Subaru known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 93 Subaru problems and 79 NHTSA safety recalls across 9 models — Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, WRX, BRZ, Impreza, Legacy and Solterra — organized by generation. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback problems | Second generation (2000–2004), Third generation (2005–2009), Fourth generation (2010–2014), Fifth generation (2015–2019), Sixth generation (2020–2025), Seventh generation (2026 onward) | 17 | 14 |
| Subaru Forester problems | Second generation (2003–2008), Third generation (2009–2013), Fourth generation (2014–2018), Fifth generation (2019–2024), Sixth generation (2025 onward) | 15 | 12 |
| Subaru Crosstrek problems | First generation (XV Crosstrek) (2013–2017), Second generation (2018–2023), Third generation (2024 onward) | 9 | 8 |
| Subaru Ascent problems | First generation (2019 onward) | 11 | 9 |
| Subaru WRX problems | Impreza WRX, first US generation (2002–2007), Impreza WRX, second US generation (2008–2014), Fourth generation (2015–2021), Fifth generation (2022 onward) | 10 | 9 |
| Subaru BRZ problems | First generation (2013–2020), Second generation (2022 onward) | 5 | 5 |
| Subaru Impreza problems | Second generation (2002–2007), Third generation (2008–2011), Fourth generation (2012–2016), Fifth generation (2017–2023), Sixth generation (2024 onward) | 13 | 12 |
| Subaru Legacy problems | Third generation (2000–2004), Fourth generation (2005–2009), Fifth generation (2010–2014), Sixth generation (2015–2019), Seventh generation (2020–2025) | 12 | 9 |
| Subaru Solterra problems | Original Solterra (2023–2025), Updated Solterra (2026 onward) | 1 | 1 |
Subaru Outback problems
The most significant documented Outback problems are recalls rather than one chronic defect: Takata passenger air bag inflators across 2003–2014 models, corroding brake lines on 2005–2009 cars in salt states, failing low-pressure fuel pumps on 2018–2020 models, and a 2020 CVT drive-chain software fix. The 2013 2.5L Outback was also part of a court-approved oil-consumption settlement.
Subaru Forester problems
The most significant documented Forester problems are recalls for corrosion and safety parts: front control arms on 2003–2008 models in salt states, Takata passenger air bags and brake lines on 2009–2013 models, and a brake light switch on 2014–2016 models. The 2011–2014 Forester 2.5L was also covered by a court-approved oil-consumption settlement.
Subaru Crosstrek problems
The most significant documented Crosstrek problems are engine-related recalls: valve springs that can fracture on the 2013 XV Crosstrek, and an engine computer fault that can damage ignition coils plus a PCV valve that can break apart on 2018–2019 models. The 2013 XV Crosstrek was also in a court-approved oil-consumption settlement.
Subaru Ascent problems
The most significant documented Ascent problems cluster in early model years: 2019 Ascents had recalls for missing B-pillar spot welds, a CVT pressure sensor, a PCV valve and fuel pumps, and 2019–2020 models got CVT software to stop the drive chain slipping. A 2019–2022 heater ground-bolt recall carries a fire risk.
Subaru WRX problems
The most significant documented WRX problems are recalls: Takata passenger air bag inflators on 2004–2014 WRX and STI models, corroding brake lines and a failing brake light switch on 2008–2014 cars, a turbo intake duct that can crack and stall 2015–2016 models, and a corroding backup light switch on 2015–2021 models.
Subaru BRZ problems
The most significant documented BRZ problem is the valve spring recall for the 2013 model, whose 2.0L boxer springs could fracture and stall the engine. Other recalls cover low-pressure fuel pumps on 2018–2019 cars, a 2018 camera software fault and intermittent rear turn signals on the 2022 model.
Subaru Impreza problems
The most significant documented Impreza problems are recalls: corroding front control arms on 2002–2007 cars, Takata air bags on 2004–2011 models, valve springs on 2012–2014 models, a brake light switch on 2008–2016 cars, and ignition-coil and PCV valve faults on 2017–2019 models. The 2012–2013 Impreza was also in an oil-consumption settlement.
Subaru Legacy problems
The most significant documented Legacy problems are shared with the Outback: Takata passenger air bag inflators on 2003–2014 models, corroding brake lines on 2005–2009 cars in salt states, an overheating wiper motor on 2010–2014 models, and 2020 CVT software that could let the drive chain slip. The 2013 Legacy 2.5L was in an oil-consumption settlement.
Subaru Solterra problems
The main documented Solterra problem is recall 23V064, which covered certain 2023 Solterras whose wheel hub bolts could loosen and let a wheel detach. Owners were told not to drive until a dealer inspected and tightened the bolts. NHTSA recall data shows no other Subaru-filed Solterra campaign.
Confirm how a used Subaru was built before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Subaru problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 9 Subaru models covered here, the most documented items are takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture (recall 15V323) on the Outback; front lower control arms may break from corrosion (recall 11V464) on the Forester; engine valve springs may fracture (recall 18V772) on the Crosstrek. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Subaru for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or the brand’s owner site, or ask a Subaru dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years against each other, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page where both exist.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns, dataset 6axg-epim) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data
- Subaru of America media center — pricing, specifications and model-year changes — Subaru of America, Inc.
More Subaru tools
- Subaru research hub
- Subaru trim levels explained
- Subaru engines and transmissions
- Subaru history
- Free Subaru VIN decoder
- Subaru specs by model
- Subaru reliability
- How long do Subaru models last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.