Subaru is recalling certain 2020 Legacy vehicles due to a programming error in the transmission control unit that may cause the drive chain to slip. This could lead to loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Owners should contact Subaru for free repairs. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80033-subaru-legacy-2020-power-train-recall-chain-slip-risk.
“Subaru Legacy 2020 Power Train Recall: Chain Slip Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated August 18, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80033-subaru-legacy-2020-power-train-recall-chain-slip-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #22V485000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V485000).
Subaru of America, Inc. recalled certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles due to a power train defect that may cause a loss of drive power and increase crash risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on August 7, 2022. Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit and replace the transmission if damage is found. Owners are expected to receive notification letters starting August 24, 2022.
How to tell if you have it
Subaru Legacy, 2020-2021
Subaru Outback, 2020-2021
What to 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. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
The hazard
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show Subaru of America, Inc. has 100 other recalls on record since March 18, 2010. Other recent recalls of similar products include Subaru Forester 2025 Recall: Incorrect GAWR Label Risk of Crash (July 7, 2026), Subaru 2026 Forester Moonroof Glass Recall: Risk of Detached Panel (May 28, 2026), and Subaru Forester Hybrid (2025) Fuel Leak Fire Risk - Recall (Feb. 23, 2026). Other recent recalls of similar products include Toyota 2026 Grand Highlander Power Train Recall: Risk of Sudden Loss of Stability (July 8, 2026), Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC (2020) Recall: Power Train Risk of Sudden Loss of Drive Power (March 4, 2026), and Nissan Sentra 2025 Power Train Recall: Risk of Crash from Drive Power Loss (June 26, 2026).
How to tell if you have this one
Check for 2020 Legacy vehicles with a programming error in the TCU. The recall covers vehicles that may have the issue with the drive chain clamping.
Brand
Subaru
Category
Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy
What to do — step by step
Contact Subaru Customer Service
Call 1-844-373-6614 to get repair instructions and confirm eligibility for the free fix.
Get TCU Repairs
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect for chain slip, and replace the transmission if needed at no cost.
Official remedy
What NHTSA says to 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 are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
1NHTSA received the defect report
2Owner letters expected (expected, per the notice)
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Take action
Contact Subaru
We’ve drafted a message you can send Subaru to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 22V485000 — Subaru Legacy 2020 Power Train Recall: Chain Slip Risk
Hello,
I own a Subaru Legacy 2020 Power Train Recall: Chain Slip Risk that is covered by recall 22V485000 from Subaru.
The official recall notice states: 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 are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?
Thank you.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on August 18, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.