How to check if your Subaru has a recall?
Your quickest check is to enter your vehicle’s VIN on Subaru’s official recalls page or use the U.S. government’s recall lookup, and then contact a Subaru dealer for a free repair if needed.
This article explains how to verify recall status for your Subaru, why recalls occur, and how to act if a recall affects your vehicle. It covers both manufacturer-provided recall portals and government resources so you can cross-check and stay informed.
Check recalls on Subaru’s official site
To start, use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to search Subaru’s own recall database. This is the fastest way to verify recalls tied to your exact car and year model.
- Locate your VIN. It is a 17-character string found on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s door jamb sticker.
- Go to Subaru’s official recalls page. This page lists active campaigns and guidance for owners: Subaru recalls.
- Enter your VIN (and, if prompted, your model year and trim) to search for open recalls specific to your vehicle.
- Review the results carefully. If a recall is listed, note the campaign number and the description of the defect or repair.
- If a recall is found, contact an authorized Subaru dealer to schedule the service. Recalls are performed at no cost to the vehicle owner.
If you don’t see any recalls after searching, you can still monitor the status and sign up for notifications in case new campaigns arise.
Check recalls through the U.S. government database (NHTSA)
Another authoritative path is the government-run VIN lookup, which can show open recalls across all manufacturers, including Subaru, for your exact vehicle.
- Visit the NHTSA recall/VIN lookup page. Look for the VIN search tool provided by SaferCar.gov or the corresponding official NHTSA resources.
- Enter your 17-character VIN exactly as it appears on your vehicle documents or VIN sticker.
- Review the search results for any open recalls tied to your VIN. Note any campaign numbers and descriptions.
- If a recall appears, contact your local Subaru dealer with the campaign information to arrange repair. If no recalls show but you still have concerns, you can contact the dealer or Subaru customer service for guidance.
- Consider signing up for recall notices through NHTSA or Subaru so you receive updates if new campaigns affect your vehicle.
Using both sources—Subaru’s official portal and NHTSA’s recall lookup—helps ensure you haven’t missed any campaign that could affect safety or reliability.
What to do if a recall is found
When a recall is identified for your Subaru, take these steps to get the issue resolved promptly and safely. Recall work is free, and delaying can affect safety and warranty considerations.
- Schedule service with an authorized Subaru dealer as soon as possible. If you don’t have a nearby dealer, contact Subaru customer service for alternatives or mobile/loaner options if available.
- Bring your VIN, the recall campaign number, and any vehicle documentation to the appointment to help the technician locate the exact repair scope.
- Follow the dealer’s guidance on safety; some recalls involve software updates or parts replacement. If a campaign requires driving restrictions, the dealer will advise you on interim steps.
- Ask about estimated service time, loaner vehicle availability, and whether the repair affects other features or warranties.
- Keep records of all recall communications, service orders, and part replacements for future reference or resale disclosure.
If you believe a recall applies but cannot get to a dealer quickly, contact Subaru Customer Service for assistance or look for authorized service centers offering flexible scheduling.
Summary
In short, verify your Subaru’s recall status by checking the official Subaru recalls page with your VIN and by performing a complimentary VIN lookup on the NHTSA site. If a recall is found, arrange a free repair with an authorized Subaru dealer as soon as possible. Stay informed by signing up for recall notices and periodically rechecking your VIN, especially after new campaigns are announced.
