Subaru Recalls - A First Ever Low For The Car Brand

Is Subaru's quality improving or declining? I covered Subaru quality, and a new report from the annual Subaru meetings at the NADA Show revealed some interesting results for Subaru quality. 

I wrote in 2020 that Subaru needed help with quality issues as the Japanese automaker has numerous recalls on many of its cars. In an interview with then-CEO Tomomi Nakamura, he revealed what the automaker was doing to fix past and present problems and improve future quality in the new Forester, Outback, Ascent, and other new models. 

In 2020, Nakamura told Automotive News (by subscription), "We are making good progress in quality reform. There are two approaches. One is to ensure we have the right quality for vehicles currently in development. The other is to react and develop solutions to defects in vehicles already in the market."

At the NADA Show, where Subaru of America retailers meet annually to discuss its plans, the critical discussion was how Subaru would "greatly reduce production interruptions to allow dealers to sell new vehicles from their inventories again."

Recalls - A first-ever low for Subaru

Jeff Williams, chairman of the Subaru National Retailer Advisory Board and vice president of Williams AutoWorld in Lansing, Michigan, which includes Williams Subaru, said dealers are celebrating improved quality, with 2023 marking "the lowest number of recalls we've ever had as a brand."

I covered all Subaru recalls, and here are the recalls in 2023. Check out the links here for more information. 

• New Subaru Recall Alert - Outback, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy Driveshaft Can Disconnect
• New Subaru Recall Alert: Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX Have Defective Driveshafts
• Subaru Ascent Recall - Improperly Tightened Ball Joint Could Cause Loss Of Control
• Subaru Recall - New Ascent SUV Tires Could Experience A Sudden Loss Of Pressure
• Subaru Recalls 35,000 New Crosstrek And Impreza For An Electrical Design Flaw
• Recall Alert: New Subaru Forester Coolant Leak Can Cause A Fire
• New Subaru Recall Alert - 96,000 Models Have Defective Backup Lights And Rearview Camera
• The Subaru BRZ Sports Car Recall Notice - Your Rear Turn Signals Aren't Working

• Subaru Issues Solterra EV 'Do Not Drive' Warning, Wheel Problem Is Still Not Fixed
• Subaru Issues First New WRX Recall For Owner's Manual Mistake That's Hard To Believe

MY TAKE

There was a significant number of Subaru recalls in 2023. But compared with other automakers, Subaru, with ten recalls in 2023, has fewer recalls and less than most manufacturers. 

More news from the Subaru retailer's meeting

An Insider View, What Subaru Dealers Are Complaining About @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto photo @adventuresubaru#subaru #forester #outback #crosstrekhttps://t.co/9GmFJ7QNkN
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) February 11, 2024

Williams also noted that dealers expressed optimism during the meeting about the brand's approach to electrification, which is deeply intertwined with that of corporate partner Toyota Motor Corp. The plan includes the redesigned 2025 Forester, which features a hybrid system sourced from Toyota.

Other plans include launching new EVs, including a coming Ascent-sized 3-Row crossover that is to be built by Toyota at its Georgetown, Kentucky, assembly complex.

"Our joint strategy on electrification is looking pretty good right now," Walters said.

Subaru also planned to grow its U.S. sales to 680,000 vehicles in 2024 to dealers at the brand's make meeting at the NADA Show. The key will be significantly reducing production interruptions to allow dealers to sell new vehicles from their inventories again.

New 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Details Leaked From Dealer Meeting @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforester #foresterhybrid #subaruforesterhybridhttps://t.co/5yOkLjCzTb
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) February 9, 2024

Last year, Subaru reported U.S. sales of 632,086 vehicles, up 14 percent from 2022. If the company achieves its targets, 2024 will be the brand's best sales year in the U.S. since it sold 700,117 vehicles in 2019. Stay Tuned. 

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

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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