Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek may stall from short circuit

NHTSA campaign 19V743000 · Reported 2019-10-18 · Subaru of America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

A stall while driving can lead to a crash, so get this fixed promptly; the notice does not tell owners to stop driving the vehicle.

What's wrong, in plain English

On certain Impreza and Crosstrek cars, the engine computer can keep sending power to the ignition coil even after you shut the engine off. That extra power can cause a short circuit and blow a fuse. If the short happens while you are driving, the engine can shut off unexpectedly. Subaru dealers will update the engine computer software and check the ignition coil, replacing it if it is damaged. Some cars with a damaged coil and a specific stored fault code also get a new front exhaust pipe.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is included. 2. Call your Subaru dealer and schedule the software update and coil inspection (Subaru recall number WUQ-02). 3. Have the repair done — it is free; questions go to Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Affected vehicles (4)

2018 Subaru Crosstrek
2018 Subaru Impreza
2019 Subaru Crosstrek
2019 Subaru Impreza

Who to contact

Subaru — official Subaru recall lookup

Customer service: 1-844-373-6614

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Subaru electrical recalls: stalling, melting wiring and false fuel readings · all 6 Subaru recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Safety risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.