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Subaru Engine Recalls Cover PCV Failures, Stalling and Coolant Leaks
Separating aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation valves are the repeated engine problem in these Subaru notices. The October 2019 recall covers certain 2017–2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles; the December 2019 notice covers certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester and Ascent vehicles. In both, valve components can enter the engine and cause power loss. Crosstrek appears in both PCV notices, while Forester also appears in a separate coolant-leak recall. That October 2023 notice concerns certain 2024 Forester vehicles with loose engine water-pipe bolts. A different defect affects certain 2022 Outback vehicles: engine harness damage can leave a loose ECU connection and cause stalling.
Warning signs to watch for
- October 2019 Impreza/Crosstrek and December 2019 Crosstrek/Forester/Ascent PCV recalls: loss of power while driving.
- October 2023 Forester water-pipe recall: coolant leakage.
- July 2022 Outback engine wiring recall: engine stalling.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
The notices do not tell owners to stop driving for the October 2019 Impreza/Crosstrek PCV recall, December 2019 Crosstrek/Forester/Ascent PCV recall, October 2023 Forester water-pipe recall, or July 2022 Outback wiring recall. None supplies a park-outside instruction. The PCV and Outback notices describe power-loss or stalling risks. The Forester notice describes a fire risk from coolant contacting hot exhaust, but also states that the affected vehicles had not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners.
What the free repair involves
The October 2019 PCV remedy is free inspection and replacement as necessary; missing separated components trigger free engine replacement. December 2019 specifies free PCV inspection and replacement, with free short-block replacement if separated components cannot be found. Outback receives a free harness and ECU replacement. For Forester, distributor facilities tighten water-pipe bolts; that notice states no charge terms.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 3 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Where owners report engine and engine cooling problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under engine and engine cooling for the Subaru models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Engine and engine cooling complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 106 |
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | 47 |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 34 |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 32 |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 21 |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | 11 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester | 1 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2023 | Subaru Forester Coolant Leak Fire Risk | high |
| Jul 1, 2022 | Subaru Outback Wiring Fault May Cause Engine Stall | medium |
| Dec 2, 2019 | Subaru Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester Power Loss Risk | high |
| Oct 17, 2019 | Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek Engine Valve May Fail | high |
Common questions
When do the Subaru PCV recalls call for engine replacement?
Both PCV notices specify replacement when the valve has separated and its components cannot be found. The October 2019 Impreza/Crosstrek notice says engine replacement; the December 2019 Crosstrek/Forester/Ascent notice specifies short-block engine replacement. Each states that this remedy is free.
Were owners sent letters for the 2024 Forester coolant recall?
The October 26, 2023 notice says affected 2024 Forester vehicles had not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners, so owner notification letters would not be sent. Subaru’s independent distributor processing facilities would tighten the engine water-pipe attachment bolts.
What gets replaced under the 2022 Outback engine wiring recall?
Under the July 1, 2022 recall, WRC-22, dealers replace the engine wiring harness and ECU free of charge. The notice describes harness damage that may create a loose electrical connection to the ECU, potentially causing an engine stall.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.