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Campaign 13V061 Posted February 25, 2013 47,419 units

2010-2013 Subaru Recall 13V061: Remote Starter Fob

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 13V061 covers 47,419 2010-2013 Subaru Outback, Impreza, Legacy, and Xv Crosstrek vehicles with faulty remote-start fobs. Repair is free at franchised Subaru dealers.

Subaru is recalling 47,419 2010-2013 Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Xv Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter accessory. A dropped fob can randomly send an engine start request, which can run the engine in an enclosed area and create carbon monoxide buildup; the Subaru dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The Audiovox remote engine starter on the 2010-2013 Subaru Outback, Impreza, Legacy, and Xv Crosstrek is an accessory key fob that lets the engine start without the driver sitting in the vehicle. It sends an electronic start request to the vehicle when the owner presses the remote-start button, and the vehicle's electrical system reads that request as an intentional command.

On affected vehicles, the problem is inside the remote engine starter fob, not the transmission or the engine itself. If the fob is dropped, it can malfunction and send an engine start request at random, even when no one presses the button. That means the start command is no longer tied only to a deliberate button press.

There is no warning sign before failure. The fob can look normal after being dropped, so the first sign of the defect is the remote starter acting without an owner command.

Who's affected?

Covers Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Xv Crosstrek vehicles in a multi-year, multi-model scope, with electrical-system and equipment classifications.

2011 Subaru Outback electrical system
2012 Subaru Impreza Equipment
2012 Subaru Impreza electrical system
2012 Subaru Legacy Equipment
2012 Subaru Legacy electrical system
Units affected47,419

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

Remote-start key fob failure can start the engine unexpectedly and let it keep cycling until the fob battery dies or the vehicle runs out of fuel. In a garage or other enclosed area, exhaust can build carbon monoxide, causing headaches, dizziness, unconsciousness, or asphyxiation. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2013 Subaru Outback, Impreza, Legacy, or Xv Crosstrek is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask about the free RES key-fob replacement for recall number 13V061.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 13V061 when you call.
  4. Keep the RES key fob out of enclosed parking areas until the replacement is complete; a dropped fob can send an engine-start request without pressing the button.

What happens at the repair

Subaru's listed remedy is replacement of the Audiovox remote engine starter key fobs, so a dropped fob does not keep sending engine start requests without a button press. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The remedy text gives no service duration, so the Subaru service desk should confirm timing when the repair is handled.

Timeline

February 25, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
April 22, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V061?

Recall 13V061 covers 47,419 2010-2013 Subaru Outback, Impreza, Legacy, and Xv Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an Audiovox remote engine starter accessory. If the fob is dropped, it can send an engine-start request without button input. Subaru dealers replace the RES key fobs for free.

What should I do if my 2010-2013 Subaru Outback, Impreza, Legacy, or Xv Crosstrek is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific Subaru is included in recall 13V061. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for the remote engine starter key fob replacement. Reference recall number 13V061 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Does the recall repair cost anything?

No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Subaru's recall remedy says dealers will replace the RES key fobs free of charge. The free repair applies at franchised Subaru dealers, even if you bought the vehicle used.

What is the safety risk from this Subaru remote starter recall?

The risk is an unintended engine start after the remote starter fob is dropped. The engine can run for up to fifteen minutes and repeat until the fob battery dies or the vehicle runs out of fuel. In an enclosed area, carbon monoxide buildup can cause headaches, dizziness, unconsciousness, or asphyxiation.

What if I bought my Subaru used?

The recall still follows the vehicle. Check your VIN to see whether your exact Outback, Impreza, Legacy, or Xv Crosstrek is included, especially if a prior owner received the notice. If included, call a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for the free RES key fob replacement under recall 13V061.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V061000
Subaru customer service1-800-782-2783
NHTSA recall #13V061
NHTSA recall # (full)13V061000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →