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Subaru programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

NHTSA campaign 21V-955 · Reported December 9, 2021 · 198,255 vehicles affected

AFFECTED MODELS
Subaru Ascent, Legacy and Outback
VEHICLES AFFECTED
198,255
REMEDY
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide.
COST
Free

The short version

Subaru of America, Inc. reported a problem with the driveline chain/belt. Here is what owners need to know.

WHAT

A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

WHY IT MATTERS

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

WHAT TO DO

Take it to a dealer — they will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide, free of charge.

Affected vehicles

These model years are included in NHTSA campaign 21V-955.

YEAR RANGEMODEL
2019–2020Subaru Ascent
2020Subaru Legacy
2020Subaru Outback

What changed

Newest first. The record shows both when the recall began and what has changed since.

  1. Recall reported to NHTSA. LATEST

Drive one of these? Check your VIN to see if your specific vehicle is affected.

Check your VIN

What this record means

Data from the NHTSA recall database. A clean VIN check means no open federal recalls for that vehicle — not that it never had one.

Not affiliated

MyAutoRecalls is not affiliated with Subaru of America, Inc. or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.