Subaru Vehicles Recalled for Defective Key Fobs

WASHINGTON — Subaru is recalling 47,419 vehicles, including the 2010-'13 Subaru Legacy and Outback, 2012-'13 Subaru Impreza and 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, because the key fob may malfunction and cause the engine to inadvertently start, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The vehicles are equipped with an Audiovox remote engine-starter accessory.

"If the (remote engine starter) fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pushing the button," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to 15 minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the battery is depleted or until the vehicle runs out of fuel.

"If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause asphyxiation."

Subaru told federal safety regulators that the defect does not pose a risk while driving because the remote engine starter system is completely deactivated after the vehicle is started with the key. Original-equipment keyless entry fobs integrated on the vehicle key are not affected.

The affected Legacys and Outbacks are equipped with an automatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an Audiovox remote engine-starter accessory. The affected Imprezas are equipped with a CVT and an Audiovox remote engine-starter accessory. The affected XV Crosstreks are equipped with a CVT and an Audiovox remote engine-starter accessory.

Subaru dealers will replace the remote engine-starter key fobs. The recall is expected to begin by the end of April. Owners can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Edmunds says: Subaru said it is waiting for replacement parts, which explains why the recall will not begin until April.