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Subaru Lighting Recalls Affect Brake Lights, Reverse Lights and Signals
Subaru’s lighting notices involve different ways exterior lamps can fail to communicate or provide visibility. Impreza appears most often: certain 2023 vehicles have an improperly adjusted brake light switch, while certain 2017–2019 vehicles have inadequate reflection from specified reflectors. The brake-switch defect can also permit starting and shifting out of Park without pressing the brake pedal. Certain 2015–2021 WRX vehicles have a corroding backup light switch that can disable reverse lights and the rearview camera image. Certain 2022 BRZ vehicles, alongside Toyota GR86 vehicles, have rear turn signals that may intermittently stop working. The listed remedies address switches or replace lamp assemblies, depending on the recall.
Warning signs to watch for
- April 2023 Impreza brake-switch recall: brake lights illuminate without pedal application; starting and shifting out of Park may be possible without pressing the brake pedal.
- July 2022 WRX backup-switch recall: backup lights do not illuminate and the rearview camera image does not display in reverse.
- August 2022 Impreza reflector recall: specified reflectors provide inadequate reflection.
- August 2023 BRZ/GR86 rear-lamp recall: rear turn signals intermittently become inoperative.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
The notices do not tell owners to stop driving for the April 2023 Impreza brake-switch recall, July 2022 WRX backup-switch recall, August 2022 Impreza reflector recall, or August 2023 BRZ/GR86 rear-turn-signal recall. None carries a park-outside instruction. The stated risks include misleading brake-light illumination and rollaway for the brake-switch defect, reduced visibility and driver awareness for the WRX defect, reduced illumination for the reflector defect, and failure to notify other drivers of turns for the rear-signal defect.
What the free repair involves
For WRI-23, dealers inspect the brake-switch gap and adjust as necessary. WRE-22 calls for backup-switch inspection and replacement as necessary. WRG-22 replaces the front headlamp assemblies. The August 2023 BRZ/GR86 recall replaces both rear combination lamp assemblies. Each of these notices states that its repair is free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 1 |
| medium | 3 |
Models affected most
Where owners report exterior lighting problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under exterior lighting for the Subaru models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Exterior lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | 64 |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | 63 |
| 2022 Subaru BRZ | 3 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2023 | Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 rear turn signals fail | medium |
| Apr 25, 2023 | Subaru Impreza Brake Light Switch Adjustment Problem | high |
| Aug 12, 2022 | Subaru Impreza reflectors may not reflect enough light | medium |
| Jul 21, 2022 | Subaru WRX backup lights and camera may stop working | medium |
Common questions
Why does the WRX lighting recall also mention the rearview camera?
The July 21, 2022 notice says the backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative on certain 2015–2021 WRX vehicles. This can prevent both reverse-light illumination and display of the rearview camera image in reverse. Dealers inspect and replace the switch as necessary, free.
Can the Impreza brake-switch defect affect shifting out of Park?
The April 25, 2023 notice says certain 2023 Impreza vehicles may allow starting and shifting out of Park without pressing the brake pedal. The same improperly adjusted switch may illuminate brake lights without pedal application. Dealers inspect the gap and adjust the switch as necessary, free.
Does the BRZ turn-signal recall replace both rear lamps?
The August 31, 2023 notice specifies replacement of both rear combination lamp assemblies free of charge on affected 2022 BRZ and Toyota GR86 vehicles. It describes rear turn signals that may intermittently become inoperative, potentially failing to notify other drivers of a turn.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.