Is there a recall for Subaru on transmissions?
Yes. Subaru has issued recalls and service campaigns affecting transmissions—primarily the continuously variable transmission (CVT)—in certain model years. Whether your vehicle is affected depends on its VIN.
In this article, we outline how recalls work for Subaru transmissions, how to verify your VIN against official recall lists, and what steps to take if a recall applies to your car.
What has driven recalls in Subaru transmissions
Subaru's CVT, marketed as Lineartronic, has been the focus of multiple recall campaigns over the years. The underlying issues cited by Subaru and road-safety regulators have included potential for transmission failure, abnormal shuddering or slipping, and leaks that could affect performance. The scope of each campaign varies by model year and VIN; not every vehicle in a given year is necessarily affected.
Common symptoms linked to recall campaigns
Some campaigns address vehicles that exhibit transmission-related symptoms. If you notice any of these, you should check recall status and consult a dealer promptly.
- Slipping, shuddering, or failure to engage gears
- Unusual noises or burning smells coming from the transmission area
- Loss of forward or reverse engagement or unexpected fluctuations in speed
- Transmission fluid leaks or low fluid level with warning indicators
Remember that a symptom alone does not prove a recall applies; verification through VIN-based lookup is essential.
How to check if your Subaru is affected
The only reliable way to know if a recall applies to your specific vehicle is to check your VIN against official recall databases and Subaru's own recall notices.
- Locate your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard near the windshield, the driver-side door jamb, or your registration documents.
- Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) VIN lookup to see recalls tied to your VIN: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Visit Subaru's official recalls page to see manufacturer-sponsored notices and to verify service eligibility: https://www.subaru.com/recalls
- Call or visit a Subaru retailer with your VIN to confirm the current recall status and to arrange service if needed.
After you verify, remember that manufacturer recalls are typically repaired at no cost to the vehicle owner and are prioritized by safety considerations.
What to do if a recall is found
If your Subaru is listed in a recall, take the following steps to ensure the repair is completed safely and promptly.
- Contact a local Subaru dealer or Subaru-approved service center to schedule the recall repair. Most recall work is performed free of charge, regardless of your warranty status.
- Bring your VIN and any recall notice you received to the appointment, and request written confirmation that the recall item has been addressed.
- Keep a copy of all service records related to the recall. If you no longer own the vehicle, you can still contact Subaru customer service or the dealer for records of performed recall work.
If you believe you are affected but cannot locate a recall for your VIN, you can file a complaint with NHTSA or contact Subaru's customer relations for guidance.
Summary
Subaru has pursued multiple transmission-related recalls over the years, primarily targeting the CVT known as Lineartronic. The existence of a recall is tied to model year and VIN, so drivers should check official databases for their specific vehicle. When a recall is identified, repairs are typically performed at no cost and should be completed promptly to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
Which Subaru models are being recalled?
Recent Subaru recalls include the 2023-2025 Solterra for potential wheel detachment, the 2025 Forester for a defogger issue, and 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy models for their passenger seat ODS sensors. Other recalls involve the 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza for turn signal problems and 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018-2020 Impreza/Legacy/Outback for fuel pump failures. To find recalls specific to your vehicle, use the VIN lookup tool on Subaru's official recall page.
Recent recalls by model year
- 2025 Subaru Forester: Recalled for a defroster/defogger system issue.
- 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza: Recalled for a problem with the turn signal exterior lighting.
- 2023-2025 Subaru Solterra: Recalled because improperly tightened hub bolts can cause wheels to detach.
- 2020-2022 Subaru Outback and Legacy: Recalled to replace the Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensors on the front passenger seat.
- 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, and 2021-23 Legacy and Outback: Subject to various recalls depending on the specific component and issue.
Other notable recalls
- 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent; 2018-2020 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, and Outback: Recalled due to a low-pressure fuel pump failure.
- 2023 Subaru Solterra: Also had a recall for issues with the front control arms.
- Various models (e.g., 2017-2019 Impreza): Recalled for problems with headlights, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
How to check for recalls
- Use the VIN: The most accurate way to check for recalls is by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Subaru's official recall lookup tool or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Contact a dealer: You can also contact a Subaru dealership and provide them with your VIN to see if your vehicle is affected by any recalls.
What Subaru models have transmission problems?
While Subaru has improved its CVTs over the years, certain models are more prone to failures:
- 2010–2013 Subaru Outback & Legacy (First-generation Lineartronic CVT)
- 2013–2017 Subaru Crosstrek (Early FB20 engine models)
- 2014–2018 Subaru Forester (FB25 engine models)
- 2019+ Subaru Ascent (Higher torque load on the CVT)
What is the recall on the Subaru transmission?
Subaru Recalls 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
What year Subaru has a CVT recall?
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated this safety and emissions Recall for certain 2019 - 2020 model year Ascent vehicles, 2020-2021 model year turbo Legacy vehicles, and 2020-2021 model year turbo Outback vehicles in which the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) chain may slip and/or break.
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