Got a Subaru sitting in your driveway? There’s a good chance it’s been affected by one of the biggest automotive recalls in recent memory. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Subaru fuel pump recall, including whether you’re entitled to compensation.
What’s Behind the Subaru Fuel Pump Recall
Subaru didn’t just issue one recall – they’ve dealt with multiple fuel pump problems that snowballed into a massive safety issue. The root of the problem? Defective Denso low-pressure fuel pumps with poorly manufactured impellers.
Think of the impeller as a tiny propeller inside your gas tank. When Denso made these parts, they used lower-density materials that couldn’t handle exposure to solvents during manufacturing. Over time, fine cracks develop in the impeller, allowing fuel to seep in and cause the part to warp.
When that happens, the warped impeller scrapes against the pump housing and eventually stops working entirely. No fuel pump means no fuel delivery – and that means your engine dies, potentially while you’re cruising down the highway at 70 mph.
The Two Major Subaru Fuel Pump Recalls
WRD-20 Recall (November 2020)
The first major recall hit over 180,000 vehicles – all from the 2019 model year:
- 2019 Subaru Ascent (built June 26, 2018 – January 18, 2019)
- 2019 Subaru Impreza (built June 18, 2018 – February 5, 2019)
- 2019 Subaru Legacy (built June 29, 2018 – February 19, 2019)
- 2019 Subaru Outback (built June 29, 2018 – February 19, 2019)
WRG-21 Recall (August 2021)
Eight months later, Subaru expanded the recall to include 165,026 more vehicles across multiple model years:
- 2018-2019 Subaru BRZ
- 2018 Subaru Forester (turbo models only)
- 2018-2020 Subaru Impreza
- 2018-2020 Subaru Legacy
- 2018-2020 Subaru Outback
- 2018-2019 Subaru WRX
- 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent
Combined, these recalls affected nearly 350,000 vehicles in the U.S. alone.
Warning Signs Your Fuel Pump Is Failing
Don’t wait for your engine to die in traffic. Watch for these red flags:
- Check engine light comes on
- Engine stumbles or hesitates during acceleration
- Rough idling or irregular engine performance
- Complete engine shutdown while driving
- Car won’t restart after stalling
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially the last two, get your vehicle to a Subaru dealer immediately. A failed fuel pump while driving creates serious crash risks.
The $23 Million Settlement You Might Be Missing
After nearly four years of legal battles, Subaru reached a class action settlement in July 2024. This wasn’t just about the recalled vehicles – it covered approximately 2.3 million Subarus from 2017-2020.
Benefits for Recalled Vehicles (WRD-20/WRG-21)
If your vehicle was part of the original recalls, you get:
- 15-year warranty extension on replaced fuel pumps
- Coverage for 150,000 miles from replacement date
- One-time replacement coverage for related failures
- Free towing and loaner vehicles during repairs
Benefits for Non-Recalled Vehicles
Here’s where it gets interesting. Even if your Subaru wasn’t officially recalled, you might still be covered. The settlement includes 2017-2020 models that experienced similar fuel pump problems:
- 15-year unlimited mileage warranty extension
- Coverage starts from your original warranty date
- One-time replacement for fuel pump failures
| Model Years | Recall Status | Warranty Extension | Mileage Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2018 (most models) | Not recalled | 15 years | Unlimited |
| 2019 (4 models) | WRD-20 recall | 15 years | 150,000 from repair |
| 2018-2020 (7 models) | WRG-21 recall | 15 years | 150,000 from repair |
How to Check If Your Subaru Is Affected
Don’t guess – here’s how to find out for sure:
Option 1: Use the Settlement Website
Visit SubaruFuelPumpsSettlement.com and enter your VIN. The site will tell you immediately if your vehicle qualifies.
Option 2: Call Subaru Directly
Contact customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Have your VIN ready – it’s the 17-digit number on your dashboard or driver’s door frame.
Option 3: Check NHTSA Records
Go to nhtsa.gov and search by VIN to see all recalls affecting your specific vehicle.
What the Repair Process Looks Like
If your vehicle needs a fuel pump replacement, here’s what to expect:
Cost: Completely free if you’re covered by the recall or settlement
Time: About 1-1.75 hours depending on your model
Preparation: Bring your vehicle with less than 1/4 tank of fuel
Parts: Subaru replaces the pump with an improved version
Warranty: New pumps come with extended coverage
The repair itself is straightforward. Technicians drop the fuel tank, swap out the defective pump, and reinstall everything. You’ll drive away with a more reliable fuel delivery system.
Settlement Claims: The Window Is Closing
The settlement allowed owners to file claims for out-of-pocket expenses related to fuel pump repairs. The claim period ran from September 24, 2024, until March 10, 2025.
If you paid for fuel pump repairs before the recall was announced, you might be entitled to reimbursement. Eligible expenses include:
- Repair costs at non-Subaru shops
- Towing expenses when your car broke down
- Rental car costs while your vehicle was being fixed
- Lost wages due to fuel pump failures
Other Recent Subaru Recalls to Watch
While fuel pump issues dominated headlines, Subaru has dealt with other safety concerns recently:
2025 Forester Wheel Recall (January 2025)
Subaru just recalled 20,366 new Foresters for wheel problems. The 18-inch aluminum wheels have incorrectly specified lug seat surfaces, which could affect vehicle stability. This recall (WRB-25) is separate from fuel pump issues but shows Subaru continues to deal with quality control problems.
2024 Crosstrek and Impreza Recalls
The WRP-23 recall affects driveshaft assemblies in some 2024 models. While not as widespread as the fuel pump problems, it’s another reminder to stay current on recalls affecting your specific vehicle.
What This Means for Subaru Owners
The fuel pump recall settlement represents one of the largest automotive settlements in recent years. For Subaru, it’s an expensive lesson in supplier quality control. For owners, it’s validation that their safety concerns were legitimate.
If you own a 2017-2020 Subaru, check your eligibility status immediately. Even if your fuel pump hasn’t failed yet, having extended warranty coverage provides peace of mind.
If you’ve already experienced fuel pump problems, document everything. While the main settlement claim period has mostly passed, individual circumstances may still qualify for compensation.
If you’re shopping for a used Subaru, ask whether fuel pump recalls have been completed. A vehicle with an unreplaced defective pump is a safety risk and potential money pit.
The Bottom Line on Subaru Fuel Pump Recalls
Subaru’s fuel pump problems weren’t a minor hiccup – they were a widespread safety issue affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The company’s response, while initially slow, ultimately included comprehensive repairs and extended warranties.
The key takeaway? Don’t ignore recall notices or warning signs. A failed fuel pump isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a legitimate safety hazard that can leave you stranded in dangerous situations.
Check your VIN, verify your coverage, and make sure any necessary repairs are completed. Your safety is worth more than the hassle of scheduling a dealer visit.
For immediate concerns about fuel pump issues, contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 or visit an authorized dealer. They can run your VIN and tell you exactly what recalls apply to your specific vehicle.
