Subaru Outback and Legacy Recall; Vehicle Rollaway Increases Risk of Crash

Subaru of America is recalling certain 2010-2014 Outback and Legacy models for vehicles potentially rolling away increasing the risk of a crash. The models being recalled are all 2010-2014 Outback wagon and Legacy sedan models equipped with a manual transmission. There are 27,175 manual gearbox vehicles affected by the new recall. If you own an automatic transmission Outback or Legacy, they are not included in the recall.

Subaru has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety recall saying the electronic parking brake (EPB) is at fault and may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to roll away if the 5-speed manual shift lever is not in the recommended gear (likely reverse) when parked.

What’s the issue?

NHTSA says due to improper manufacturing processes, a capacitor on the circuit board and/or the actuator stroke sensor magnetic ring, located in the control unit of the electronic parking brake (EPB), may crack with vehicle use over time. If either component develops a crack, the brake telltale warning lamp illuminates, and the e-parking brake may not apply as intended.

There are 7,994 2010-14 model year Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured between December 10, 20,08 - May 19, 2014 affected. 19,181 2010-14 model year Subaru Outback vehicles made between March 16, 2009 - June 02, 2014 are also affected.

Subaru produces the North American Outback wagon and Legacy sedan at their plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Subaru of Indiana Automotive also builds the Impreza compact sedan and 5-Door nameplate and the all-new Ascent family hauler at the same U.S. plant. Subaru recently had a recall for the new Ascent because of missing B-Pillar spot welds. A total of 293 U.S. Ascent vehicles could not be fixed and were destroyed.

2010-2014 Subaru Outback and Legacy owners will be notified within 60 days. If parts are not available by that time, owners will be notified and you will be re-notified once parts are available. Dealers will replace the e-parking brake actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81. Subaru also has a vehicle recall VIN check here.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA