Subaru has a reputation for designing and manufacturing safe and reliable vehicles. Its Outback and Impreza models have scored high safety ratings for many years. The Outback, in particular, comes with numerous standard safety features. 

But recently, Subaru reported a recall of the 2021 Outback and Impreza due to a loose nut that could increase the risk of accidents.

Subaru’s first recall of 2021

Subaru submitted a recall report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the 2021 Outback and 2021 Impreza in late January. Certain vehicles could have a loose nut in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable. This could cause the lever to lose its retention, potentially rendering the gear selector ineffective. As a result, this loose nut could increase the risk of a crash. 

This is Subaru’s first recall of 2021. But the automaker estimates it could affect only 383 Outback and Impreza models total. Despite the low number of potentially affected units, a loose CVT nut could pose a serious safety hazard. 

Subaru blames the recall on a single employee. The automaker asserts that the worker used an improper technique with a torque wrench despite receiving adequate training. Subaru’s report filed with the NHTSA shows that the errors occurred between December 14 and 21, 2020. So far, there have been no reports of any accidents, injuries, or deaths from loose nuts.

What to do if you have a 2021 Subaru Outback or Impreza

Because this recall includes only a couple hundred units, most 2021 Subaru Outback and Impreza owners won’t have to take any action. Still, it’s always smart to regularly check for recalls using your vehicle identification number on the NHTSA website. 

According to Consumer Reports, Subaru will alert the potentially affected vehicles’ owners. From there, dealers will inspect and tighten the nuts for free if needed. Subaru has scheduled the recall to begin on February 19. So if you think you own an affected vehicle, you may call the automaker’s customer service number at 844-373-6614. The recall number is WRA-21. 

Subaru’s reputation for safety

Despite the recent recall, Subaru remains a safe and reliable brand. The 2021 Subaru Outback earned a score of 86 for safety and reliability from Consumer Reports. And its NHTSA crash test scores range from four to five out of five stars. All 2021 Outback models also come with several advanced safety features, including pedestrian warning, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza scored a 75 for safety and reliability from Consumer Reports. And it earned five out of five stars on its NHTSA crash test. The Impreza comes with fewer standard safety features than the Outback, but optional blind-spot warning, pedestrian detection, and other features can be added for an up-charge.