SUBARU controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Subaru recalls nearly 900,000 vehicles
Recall announced
Subaru announced recalls covering nearly 900,000 vehicles across two separate issues. One issue involved an ignition-coil-related stalling risk; the other involved rear suspension bolts that could come loose and increase crash risk. For the affected vehicles, dealers will update software and replace ignition coils, and will inspect and tighten or replace the suspension bolts. The source reports no crashes or injuries resulting from either issue.
Source excerpt
There are no reports of crashes or injuries due to either issue.
The second recall is for an issue with the rear suspension and impacts more than 400,000 2018 and 2019 Crosstreks and 2019 Foresters.
The first recall impacts 466,000 Crosstrek SUVs from 2018 and 2019 and Impreza cars from 2017 through 2019.
2021
Subaru recalls eight imported 2018 Forester vehicles
Recall announced
Subaru Automotive (China) filed a recall plan covering eight imported 2018 Forester vehicles produced from April 23 to June 21, 2018. According to the company, the fuel-pump impeller may swell and interfere with the pump housing, potentially causing the engine to stall. Subaru said it would replace the low-pressure fuel pump free of charge and notify owners through authorized dealers.
Stated objective. 消除安全隐患
Company response
Recall — 斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司
斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司将为召回对象车辆免费更换改良后的低压燃油泵，以消除安全隐患。
Remediation — 斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司
斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司将通过授权经销商以挂号信等方式通知相关用户，安排免费召回维修事宜。
Source excerpt
自2021年9月24日起，召回2018年4月23日至2018年6月21日期间生产的部分进口2018年款森林人系列汽车，共计8辆。
本次召回范围内车辆由于在低压燃油泵叶轮的制造过程中树脂成型条件不完善，造成叶轮树脂密度不足。叶轮可能会受燃油影响而发生膨润变形，并与燃油泵壳体发生干涉、卡滞，导致低压燃油泵无法正常工作，极端情况下可能造成车辆行驶中发动机熄火，存在安全隐患。
2021
Recall issued for 802 Subaru Imprezas over faulty welds
Recall announced
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall of 802 2021 Subaru Imprezas on August 30 over an improper weld in a lower control arm that could increase the risk of a crash. Subaru warned dealers that affected vehicles should not be driven pending inspection.
Source excerpt
In an announcement sent to dealers from Subaru that same day, the automaker warned that the affected vehicles should not be driven.
On August 30, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall of 802 examples of the 2021 Subaru Impreza.
2021
Subaru recalls eight imported Forester vehicles
Recall announced
Subaru (China) announced a recall covering eight imported 2018 model-year Forester vehicles. A low-pressure fuel-pump impeller may swell and become stuck, potentially causing the engine to stall while driving. The company said it would replace the affected vehicles' fuel pumps with improved units free of charge.
Stated objective. 消除安全隐患
Company response
Recall — 斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司
斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司将为召回对象车辆免费更换改良后的低压燃油泵，以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
自2021年9月24日起，召回2018年4月23日至2018年6月21日期间生产的部分进口2018年款 森林人(配置|询价)系列汽车，共计8辆。
本次召回范围内车辆由于在低压燃油泵叶轮的制造过程中树脂成型条件不完善，造成叶轮树脂密度不足。叶轮可能会受燃油影响而发生膨润变形，并与燃油泵壳体发生干涉、卡滞，导致低压燃油泵无法正常工作，极端情况下可能造成车辆行驶中发动机熄火，存在安全隐患。
2021
Subaru recalls vehicles over fuel-pump issue
Recall announced
Subaru recalled more than 165,000 vehicles over a low-pressure fuel-pump issue that could cause engine stalling while driving and potentially lead to a crash. The recall also includes certain Toyota 86 models because they share components with the Subaru BRZ.
Company response
Recall — Subaru
To repair the issue, Subaru dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump free of charge.
Source excerpt
The 2018 to 2019 Toyota 86 models are also a part of the recall as it shares components with the Subaru BRZ.
Subaru has recalled over 165,000 vehicles due to a fuel pump issue that could cause engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion and could lead to a crash.
The recall also affects 232 copies of the 2018 and 2019 Toyota 86, which is based on the Subaru BRZ and uses its powertrain.
2021
Subaru recalls vehicles over rear stabilizer bracket bolts
Recall announced
Subaru announced a separate recall of 405,000 2019 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles to check and re-torque rear stabilizer bracket bolts that could come loose and cause damage.
Company response
Recall — Subaru
Separately, Subaru is also recalling 405,000 2019 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles to check and re-torque rear stabilizer bracket bolts that could come loose and cause damage.
Source excerpt
Separately, Subaru is also recalling 405,000 2019 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles to check and re-torque rear stabilizer bracket bolts that could come loose and cause damage.
Dealers will tighten bolts and replace any missing ones starting May 14.
Dealers will update the software, replace ignition coils and if necessary install a new front exhaust pipe. The recall is to start May 28.
2021
Subaru agrees to cracked-windshield lawsuit settlement
Settlement
Subaru of America agreed to a settlement of a class-action lawsuit alleging that certain 2015–2016 Outback and Legacy vehicles had defective windshields that could crack. The reported settlement provides for an extended warranty and reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket replacement costs; it was subject to final approval.
Source excerpt
Subaru of America has agreed to extend the warranty on the original windshields from five years/unlimited miles to eight years/unlimited miles.
Owners are also permitted to replace one original windshield with the condition it is replaced at an authorized Subaru retailer. Owners also receive reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs for replacement of windshield due to the condition.
Subaru of America has agreed to a settlement of the cracked windshield lawsuit brought against the Camden, N.J. automaker.
2020
Subaru recalls about 500,000 vehicles over Takata air bag inflators
Recall announced
Subaru issued a recall of roughly 500,000 vehicles over Takata-made air bag inflators used as temporary fixes. The recall covers certain 2003–2014 model-year vehicles and certain 2005 and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles made by Subaru for General Motors.
Source excerpt
The recalls cover vehicles from the 2003 through 2014 model years, including certain Forester, Baja, Impreza, WRX, Legacy and Outback models. Also covered is the 2005 and 2006 Saab 9-2x made by Subaru for General Motors.
Japanese automaker Subaru issued a recall on roughly 500,000 of its vehicles over Takata-made air bag inflators being used as temporary fixes on Wednesday.
Looks like Subaru is recalling close to 500,000 vehicles due to another airbag issue.
2020
Subaru Included in Another Round of Takata Airbag Recalls
Recall announced
In January 2020, automakers announced another round of Takata airbag recalls covering about 10 million vehicles, including US-market vehicles from BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Honda and Subaru. The affected vehicles had previously been recalled and repaired with replacement inflators of the same design and chemistry. The announcement concerned vehicles already subject to earlier recall and repair, with the replacement inflators sharing the same design and chemical composition as before.
A new round of recalls was announced for about 10 million vehicles, including US-market vehicles from BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Honda and Subaru. The affected vehicles had previously been recalled and repaired with replacement inflators of the same design and chemistry.
Source excerpt
This new round of recalls, announced Wednesday, affects US-market vehicles from BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Honda and Subaru, among others.
The problem with these already-repaired vehicles is that during the early stages of the recall, Takata replaced dangerous old inflators with new ones of the exact same design and chemistry.
2020
Subaru announces airbag recall for 111,562 vehicles
Recall announced
Subaru of America announced a recall of 111,562 vehicles that had previously received an interim repair under the Takata airbag recalls. According to the announcement, the inflators may rupture and send metal fragments into the vehicle interior, potentially injuring occupants. Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflators free of charge.
Subaru of America is recalling 111,562 vehicles that previously received an interim repair under the Takata airbag recalls. The inflators may rupture and send metal fragments into the vehicle interior, potentially injuring occupants. Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflators free of charge.
Company response
Remediation — Subaru
Dealers will update software and replace coils and front exhaust pipes if needed.
Remediation — Subaru
Dealers will replace valves if needed. If a valve has separated and parts can't be found, engines will be replaced.
Source excerpt
Subaru of America is recalling 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2014 Outback, 2003-2014 Legacy, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2006 Baja, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in this first phase, Subaru is recalling 111,562 vehicles that previously had an interim repair performed under the current Takata recalls.
斯巴鲁汽车将自2020年2月14日起，召回部分进口XV、森林人系列汽车，共计207辆。本次召回范围内的部分车辆，由于发动机PCV阀（曲轴箱强制通风阀）材料使用不当，造成PCV阀与曲轴箱的连接部位耐久性不足；另外，当PCV阀的内部构成零件掉落到发动机内部时，可能损坏发动机，存在安全隐患。
2020
Subaru recalls 188,207 2019 vehicles over faulty fuel pumps
Recall announced
Subaru issued a recall for 188,207 vehicles from the 2019 model year because a faulty fuel pump could fail and cause the engine to stall. Dealers will replace the fuel pumps in the affected vehicles. Subaru stated that it was unaware of any crashes or injuries resulting from the fault.
Subaru issued a recall for 188,207 2019 vehicles because a faulty fuel pump could fail and cause the engine to stall. Dealers will replace the fuel pumps in affected vehicles. Subaru said it was unaware of any crashes or injuries resulting from the fault.
Company response
Recall — Subaru
Subaru issued a recall for 188,207 of its 2019 vehicles, including the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback, due to a fuel pump which could fail, leading to the engine stalling, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Source excerpt
The automaker will start notifying owners on June 5 of the recall, and affected vehicles will have the fuel pumps replaced by dealers.
Subaru said that it is unaware of any crashes or injuries that have resulted from the issue and added that it seems like the issue appears with an engine not starting, rather than stalling when in motion.
Subaru issued a recall for 188,207 of its 2019 vehicles, including the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback, due to a fuel pump which could fail, leading to the engine stalling, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2020
Denso expands fuel-pump recall to 3.53 million U.S. vehicles
Recall announced
Denso announced an expansion of a fuel-pump recall, stating that an additional 1.5 million vehicles needed to be recalled, bringing the stated U.S. total to 3.53 million vehicles. According to the source, the affected fuel-pump impeller can swell and break, which may potentially cause the vehicle to stall or fail to start. The announcement concerns the expanded scope of the recall in the United States and the described defect in the fuel-pump impeller.
Denso announced that 1.5 million additional vehicles needed to be recalled, bringing the stated U.S. total to 3.53 million. The article says the affected fuel-pump impeller can swell and break, potentially causing the vehicle to stall or fail to start.
Source excerpt
The impeller may seize and stop working, which could translate to stalling while driving or the vehicle not starting at all.
Denso has recently announced that 1.5 million more vehicles need to be called back on top of the 2 million we’ve mentioned earlier, ballooning the grand total to 3.53 million vehicles in the United States of America.
2019
Subaru recalls certain Forester SUVs over airbag deactivation risk
Recall announced
Subaru announced a recall of 366,282 Forester SUVs with heated seats from model years 2015 through 2018. A potentially loose electrical connection in the occupant detection system may cause the front airbag to deactivate when the seat is occupied. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the sensor and harness if necessary, free of charge.
Company response
Recall — Subaru
Subaru is recalling more than 350,000 Forester vehicles with heated seats because an electrical connection in the front passenger seat may loosen and deactivate the airbag even though the seat is occupied.
Source excerpt
Subaru is recalling certain 2015–2018 Forester SUVs because an electrical connection under the front seat cushion may become loose.
Vehicles recalled: 366,282 Forester SUVs with heated seats from the 2015 through 2018 model years.
The fix: Subaru owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when the new parts are available. Subaru's dealers will inspect the SUV and, if necessary, replace the ODS sensor and electrical harness free of charge.
2019
Subaru China announces recall of Forester and XV vehicles
Recall announced
Subaru Automobile (China) Co., Ltd. announced a recall of 17,479 imported Forester and XV vehicles, scheduled to begin on December 2, 2019. The affected vehicles may experience engine stalling due to an engine control unit program issue; the company said it would update the program and inspect or replace damaged ignition coils.
Company response
Remediation — 斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司
斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司将为召回范围内的车辆升级发动机控制单元的控制程序并检查点火线圈，发现损伤时更换新的点火线圈，以消除安全隐患。
Remediation — 斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司
斯巴鲁将为召回范围内的车辆检查排气歧管紧固螺母的扭矩，如不符合规定值则更换新的排气歧管和衬垫，并以正确的扭力拧紧螺母；同时检查发动机支架、线束等周边部件，如有破损一并更换新件，以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
11月12日，新京报记者从国家市场监督管理总局官网获悉，斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司将自2019年12月2日起，召回部分进口森林人、XV系列汽车，共计17479辆。
斯巴鲁汽车（中国）有限公司将为召回范围内的车辆升级发动机控制单元的控制程序并检查点火线圈，发现损伤时更换新的点火线圈，以消除安全隐患。
本次召回范围内的部分车辆，由于发动机控制单元的控制程序在发动机停止时的控制不合理，会向点火线圈过度通电。造成点火线圈的内部温度上升、线圈回路短路和保险丝熔断，可能导致车辆行驶过程中发动机熄火并无法再启动，可能发生追尾事故，存在安全隐患。
2018
Improper final vehicle inspections in Japan
Subaru reported that vehicles had undergone improper final inspection procedures at Japanese plants. The matter led to investigations, recalls or re-inspection measures for affected vehicles, and criticism of the company’s certification controls.
2018
Fuel-economy and emissions testing irregularities
Subaru disclosed irregularities in certain testing and certification processes, prompting an internal investigation and regulatory attention in Japan.
2015
Takata airbag recall participation
Subaru vehicles were included in the industry-wide recalls involving Takata airbag inflators that could rupture and project metal fragments. Affected vehicles were subject to replacement campaigns administered through safety authorities and dealers.