A Message to Our Valued Owners:
Subaru has determined that certain vehicles equipped with an optional Remote Engine Starter (RES) include remote transmitter fobs that could malfunction and cause the vehicle’s engine to unexpectedly start.
Remote transmitter fobs, usually attached to a vehicle key ring/holder, allow the vehicle operator to remotely start the vehicle’s engine from a location of up to 400 feet away. If an RES transmitter fob is dropped, movement of the internal battery retaining clip may occur and cause damage to a component on the PC board. Under this condition, the fob may transmit an engine start (or stop) request at any time without the user pressing the button. If the vehicle is in range and receives the request, the engine may start and run for up to 15 minutes (or until a stop request is received). The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Q: Does this affect ALL Subaru models?
A: No. This campaign affects some 2010 through 2013 model year Subaru vehicles equipped with optional Genuine Remote Engine Starter.
Vehicles that may be equipped with the affected optional RES are as follows:
2010MY through 2012MY Legacy and Outback with AT or CVT transmissions
2012MY through 2013MY Impreza with CVT (except WRX/STI models)
2013MY XV Crosstrek with CVT
Q: Does my vehicle have an Optional Genuine Remote Engine Starter?
A: Remote transmitter fobs allow the vehicle operator to remotely start the vehicle’s engine from a location of up to 400 feet away. If your vehicle is not equipped with an optional remote engine starter, this recall does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.
The keyless entry feature on your vehicle’s ignition key (used to lock and unlock the doors) is NOT affected.
Q: What should I do?
A: If your vehicle is equipped with optional RES or if you are unsure whether your vehicle is equipped with optional RES, you should immediately contact your Subaru Dealer for an appointment to have your vehicle inspected and if necessary, this repair performed at no cost to you. If you are certain that your vehicle is not equipped with RES, no further action is necessary.
Q: What should I do until I get an appointment?
A: There are several important precautions you should take until this repair has been performed:
Q: What will be done to the vehicle?
A: To correct this condition, Subaru will replace the original RES transmitter fobs and reprogram the new ones at no cost to you. Please be sure to bring all RES transmitter fobs with you at the time of your appointment. They are needed to complete this repair.
Q: Have there been any reports of this condition affecting the vehicle while driving?
A: The defect does not pose a risk while driving because the RES system is completely deactivated after the vehicle is started with the key.
Q: Is this a safety-related issue?
A: Yes. You should immediately contact your Subaru Dealer for an appointment to have this repair performed at no cost to you.
There are several important precautions you should take until this repair has been performed:
Q: Is it important that I have this update done immediately?
A: Yes. You should immediately contact your Subaru Dealer for an appointment to have this repair performed at no cost to you.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Yes. Please contact your servicing Subaru dealership to set up an appointment to ensure that the dealer is able to perform the repair in a timely fashion.
Q: How much will this cost?
A: This will be performed free of charge at any authorized Subaru dealership.
Q: How much time should I allot to have this performed?
A: The actual time to replace and reprogram the replacement RES transmitter fobs is approximately 15 minutes. However, it may be necessary to leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow your dealer flexibility in scheduling. Please present your owner notification letter to your Subaru Dealer at the time this repair procedure is performed. Please be sure to bring all RES transmitter fobs with you at the time of your appointment. They are needed to complete this repair.
Q: Do I have to return to the dealer where I bought the car?
A: No. Any authorized Subaru dealer will be able to perform this update free of charge for you.
Q: Can I have this service program completed at an Independent repair facility?
A: Only an authorized Subaru dealership can perform this repair free of charge.
Q: If I live in Canada do I have to return to the United States to have the recall performed?
A: No. Any authorized Subaru dealership in Canada is capable of performing this recall. Please call your nearest dealership to schedule an appointment and bring your recall notice.
Q: What if I have previously paid for this repair?
A: If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement consideration will be based on the amount an authorized Subaru dealer in your area would charge for performing those repairs.
Please send the original service repair order, which has the name of the repair facility, date of repair, mileage at the time of repair, complete vehicle identification number (17 digits), and your name, with correct mailing address and telephone number to the address listed below.
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Dealer Services Department
Attention: WQF-42 Recall
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
Please send original receipts only and retain a photocopy for your records. Please be assured that we will attempt to process your reimbursement request as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 60 days for this process to be completed.
Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions?
A: To locate the nearest Subaru Dealer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select “Find a Dealer”. If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
Q: If I no longer own the vehicle what should I do?
A: If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the prepaid postcard enclosed with your notification letter and mail to us.