What is the recall on the Subaru horn?
There isn’t a single nationwide recall for the horn that covers all Subaru models. Recall campaigns are model-year and VIN-specific, so you must verify the status for your exact vehicle with official sources. This article reflects information current as of November 2025.
What a horn recall means for Subaru owners
Recalls related to the horn are not universal; they target specific model years and VINs. The following guidance explains how to verify and respond if your vehicle is affected.
To determine whether your vehicle is affected, use official sources and steps to check for open recalls by VIN. This will help you confirm whether the horn or related safety components are in need of service.
- Look up open recalls by VIN on the official recall database. You can search by VIN at the NHTSA recall page to see if your Subaru is listed.
- Check Subaru’s notices for your exact model year and trim to see if there are campaigns that include the horn, horn switch, or steering wheel wiring.
- If a recall is shown for your vehicle, schedule service with an authorized Subaru dealer. Recalls are typically repaired at no cost to the owner.
- Keep an eye on recall notices you receive by mail or email from Subaru or regulatory agencies, and sign up for recall alerts if available.
In summary, a recall for the horn will be model-year and VIN-specific. If your VIN does not appear in the recall listings, the horn issue is unlikely to be a recall, though it may be a separate service issue.
How to check your Subaru’s recalls by VIN
The most reliable way to know whether a horn-related recall applies to your car is to search with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on official sources. Here’s how to proceed:
- Gather your VIN (usually found on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, the driver’s door jamb, or your insurance documents).
- Visit the official recall lookup page (NHTSA) and enter your VIN to see any open recalls, including horn-related campaigns.
- Review the details of each listed recall: model year, affected parts, safety risk, and required remedy.
- If there is an open recall, contact a Subaru dealer promptly to schedule the remedy; recall work is completed free of charge under federal safety laws.
If no recalls show up for your VIN but you still experience horn problems, it may be a normal wear issue, a non-safety related defect, or a separate warranty issue. A dealer can diagnose and advise on next steps.
What happens if your car is recalled
If your Subaru is affected by a horn-related recall, the remedy is arranged by the manufacturer and carried out by authorized dealers at no cost to you. The service may involve replacing the horn assembly, wiring harness, clock spring, or related components, depending on the specific campaign.
- Campaign specifics: Each recall includes an identifying campaign number, affected models, and the precise fix.
- Scheduling: You’ll be asked to bring the vehicle to a Subaru dealer for inspection and repair, often at no charge.
- Timing: Remedies are performed during a scheduled appointment, and the length of the repair varies by campaign complexity.
Bottom line: If a horn recall affects your vehicle, acting promptly helps maintain safety and ensures the horn operates as intended.
Summary
Subaru horn-related recalls are not universal; they are tied to specific model years and VINs. Owners should check the official recall database using their VIN, monitor Subaru notices, and contact a dealer if an open recall is listed. If no recall appears, horn issues may be unrelated to safety recalls and could require diagnostic service.
What is the most recent recall on Subaru?
The most recent major Subaru recall, as of late 2023 and early 2024, is a safety recall for certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza models due to a risk of short circuits. Additionally, there are several other recalls, including one for 2020–2022 Outback and Legacy models concerning the front passenger airbag and another for 2019–2021 Ascent, turbo Legacy, and turbo Outback models for potential transmission issues.
Latest recalls
- 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza: Recalled for a potential short circuit risk. Notification letters were scheduled to be mailed on October 3.
- 2020–2022 Outback and Legacy: Recalled due to a faulty capacitor in the Occupant Detection System (ODS) that could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash.
- 2019–2021 Ascent, 2020–2021 turbo Legacy, and 2020–2021 turbo Outback: Recalled for issues with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) where the chain may slip or break.
How to check for recalls
- Official Subaru Recall Page: Visit the official Subaru recall page and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for any recalls affecting your specific vehicle.
- NHTSA Website: You can also check for recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Contact a Service Center: Reach out to a Subaru service center for assistance in checking for recalls.
Why are Subaru's being recalled?
Toyota's parent company, which also owns Lexus and a portion of Subaru, discovered that some of its cars in in the model years 2023 to 2025 could have faulty HVAC systems, according to a Sept. 5 recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
How do I find out if my Subaru has a recall?
Enter your VIN to get started. We strive to build safe, capable vehicles, but in the event of a recall, we're dedicated to getting you back on the road safely. Recalls issued prior to February 1998 are not included in the search results. For general information regarding recalls, please contact Customer Support.
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.
