The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·13V061000·Announced 2013-02-25

Subaru Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Remote Engine Starter Fobs

Subaru is recalling certain 2010-2013 vehicles equipped with Audiovox remote engine starter accessories because the fobs may malfunction and start the engine without user input.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where the engine may start inadvertently, posing a carbon monoxide risk in enclosed areas, but no injuries or illnesses have been reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles, and 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally, certain 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs are included in the recall. Original equipment keyless entry fobs integrated on the vehicle key are not affected.

The defect involves the RES fob potentially malfunctioning if dropped, causing it to randomly transmit an engine start request without the button being pressed. This can cause the engine to inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted or the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up, which may cause headaches, dizziness, or in extreme cases, unconsciousness and asphyxiation.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 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 OUTBACK, LEGACY, IMPREZA, XV CROSSTREK
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Aftermarket Accessory
Hazard
Affected units
47,419

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 (4)

  • OUTBACK
  • LEGACY
  • IMPREZA
  • XV CROSSTREK

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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