will be free of charge and Subaru will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 14, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are affected by this Subaru battery harness recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Subaru recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls Crosstrek Hybrid over loss of power, crash risk
Subaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

Subaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

December 19, 2022 Bojan Popic

Camden, NJ – December 23, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling  271,694 of their 2019 – 2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs because their electrical components may overheat and melt. This may lead to a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of property damage, crash, and injury. 

The fire may occur even while the vehicle is turned off and parked. Owners are advised to park away from structures until the issue is addressed. The recall comes on the back of 11 fire-related complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with several heaters, including one inside the dashboard. The dashboard heater helps the engine warm up faster when it is cold out. Its grounding wire is bolted to the chassis with a screw. 

On affected SUVs, these screws might not have been tightened up sufficiently during assembly. This may generate excessive heat which may lead to the grounding wire’s terminal and surrounding components melting if the temperature is high enough. It may also lead to a fire.

The component causing this recall is the tapping screw, with part number 904580002

Recall risks

You can find out all about the risks caused by overheating electrics in this recent Hyundai recall. 

Warning signs 

The driver or passengers may notice a burning smell if the grounding wire starts to melt. In addition, there might be smoke coming from underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. 

Safety tips 

If you notice these warning signs, pull over at the first safe spot, turn off the ignition and leave the vehicle with all your passengers.

Keep in mind that your car may still catch fire even when it is not running. This is why you should park it away from structures and other vehicles until the repair is done. 

Other Subaru recalls

Apart from these Subaru electrical issues, the manufacturer recalled nearly 200,000 of their popular Impreza cars because of defective headlights in August 2022. 

Among previous Subaru Ascent recalls, the one caused by malfunctioning transmission, which took place in January 2022, is the latest. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by installing a new grounding-wire screw. In addition, as a precaution, they will inspect the grounding wire and replace it if needed. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 6, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru ground terminal recall affects almost a quarter of a million SUVs. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures
Subaru recalls Impreza vehicles over defective headlamps

Subaru recalls Impreza vehicles over defective headlamps

August 28, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Camden, NJ – August 28, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is issuing a recall for 188,397 Impreza vehicles over a problem with the headlamps, which can potentially increase the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following sedans and station wagons: 

  • 2017 Subaru Impreza
  • 2018 Subaru Impreza
  • 2019 Subaru Impreza

Recall summary

Vehicle headlamps use reflectors to direct the light beam generated by the bulb towards the road, allowing the driver to see ahead while traveling.

In the affected vehicles, due to issues during the manufacturing process, the lamps do not properly reflect the light, resulting in decreased visibility or glare.

The component involved in this recall is the lamp assembly head with part numbers 84001FL01A and 84001FL00A. 

Recall risks

Reduced visibility or glare created by the wrong angle of reflection creates an increased risk of a crash.

Other Subaru recalls 

In January 2022, Subaru announced a recall for 198,255 vehicles over a transmission malfunction, which could increase the risk of crash and injury. The recall includes the Ascent, as well as 2020 releases of the Legacy and Outback vehicles. 

There was a Subaru Impreza recall in May 2021 over the risk of stalling.  The recall also included Crosstrek vehicles, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the left and right front headlamp assemblies with new parts free of charge. Subaru will reimburse owners who paid repairs on their own prior to the recall announcement.

Affected owners will be notified on or around October 11, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 188,000 vehicles are included in this Subaru Impreza reflectors’ recall. To run a Subaru recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls Impreza vehicles over defective headlamps
Subaru recalls WRX cars over faulty rear lights, rearview camera issue

Subaru recalls WRX cars over faulty rear lights, rearview camera issue

August 7, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Camden, NJ – August 7, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) has issued a recall for 59,934 2015-2021 WRX sedans over “inoperative” rear lights and reverse camera. This increases the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

The backup light switch is responsible for activating the reverse lights on a car. Shifting the transmission to Reverse gear allows the switch to activate the rear lights and also engages the rearview camera.

On the affected vehicles, the backup light switch is exposed to heated oil. The sulfur in the oil can corrode the electrical contacts of the switch, and they will not be as efficient in conducting electricity. Eventually, this will cause the backup light switch to stop working.     

The cause of the defect is not clear but was replicated in tests conducted by the manufacturer under “excessive or abusive driving conditions.”

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar rearview camera recall issued by Dodge. 

Warning signs

When the backup light switch has failed, drivers will notice that the “R” symbol will not appear on the dashboard when reverse gear is engaged. 

Other Subaru recalls 

In January 2022, the company issued a recall for 198,255 Ascent and Outback SUVs due to a malfunctioning transmission.

In May 2021, Subaru recalled 446,205 Impreza and Crosstrek vehicles over a problem with the engine control module or ECM. A programming failure on the component can lead to the engine stalling while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.

Repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the faulty backup light switch with a new one. The repairs will be done free of charge, and Subaru will reimburse customers who availed of the remedy before the recall was announced.  

Affected owners will have been notified by September 19, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 59,000 vehicles are included in this WRX recall. To see if your vehicle is affected by this electrical issue, run a Subaru recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls WRX cars over faulty rear lights, rearview camera issue
Subaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission

Subaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission

January 2, 2022 Bojan Popic

Camden, NJ – January 2, 2022  – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 198,255 vehicles whose transmission may malfunction, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall supersedes and expands the one conducted for the same issue in 2019 and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2019 Subaru Ascent  
  • 2020 Subaru Ascent
  • 2020 Subaru Legacy
  • 2020 Subaru Outback

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles have automatic transmission that operates using hydraulic pressure. Upon startup, it takes a brief moment before this pressure is sufficient to move the vehicle. 

Although this only takes a second or two, due to a software issue, the clutch of the affected vehicles may engage before adequate pressure within the transmission is achieved. This may result in the drive chain – which transfers power to the wheels – slipping and the driver not being able to use the gear selector. 

In the long-term, the drive chain may break, which could cause the vehicle to stall while driving.

The component in question is the Transmission Control Unit, or TCU, with multiple part numbers including  30919AG75A and 30919AH14D. 

Recall risks

If the transmission malfunctions in traffic, the vehicle will lose its ability to move. That may increase the risk of a crash or injury, especially if it happens in dense traffic. 

Several complaints associated with this recall mention the car “lurching forward and then back,” sometimes on a multi-lane highway. Another driver describes a harrowing experience of “losing power twice going up the steep hill” and “narrowly avoiding a collision due to slippery road.”

Other Subaru recalls 

In addition to this one, there was a recent Subaru Outback recall in August, caused by a possibility of an engine stall. The culprit was a faulty fuel pump.

Background of the recall

Over 75,000 2019 Subaru Ascent SUVs that are part of this recall were previously recalled for the same issue in December 2019. As of July 22, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – most of them have been repaired. However, according to the manufacturer, they will need to have the new remedy applied to be safe on the road. See information about the remedy further in this article and use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to see if your Subaru is affected.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the TCU software. Additionally, they will conduct appropriate inspections to determine if the transmission has sustained any damage, and replace it if needed. The remedy is expected to be available in April 2022. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 7, 2022, and owners who repaired the transmission on their own dime may be eligible for reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru Recall 2021 includes almost 200,000 vehicles. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission
Subaru recalls vehicles due to risk of engine stall

Subaru recalls vehicles due to risk of engine stall

August 28, 2021 Bojan Popic ,

Camden, NJ – August 28, 2021  – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 165,026 vehicles in which the engine may stall while driving, which increases the risk of a crash. This recall includes the following models, some of which were developed in partnership with Toyota, which owns a minority stake in the company:

  • 2018 – 2020 Subaru Outback
  • 2018 – 2019 Subaru BRZ
  • 2018 – 2020 Subaru Impreza 
  • 2018 – 2020 Subaru Legacy
  • 2018 – 2019 Subaru WRX
  • 2019 – 2020 Subaru Ascent
  • 2018 – 2019 Toyota 86 2-Door
  • 2018 Subaru Forester

The affected component is the fuel pump, with different part numbers, including 42022CA000 and 42022FL02A.

Recall summary  

These cars are equipped with an impeller, which is a rotating plastic disk that draws fuel from the tank and directs it to the fuel pump. Due to what appears to be a supplier error, the impeller does not have enough density,  which makes it prone to cracking or becoming deformed. This may cause the fuel pump to stop working and result in the engine stalling, which may cause a crash.

Warning signs 

The ‘check engine’ or malfunction indicator light (MIL) may appear on the dashboard and the engine may run rough. Other potential symptoms include various engine running issues, ranging from sluggish performance to hesitation during accelerations.  To learn more, please refer to this article about a recent Nissan recall for the same issue.

Risks

A vehicle that stalls while driving may lead to situations that are potentially dangerous to both its occupants and other motorists. This is especially true if it happens in high-speed or dense traffic conditions.

Other Subaru recalls

A year ago, there was a similar Subaru Impreza recall caused by the same fuel pump issue. The recall also included Ascent, Legacy and Outback vehicles. The last 2020 Subaru Outback recall occurred in December 2020, also due to glitchy rear view cameras, as reported.

The last 2018 Subaru BRZ recall occurred in late 2018 when these cars were among roughly 70,000 units that had to be repaired due to faulty rear view cameras. The 2019 Subaru BRZ has not been subject to any additional recalls.

The repair

To solve the problem, Subaru authorized dealers will replace the fuel pump inside the tank that includes an impeller with a higher density at no charge. Owners will be notified beginning September 13, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Subaru fuel pump recall includes more than 160,000 vehicles. To check for this and other Subaru recalls, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls vehicles due to risk of engine stall
Subaru recalls Crosstrek and Forester SUVs for suspension issues

Subaru recalls Crosstrek and Forester SUVs for suspension issues

May 26, 2021 Suhas Ramachandra

Camden, NJ – August 24, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) has remedied 353,739 vehicles including the 2019 Subaru Forester that was dealing with suspension problems. Additionally, 2,419 of these Subaru vehicles have been categorized as unreachable, and 2,340 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of these 2019 Subaru Forester were remedied in 2021, and another group was remedied in 2022 due to these issues with the rear suspension stabilizer that could cause the car to roll over.

Camden, NJ – May 26, 2021 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 408,271 vehicles with a suspension defect that may make it harder to control the car, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2019 Subaru Forester

The component in question is the “Flange Bolt,” part number 01010820.

Recall Summary  

The part of the suspension that connects the rear wheels of the car with each other is called the rear stabilizer. Its job is to prevent the car from rolling over if the driver makes a sudden turn or comes upon an unexpected bump.

In the recalled cars, due to “variations in dimensions,” the bolts on the rear stabilizer bracket may become loose and come off. It is not clear if the variations exist in the bolts or the bracket itself.

Safety risks

If the bolts are not attached, the stabilizer cannot work properly to keep the car upright when turning the corner or engaging into a sudden maneuver. This may lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle and getting into an accident.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to this issue when she or he hears an unusual rattling sound from the rear of the vehicle while it is in motion.

Other Subaru recalls

Earlier this month, over 450,000 Impreza and Crosstrek cars were recalled due to the risk of stalling.

A year and half ago, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid was among the vehicles recalled due to an unexpected “loss of power” while driving.

The repair

Dealers will check the bolts and tighten them, if necessary, free of charge. Owners will be notified between May 14 and June 11.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 400,000 vehicles are included in this Subaru recall. Want to check for Subaru recalls? Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Suhas RamachandraSubaru recalls Crosstrek and Forester SUVs for suspension issues
Subaru recalls Impreza and Crosstrek vehicles over risk of stalling

Subaru recalls Impreza and Crosstrek vehicles over risk of stalling

May 11, 2021 Suhas Ramachandra

Camden, NJ – Feb 18, 2022 – Subaru has remedied issues with 359,708 vehicles including the 2018 Subaru Impreza and the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek dealing with a programming failure on the engine control module or ECM. Additionally, none of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 4,424 have been removed from the recall. All these Subaru models with ECM software issues were remedied between the second and fourth quarter of 2021.

Camden, NJ – May 11,  2021 – Subaru (OTCMKTS: FUJHY) has recalled 466,205 vehicles with an incorrectly programmed Engine Control Module (ECM), which is a component that controls over 100 elements in these cars. The issue may cause the car to stall, potentially leading to an accident.

The Subaru ECM Recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 Subaru Impreza
  • 2018 Subaru Impreza
  • 2019 Subaru Impreza
  • 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

The defective part of the vehicle is the ignition coil,  part number 22433AA741.

Recall summary  

Ignition coils are part of the car ignition system and convert the voltage of the car battery into energy needed to start the car. Due to faulty programming, the ECM is going to continue “instructing” the coils to do their job even after the engine is off. This may result in the coils short-circuiting. If this occurs when the car is in motion, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall follows on the heels of a 2019 recall of the same cars for the same exact issue. It is being conducted again as Subaru discovered that the ECM reprogramming that was done last time was not sufficient to fully remedy the issue.

Safety risks

Stalling while driving may lead to potentially dangerous situations, especially if it happens in high-speed or dense traffic. Stalled cars are very dangerous and kill over 300 people a year on average, as reported. For tips on what to do if your car stalls while you’re driving it, please see this recent Kia article. 

Warning signsSubaru recall

During the motion of the vehicle, when the occupants feel “irregular vibration.” This may mean that the vehicle is about to lose power.

Other similar recalls

In October of 2019, nearly half a million Subarus were recalled due to a stalling risk.  Subaru of America recalled Impreza and Crosstrek vehicles – whose model years stretch from 2017 to 2019 – that may have faulty engine control modules. Specifically, despite the engine being turned off, the ECM may continue to run, a circumstance that has the potential to cause a short circuit or a blown fuse. This could lead to an accident if either of these outcomes takes place while motorists are traveling.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the flaws in the programming of the ECM and will replace ignition coils and – in some cases – the front exhaust pipes as well. This will be carried out free of charge. The recall began on April 16.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 465,000 vehicles are being included in this Subaru recall To do a Subaru recall check if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Suhas RamachandraSubaru recalls Impreza and Crosstrek vehicles over risk of stalling
Subaru recalls 2020 Legacy and Outback cars for back-up camera glitch

Subaru recalls 2020 Legacy and Outback cars for back-up camera glitch

December 29, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Camden, NJ – Mar 20, 2022 – Subaru has remedied issues with 7,217 vehicles including the  2020 Subaru Outback and 2020 Subaru Legacy dealing with a software failure that may cause the rearview camera to shut down. Additionally, none of these models have been categorized as unreachable and only two have been removed from the recall. All these Subaru models with backup camera issues were remedied in three groups during 2021.

Camden, NJ – December 29,  2020 – Subaru (OTCMKTS: FUJHY) has recalled 7,741 vehicles with a software issue that shuts off the backup camera display. The recall includes the 2020 Subaru Legacy mid-size vehicles and the 2020 Subaru Outback SUVs.

The affected component is the Cockpit Control Module (CCM) with part numbers 86201AN65A and 86271AN60A. The CCM includes the backup camera.

Recall summary  

These 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles could lose their backup camera displays while in reverse due to a glitch that causes the computer to reboot every three minutes. 

The problem originated during a remote software update Subaru streamed to vehicles in August.  The installation process timed out and the data that was being transmitted was not transferred to the recalled vehicles. As a result, the CCM may repeatedly reboot, disabling the camera display for six seconds. 

Risks

No accidents or injuries relating to this issue have been reported, but, if rear view cameras are not functioning properly, there is a risk that drivers could run over or crash into people and objects behind them. 

To read about the Cameron Gulbransen Safety Act, which made backup cameras standard on all vehicles starting in 2018, and back-up crashes statistics,  please head to an article about a recent Ford recall due to the same issue.

The repair

Subaru dealers will reprogram vehicles affected by the recall. If a car’s backup camera display is not working, the dealer will replace the CCM with a new one. Owners will be notified by mail starting January 22.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 7,700 vehicles are included in this 2020 Subaru recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandSubaru recalls 2020 Legacy and Outback cars for back-up camera glitch
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