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Subaru Outback Recall 21V955: Transmission Can Lose Drive Power, Raising Crash Risk

NHTSA campaign 21V955, reported December 9, 2021, 198,255 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent and 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles have a programming error in the transmission control unit. This can allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is fully clamped, so the chain may slip and break.

If the drive chain breaks, the vehicle can lose drive power, which increases the risk of a crash. Owners should take this recall seriously and have their vehicle checked promptly.

Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit, inspect its data for chain slippage, and visually inspect the chain guide. If chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. The repair is free of charge at an authorized Subaru dealer. Owners who were previously recalled under 19V-855 will need this new remedy once it is available. You can check whether your vehicle has open recalls using your VIN, or contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 (Subaru recall number WRK-21).

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 21V955Subaru of America, Inc.
Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CHAIN/BELT
Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Risk
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
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.nhtsa.gov.

Affected vehicles

Subaru Ascent20192020
Subaru Legacy2020
Subaru Outback2020