Subaru Lemon Years – Complete List of Common Lemon Models & Typical Issues

Subaru is widely recognized for its rugged durability and all-wheel-drive capabilities. However, as some owners can testify, not all Subaru vehicles are created equal. Even in recent releases, certain 2021 or newer models have displayed notable issues. For many, these issues have led to frustration and, for some, they have invoked Subaru Lemon Law protections. While older Subaru model years had their own well-documented troubles, this article focuses on the newer generation of vehicles and the problems that have surfaced through verified federal safety data.

In this article, we will provide a list of 2021 and newer Subaru models by year that have seen more than their fair share of problems. We also look into the typical issues plauguing them, drawing on verified recall data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Current and potential Subaru owners need to be aware of these troubled models and years. Knowing which recent Subaru models & years to watch out for can save you from headaches and unexpected bills down the road. 

1. Subaru Outback (2021-2022)

The Outback remains one of Subaru’s most popular vehicles, but the 2021 and 2022 model years have accumulated a concerning list of safety recalls and complaints. The most alarming issues involve the vehicle’s ability to roll away. NHTSA recall 22V-485 covers 2020-2022 Outback models where a Transmission Control Unit programming error may allow clutch engagement while the vehicle is parked, increasing rollaway risk. Separately, NHTSA recall 23V-755 addresses 2021-2023 Outback models with a park interlock switch that has an insufficient weld, potentially allowing water intrusion that lets the vehicle roll away after being shifted into Park. A third recall for 2020-2022 Outback models covers Occupant Detection System sensor capacitors that may crack and short, disabling the front passenger airbag. The 2022 Outback is also covered by NHTSA recall 22V-712 for incorrect paint clearcoat that may cause the windshield to crack spontaneously. On top of the recalls, NHTSA complaint data shows the 2021 Outback logged 296 complaints (75 in the Electrical System category) and the 2022 Outback logged 463 complaints (51 in the Electrical System category), making electrical system and battery drain the top complaint category for these years. The 2021 Outback is additionally covered by NHTSA recall 21V-024 for a CVT select lever cable nut that may not be tightened, allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of Park improperly.

Typical Issues

•  Rollaway risk from Transmission Control Unit programming error (NHTSA recall 22V-485)
• Park interlock switch water intrusion allowing rollaway (NHTSA recall 23V-755) • Front passenger airbag disabled by cracked Occupant Detection System capacitors
  
  
• Spontaneous windshield cracking on 2022 models (NHTSA recall 22V-712)
• Electrical system problems and battery drain (top NHTSA complaint category)
• CVT select lever cable nut may be loose on 2021 models (NHTSA recall 21V-024)

2. Subaru Legacy (2021 - 2023)

The Legacy sedan shares a platform and much of its hardware with the Outback, and unsurprisingly it shares several of the same defects. NHTSA recall 22V-485 covers 2020-2022 Legacy models for the Transmission Control Unit programming error that may allow clutch engagement while parked, raising rollaway risk. NHTSA recall 23V-755 also applies to 2021-2023 Legacy models with the insufficiently welded park interlock switch that may permit water intrusion and a subsequent rollaway. Additionally, the 2020-2022 Legacy is covered by the Occupant Detection System recall for sensor capacitors that may crack and short, disabling the front passenger airbag.

Typical Issues

•  Rollaway risk from Transmission Control Unit programming error (NHTSA recall 22V-485)
• Park interlock switch water intrusion allowing rollaway (NHTSA recall 23V-755) 
• Front passenger airbag disabled by cracked Occupant Detection System capacitors

3. Subaru Ascent (2021 - 2023)

Subaru’s three-row family SUV has faced some of the most serious safety issues on this list. NHTSA recall 22V-907, issued in December 2022 and covering roughly 270,000 vehicles across the 2019-2022 Ascent range, addresses a ground bolt securing the PTC heater that may loosen and create a fire risk. Subaru received reports of engine compartment fires related to this defect. The 2023 Ascent brought its own set of recalls: NHTSA recall 23V-392 covers a front lower control arm ball joint that may separate, NHTSA recall 23V-647 covers driveshaft center support bolts that may loosen and cause a loss of power, and NHTSA recall 23V-258 covers tire bead damage on 20-inch wheels.

Typical Issues

• Engine compartment fire risk from loose PTC heater ground bolt (NHTSA recall 22V-907)
• Front lower control arm ball joint separation on 2023 models (NHTSA recall 23V-392)
• Driveshaft center support bolts loosening and loss of power on 2023 models (NHTSA recall 23V-647)
• Tire bead damage on 20-inch wheels on 2023 models (NHTSA recall 23V-258)

4. Subaru Impreza (2021 - 2024)

The Impreza has been subject to recalls in nearly every recent model year. The 2021 Impreza is covered by NHTSA recall 21V-675 for a left-front lower control arm weld that may fail, allowing the arm to separate from the crossmember, and by NHTSA recall 21V-024 for a CVT select lever cable nut that may be loose. The 2022 Impreza is included in NHTSA recall 22V-712 for incorrect paint clearcoat that may cause the windshield to crack spontaneously. The 2023 Impreza is covered by NHTSA recall 23V-292 for a brake light switch that may illuminate the brake lights without pedal application, as well as NHTSA recall 23V-647 for driveshaft center support bolts. The 2024 Impreza is covered by NHTSA recall 23V-551 for an instrument panel harness that may contact the steering beam and cause an electrical short, and NHTSA recall 23V-754 for a front driveshaft outer race that may crack, causing a loss of drive power.

Typical Issues

• Left-front lower control arm weld failure and separation on 2021 models (NHTSA recall 21V-675) 
• Loose CVT select lever cable nut on 2021 models (NHTSA recall 21V-024)
• Spontaneous windshield cracking on 2022 models (NHTSA recall 22V-712)
• Brake lights illuminating without pedal application on 2023 models (NHTSA recall 23V-292)
• Driveshaft center support bolts loosening on 2023 models (NHTSA recall 23V-647)
• Instrument panel harness electrical short on 2024 models (NHTSA recall 23V-551)
• Front driveshaft outer race cracking and loss of drive power on 2024 models (NHTSA recall 23V-754)

5. Subaru Crosstrek (2021 - 2024)

The Crosstrek shares many components with the Impreza and has seen similar issues. The 2021 Crosstrek is included in NHTSA recall 23V-755 for the insufficiently welded park interlock switch that may allow water intrusion and let the vehicle roll away after being shifted into Park. The 2024 Crosstrek is covered by NHTSA recall 23V-551 for an instrument panel harness that may contact the steering beam and cause an electrical short, and by NHTSA recall 23V-754 for a front driveshaft outer race that may crack, resulting in a loss of drive power.

Typical Issues

• Park interlock switch water intrusion allowing rollaway on 2021 models (NHTSA recall 23V-755)
• Instrument panel harness electrical short on 2024 models (NHTSA recall 23V-551)
• Front driveshaft outer race cracking and loss of drive power on 2024 models (NHTSA recall 23V-754)

6. Subaru Forester (2022 - 2025)

The Forester has picked up recalls in several recent model years. The 2022 Forester is included in NHTSA recall 23V-755 for the insufficiently welded park interlock switch that may allow water intrusion and a rollaway after the vehicle is shifted into Park. The 2023-2024 Forester is covered by NHTSA recall 23V-754 for a front driveshaft outer race that may crack, causing a loss of drive power. The 2024 Forester is also subject to NHTSA recall 23V-723 for engine water pipe attachment bolts that may be loose, potentially causing a coolant leak and engine damage. The 2025 Forester is covered by two recalls: NHTSA recall 25V-033 for 18-inch alloy wheels manufactured out of specification and NHTSA recall 25V-419 for child seat anchor bolts that were improperly tightened.

Typical Issues

• Park interlock switch water intrusion allowing rollaway on 2022 models (NHTSA recall 23V-755) 
• Front driveshaft outer race cracking and loss of drive power on 2023-2024 models (NHTSA recall 23V-754)
• Loose engine water pipe bolts, coolant leak, and potential engine damage on 2024 models (NHTSA recall 23V-723)
• 18-inch alloy wheels manufactured out of specification on 2025 models (NHTSA recall 25V-033)
• Improperly tightened child seat anchor bolts on 2025 models (NHTSA recall 25V-419)

   7. Subaru WRX (2021-2023)

Subaru’s performance sedan has not been immune to recent recalls. The 2015-2021 WRX is covered by NHTSA recall 22V-522 for a backup light switch that may corrode and become inoperative. The 2022 WRX was recalled for incorrect Eyesight instructions in the owner’s manual. The 2023 WRX is included in NHTSA recall 23V-754 for a front driveshaft outer race that may crack, causing a loss of drive power.

Typical Issues

• Backup light switch corrosion and failure on 2021 models (NHTSA recall 22V-522)
•  Incorrect Eyesight instructions in the owner’s manual on 2022 models
• Front driveshaft outer race cracking and loss of drive power on 2023 models (NHTSA recall 23V-754)

Manufacturer Response and Remedies

Subaru has responded to many of these issues. To resolve them, the company instituted recalls covering the defects described above, from the rollaway-related Transmission Control Unit and park interlock recalls to the Ascent PTC heater fire risk recall (NHTSA recall 22V-907) and the widespread driveshaft outer race recall (NHTSA recall 23V-754). For many owners, these problems were addressed through a warranty or a recall repair. However, for some, these persistent issues and repeated repair procedures meant invoking Subaru buyback rights.

What To Do If You Find Yourself With Any Of These Common Subaru Lemons

Discovering that you have a Subaru lemon can be frustrating and stressful, but don’t worry just yet. There are steps you can take to address the situation and seek resolution. Here’s a guide on what to do if you find yourself with a Subaru Lemon:

• Review Your Warranty and Lemon Laws: Start by reviewing your Subaru’s warranty documentation. Familiarize yourself with your state’s lemon laws. While they may vary from state to state, they generally provide protections for consumers who have purchased defective vehicles.
• Keep Detailed Records: Document all issues and repair attempts with your Subaru. Keep records of dates, times, and descriptions of each problem you encounter. Make sure to accurately record all repairs performed by the dealership or authorized service centers. Retain copies of all repair orders, invoices, and correspondence related to the repairs.
• Notify the Manufacturer: Your Subaru lemon may continue to experience notable defects despite multiple repair attempts. If so, notify Subaru of America in writing about the ongoing issues. Follow the manufacturer’s procedures for reporting defects and request that they repurchase or replace your vehicle.
• Consult with a Lemon Law Attorney: Consider seeking legal advice from a Subaru Lemon Law attorney. Make sure you consult a lawyer who specifically handles cases involving defective vehicles. That is exactly what Quill and Arrow LLP are for. With Quill & Arrow, an experienced attorney can review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the Subaru Lemon Law Buyback process. They can also advocate on your behalf during negotiations with the manufacturer.
• Explore Your Options: Depending on the severity of the defects, there are a couple different options for affected consumers. You may choose to request a repurchase (buyback) of your Subaru, cash compensation for the problems you’ve had, or ask for a replacement vehicle. Assess your options carefully and consider certain factors. These include the extent of the defects, your financial investment in the vehicle, and your satisfaction with Subaru’s response to your concerns.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Resolving a lemon law claim can take time. As a result, you need to be patient and persistent throughout the process. Continue to document any new issues that arise with your Subaru lemon and stay in communication with the manufacturer and your attorney. By remaining proactive and assertive, you can increase your chances of success.

If You Own a Lemon, There is Hope For You

Subaru may have built a brand around cars that can tackle both streets and trails with confidence. However, several recent model years have faced serious reliability and safety hurdles. Owners of the affected models often experience not only the inconvenience and danger that comes with vehicle malfunctions, they also suffer the financial stress of unexpected repairs. If you currently own one of these 2021-or-newer models or are experiencing recurring issues with your Subaru, it’s important to understand your rights under the Subaru Lemon Law. To protect yourself and your investment, consult with legal experts to help mitigate your losses. This is why the Quill and Arrow LLP team is always ready to assist with every step of the process. By partnering with our legal experts, you’ll have someone fighting in your corner to make sure your worries are addressed and you get the compensation you deserve.