Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
While driving my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (VIN: [XXX]) at approximately 70,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic cooling system rupture on the roadway without any prior dashboard warning light. A radiator hose burst, resulting in rapid, complete loss of engine coolant and steam, creating an immediate safety hazard and forcing an emergency roadside stop. A subsequent diagnostic teardown by an independent specialist confirmed the root cause was premature degradation of internal engine seals (the upper oil pan and internal coolant crossover O-rings inside the FB20 engine block). These internal seals failed prematurely, allowing pressurized engine oil and coolant to cross-contaminate. The chemical exposure deteriorated the cooling system hoses from the inside out until structural failure occurred. The failure required an emergency tow, an entire engine-out reseal, cylinder head machining, and replacement of all compromised cooling components at a cost of $5,000 out of pocket. Premature degradation of internal coolant crossover seals in Subaru FB-series engines is a recognized safety defect that causes sudden fluid loss, loss of forward propulsion, and severe hazard on active roadways at relatively low mileage. Subaru of America has declined to issue a recall or assist (Case #XXX). I request a formal NHTSA defect investigation into premature internal coolant crossover O-ring failure on 2013–2018 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
No injuries · No fire · No crash
Within 24 hours of purchase, the exhaust pipe became detached underneath the vehicle and exhaust fumes and odor were entering the cabin while driving. This created a potential carbon monoxide exposure risk to me and passengers. Subaru inspected the vehicle and confirmed the exhaust issue existed before I purchased the car. The selling dealership did not disclose this safety defect and refused to unwind the sale when notified.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
A/C Control Head and connector burned on both ends. Dealer service center stated it was a significant safety/fire hazard if we had not immediately taken in to be checked. No warning, no fuses out. Only indication something was wrong is a/c turned on but only on 1,2 and 4. Then, same day, only on 4. Next day took to Subaru service center. When we asked how would replacing parts stop this from happening again, we were told original parts had a “Design Flaw” and was “Defective”. Replacement/New parts wiring system actually corrects the OEM defect.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
The CVT valve body was diagnosed as defective by the Subaru Dealership service department. The car was taken to the dcealership when the A/T OIL EMP, HILL ASSIST, ABS and TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL lights came up. The valve body is still available for inspection. The car was taken to the dealership for a Brake Light Switch recall that has the same simptoms.
No injuries · No fire · No crash