The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
The risk
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 19V-297 (19V297000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WUF-91 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Electrical system › Ignition › Switch |
| Report date | April 11, 2019 |
| Owners notified | May 10, 2019 |
| Vehicles affected | 511 |
| 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
- 2005 Subaru Legacy
- 2006 Subaru Legacy
- 2007 Subaru Legacy
- 2008 Subaru Legacy
- 2009 Subaru Legacy
- 2010 Subaru Legacy
- 2011 Subaru Legacy
- 2012 Subaru Legacy
- 2013 Subaru Legacy
- 2014 Subaru Legacy
- 2005 Subaru Outback
- 2006 Subaru Outback
- 2007 Subaru Outback
- 2008 Subaru Outback
- 2009 Subaru Outback
- 2010 Subaru Outback
- 2011 Subaru Outback
- 2012 Subaru Outback
- 2013 Subaru Outback
- 2014 Subaru Outback
- 2006 Subaru Tribeca
- 2007 Subaru Tribeca
- 2008 Subaru Tribeca
- 2008 Subaru WRX
- 2009 Subaru WRX
- 2010 Subaru WRX
- 2011 Subaru WRX
- 2012 Subaru WRX
- 2013 Subaru WRX
- 2014 Subaru WRX
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
- 2005 Subaru Legacy electrical problems 25
- 2006 Subaru Legacy electrical problems 17
- 2007 Subaru Legacy electrical problems 5
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 19V-297 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 511 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.