A Message to Our Valued Owners:

We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. We take pride in our products and are committed to your continued satisfaction.

Subaru of America has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2019-2020 model year Ascent vehicles and certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles.

Due to a programming error in the transmission control unit (TCU), the drive chain may slip, resulting in breakage of the chain guide. If the drive chain guide breaks, resulting fragments could inhibit the shift select mechanism. If the vehicle continues operation with the drive chain slipping, over time the drive chain could break.

If the drive train breaks while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall replaces Subaru’s previous WUV-07 recall issued in January 2020 for certain 2019 model year Ascent vehicles. Vehicles affected by the previous recall must return to complete the WRK-21 recall repair, even if the previous recall repair was completed.

WRK-21 Safety Recall FAQs:

Q: What should I do?

A: Subaru is in the process of acquiring the tools and reprogramming files necessary to perform this repair and expects to have a sufficient supply available in May. Once the repair is available, Subaru will contact you again by mail advising you to proceed with scheduling an appointment with your Subaru retailer (dealer).

Q: What will be done to the vehicle?

A: Once the tools and reprogramming files are available to perform this repair, your Subaru retailer will reprogram the TCU. The historical TCU data will be analyzed for chain slip characteristics and the chain guide will be visually inspected. If the vehicle is confirmed to have experienced drive chain slip or if the chain guide is damaged, the transmission assembly will be replaced. All remedy repairs necessary will be completed at no cost to you.

Q: What Subaru models are involved?

A: Certain 2019-2020 model year Ascent vehicles and certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles.

Q: How much will this recall cost?

A: This recall will be performed free of charge at any authorized Subaru retailer once the tools and reprogramming files necessary to perform are available.

Q: Do I have to return to the retailer where I bought the car?

A: Any authorized Subaru retailer will be able to perform this recall free of charge for you.

Q: Can I have this recall performed at an independent repair facility?

A: Only an authorized Subaru retailer will be able to perform this recall free of charge for you.

Q: If I live in Canada do I have to return to the United States to have this performed?

A: Any authorized Subaru dealership in either the United States or Canada is capable of performing this recall.

Q: If I no longer own the vehicle what should I do?

A: If you no longer own your vehicle, please update owner information online, at www.subaru.com/customer-support.html , by selecting Email Us then selecting Update Address from the drop-down menu.