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ProblemsByVinSUBARU / ENGINE
88 model-year entries · 2005–2023
Subaru engine problems
1,508 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for engine issues.
8 active recall campaigns. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
1,508
Recalls
8
Year-models
88
Avg fix
$3,100
34crashes
52fires
23injuries
1fatality
Editorial perspective by Shop Foreman · Lead technician
At the shop, Subaru engine issues have a recognizable signature. 1,508 documented complaints across 88 year-model entries from 2005 to 2023 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 1 fatality report on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Subaru vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 761 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 62,036 miles. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for engine Top 25 by complaint volume
Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUS-04.
Subaru is recalling 16,715 my 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, my 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and my 2009 forester vehicles
Vibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall began on october 20, 2008. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from july 31 through december 1, 2009
If the fluid is completely leaked during driving, the vehicle will come to a stop, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected cooler hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on june 8, 2010. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-subaru3 (1-800-782-2783).
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
A loose electrical connection to the ECU may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine wiring harness and ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-22.
Common questions
How many Subaru engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,508 complaints across 88 model-year entries from 2005 to 2023. 8 active recall campaigns cover engine issues across the Subaru lineup.
Which Subaru model has the most engine complaints?
The 2015 Subaru Forester leads with 72 complaints in this category. Next: 2019 Forester (60) and 2013 Impreza (57).
What does it cost to fix Subaru engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the Subaru lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Subaru engine recalls?
Yes — 9 active recall campaigns cover engine on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Subaru.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.