CarRecallWatch
Home / Latest recalls / 22V485

Subaru Outback Recall 22V485: Transmission May Lose Drive Power, Raising Crash Risk

NHTSA campaign 22V485, reported July 8, 2022, 182 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

A programming error in the transmission control unit can let the clutch engage before the drive chain is fully clamped. The chain may then slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit, check its data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. All repairs are free of charge at an authorized dealer. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. You can also contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, referencing recall WRK-22, and check your VIN for open recalls.

This recall expands an earlier recall, 21V-955, so owners who had that repair should still check whether their vehicle is covered by this one.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 22V485Subaru 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 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy 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 are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Affected vehicles

Subaru Legacy20202021
Subaru Outback20202021