New Subaru Recall Alert - 96,000 Models Have Defective Backup Lights And Rearview Camera

There is a new Subaru recall alert. Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Legacy models are affected. See if your model year is on the list.

I cover all Subaru recalls, and there is another one customers should be aware of. Subaru of America and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall specific model years of Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and Legacy vehicles. 

There is an issue with the backup lights and rearview camera that may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the reverse camera from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.  

Description of the issue: 

The NHTSA says an insufficient weld between the switch stator and the cover of the inhibitor switch may allow water intrusion, and, over time, the switch may become inoperative. It affects the vehicle's backup lights and rearview camera. 

A total of 95,830 Subaru models are being recalled.

Which Subaru model years and how many are affected?

1. The recall population includes certain 2022 Subaru Forester models. The number of potentially affected Forester compact SUV vehicles is 16.

2. The recall population includes certain 2021 Subaru Crosstrek models. The number of potentially affected Crosstrek subcompact SUV vehicles is 37,195.

3. The recall population includes certain 2021-2023 Subaru Outback models. The number of potentially affected Outback midsize SUV vehicles is 51,470.

4. The recall population includes certain 2021-2023 Subaru Legacy models. The number of potentially affected Legacy midsize sedan vehicles is 7,149.

Description of the defect:

Subaru says moisture intrusion may cause the inhibitor switch to become inoperative over time. An inoperative inhibitor switch may result in the backup lamps not illuminating when in reverse gear, the rearview monitor not displaying, the transmission gear select indicator in the instrument panel not being displayed, or the inability to start the engine.

Subaru says they are unaware of any crashes or injuries from this condition. 

Subaru's Remedy

Subaru dealers will replace the inhibitor switch in the 2022 Subaru Forester, 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 2021-2023 Subaru Outback, and 2021-2023 Subaru Legacy models free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 8, 2024.

Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

Other recent Subaru recalls

In August, I reported that Subaru of America announced a recall of more than 35,357 of its 2024 Crosstrek and 2024 Impreza vehicles. Subaru said an electrical issue could cause a loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. 

In November, I reported that Subaru of America announced a recall for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, 2023-2024 Subaru Forester, 2024 Subaru Impreza, and 2023 Subaru WRX. The models were recalled for having defective driveshafts.  

Customers can check recalls for your vehicle with the VIN lookup tool here. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru recall story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• Subaru Recalls 35,000 New Crosstrek And Impreza For An Electrical Design Flaw
• New Subaru Recall Alert: Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, WRX Have Defective Driveshafts
• New Subaru Recall Alert - Outback, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy Driveshaft Can Disconnect

Check out this YouTube video: 7 Subaru Winter Driving Features And One That's Still Missing On Many Models

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA