Run a Subaru Vehicle Recall Check by VIN
Enter the VIN to get a Subaru recall check. View any Subaru recall records, open safety campaigns, affected parts, and a full vehicle history report. Get accurate information before you take the next step.
How to Check if Your Subaru Has a Recall
Getting Subaru recall information using our tool is quick and straightforward by following these three steps.
Step 1: Enter the VIN
Type the 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) into the form at the top of this page. You can also check by entering the license plate number and selecting your US state.
Step 2: Search VIN
Click the "Search VIN" button to pull up a preview of the vehicle. You will instantly see details like the year, make, model, trim, engine type, and more.
Step 3: Get Your Subaru Recall Report
Once you review the vehicle preview, proceed to payment to access the full recall details and the complete vehicle history report. Your report is available for download as a PDF so you can save or share it anytime.
What Is a Subaru Recall?
A Subaru recall is an official safety action filed when Subaru of America or NHTSA confirms that a vehicle has a defect that creates a risk for the driver, passengers, or other people on the road. Subaru is required by law to fix the defect at no cost to the vehicle owner.
It’s very crucial to check for recalls before buying or selling a used Subaru because an open recall is a safety problem that needs to be fixed. The recall information affects how safe the vehicle is, how it should be priced, and whether the deal is actually a good one for the person on the receiving end.
Subaru Open Recall Facts and Figures: 2025 Statistics
Take a look at the numbers behind Subaru's recall activity in 2025. These figures provide a real sense of how many vehicles and models were touched by safety campaigns.
3 recalls
Three separate safety recalls issued for 2025 Subaru models.
111,573 vehicles
Over one hundred thousand vehicles impacted by recalls.
3 models
Three Subaru models impacted, mainly SUVs and hybrids.
Why a Subaru Recall Check Is Worth Running Every Time
A Subaru recall check gives owners, buyers, and sellers the kind of safety and vehicle information that leads to smarter decisions and fewer costly surprises down the road. Here’s why it’s worth checking:
Owners
Keeping tabs on your Subaru's recall status means you never get blindsided by a safety issue that could have been resolved at no cost to you.
Drive Knowing Your Vehicle Is Safe
An unresolved recall points to a known defect that is still on your vehicle. Getting it fixed removes that risk every time you get behind the wheel.
Let Subaru Cover the Cost
All safety recall repairs are paid for by Subaru, not the owner. Without knowing about an open recall, you might pay a mechanic for a repair that could have been done at no cost.
Fix It Before It Gets Worse
Certain recall defects cause gradual damage to surrounding systems if left alone. Taking care of the problem early keeps a manageable issue from turning into a more expensive repair job.
Buyers
Buyers who check Subaru recall status ahead of a purchase have the full knowledge and are in a much better position to protect both their safety and their money.
Find Out About Problems Before You Commit
Sellers are not always upfront about open recalls. Running your own check means you are not counting on someone’s words to know whether the vehicle has unresolved safety issues.
Make the Recall Work in Your Favor
If the Subaru you want to buy has an open recall, you can push for a lower price or ask the seller to get the recall repaired before you agree to the sale.
Walk Away From Hidden Safety Issues
Buying used without checking recall history is a risk that is easy to avoid. A Subaru recall lookup can keep you from inheriting a problem that was never yours to deal with.
Sellers and Dealers
Sellers and dealers who check vehicle recalls before listing them are in a stronger position to build trust, set the right price, and close deals without delays.
Come to the Table Prepared
Buyers feel more comfortable when a seller already has the recall report ready. It tells them the vehicle has been reviewed and the seller is being honest about its condition.
Set an Asking Price That Holds Up
Knowing the recall status before you list a car means your price reflects the vehicle's actual condition. You are less likely to lose a deal when the buyer runs their own check.
Keep Deals From Falling Apart Late
A recall discovered near the end of a transaction can send a buyer walking. Handling the recall check during the listing stage keeps things moving and prevents last-minute complications.
What Does Our Subaru Recall Report Show You?
Every recall in the vehicle report is broken down clearly so you understand what the issue is, which part of the vehicle is involved, and what the fix looks like. Here’s what to expect:
Recall Date
The date the recall was officially recorded with NHTSA or announced by Subaru, therefore giving a clue as to when the issue was first acknowledged.
Affected Components
The exact part or system at the center of the recall, such as the engine valve springs, airbag module, transmission control unit, fuel delivery system, or other defective component.
Campaign Number
The federal tracking number that NHTSA assigns to monitor this specific recall. This number is used to track how many affected vehicles have been brought in for repair.
Recall Number
Subaru's own internal reference number for this recall. This helps a dealership service team pull up the recall details right away and prepare for your visit more efficiently.
Remedy Description
Shows how Subaru will address the defect. The fix may be to replace a faulty part, update the vehicle's software, install a new assembly, or carry out another NHTSA-approved repair procedure.
Summary and Note
Provides info about what caused the recall and why it is considered a safety concern. Additional notes about parts availability and any guidance for owners are also included here.
Other Records You Get in a Full Subaru Recall Check Report
Recall data is just the beginning. A complete Subaru vehicle history report gives you a much wider view of what the vehicle has been through. These include:
Vehicle Usage Records
Find out whether the Subaru spent its life as a personal vehicle, a corporate fleet car, a rental unit, or in commercial service.
Ownership History
See the total number of previous owners and how long each one kept the vehicle.
Title Brand Check
Check for any title brands such as salvage, rebuilt, flood damage, or lemon law buyback attached to the vehicle.
Accident Records
View any reported accident history, including the type of collision, which part of the vehicle was affected, and whether the airbags deployed during the event.
Mileage Records
Review mileage figures recorded at different stages of the vehicle's life and check whether they add up, thus preventing odometer fraud.
Lien and Loan Records
Check if there is an active loan or lien still attached to the Subaru. Buying a car with an unpaid lien can make you financially responsible for a debt that has nothing to do with you.
Theft Records
Find out if the vehicle was ever reported stolen or came back as a recovered theft vehicle. A stolen car can be difficult to register, insure, or resell later.
Sales Listing History
Review past listings for the vehicle, like asking prices and the platforms where it appeared for sale. This helps you judge if the asking price lines up with the market value.
Auction Records
See whether the Subaru went through a dealer auction or a private sale. The records include condition grades, photos, prior damage disclosures, and inspection notes.
Six Loans and a Corrected Title on This Subaru Outback
Peter was looking for a reliable All Wheel Drive car for his family. He found a 2015 Subaru Outback, and the seller told her it had a clean history and was well looked after. Peter was smart enough to get the full recall report before making any decision.
What the Report Found
- No open recall records
- 1 damage record
- 6 lien or loan records
- 1 sales record
- A corrected title record
Possible Past Incidents and the Car's Condition
Six loan records on one car meant it had been used as security for debt multiple times over. A corrected title often signals that the original title had errors or was changed, which raised questions about what information had been updated and why.
How the Report Helped Peter
Peter walked away from a car with a financial history that was too messy to ignore. The Subaru recall check report revealed the hidden story before he got tangled up in someone else's debt and paperwork problems.
What to Do When You Discover an Open Recall on Your Subaru
Finding an open recall on your Subaru is not a reason to panic. Follow these three steps to get the issue resolved quickly and at no cost.
- 1
Confirm the Recall
Enter the VIN into our recall check tool to be sure the recall is tied to your exact vehicle. - 2
Schedule an Appointment
Call or visit an authorized Subaru dealership near you and share your VIN along with the recall number to confirm the recall, check on parts availability, and book an appointment time with you. - 3
Visit and Get the Repair Handled
Bring your Subaru on the scheduled date for the dealership to take care of the rest. Safety recall repairs are completed at zero cost to the vehicle owner.
How to Find the VIN on Your Subaru
Your Subaru's VIN is a 17-character code that belongs to your vehicle and no other. You can easily find it in the following locations on the car and in the documents.
On the Vehicle | In the Vehicle’s Paperwork |
Driver’s side dashboard | Vehicle’s registration |
Driver's Side Door Jamb | Title |
Engine block | Insurance policy |
Frame Rail | Maintenance records |
Defects That Have Led to Major Subaru Vehicle Recalls
Several types of problems have triggered notable safety recalls across the Subaru lineup over the years. Below are six that led to significant recall campaigns.
Takata Airbag Inflator Explosions
Defective Takata airbags caused metal fragments during deployment; 157,388 vehicles were recalled in 2018 across multiple Subaru models, risking severe injuries.
Corroded Brake Lines Failure
Brake lines corroded from salt exposure, reducing braking performance; over 660,000 vehicles were recalled in 2014 across several Subaru models.
Steering Column Machining Defect
Improperly machined steering columns risked loss of control; nearly 49,000 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles were recalled in 2017.
Engine PCV Valve Breakdown
Faulty PCV valves could break apart, causing engine damage or power loss; about 205,000 vehicles were recalled for 2017–2019 models.
Engine Control Unit Short Circuit
The engine computer continued powering ignition coils, risking short circuits; about 466,000 vehicles were recalled between 2017 and 2019.
Airbag Sensor Failure (ODS Issue)
Cracked capacitors in airbag sensors prevented deployment; 118,723 vehicles were recalled in 2024, affecting Outback and Legacy models.
Lookup Recalls for any Subaru Models
Our recall check tool supports every Subaru vehicle model. You can check for open recalls and full vehicle history for these popular models.
Subaru Outback | Subaru BRZ | Subaru XT |
Subaru Forester | Subaru Solterra | Subaru Leone |
Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru XV | Subaru Loyale |
Subaru Impreza | Subaru Tribeca | Subaru GL Series |
Subaru Legacy | Subaru Baja | Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid |
Subaru Ascent | Subaru SVX | Subaru WRX STI |
Subaru WRX | Subaru Justy |
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Get More Information Beyond Recalls on any Subaru
We have other helpful VIN tools to give you a complete record of any Subaru vehicle before you make your move.
Subaru VIN Decoder
Decode any Subaru VIN to see factory specs, original trim, and other configuration details.
Subaru Build Sheet
Pull the original build sheet for any Subaru using just the vehicle's VIN number.
Subaru MSRP Lookup
Find the original sticker price for any Subaru model by VIN or year, make, and model.
Subaru Warranty Check
See what factory or remaining warranty coverage is still active on a Subaru by VIN.
Get Your Full Subaru Recall Check Right Now
Do not buy or sell a used Subaru without having the full story at hand. Use our vehicle recall check tool to get the full vehicle history report, including the up-to-date recall information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Recall Checks
To find any Subaru recall information, enter the VIN into the form at the top of this page. It will reveal every open and resolved recall linked to that specific vehicle.
Yes. Safety recall repairs are covered by Subaru for every owner, not just the original buyer. Take your vehicle to any authorized Subaru dealer with the VIN and recall number to get it taken care of.
Yes, it does. Our report combines recall records with accident history, ownership records, title brands, mileage records, and more, all packaged into one downloadable PDF document.
Yes. Our vehicle recall check tool allows you to enter the license plate number to view any open safety recalls and access the complete vehicle history report.
If you buy a Subaru with an open recall, contact a Subaru dealership with the recall number to confirm parts are available. You can also use the recall information as leverage to negotiate the price or ask the seller to have the repair done before the sale can be closed.