The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·21V024000·Announced 2021-01-26

2021 Subaru Outback CVT Select Lever Cable Defect Recall

Subaru is recalling 2021 Outback and Impreza models due to an improperly tightened CVT select lever cable nut that may loosen, causing the gear selector to malfunction and increasing crash risk.

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 mechanical defect in the transmission control system that can cause the gear selector to malfunction, increasing crash risk. However, no injuries, crashes, or fatalities have been reported, placing this at the High severity level per the rubric criterion that when no illnesses or injuries are reported and the hazard is theoretical, the score is at most 3.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly during manufacturing, which can allow the nut to loosen.

If the cable nut loosens, it may result in loss of retention in the CVT select lever cable, causing the gear selector to malfunction. A malfunctioning gear selector increases the risk of a crash.

Approximately 383 vehicles are affected. Subaru will notify owners of affected vehicles.

Affected owners can bring their vehicle to a Subaru dealer for a free inspection and tightening of the cable nut if necessary. The recall began February 12, 2021. For more information, owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU OUTBACK, IMPREZA
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Transmission Linkage
Hazard
Affected units
383

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 (2)

  • OUTBACK
  • IMPREZA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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