2019–2020 Subaru Ascent, 2020 Subaru Legacy, 2020 Subaru Outback Recall: A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the…
NHTSA campaign 21V955000 · Power Train · filed Dec 9, 2021 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
The risk
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Subaru Ascent recalls
- 2019–2026 Subaru Ascent and 3 other models — These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross…
- 2023 Subaru Ascent and 3 other models — Center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen…
- 2023 Subaru Ascent — Left or right front lower control arm may have an…
- 2023 Subaru Ascent — Internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel…
- 2019–2022 Subaru Ascent — Ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the…
Other campaigns involving Subaru vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 21V955000 (manufacturer number WRK-21). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.