Subaru Recalls Vehicles for Puddle Light Fire Risk
Subaru is recalling certain 2006-2012 vehicles because accessory puddle lights may short-circuit and cause a fire.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect may result in smoke or fire, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural/functional defects leading to severe consequences.
Plain-English summary
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may be affected.
The recall addresses accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors. A short circuit can develop if the puddle light or connector is exposed to an electrolytic moisture source, such as road spray containing road salt. Over time, moisture migration into the circuit board or connector cavity may result in a short circuit that generates heat, potentially melting plastic and causing smoke or fire.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.
The recalled product
- Product
- SUBARU FORESTER, TRIBECA, OUTBACK, LEGACY
- Brand
- SUBARU
- Manufacturer
- SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Category
- Vehicle — Lighting
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 633,842
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (5)
- FORESTER
- TRIBECA
- OUTBACK
- LEGACY
- B9 TRIBECA
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · SUBARU
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2026 Forester and Crosstrek for Ball Joint Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-19
- High
- High2026 Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles loss of drive power
NHTSA · 2026-06-18
- High2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid power moonroof glass panel detachment
NHTSA · 2026-05-28
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2025-2026 Hybrid Vehicles for Fuel Cap Seal Defect
NHTSA · 2026-02-23
Same manufacturer · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
See all →- High2026 Subaru Forester Rear Hatch Support Bracket Detachment Risk
NHTSA · 2025-12-18
- SevereSubaru Forester child seat anchor bolts may come loose
NHTSA · 2025-06-19
- SevereSubaru Forester alloy wheels may be improperly attached losing stability
NHTSA · 2025-01-23
Same hazard · fire
See all →- SevereVQQQ Gas Patio Heaters Recalled for Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC · 2026-10-22
- SevereForest River Recalls 2026-2027 Cedar Creek Trailers for Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
- SevereAlliance RV Recalls Valor and Delta Trailers Due to Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
- Severe3M Recalls Scotch Thermal Laminators Due to Fire Hazard
CPSC · 2026-10-15
- SevereToyota Recalls Land Cruiser Hybrid Vehicles for Fuel Leak Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-14
Similar recalls
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2012 Legacy and Outback for Wiper Motor Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2013-03-05
- SevereSubaru Recalls 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback for Wiper Motor Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2016-09-27
- SevereSubaru Recalls Turbocharged Vehicles for Fire Risk from Pump Relay
NHTSA · 2016-10-13
- SevereSubaru Recalls Vehicles Due to Ignition Switch Spring Failure Risk
NHTSA · 2019-04-11
- SevereSubaru Recalls Vehicles Due to Air Bag Inflator Explosion Risk
NHTSA · 2019-01-09
- SevereSubaru Recalls Vehicles Due to Passenger Air Bag Inflator Explosion Risk
NHTSA · 2018-01-09