Skip to main content

Subaru Could Issue Massive Recall Affecting Many U.S. Models

A massive Subaru recall could be coming to Japan and will also affect many U.S. models. Will your Subaru be on the recall list?
2019 Subaru WRX STI, Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Subaru recall

When it rains it pours on Subaru Corporation. Reports out of Japan say the Japanese automaker is about to issue a huge recall that will affect several hundred thousand vehicles in Japan and the U.S. because of a faulty engine part. A report from The Asahi Shimbun says Subaru will be reporting the huge recall in Japan to the transport ministry by November 5.

According to sources in Japan, “a valve spring could break and hamper the workings of the engine.” The report says every vehicle Subaru manufactures, except for their Mini vehicles, (not sold in the U.S.) are affected which means hundreds of thousands of Subaru vehicles in the U.S. could be recalled.

This would include all models like Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ sports coupe. It would also include the Toyota 86 jointly produced with Subaru and uses the same Boxer engine.

The report did not say which model years are affected by the faulty engine part. All Subaru vehicles are powered by a Boxer engine and many models may be using the same valve spring that is causing the potential engine issue. The sources say in Japan alone, the recall will likely apply to hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The costs for the planned recall over the engine part problem could exceed 25 billion yen ($223 million US) in Japan alone.

Subaru could take another image hit

If the report is accurate, the huge recall will also affect thousands of vehicles in Canada, Australia, the UK, and Europe. The engine valve spring issue along with the latest WRX/STI engine failure lawsuits in the U.S., and the fuel mileage falsification scandal in Japan could further damage the Japanese automaker’s image.

Torque News will follow this story and bring customers the latest updates on the potential huge Subaru recall. Stay tuned to see what model year Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ models are being recalled. Subaru Corporation is expected to report this to the transport ministry in Japan by November 5 when they release their financial statement for the half-year period.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Follow more Subaru news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Photo credit: Subaru Global

Automotive News
Performance Vehicles
Subaru
Subaru Forester News
Subaru Outback News and Reviews
Subaru WRX

Comments

Jerry (not verified)    October 26, 2018 - 5:55PM

Permalink

That's OK
Every car manufacturer has had recalls
Subaru is still the best car I have ever owned. This is my second Outback and maybe not my last.

CHARLES MORRIS… (not verified)    October 26, 2018 - 6:35PM

Permalink

I had an Hyundai Elantra which h burst into flames while NOT RUNNING in my drive way. Hyundai has not responded or taken responsibility. I decided to buy a Crosstrek now when this news came out. I'm not sure what I will do.

Derek Booher (not verified)    October 26, 2018 - 7:21PM

Permalink

I just took delivery of my 2019 STi that I ordered back in August. I stand behind Subaru. I absolutely love my new STi and have patiently waited for this car for over a decade! I guess if my 2019 STi happens to be affected by this recall, we shall deal with it when time comes or I break a valve spring before time comes Until then, I’ll enjoy every mile I drive my Subaru.

Brian (not verified)    October 26, 2018 - 8:09PM

Permalink

Maybe they will fix it like they did with the burning oil issue... Oh wait, they didn't. It now costs me $1000+ more a year in oil changes & adding oil on a 2012, I bought new. I used to love Subaru until they ran me over. #done #crapmobile

Mark Day (not verified)    October 26, 2018 - 10:14PM

Permalink

I've got a couple Toyota RAV4 V6s (3.5L engine) same as in Lexus. First vehicles I've ever owned that use zero oil between changes - and I mean not an ounce. I'm not using any special oil - just standard 5W-30. It's great not having to be concerned about the oil level while often running the engine to redline.

vu t tran (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 7:18AM

Permalink

I also have crazy oil consumption issue from day 1. Did five oil consumption test on my 2011 3.6 outback. Apparently 1.5 to 2 quarts per 5K Mobil 1 is ok they said. Really?

JTSR07 (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 8:27AM

Permalink

Call Subaru USA,! They put a new half block in my 13 Forester. Your dealer is your problem. Back here in PA my dealer #1Cochran stepped up everytime for me. Subaru also put a new transmission in at the same time all at no charge. I just bought an 18 Forester gave my daughter the 13. Our 12 saved my wife from serious injury with the air bag curtains and the durability. 60 mph collision on our freeway. Just a few bruises from the seatbelt. We are a Subaru family from now on. Contact Subaru USA you'll get help!

Andrea E Wilson (not verified)    October 26, 2018 - 9:35PM

Permalink

We have a 2017 Outback and love it. However, my husband is an auto mechanic and has complained to the Dealer since Day 1 that there is something wrong with the engine because of the excessive noise. We continue to be told this noise is normal. We hope our model is under the recall and finally will have a solution.

Wally Z (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 1:49AM

Permalink

We were told the noise (cold engine starts only) was due to the variable valve timing. My wife’s 06 Legacy sounded like a diesel on cold mornings, shaking the heat shielding. But still love it at 90k miles and haven’t had any issues!! I own an ‘11 Outback 88k and only a wheel alignment!

Steve wing (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 5:21AM

Permalink

My 07 impreza sport wagon is so quiet with 117000 miles on it i tried to start it while it was running 4 times , I hope my starter can take it. A boxer engine is one of the best engine desighns on the planet, its hard to believe a valve spring would recall it would be the valve or rod i guess that if you redline your engine enough times it will bite you back OUT

Shawn Warnick (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 8:41AM

Permalink

I by no means work for subaru but they are not lying. That is the inherent nature of a boxer engine. To be honest the tech behind a boxer engine is so old it is not even funny. There is a reason why the subaru wrx has only had about 5 horsepower in 10 years... there is not much to improve on and keep subaru in the everyman budget.

John (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 11:35AM

Permalink

Subaru has taken their Boxer platform as far as their customers are willing to pay. Sure they could make Porsche-esque big HP (countless folks doing that now with a few bolt-ons), but who would be buying a 50K Subaru 4door sports car?

Elizabeth Parker (not verified)    October 26, 2018 - 9:58PM

Permalink

Sigh. Sad.
Just gotta 2018 Forester in June. My first new car ever. I turned 60 this year, so this car is very special to me. It's also costly. Hope they get it figured out. Boohoo.

John (not verified)    October 26, 2018 - 10:25PM

Permalink

Bought my first Subaru new, 2017 WRX with the new 2.0 engine. Run carbon guard fuel additive in the fuel to prevent piston ring failure. At 19k miles, is not using any oil between 3000 mile changes. Only use Valvoline 10 40. Drive lots of city miles with mad dashes on the freeway occasionally

Rbh (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 12:03AM

Permalink

My valve spring in my 2013 frs fails with 9,000km it took Toyota over a month to figure it out and replace my engine.

Mike Jay (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 12:03AM

Permalink

This isn't the first time Subaru has been plagued by engine and other drive train problems and the way they handle these big problems is pathetic. I've been through a few of these and am embarrassed for the company. Good luck to those affected.

Chris (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 12:18AM

Permalink

I have a 2016 Impreza, worst car I've ever owned. All the Subaru hype is a joke. I can't wait to get rid if this lemon.

FLY_DMY (not verified)    October 28, 2018 - 2:48AM

Permalink

To each their own.

I own the 2017 Impreza, and absolutely loved it.

Have to admit however, I wouldn't have purchased the 2016 - completely redesigned for 2017.

Did a ton of research on the car, bought it sight unseen took it right off the train car, iin Dec. 2016.

A few days later it won Car of the Year in Japan!

Beating out the likes of Toyota, Honda, Mazda, etc. in its class!

Kinda underscored my good research.