The problem
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
The risk
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 12V-602 (12V602000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WQE-41 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Exterior lighting |
| Report date | December 26, 2012 |
| Owners notified | February 19, 2013 |
| Vehicles affected | 633,842 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the lights
- 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca headlight problems 2
- 2009 Subaru Forester headlight problems 4
- 2010 Subaru Forester headlight problems 3
- 2011 Subaru Forester headlight problems 4
- 2012 Subaru Forester headlight problems 1
- 2010 Subaru Legacy headlight problems 10
- 2011 Subaru Legacy headlight problems 18
- 2010 Subaru Outback headlight problems 36
- 2011 Subaru Outback headlight problems 117
- 2006 Subaru Tribeca headlight problems 2
- 2008 Subaru Tribeca headlight problems 2
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 12V-602 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 633,842 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.