Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek may stall while driving

NHTSA campaign 21V264000 · Reported 2021-04-15 · Subaru of America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

Serious because the engine can stall unexpectedly while you drive, though the notice does not tell owners to park the car.

What's wrong, in plain English

On these cars, the engine computer may keep sending power to an ignition coil even after you shut the engine off. That can cause an electrical short in the coils, and a short can make the engine stall. An engine that quits while you are driving — especially in traffic or at speed — makes a crash more likely. Your dealer will update the engine computer software, replace the ignition coils, and replace the front exhaust pipe if it is needed, all free.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Impreza or Crosstrek is included. 2. Contact your Subaru dealer, or Subaru at 1-844-373-6614, and mention recall WRE-21. 3. Get the free repair done even if your car was already fixed under the earlier recall 19V743 — those cars need this work too.

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 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Safety risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

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