What the source says
The documented condition
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence identified by NHTSA
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Campaign 19V149000; report received 2019-02-28. Source checked 2026-10-18.
Source component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Compare the pattern
Symptoms and vehicle scope
Condition described by NHTSA
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Vehicles and limits
- NHTSA model names: IMPREZA. Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.
- NHTSA campaign 19V149000
- The complete campaign lists 1,303,530 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
- A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.
Manufacturer position
What the official procedure directs
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Mileage context
Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.
Original evidence
Open the documents behind this record.
NHTSA safety recall · 19V149000 · 2019-02-28
NHTSA campaign 19V149000
Official component, defect, consequence and remedy; checked 2026-10-18.
Repair paths and safe checks
Match the action to the evidence.
Official recall remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.
Check the complete VIN
Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.
The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.
Record reviewed in the source on 2026-10-18. Confirm the current document and VIN instructions before arranging work.
How we check a problem · All records for the 2016 Subaru Impreza