Subaru recall targets faulty fuel pumps due to crash risk

Laguna Hills, CA – April 30, 2020 – An issue with a low-pressure fuel pump is causing some Subaru Outback, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy models to stall and not restart or run roughly. That might lead to an accident, Subaru recalls say.

Deformed Impeller Prompts Recall

  • 2019 Subaru Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback cars and SUVs
  • Low pressure fuel pump might stop working.
  • 188,207 vehicles in the U.S. are recalled

A bad impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump could become deformed over time, the NHTSA recall notice says. The deformation could cause the impeller to jam inside the low-pressure fuel pump and disable it. If that happens, the “check engine” warning light or the “malfunction indicator” light on the dash might signal a problem. The Subaru also might run roughly if it does not stall. Restarts might become impossible, which increases the risk of a crash, Subaru of America says.

Subaru Specifies Recalled Models

The fuel pump recall does not apply to every car listed above. Subaru says it only applies to the following models when respective owners confirm it in advance. Doing so requires using the “Vehicle Coverage Inquiry” link at Subarunet.com. The number of Subaru recalls in the U.S. and their respective build dates are:

  • 40,950 Ascent SUVs built from June 26, 2018, through Jan. 18, 2019
  • 40,797 Impreza cars built from June 18, 2018, through Feb. 25, 2019
  • 20,198 Subaru Legacy cars built from June 29, 2018, through Feb. 19, 2019
  • 86,278 Subaru Outback cars built from June 29, 2018, through Feb. 19, 2019

Subaru says a limited supply of replacement fuel pumps will arrive soon to support the recall. Additional models are recalled in Canada, which pushes the total number recalled to more than 200,000 in North America.

New Fuel Pump Fixes the Problem

Subaru says the replacement fuel pumps will arrive soon in limited quantities. Once the replacement parts start arriving, Subaru will replace the faulty fuel pump with a new one after respective owners confirm the service online. It expects to start replacing the faulty Subaru fuel pumps on June 5. The matter has not caused any reported accidents or injuries, Subaru says.

More Stalling Problems for Subaru

Subaru fuel pump problem is the latest to cause stalling problems in recently built Subaru vehicles. Recent Subaru safety issues due to stalling include an October 2019 recall that addressed faulty engine control modules in up to 500,000 Impreza and Crosstrek made from 2017 to 2019. The carmaker also recently recalled certain 2019 Crosstrek, Ascent, and Forester SUVs due to a stalling problem. A faulty PCV valve could separate and cause motor oil and valve pieces to enter the engine.

Does This Recall Affect You?

To determine whether the Subaru fuel pump problem affects your vehicle, it is not enough to just know the make, model and year. The way to be completely sure is to look up your vehicle ID number (VIN) on our free lookup tool, and if there are any open recalls on your vehicle you will be able to connect with dealers who can repair the problem at no cost to you.

Joe GlaserSubaru recall targets faulty fuel pumps due to crash risk