NHTSA 18V-846 • Subaru WQU-65
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2018-12-13 · 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.
Improperly heat-treated valve springs may fracture under operation.
Valve drops into cylinder, destroying the engine; possible stall and crash.
Yes — Subaru pays for the repair at any authorized dealer. Bring your VIN.
BRZ, Forester XT, WRX, Legacy from model years 2012-2014. 165,000 units in total.
Valve drops into cylinder, destroying the engine; possible stall and crash.
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 BRZ/Forester XT/WRX/Legacy from 2012-2014, run it through the full Subaru recall database before you sign.
No. Dealer replaces all 16 valve springs at no charge. 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 2012-2014 BRZ range has documented 2013 Subaru BRZ FA20 Valve Spring Recall (WTY-84 / NHTSA 18V-772) reports on the same system this recall addresses.
Valve drops into cylinder, destroying the engine; possible stall and crash. 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.