Subaru Impreza, Outback Shifter Cable Nut May Loosen

NHTSA campaign 21V024000 · Reported Jan 26, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc.

medium How serious is it? About this label

A gear selector that doesn't work properly can increase the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V024000
Reported to NHTSA	Jan 26, 2021
Manufacturer	Subaru of America, Inc.
Part affected	Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2021
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

On certain 2021 Subaru Outback and Impreza vehicles with a continuously variable transmission, a nut on the shift lever cable may not have been tightened properly. Over time, this nut can loosen, which can cause the cable to lose its grip and the gear selector to stop working correctly. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the nut and tighten it if needed.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is included.
2. Contact a Subaru dealer, or call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
3. The inspection and repair are free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V024000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Outback

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 Power Train Recalls Involving Driveshafts, Transmissions, and Gear Selection · all 8 Subaru recalls in this area

Other Subaru Outback recalls

Mar 22, 2024Subaru Legacy, Outback Passenger Air Bag May Not Deployhigh
Nov 9, 2023Subaru Outback, Forester switch failure disables reverse lights, cameramedium
Sep 21, 2023Subaru Driveshaft Bolts May Loosen And Disconnecthigh
Sep 22, 2022Subaru Impreza and Outback Windshields May Detachhigh
Jul 8, 2022Subaru Legacy and Outback Transmission Chain May Slipmedium
Jul 1, 2022Subaru Outback Wiring Fault May Cause Engine Stallmedium

All 15 Outback recalls

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Safety risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.

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