The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
The risk
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 16V-738 (16V738000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WTM-73 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Electrical system |
| Report date | October 13, 2016 |
| Owners notified | December 16, 2016 |
| Vehicles affected | 100,127 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2009 Subaru Forester
- 2010 Subaru Forester
- 2011 Subaru Forester
- 2012 Subaru Forester
- 2013 Subaru Forester
- 2008 Subaru Impreza
- 2009 Subaru Impreza
- 2010 Subaru Impreza
- 2011 Subaru Impreza
- 2012 Subaru Impreza
- 2013 Subaru Impreza
- 2014 Subaru Impreza
- 2007 Subaru Legacy
- 2008 Subaru Legacy
- 2009 Subaru Legacy
- 2007 Subaru Outback
- 2008 Subaru Outback
- 2009 Subaru Outback
Owner complaints about the electrical system
- 2009 Subaru Forester electrical problems 22
- 2010 Subaru Forester electrical problems 13
- 2011 Subaru Forester electrical problems 11
- 2012 Subaru Forester electrical problems 10
- 2013 Subaru Forester electrical problems 3
- 2008 Subaru Impreza electrical problems 8
- 2009 Subaru Impreza electrical problems 8
- 2010 Subaru Impreza electrical problems 5
- 2011 Subaru Impreza electrical problems 9
- 2012 Subaru Impreza electrical problems 30
- 2013 Subaru Impreza electrical problems 34
- 2014 Subaru Impreza electrical problems 17
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 16V-738 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 100,127 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.