Power train: driveline: chain/belt; power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (Subaru)
Vehicle recall 21V-955. NHTSA received Subaru of America, Inc.’s report on Dec 9, 2021.
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The short answer
NHTSA received Subaru of America, Inc.’s report on Dec 9, 2021. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 27, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Power train: driveline: chain/belt.
- NHTSA’s part: Power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
What should you 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.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: 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.
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 198,255 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
Each model year opens its own page: every recall naming it, its owner complaints and its crash ratings.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
Who is recalling it?
- Made by Subaru of America, Inc..
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt. Owners’ complaints are counted on each vehicle’s page.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010).
Released Oct 27, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 27, 2026.