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2010-2014 Subaru Legacy & Outback Recall: Critical Safety Info for Owners
Critical Recall: 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy & Outback Parking Brake Safety Issue
Recall Overview
Affected Vehicles: Approximately 27,100 model-year 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy sedans and Outback wagons equipped with manual transmissions
NHTSA Recall Number: 18V706000
Subaru Recall Number: WQW-89
Manufacturing Dates: June 2009 - August 2014
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The Safety Risk Explained
This recall addresses a potentially dangerous electronic parking brake malfunction:
- Parking brake may fail to engage properly when applied
- Vehicle could roll away if parked without being in gear
- Particular risk on inclined surfaces
- No warning signs prior to failure
- Affects only manual transmission models (automatics not impacted)
Recall Repair Process
Subaru dealerships will perform the following repairs at no cost to owners:
- Complete inspection of electronic parking brake system
- Replacement of parking brake actuator assembly
- System functionality testing
- Verification of proper warning light operation
The repair typically takes 2-3 hours to complete, though wait times may vary by dealership.
What Owners Should Do Immediately
- Check Recall Status: Visit the NHTSA recall website and enter your VIN
- Contact Subaru: Call Subaru's Customer Support at 844-373-6614
- Park Safely: Always leave manual transmission vehicles in gear when parked
- Use Wheel Chocks: Consider additional parking security on inclines
- Schedule Repair: Contact your local Subaru dealer for appointment
Interim Safety Precautions
Until the repair is completed, owners should:
- Always park with transmission in first gear (or reverse)
- Turn wheels toward curb when parking on hills
- Test parking brake engagement before exiting vehicle
- Use parking brake as secondary measure, not primary
- Consider aftermarket parking brake alarm systems'
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Important Contact Information
Subaru Customer Service: 844-373-6614 (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-7pm EST)
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
NHTSA Website: www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Find a Subaru Dealer: Use Subaru's dealer locator
Recall Completion Rates and Updates
As of 2024 follow-up data:
- Approximately 82% of affected vehicles have been repaired
- No reported incidents after repair completion
- Extended warranty coverage provided for replaced components
- Subaru issued updated service bulletins for diagnostic procedures
Related Recalls and Service Bulletins
Owners of affected vehicles should also be aware of:
- 2016 recall for brake line corrosion (NHTSA 16V815)
- 2018 service campaign for transmission fluid inspection
- 2019 software update for electronic stability control
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Why This Recall Matters
This parking brake issue represents a significant safety concern because:
- Unintended vehicle movement causes hundreds of injuries annually
- Manual transmission owners may rely more on parking brake
- Electronic parking brakes lack mechanical redundancy
- Failure can occur without warning signs
Subaru's proactive approach to this recall demonstrates their commitment to safety, and owners of affected vehicles should prioritize this repair. The free fix permanently resolves the parking brake engagement issue and helps ensure safe vehicle operation for years to come.
Klash
Last Updated On Oct, 08-2025