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Campaign 19V297 Posted April 11, 2019 511 units

2005-2014 Subaru Multi-Model Recall 19V297: Ignition Switch

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 25, 2026

Recall 19V297 covers 511 2005-2014 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, Tribeca, and Wrx vehicles with ignition switches. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.

Subaru is recalling 511 2005-2014 Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, Tribeca, and Wrx vehicles with a replacement mechanical key ignition switch because the switch can move from run to accessory and turn off the engine. That unexpected engine shutdown increases crash risk, and Subaru dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The mechanical key ignition switch is the part you turn with the key to start the vehicle and keep the electrical system in the run position. On affected 2005-2014 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, Tribeca, and Wrx vehicles, the concern is limited to switches installed later as replacement parts, not push-button start systems.

Inside the switch, a small ball spring helps hold the switch in the selected position. Supplier tooling maintenance left stress points in some ball springs, which reduces fatigue strength over time. If the spring breaks, the ignition switch loses holding force. Extra weight hanging from the key ring and rough road vibration can then move the switch from run to accessory, shutting off the engine.

There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not get a specific symptom that confirms the ball spring is about to break, so VIN status and service history matter more than waiting for a clue from the vehicle.

Who's affected?

Spans six Subaru nameplates across the 2005-2014 model years, all tied to the ignition switch electrical system.

2005 Subaru Legacy electrical system
2005 Subaru Outback electrical system
2006 Subaru Outback electrical system
2006 Subaru Legacy electrical system
2007 Subaru Outback electrical system
Units affected511
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

If the engine shuts off unexpectedly, crash risk increases. In a crash under this condition, the air bag is at risk of not deploying, increasing injury risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the ignition-switch inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2014 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, Tribeca, or Wrx is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free ignition-switch inspection and replacement if needed.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Subaru has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V297 when you call.
  4. Limit key-ring weight until the repair; extra weight on the key ring can help move the weakened ignition switch out of run position and shut off the engine.
  5. Call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 with questions about the repair.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the mechanical key ignition switch and replaces the switch if the inspection shows it is needed. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. Subaru's general reimbursement plan applies to eligible ignition-switch repairs paid before the recall notice. If you already paid for a related ignition-switch repair, bring the repair order and payment documentation to the service desk so Subaru can review the claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

April 11, 2019 NHTSA published the recall
April 12, 2019 Dealer notification began
April 12, 2019 Dealer notification ended
May 10, 2019 Owner notification mailed
May 10, 2019 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
May 10, 2019 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 19V297?

Recall 19V297 covers 511 Subaru vehicles from 2005-2014 with a replacement mechanical key ignition switch. The ball spring inside the switch can break, letting the switch move from run to accessory and turn off the engine. Subaru dealers will inspect and replace the switch for free if needed.

What should I do if my 2005-2014 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Forester, Tribeca, or Wrx is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific Subaru is included in recall 19V297. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for the ignition switch inspection under Subaru recall WUF-91. The dealer will replace the ignition switch for free if the inspection finds it is needed.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Subaru's remedy states that dealers will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if necessary free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Subaru dealer.

Is it safe to drive my Subaru before the ignition switch repair?

This is not listed as a do-not-drive recall, but the defect is safety-related. If the ignition switch moves out of the run position, the engine can turn off unexpectedly, increasing crash risk. If a crash occurs under that condition, the air bag can fail to deploy.

What if I bought this Subaru used?

The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Subaru has recall 19V297 open, then give the dealer the recall number and Subaru campaign WUF-91 when you schedule service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V297000
Subaru customer service1-844-373-6614
NHTSA recall #19V297
NHTSA recall # (full)19V297000

Source documents

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 →