UPDATE Subaru Outback, Ascent, Legacy Recalled For A Defective Drive Chain
The 2020 Subaru Outback, 2019-2020 Ascent, and 2020 Legacy have been recalled by Subaru of America and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a defective drive chain. The NHTSA says the drive chain may break, causing a loss of drive power and could result in an accident.
The recall is likely for models with the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine. The 2020 Outback XT, 2020 Legacy XT, and all 2019-2020 Ascent vehicles use this engine.
UPDATE:
The potential number of affected vehicles is 198,255 models. The number of potentially affected Outback vehicles is 35,257. The number of potentially affected Ascent vehicles is 160,941. The number of potentially affected Legacy vehicles is 2,057.
What is the Problem?
Subaru says 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy, and 2020 Outback vehicles have a programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) that may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
How will Subaru fix the problem?
Subaru retailers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. The transmission will be replaced if evidence of chain slippage or damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Subaru Outback and Legacy have three other recalls
2020 Outback and Legacy models had three other recalls. Subaru recalled the two vehicles in September 2019 because a brake pedal mounting bracket may have had an insufficiently tightened or missing bolt. Get the details here.
Subaru issued a recall for the 2020 Subaru Outback wagon and 2020 Legacy sedan models late last year. The recall notice was for the car's rearview camera that may shut down, reducing the driver's ability to see cars or people behind the vehicle when it's backing up.
Outback Ascent and Legacy recalled for possible fuel pump failure
In July, the 2018-2020 Outback, 2019-2020 Ascent, and 2018-2020 Legacy were recalled for a possible fuel pump failure that could cause the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
When will Outback, Ascent, and Legacy owners be notified of the drive chain recall?
Interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on February 7, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in April 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855, and those vehicles will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. 2020 Subaru Outback, 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent, and 2020 Subaru Legacy owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Owners can also check Subaru's VIN, lookup tool, and check for the latest updates.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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