NHTSA 16V-643
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2016-09-02 · Editorial standards
Filed under our full Subaru recall database and cross-referenced with the reliability & common problems hub. Owners often confuse a recall with a TSB — recalls are free at any Subaru dealer, TSBs are not.
CVT chain belt may slip due to worn valve body, causing loss of motive power.
Vehicle may unexpectedly enter limp mode or lose drive; crash risk.
Subaru extended powertrain warranty to 10 years / 100,000 miles; reman CVT free if affected.
Look up your VIN at NHTSA →Yes — Subaru pays for the repair at any authorized dealer. Bring your VIN.
Outback, Legacy, Forester from model years 2010-2018. 660,000 units in total.
Vehicle may unexpectedly enter limp mode or lose drive; crash risk.
Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — results are instant and free.
Defect, consequence, remedy, and affected-unit counts on this page derive from the NHTSA campaign filing below. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the definitive per-vehicle status.
Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — the check is instant and free. If you're shopping a used Outback/Legacy/Forester from 2010-2018, run it through the full Subaru recall database before you sign.
No. Subaru extended powertrain warranty to 10 years / 100,000 miles; reman CVT free if affected. That's true at any authorized Subaru dealer regardless of mileage — see the reliability & common problems hub for how recalls differ from TSBs.
Yes — the 2010-2018 Outback range has documented Lineartronic CVT Shudder & Failure reports on the same system this recall addresses.
Vehicle may unexpectedly enter limp mode or lose drive; crash risk. That can also affect resale value, insurance claims, and any future warranty dispute. Our reliability hub covers how open recalls factor into used-Subaru buying decisions.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.