Recall 16V738 covers 100,127 2007-2014 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Forester vehicles for an overheating air-injection-pump relay. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 100,127 2007-2014 Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Forester vehicles with turbocharged engines because the relay for the secondary air injection pump can fail and leave the pump running. An overheated pump can melt and raise the risk of a fire, and Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The secondary air injection pump is part of the emissions system on the affected 2007-2014 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Forester turbo models. The pump is controlled by an electrical relay, which acts like a switch that turns pump power on and off.
On these vehicles, the relay contact pressure can be too low, so the contact points do not manage current as designed. If the relay fails in the closed position, it can keep the secondary air injection pump running continuously. That constant operation can overheat the pump, and Subaru reports field events involving smoke and fire.
The warning sign Subaru identifies is the check engine warning light. If that light comes on, the system has detected a fault; it does not tell you by itself that the pump is overheating, so confirm whether your VIN is included and arrange the free Subaru dealer repair if it is.
Who's affected?
Covers 4 Subaru model lines across 8 model years, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2007 Subaru Outback | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2007 Subaru Legacy | electrical system |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2008 Subaru Legacy | electrical system |
| 2008 Subaru Outback | electrical system |
| 2009 Subaru Forester | electrical system |
| 2009 Subaru Legacy | electrical system |
| 2009 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2009 Subaru Outback | electrical system |
| 2010 Subaru Forester | electrical system |
| 2010 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2011 Subaru Forester | electrical system |
| 2011 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | electrical system |
| 2013 Subaru Forester | electrical system |
| 2013 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2014 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| Units affected | 100,127 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
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?
An overheated air injection pump can melt and increase the risk of a fire. The check engine light is the warning sign owners are told to watch for. If it comes on, schedule service and avoid delaying the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2014 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, or Forester is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free secondary air injection pump relay replacement that stops the pump from continuously operating and overheating.
- Reference recall number 16V738 and Subaru recall WTM-73 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice to the appointment if you have it.
- Keep the repair appointment even if the vehicle runs normally; the relay failure can overheat the air injection pump.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician replaces the secondary air injection pump relay covered by recall 16V738. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. The recall repair is available now. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related secondary air injection pump relay repair, Subaru's standard reimbursement plan is on file. Ask Subaru customer service or the dealer service desk what documentation the plan requires for a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 13, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 14, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V738?
Recall 16V738 covers 100,127 2007-2014 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Forester vehicles with turbocharged engines. The secondary air injection pump relay can fail, leave the pump running, and overheat the pump. Subaru dealers will replace the relay for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2014 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, or Forester is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V738. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the secondary air injection pump relay replacement. Reference recall number 16V738 and Subaru recall number WTM-73 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Subaru dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay free of charge. The recall repair applies at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What is the safety risk in Subaru recall 16V738?
The safety risk is fire. If the secondary air injection pump relay fails, the pump can keep running, overheat, and melt. Subaru recall 16V738 does not include a do-not-drive instruction, but an included vehicle still needs the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Subaru used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Subaru is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer or Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 with recall number 16V738 or WTM-73.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V738000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V738 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V738000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →