What is the recall on Subaru control arms?
There isn’t a single universal recall covering all Subaru control arms. Multiple recall campaigns have addressed front lower control arms and related suspension components across different models and years. To know if your specific vehicle is affected, you must check the VIN against official recall notices from government and manufacturer sources.
Understanding recalls and Subaru control arm campaigns
Recall campaigns are issued when a safety-related defect or non-compliance with safety standards is identified. For Subaru, several campaigns over the years have involved front lower control arms or nearby suspension parts, with remedies typically involving inspection, replacement, or adjustment performed at no cost to the owner. The exact models, years, and remedy details vary by campaign and region, and new notices can be added over time as manufacturers and regulators review additional data.
How to check if your Subaru is affected
Below is a practical process to verify whether your vehicle is part of an active or past recall related to control arms. Following these steps helps ensure you don’t overlook a safety remedy.
- Locate your vehicle’s VIN. It is usually found on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or inside the driver’s door jamb; write it down exactly as it appears.
- Visit official recall databases and search by VIN. Useful sources include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall lookup at safercar.gov or the Subaru official recalls page at subaru.com/recall.
- Review the results for any campaigns that mention control arms, front suspension, or steering/suspension components and note campaign numbers, affected model years, and the required remedy.
- If a campaign shows up as open or active, follow the instructions to contact an authorized dealer for an inspection and repair scheduling.
- Keep an eye on mail notices, since recall letters are typically sent to registered owners with instructions on how to proceed.
Verifying via official sources is the most reliable way to obtain up-to-date information about whether your Subaru is affected and what remedy is required.
What to do if your vehicle is affected
If a recall related to your control arms applies to your Subaru, the following steps outline how to proceed and what you can expect. This guidance aims to help you act quickly and safely.
Recommended actions
- Do not delay contacting a Subaru-authorized dealer once you confirm a recall applies to your VIN.
- Schedule a service appointment for inspection and any required repair. Recalls are typically performed at no cost to the vehicle owner.
- Bring your recall notice letter (if you have it) or have the VIN handy when you visit the dealer to speed up processing.
- Follow the dealer’s instructions regarding temporary driving precautions if a defect is found or if the remedy requires parts that are temporarily unavailable.
Once a remedy is scheduled, the dealer will perform the specified repair, replacement, or adjustment, and you’ll receive confirmation that the recall is complete.
Current status and how to stay informed
Recall information can change as new data emerge and authorities review additional cases. For the most accurate and up-to-date status, rely on official sources and set up alerts if available. Regularly check:
- NHTSA recall database: safercar.gov/recalls, which allows VIN-specific search and provides status updates.
- Subaru’s official recalls page: subaru.com/recall, which lists active campaigns and instructions for owners.
Staying informed through these channels helps ensure you won’t miss an important safety repair.
Summary
In short, there isn’t a single, universal recall for all Subaru control arms. Multiple campaigns have targeted front suspension components in various models and years, with remedies typically covering inspection and repair at no cost. To determine if your specific vehicle is affected, check your VIN against official recall databases such as NHTSA and Subaru’s recalls page, then follow the dealer’s instructions to obtain the required remedy promptly.
What is the recall on Subaru lower control arms?
11V-464 / WVX-34 Recall Summary
The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion. This corrosion is commonly a result of the hanger bracket being exposed to salty conditions, such as roads where salt is used as a snow melting agent.
Am I eligible for the Subaru class action lawsuit?
You are a Settlement Class Member if you are a resident of the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii, who currently owns or leases, or previously owned or leased, a Settlement Class Vehicle originally purchased or leased in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii.
How long do Subaru control arms last?
Under normal wear conditions, the control arm lifespan may exceed 100,000 miles.
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.
