Subaru issues Legacy and Outback recalls due to faulty airbags

Camden, NJ – April 25, 2024 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 118,723 cars whose airbags may fail to deploy in a crash, upping the risk of an injury.

The affected models include: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Subaru Legacy
  • 2020 – 2022 Subaru Outback

The recall is being conducted on the back of hundreds of warranty claims.

Recall summary

Cars generally have a system of sensors called the Occupant Detection System (ODS) which only deploys airbags if there is a person in the seat during a crash. 

Due to a supplier error, the listed cars’ ODS may develop an electrical short due to moisture ingress. This may cause the system to malfunction and not deploy the front passenger airbag even if there is someone in the seat.

Recall risks

For the risks of this recall, please see this article about an Audi recall caused by a similar issue.

Warning signs

A malfunctioning sensor will trigger the supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light, as well as the “front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator” on the dashboard.

Other Subaru recalls

Some of these cars may have been affected by a recall in December 2023, caused by inoperable rearview cameras and backup lights.

In September of last year, there was a Subaru BRZ recall due to malfunctioning rear turn signals, as reported.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of 253 warranty claims and 23 technical reports. No injuries have been reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the ODS sensors free of charge.

The parts are currently not in stock.

Owners will get a letter from the automaker once they become available.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Subaru airbag recall affects close to 120,000 cars. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru issues Legacy and Outback recalls due to faulty airbags

Subaru recalls Crosstrek, Forester cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Camden, NJ  – December 15, 2023 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 95,830 cars and SUVs whose reverse lights and rearview cameras may fail to engage. This ups the risk of a crash and injury while backing up. 

The following vehicles are affected by this recall:  

  • 2021 – 2023 Subaru Legacy 
  • 2021 – 2023 Subaru Outback
  • 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2022 Subaru Forester

Recall summary  

Shifting into reverse triggers a switch inside the gear mechanism, which tells the car to turn the reverse lights and the rearview camera on.

In the affected vehicles, due to a supplier error, the switch was not welded properly allowing water ingress into the mechanism.  If moisture gets inside the car, the camera and lights may not engage when the driver is backing up.

The component causing this recall is the switch-inhibitor with part number 31918AA120. 

Recall risks

The driver is more likely to hit something while backing up. This raises the risk of injury and property damage.

Warning signs 

A faulty switch may also cause the selected gear to not show up on the “transmission panel.” It may also result in the “inability to start the engine” and the malfunction indicator light (MIL) coming on on the dashboard.

Other Subaru recalls

Some of these Subaru Crosstrek SUVs may have been affected by a recall from March 2023, caused by the risk of stall.

In September, Subaru’s sporty BRZ coupes were recalled because their turn signals would not work, as reported. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the said switch with an upgraded one free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on or before January 8, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 100,000 cars are affected by this Subaru rearview camera recall. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls Crosstrek, Forester cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Subaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    

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