The vehicle dossier US · 2013

2013 Subaru
OUTBACKProblems & recalls

297 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 90 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

From the original manufacturer documents

What did the manufacturer do?

These reviewed documents are associated with this model-year. Check the stated engine, build-date, VIN and coverage conditions before assuming they apply to the car you’re considering.

Subaru · 07-235-25

EyeSight / reverse braking

75% covered during extension

The bulletin discusses reproducible unnecessary stopping or slowing attributed to specified EyeSight or reverse-braking components.

A special four-month window for vehicles whose extension would already have expired ended November 29, 2025.

Read coverage & conditions

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 297 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components90 reports
Engine68 reports
Transmission & drivetrain60 reports
Air bags42 reports
Steering34 reports
Brakes25 reports
Electrical system23 reports
Suspension15 reports
Fuel system15 reports
Visibility14 reports
Body & structure11 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE67
POWER TRAIN60
AIR BAGS41
STEERING34
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL25
UNKNOWN OR OTHER24
SERVICE BRAKES23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23
SUSPENSION15
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
VISIBILITY/WIPER11
SEATS8
EXTERIOR LIGHTING8
STRUCTURE:BODY8
WHEELS6
PARKING BRAKE5
SEAT BELTS4
STRUCTURE3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
TIRES1
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY1
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT1
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 18, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

45,000 miles is the median among 205 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 5,312–91,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

12 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jan 2, 2020 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 20V003000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

Manufacturer campaign: TKC-20

Read campaign 20V003000 at NHTSA
Jan 2, 2020 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 20V002000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Manufacturer campaign: TKB-20

Read campaign 20V002000 at NHTSA
Jan 2, 2020 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 20V001000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Manufacturer campaign: TKA-20

Read campaign 20V001000 at NHTSA
Apr 11, 2019 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCHCampaign 19V297000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Manufacturer campaign: WUF-91

Read campaign 19V297000 at NHTSA
Jan 9, 2019 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 19V009000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 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. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

Manufacturer campaign: TKC-19

Read campaign 19V009000 at NHTSA
Jan 9, 2019 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 19V008000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. 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. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

Manufacturer campaign: TKB-19

Read campaign 19V008000 at NHTSA
Jan 9, 2019 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 19V007000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

Manufacturer campaign: TKA-19

Read campaign 19V007000 at NHTSA
Sep 13, 2018 Safety recallPARKING BRAKECampaign 18V626000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. 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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

Manufacturer campaign: WTV-81

Read campaign 18V626000 at NHTSA
Jan 9, 2018 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 18V012000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.

Manufacturer campaign: TKA-18

Read campaign 18V012000 at NHTSA
Sep 27, 2016 Safety recallVISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTORCampaign 16V694000

Reported concern

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.

Manufacturer campaign: WTK-71

Read campaign 16V694000 at NHTSA
May 13, 2013 Safety recallSTEERING:COLUMNCampaign 13V194000

Reported concern

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.

Manufacturer campaign: WQI-45

Read campaign 13V194000 at NHTSA
Feb 25, 2013 Safety recallEQUIPMENTCampaign 13V061000

Reported concern

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Manufacturer campaign: WQF-42

Read campaign 13V061000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

514 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 20, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-156-25RThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.NHTSA ID 11036810

This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036810 at NHTSA
Aug 20, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-308-23RThis Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent …NHTSA ID 11036807

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036807 at NHTSA
Aug 13, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-304-22RThis Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)NHTSA ID 11036796

This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036796 at NHTSA
Aug 5, 2026 OtherArticle LocatorTechtips newsletter locator index.NHTSA ID 11036794

Techtips newsletter locator index.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036794 at NHTSA
Aug 1, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-333-25RThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletinNHTSA ID 11036789

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036789 at NHTSA
Jun 12, 2026 OtherSubaruNet Annoucement (EThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.NHTSA ID 11034249

This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034249 at NHTSA
Jun 2, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-156-25RThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)NHTSA ID 11034242

This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034242 at NHTSA
May 18, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions01-167-08RThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.NHTSA ID 11033069

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033069 at NHTSA
May 13, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-156-25RThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.NHTSA ID 11033063

This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033063 at NHTSA
May 4, 2026 OtherSubaruNet Announcement (RThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.NHTSA ID 11033056

This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033056 at NHTSA
Apr 30, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions07-240-26RThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.NHTSA ID 11032034

This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032034 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions03-97-26This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.NHTSA ID 11032040

This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032040 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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