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Subaru Forester Recall 19V149: Brake lights may fail to light, raising crash risk

NHTSA campaign 19V149, reported February 28, 2019, 1,303,530 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

The brake light switch can malfunction after exposure to certain contaminants. When this happens, the brake lights may not illuminate, so drivers behind you won't know you are slowing or stopping, which increases the risk of a crash. The same fault can also stop keyless-ignition vehicles from starting and keep automatic or CVT transmissions from shifting out of Park.

Authorized Subaru dealers will replace the brake light switch free of charge. Subaru will notify owners of affected vehicles. The recall began April 15, 2019, and you can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 with recall number WUE-90. Check your VIN for open recalls to see whether your vehicle is included.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 19V149Subaru of America, Inc.
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Subaru Crosstrek20132014201520162017
Subaru Forester201420152016
Subaru Impreza200820092010201120122013201420152016
Subaru WRX2008200920102011201220132014