Recall 19V149 covers 1,303,530 2008-2017 Subaru Impreza, Wrx, Forester, and Crosstrek vehicles for brake-light-switch failure. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 1,303,530 2008-2017 Impreza, Wrx, Forester, and Crosstrek vehicles because contamination can make the brake light switch fail. That failure leaves drivers behind without a brake-light warning when the vehicle slows or stops, which increases the risk of a crash; Subaru dealers will replace the switch free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake light switch on 2008-2017 Subaru Impreza, Wrx, Forester, and Crosstrek vehicles tells the electrical system when your foot is on the brake pedal. It turns on the rear brake lights, and on keyless ignition or automatic and CVT models, it also helps the vehicle confirm that braking is applied before starting or shifting out of Park.
On affected vehicles, silicone gas from consumer goods can get into the brake lamp switch housing. When the switch closes, a small electrical discharge can turn that gas into silicon dioxide. Over time, that material builds up on the switch contact and blocks electrical conductivity, so the switch no longer sends the correct signal.
If the vehicle has ABS, VDC, or Eyesight, one or more of those warning lamps will illuminate. Vehicles without those systems will not show a warning lamp before the brake light switch stops working.
Who's affected?
Covers Impreza, Wrx, Forester, and Crosstrek model lines across 2008-2017, all tied to the brake-light switch.
| 2008 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2009 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
| 2010 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
| 2011 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
| 2008 Subaru Wrx | Switch |
| 2013 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
| 2009 Subaru Wrx | Switch |
| 2014 Subaru Forester | Switch |
| 2014 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
| 2014 Subaru Wrx | Switch |
| 2013 Subaru Wrx | Switch |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | Switch |
| 2011 Subaru Wrx | Switch |
| 2010 Subaru Wrx | Switch |
| 2012 Subaru Wrx | Switch |
| 2015 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | Switch |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza | Switch |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | Switch |
| 2013 Subaru Crosstrek | Switch |
| 2014 Subaru Crosstrek | Switch |
| 2017 Subaru Crosstrek | Switch |
| 2015 Subaru Crosstrek | Switch |
| Units affected | 1,303,530 |
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?
Brake lights that fail to illuminate properly leave drivers behind you without a clear signal that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, which increases crash risk. ABS, VDC, or Eyesight warning lamps signal the issue when equipped; vehicles without those systems show no warning lamp. Schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2017 Subaru Impreza, Wrx, Forester, or Crosstrek is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free brake-light-switch replacement that restores brake-light operation and Park shift/start function.
- Give the dealer recall number 19V149 and Subaru recall WUE-90 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru sent one, or bring your VIN and registration to the appointment.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete; leave extra following distance and confirm the brake lights work before each trip.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician replaces the brake light switch covered by recall 19V149. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now through a Subaru dealer. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you paid out of pocket for a related brake light switch repair before the recall notice, bring documentation to the service desk and ask how Subaru handles eligible reimbursement under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 28, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| March 1, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 15, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 29, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 29, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V149?
Recall 19V149 covers 1,303,530 Subaru Forester, Impreza, Wrx, and Crosstrek vehicles with a brake light switch that can malfunction after exposure to certain contaminants. The brake lights can fail to illuminate when the vehicle slows or stops. Subaru dealers will replace the brake light switch for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2017 Subaru Impreza, Wrx, Forester, or Crosstrek is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V149. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the brake light switch replacement. Reference recall number 19V149 and Subaru recall number WUE-90 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Subaru will replace the brake light switch free of charge at any franchised Subaru dealer. Parts and labor are covered under recall 19V149.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the brake lights fail to alert other drivers when the vehicle is slowing or stopping. That increases crash risk because following drivers have less notice to react. The free dealer repair replaces the affected brake light switch.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for brake lights that fail to illuminate, a keyless ignition vehicle that will not start, or a CVT or automatic transmission that will not shift out of Park. Those signs fit the brake light switch defect described in recall 19V149. Check your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V149000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V149 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V149000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →