Recall 21V-955: 2019–2020 Subaru Ascent, 2020 Subaru Legacy and 1 more

Subaru of America, Inc. recall for power train, reported to NHTSA on Dec 9, 2021, covering about 198,255 vehicles.

NHTSA number
21V-955
Report date
Dec 9, 2021
Vehicles affected
198,255
Owners notified
Aug 19, 2022

The problem

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

The risk

An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall details

ManufacturerSubaru of America, Inc.
ComponentPower Train › Driveline › Chain/Belt
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number21V955000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Subaru Ascent2019, 2020All years
Subaru Legacy2020All years
Subaru Outback2020All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 21V-955?

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

How is recall 21V-955 fixed?

Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.