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Subaru driveshaft and transmission recalls: why the car loses drive power
Eight power train recalls cluster into two families. Driveshafts: the center support bolts can loosen and let the front of the driveshaft disconnect, recalled on the 2019 Ascent and again on 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent and Impreza, while on 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester and 2023 WRX the front driveshaft outer race can crack and break. Transmissions: a Transmission Control Unit programming error that lets the clutch engage before the drive chain is fully clamped was recalled twice, first for 2019-2020 Ascent and 2020 Legacy and Outback, then for 2020-2021 Legacy and Outback. Rounding it out are a 2019 Ascent hydraulic sensor, a loose CVT select lever cable nut on 2021 Outback and Impreza, and an inhibitor switch that lets water in and kills the reverse lights.
Warning signs to watch for
- Sudden loss of drive power while you are moving
- Gear selector that feels loose or vague (2021 Outback and Impreza)
- Vehicle moving after being parked, if the parking brake isn't set
- Reverse lights and backup camera not working when you shift into reverse
- The driveshaft notices warn this can happen with little or no advance warning
Is it safe to keep driving?
No recall in this group carries a stop-driving order or a park-outside instruction, and Subaru has not told owners to park any of these vehicles. Every one of the driveshaft and transmission defects can cut drive power while you are moving, though, so treat them as urgent rather than routine. On the 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester and 2023 WRX front driveshaft recall there is also a rollaway risk, so set the parking brake every time you park until the inspection is done.
What the free repair involves
All repairs are free. Driveshaft work means replacing the assembly and center support brace, or cleaning the bolt mounting surfaces and installing new bolts, or inspecting and replacing the front driveshafts. For the transmission, dealers reprogram the control unit and inspect chain and sensor data, replacing the transmission only if slippage or damage shows. The CVT cable nut is tightened; the inhibitor switch is replaced.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 7 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-11-09 | Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy, Outback reverse lights may fail | medium |
| 2023-11-09 | Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, WRX Front Driveshaft Can Break | high |
| 2023-09-21 | Subaru Outback, Legacy, Ascent, Impreza driveshaft bolts loosen | high |
| 2022-07-08 | Subaru Outback and Legacy transmission software may break drive chain | high |
| 2021-12-09 | Subaru Ascent, Legacy, Outback Transmission Software Can Break Chain | high |
| 2021-01-26 | Subaru Outback and Impreza shifter cable nut may loosen | high |
| 2019-12-02 | Subaru Ascent may lose drive power from transmission fault | high |
| 2019-07-10 | Subaru Ascent driveshaft bolts can loosen and separate | high |
Common questions
Will I feel a driveshaft bolt coming loose before it fails?
Probably not. The notices warn that the driveshaft can come apart with little or no warning while you are driving, which is why Subaru has owners bring the vehicle in as soon as a dealer can take it.
Does the transmission software recall mean I get a new transmission?
Only if inspection finds a problem. Dealers reprogram the Transmission Control Unit, review stored TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. The transmission is replaced free of charge only where slippage or damage is confirmed.
My 2020 Outback shows two transmission recalls. Do I need both?
Yes. The 2020 Outback appears in both the December 2021 and the July 2022 TCU recalls, each with its own remedy and recall number. Complete whichever repairs your VIN still shows as open with a dealer.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.