The Lemon IndexSubaru Outback recalls.
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2000–2024 Subaru Outback, newest first. Each one is listed once, with the model years it covers.
Check a VIN to see that car's model-year report and recalls.
Illustrations (AI-generated) of the cars shown, not photos of specific cars. Free to use under CC BY 4.0: credit The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Download and credit text
Park-it warnings 1
NHTSA flagged these: don't drive the car, or park it outside, until the fix is done.
- Steering · recall issued May 2016 · model years 2015–2017 Park it: don't drive
The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
48,819 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V292000
Every recall 68
- Airbags · recall issued Mar 2024 · model years 2020–2022
A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
118,723 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 24V227000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Nov 2023 · model years 2021–2023
An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
95,830 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V755000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Sep 2023 · model year 2023
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
4,311 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 23V647000
- Visibility · recall issued Sep 2022 · model year 2022
The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.
42 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V712000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Jul 2022 · model years 2020–2021
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
182 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V485000
- Engine · recall issued Jul 2022 · model year 2022
The engine wiring harness may have been damaged, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU).
15 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 22V473000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Dec 2021 · model year 2020
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
198,255 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V955000
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued Jul 2021 · model years 2018–2020
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
175,968 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V587000
Show all 68 recalls
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Jan 2021 · model year 2021
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
383 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 21V024000
- Back over prevention · recall issued Dec 2020 · model year 2020
The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently.
7,741 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V766000
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued Apr 2020 · model year 2019
The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
188,207 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V218000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2020 · model years 2003–2014
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
258,813 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V001000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2020 · model years 2003–2014
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior.
127,547 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V002000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2020 · model years 2003–2014
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall us.
111,562 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 20V003000
- Airbags · recall issued Dec 2019 · model years 2016–2017
A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
46 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V910000
- Brakes · recall issued Sep 2019 · model year 2020
The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.
3,467 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V664000
- Body structure · recall issued Jun 2019 · model year 2019
Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
2,107 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V493000
- Electrical · recall issued Apr 2019 · model years 2005–2014
The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch.
511 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V297000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2019 · model years 2010–2014
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.
43,394 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V007000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2019 · model years 2010–2014
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 equipm.
452,630 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V009000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2019 · model years 2010–2014
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or rep.
330,120 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 19V008000
- Visibility · recall issued Dec 2018 · model year 2018
In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank.
71,190 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V935000
- Electrical · recall issued Nov 2018 · model year 2018
Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
228,648 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V773000
- Parking brake · recall issued Sep 2018 · model years 2010–2014
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.
27,175 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V626000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2018 · model years 2009–2010
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.
93,209 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V013000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2018 · model years 2009–2013
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.
64,179 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V012000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2018 · model year 2009
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.
72,150 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 18V014000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2017 · model year 2009
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as ori.
69,529 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V026000
- Airbags · recall issued Jan 2017 · model years 2009–2012
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
53,480 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 17V014000
- Electrical · recall issued Oct 2016 · model years 2007–2009
The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
100,127 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V738000
- Steering · recall issued Oct 2016 · model year 2017
In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
54 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V716000
- Visibility · recall issued Sep 2016 · model years 2010–2014
Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other.
592,647 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V694000
- Suspension · recall issued Aug 2016 · model year 2017
The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
99 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V576000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2016 · model years 2003–2004, 2009–2011
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
302,127 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V358000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2016 · model years 2003–2004
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
62,940 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V361000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2016 · model years 2003–2004
" These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used.
146,010 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V359000
- Steering · recall issued May 2016 · model years 2015–2017 Park it: don't drive
The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
48,819 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V292000
- Stability control · recall issued Apr 2016 · model year 2015
The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system.
766 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 16V251000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Nov 2015 · model year 2016
Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
3,251 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V794000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Aug 2015 · model years 2015–2016
Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
2,893 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V502000
- Automatic emergency braking · recall issued Jun 2015 · model year 2015
If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
71,710 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V366000
- Airbags · recall issued May 2015 · model years 2003–2008
The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, c.
432,016 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 15V323000
- Airbags · recall issued Dec 2014 · model years 2003–2005
Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S.
4,175 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V763000
- Trailer hitches · recall issued Sep 2014 · model year 2015
During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.
56 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V577000
- Brakes · recall issued Jun 2014 · model years 2005–2009
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
461,338 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 14V311000
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued Nov 2013 · model years 2000–2004
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
397 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13E065000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Aug 2013 · model year 2014
In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
202 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V336000
- Steering · recall issued May 2013 · model year 2013
In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.
5,379 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V194000
- Brakes · recall issued Mar 2013 · model years 2005–2009
Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.
274,402 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V110000
- Wipers & visibility · recall issued Mar 2013 · model year 2012
Components inside the wiper motor bottom cover may overheat.
16 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V078000
- Visibility · recall issued Mar 2013 · model year 2012
The moonroof glass may come loose or detach.
14 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V077000
- Electrical · recall issued Feb 2013 · model years 2010–2013
Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs.
47,419 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 13V061000
- Lights · recall issued Dec 2012 · model years 2010–2011
Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle.
633,842 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 12V602000
- Airbags · recall issued Feb 2012 · model year 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 1, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2011.
381 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 12V047000
- Brakes · recall issued Nov 2011 · model year 2012
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 20…
32,685 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 11V562000
- Visibility · recall issued Sep 2011 · model year 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 3, 2010, THROUGH JULY 1, 2011.
69,590 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 11V467000
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Jul 2010 · model years 2010–2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010.
809 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 10V326000
- Steering · recall issued Jun 2010 · model year 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2010.
73,698 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 10V283000
- Engine · recall issued May 2010 · model year 2010
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 31 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2009.
29,443 vehicles in the whole campaign · NHTSA 10V196000
- Airbags · recall issued Jun 2004 · model year 2005
THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN MAY NOT FULLY DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION.
- Speed control · recall issued Mar 2004 · model years 2001–2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued Aug 2003 · model year 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER OR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE A LOOSE OR OUT OF POSITION FUEL FILLER HOSE CLAMP.
- Suspension · recall issued Jun 2003 · model year 2003
ON SOME PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISS…
- Suspension · recall issued Apr 2003 · model years 2000–2003
THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,…
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued Oct 2002 · model years 2001–2003
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD.
- Engine · recall issued Sep 2002 · model year 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE WATER PUMP PULLEY CENTER HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED.
- Wheels · recall issued Sep 2002 · model year 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE AN OFF-CENTER DIAMETER.
- Brakes · recall issued Mar 2002 · model year 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND LOWER).
Recalls by model year. Campaigns that cover each year.
Tap a year for its problems, complaints and Lemon Index.
What they fix. Campaigns by system.
Is one open on your Outback?
A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car. NHTSA's public recall data works by make, model and year, so these lists cover every car of that model year, not one VIN. Whether a recall was already fixed on a particular car is in the automaker's records: type the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any dealer of that brand. The repair is free.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Outback have?
68 recall campaigns across model years 2000–2024, from NHTSA. Many campaigns cover several model years; counted once for every model year they cover (the way each year's page counts them), that's 189.
Which Subaru Outback year has the most recalls?
The 2010, with 18 campaigns. 2012: 16, 2011: 16, 2003: 15.
What are most Subaru Outback recalls about?
Airbags: 20 of the 68 campaigns. Then transmission & drivetrain (10) and brakes (5).
What is the newest Subaru Outback recall?
Airbags, filed Mar 2024 (NHTSA 24V227000): A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
What is the biggest Subaru Outback recall?
NHTSA 12V602000 (lights, Dec 2012) covers 633,842 vehicles in all, every model in that campaign. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle.
How do I check if my Subaru Outback has an open recall?
Use its VIN: type it at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask any Subaru dealer. Our VIN check decodes it and lists every recall for that model year. Recall repairs are free.
Subaru Outback: problems and best years · All Subaru recalls · Recall check
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns (api.nhtsa.gov), matched to the model names owners use in NHTSA complaints. Vehicle counts and the "park it" warnings come from NHTSA's recall file, which starts in 2010, so older recalls have no count. A campaign's count covers every make and model in it.
Know someone with a Outback?