Recall 23V755 covers 95,830 2021-2023 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, and Forester vehicles for inhibitor-switch failure. Repair will be free once available.
Subaru is recalling 95,830 2021-2023 Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, and Forester vehicles because an insufficient weld can let water enter the inhibitor switch and cause it to fail. If the switch stops working, the reverse lights and rearview camera image do not display, which raises the risk of a crash; the Subaru dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The inhibitor switch on affected 2021-2023 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, and Forester vehicles is part of the automatic transmission's park/neutral start interlock system. It tells the vehicle which gear range the transmission is in, helps control starting logic, and supports reverse-related functions such as backup lamps and the rear-view monitor.
The problem starts at the switch housing. A worn welding jig left an insufficient weld between the switch stator and cover, so the seal is not tight enough. Water can enter the switch, and over time that moisture causes electrical corrosion. Once the switch stops working, the vehicle can lose accurate gear-position information or refuse to start.
Before failure, drivers can see the rear-view monitor fail to appear, backup lamps stay off, or no transmission gear selection on the instrument panel. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp can also turn on, and some owners experience an engine that will not start.
Who's affected?
Covers four Subaru nameplates across the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, all tied to the same automatic-transmission inhibitor switch.
| 2021 Subaru Outback | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Legacy | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | automatic transmission |
| 2022 Subaru Legacy | automatic transmission |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | automatic transmission |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | automatic transmission |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | automatic transmission |
| 2023 Subaru Legacy | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 95,830 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An inoperative inhibitor switch can keep reverse lights from turning on and block the rearview camera image, increasing crash risk while backing up. Warning signs include a missing rearview monitor image, dark backup lamps, no gear display, a MIL, or an engine that will not start. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, or Forester is included in this recall.
- Wait for Subaru's repair instructions before scheduling the final dealer repair.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer once the repair opens to schedule the free inhibitor-switch replacement, which addresses water intrusion that can disable reverse lights and the rearview camera image.
- Bring the owner letter if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V755 and Subaru recall WRQ-23 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete, and confirm the area behind the vehicle before moving in reverse.
What happens at the repair
Subaru has named the repair, but the campaign still shows the final dealer remedy as not fully open. Once the repair opens, a Subaru technician will replace the inhibitor switch. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid for an inhibitor switch repair tied to this condition, Subaru provides reimbursement under its general plan. Keep receipts and repair paperwork, then ask Subaru customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 9, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 10, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| November 10, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 8, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 8, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 8, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V755?
Recall 23V755 covers 95,830 2021-2023 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, and Forester vehicles with an inhibitor-switch weld issue. Water can enter the switch and cause it to fail, which can stop the reverse lights and rearview camera image from working.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, or Forester is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Subaru is included in recall 23V755. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for the inhibitor switch replacement. Reference Subaru recall number WRQ-23 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Subaru dealers will replace the inhibitor switch free of charge at a franchised Subaru dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility and warning while backing up. If the inhibitor switch fails, the reverse lights and rearview camera image can stop working, increasing crash risk under recall 23V755.
What if I bought my Subaru used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Subaru is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall 23V755 or WRQ-23.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V755000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V755 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V755000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →