The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
The risk
If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 16V-694 (16V694000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WTK-71 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor |
| Report date | September 27, 2016 |
| Owners notified | October 25, 2016 |
| Vehicles affected | 592,647 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof
- 2010 Subaru Legacy window & wiper problems 4
- 2011 Subaru Legacy window & wiper problems 2
- 2012 Subaru Legacy window & wiper problems 4
- 2013 Subaru Legacy window & wiper problems 1
- 2014 Subaru Legacy window & wiper problems 6
- 2010 Subaru Outback window & wiper problems 8
- 2011 Subaru Outback window & wiper problems 23
- 2012 Subaru Outback window & wiper problems 8
- 2013 Subaru Outback window & wiper problems 14
- 2014 Subaru Outback window & wiper problems 10
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 16V-694 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 592,647 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.