Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
A new Subaru Inhibitor Switch Recall affects a staggering 95,830 vehicles from Subaru’s line-up, including models such as the Subaru Legacy and Outback.
The recall has been issued in response to a critical issue involving the rearview image display. Subaru discovered a defect in the welding process that can allow water to ingress into the inhibitor switch and cause it to malfunction.
The implications of such a malfunction are serious as it could result in failure of the vehicle’s reverse lights and or failure of the vehicle’s backup camera to display its image–increasing the risk of collisions.
This information comes directly from a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2023 Subaru Backup Camera Recall includes the following vehicles:
| Affected Model | Manufacturing Year |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 2021 |
| Subaru Forester | 2022 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2021-2023 |
| Subaru Outback | 2021-2023 |
Rearview Camera Image Loss in New Subaru Vehicles
Subaru first became aware of a possible problem in June 2021, when a technical report from the U.S. indicated that a vehicle was not showing the ‘D’ or ‘R’ indicators when in Drive or Reverse gears.
In the year that followed, Subaru began to discover components showing evidence of water penetration. Thankfully, the Japanese car manufacturer has not been notified of any accidents or injuries associated with the malfunctioning switches due to water intrusion
Subaru has disclosed that the thickness of the weld connecting the switch stator and the inhibitor switch cover is not up to the required standard, which can cause water to enter the inhibitor switch.
When this happens, the reversing lights may fail to operate when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. The vehicle’s rear-view camera may also fail to operate. Additionally, the transmission gear indicator on the instrument panel might not be visible. Some drivers have also reported difficulties in starting their Subaru’s engines due to this defect.
Subaru Backup Camera Recall Fix
By January 8, 2024, owners and lessees of affected vehicles should have received notifications about the Subaru backup camera recall. This communication will provide detailed information about the issue and the steps that Subaru is taking to rectify it.
Subaru’s network of dealerships is responsible for replacing the faulty inhibitor switch in each vehicle. This replacement will be carried out with a new, defect-free switch designed to prevent any future water intrusion. Like other vehicle recall services, this will be provided at no cost to vehicle owners.
Here is some additional information that you may find helpful if your Subaru vehicle has been recalled:
- Notification: If your vehicle is part of a recall, the manufacturer is required by law to notify you. This notification will typically provide instructions on how to proceed.
- Contact Your Local Dealership: Once you confirm your vehicle has been recalled, you should contact your local dealership to make an appointment for the necessary repairs.
- No Cost Repairs: The manufacturer is obligated to fix the problem at no cost to you. They can either repair it, replace it, or in rare cases, repurchase the vehicle.
- Safety Measures: Depending on the severity of the issue, there may be other instructions detailed in the recall that you must follow until you can get the vehicle repaired.
- Check VIN for Recalls: You can check if your vehicle needs to be repaired as part of a recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Stay Informed: NHTSA offers a free application called SaferCar that you can easily download onto your mobile device. This user-friendly app is designed to keep you informed about the safety of your vehicle or equipment. Once you have installed the SaferCar app, you can enter the details of your vehicle . The app then actively monitors for any safety recalls associated with your vehicle.
Recalls are issued to ensure the safety of vehicle owners and their passengers. If your vehicle is recalled, you should take the necessary steps to get the issue fixed as soon as possible.
Contact The Lemon Law Experts
If you have been dealing with repeat backup camera issues with a Subaru vehicle you have purchased or leased in California, our team at the Lemon Law Experts may be an incredibly valuable resource. We specialize in representing consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles that have been repeatedly repaired for warrantable issues.
If you are experiencing persistent issues with your Subaru’s backup camera, you may qualify for protections under the Lemon Law. This law provides protection for consumers who have purchased or leased new or used vehicles with repeat issues that cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of repair attempts.
If you suspect that your Subaru vehicle is a lemon, contact our team of California Lemon Law Experts to see if we can represent you in seeking a refund or replacement vehicle. Reach out to the Lemon Law Experts today, for a free, no-obligation case analysis.
