Dec. 16, 2021—Subaru has recalled more than 198,000 SUVs due to a software issue in the units' transmission control units.
According to a report from Consumer Reports, certain Ascent and Outback models have an issue that allow the vehicle's continuously variable transmission to engage before the drivetrain is secured, which could break the chain, cut power and cause a risk of crashing.
Models affected are the 2019 and 2020 Ascent and 2020 Outback. Subaru said it initially discovered the issue in December 2018 and continually made updates to the TCU through 2020, though drivetrain problems persisted into this year according to the NHTSA.
Subaru said it is not aware of any reports of crashes or injuries from this problem.
Image: Subaru