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Subaru electrical recalls: stalling, melting wiring and false fuel readings
⚠ 1 carries a park-outside (fire risk) advisory.
Six Subaru electrical recalls split into three repeating themes. The biggest is stalling from control-module and wiring faults: Subaru recalled 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek twice, in 2019 and again in 2021, because the Engine Control Module keeps powering the ignition coil after shutdown and shorts it. Wiring problems continue into newer cars — the 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza instrument panel harness chafes on the steering beam bracket, and the 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid converter terminal corrodes so the 12-volt battery stops charging. Separately, the 2019-2022 Ascent has a poorly fastened PTC heater ground bolt that can melt and start a fire, and 2018 Legacy and Outback show a false fuel gauge reading. Impreza and Crosstrek appear most often.
Warning signs to watch for
- Smoke or a burning smell from the dash or driver's footwell (Ascent)
- Engine stalls while driving, or loses drive power
- A blown fuse after the engine is shut off (Impreza, Crosstrek)
- 12-volt battery not charging on the Crosstrek Hybrid
- Low fuel light that never comes on, or miles-to-empty showing range with an empty tank
Is it safe to keep driving?
Only one of these six carries a parking instruction. For the 2019-2022 Ascent heater ground bolt, Subaru tells owners to park away from structures, not to leave the vehicle running unattended, and to stop driving immediately if smoke or a burning smell comes from the dash or driver's footwell. The Impreza and Crosstrek ignition-coil recalls, the Crosstrek Hybrid terminal corrosion, the 2024 harness chafing and the Legacy and Outback fuel gauge software carry no stop-driving order, but all can lead to a stall, so schedule them promptly.
What the free repair involves
Repairs vary by defect and all are free. Dealers reprogram software on the ignition-coil and fuel-gauge recalls, replacing coils and, if needed, the front exhaust pipe. On the Crosstrek Hybrid they replace the converter terminal bracket and, where corrosion is found, the 12-volt harness and terminals. On 2024 models they add a clamp to the steering beam bracket and tape or replace the harness. None is over-the-air.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 1 |
| high | 4 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-04 | Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza wiring can cut engine power | high |
| 2023-02-14 | Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid wiring corrosion can stall vehicle | high |
| 2022-12-08 | Subaru Ascent heater ground bolt may overheat and melt · park outside | critical |
| 2021-04-15 | Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek may stall while driving | high |
| 2019-10-18 | Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek may stall from short circuit | high |
| 2018-11-01 | Subaru Legacy and Outback fuel gauge software reads wrong | medium |
Common questions
My Ascent smells like something is burning near the dash. What do I do?
Stop driving. The notice tells Ascent owners who notice or smell smoke from the dash or driver's footwell to act immediately, to park away from structures, and never to leave the engine running unattended. Call Subaru at 1-844-373-6614.
Why were my Impreza and Crosstrek recalled twice for the same stalling problem?
Subaru issued the ignition-coil recall in October 2019 and again in April 2021 for the same 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek. The 2021 remedy went further, replacing the coils and, where needed, the front exhaust pipe.
Can I trust the fuel gauge in my 2018 Legacy or Outback until it's fixed?
No. The software error means the low fuel warning light may not illuminate when intended and the miles-to-empty display can show a positive number with the tank essentially empty. Refuel early until dealers reprogram the combination meter.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.