Subaru Ascent, Legacy, Outback Drive Chain Risk

NHTSA campaign 21V955000 · Reported Dec 9, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

A broken drive chain causes a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V955000
Reported to NHTSA	Dec 9, 2021
Manufacturer	Subaru of America, Inc.
Part affected	Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Vehicles covered	4 model/year combinations, model years 2019–2020
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Subaru is recalling certain Ascent, Legacy, and Outback vehicles because a programming error in the transmission control unit may let the clutch engage before the drive chain is fully clamped. If the chain isn't properly secured, it may slip and break. A broken drive chain causes a loss of drive power, which increases the risk of a crash.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Contact a Subaru dealer (1-844-373-6614) to schedule the repair.
3. The repair is free of charge.

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 21V955000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (4)

2019 Subaru Ascent
2020 Subaru Ascent
2020 Subaru Legacy
2020 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:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Safety risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

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