Is Your Subaru Forester Part of the Fuel Pump Recall? Here's What You Need to Know Immediately

If you own a 2019 or 2020 Subaru Forester, there is a significant chance it is affected by a critical fuel pump recall that could lead to sudden engine stalling while driving. This poses a serious safety risk to you, your passengers, and others on the road. Subaru is replacing the defective fuel pump module for free at authorized dealerships, and checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) immediately is the essential first step.

This recall is not a minor inconvenience; it addresses a potentially dangerous defect with the heart of your Forester's fuel delivery system. Understanding the scope, the risks, and the steps to resolution is crucial for every 2019 or 2020 Forester owner.

Which Subaru Forester Models Are Impacted?

The recall primarily targets the following Subaru Forester models:

  • 2019 Subaru Forester: A substantial portion of vehicles built during the 2019 model year.
  • 2020 Subaru Forester: Many vehicles built during the 2020 model year.

While these two model years encompass the vast majority of affected Foresters, always check your specific VIN to confirm your vehicle's status. Recalls sometimes have specific production date ranges within a model year, and VIN lookup is the only way to be certain. A small number of 2018 Foresters manufactured late in the model year might also be included, further emphasizing the necessity of a VIN check.

The Problem: Defective Fuel Pump Module

The issue stems from a component within the fuel pump assembly, specifically the pump impeller. The fuel pump is responsible for drawing fuel from the gas tank and delivering it under pressure to the engine.

  • Defective Impeller: The impellers in these specific fuel pumps, manufactured by Denso, were produced using a substandard material or process. Over time, exposure to the fuel itself could cause the plastic of the impeller to become brittle.
  • Surface Cracks: This brittleness can lead to the development of fine surface cracks on the impeller vanes.
  • Impeller Deformation: As the cracks worsen, the impeller may swell or become significantly deformed.
  • Pump Failure: The deformed or cracked impeller can eventually bind against the pump housing, causing the fuel pump to seize and stop working entirely.

The Serious Consequences of Fuel Pump Failure

A failing or failed fuel pump has one direct, dangerous consequence:

  1. Sudden Engine Stall: Without fuel pressure, the engine will stall unexpectedly. This can happen at any speed, under any driving condition: accelerating onto a highway, cruising at high speeds, navigating through traffic, or maneuvering at low speeds in parking lots.
  2. Loss of Power Steering: When the engine stalls, power steering assist is lost, making it much harder to turn the steering wheel, especially at lower speeds or when trying to maneuver safely.
  3. Loss of Power Braking: Engine stall also means the power brake booster loses its vacuum assist. Braking becomes significantly harder, requiring much greater pedal force to slow the vehicle effectively, potentially leading to longer stopping distances.
  4. Increased Risk of Accident: Sudden stalling, coupled with the loss of key systems like power steering and braking, dramatically increases the risk of a crash. A stall at highway speeds, in heavy traffic, or while crossing an intersection could easily result in a collision with other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians. It could also leave the vehicle stranded in a hazardous location.

How to Check if Your Subaru Forester is Recalled (VIN Lookup)

Determining if your specific Forester is included in the fuel pump recall is simple and essential:

  1. Locate Your VIN: Your Vehicle Identification Number is 17 characters long. The most common places to find it are:
    • Lower driver's side corner of the windshield (visible from outside).
    • Driver's side door jamb sticker.
    • Vehicle registration or title documents.
    • Insurance card.
  2. Official Subaru Recall Lookup:
    • Go to the official Subaru recall website.
    • Look for the "Check for Safety Recalls" or similar section. Avoid third-party sites which may be outdated.
    • Enter your complete 17-character VIN into the search field.
    • Submit the request.
  3. Review Results: The website will clearly display any open recalls associated with your VIN. Look specifically for recalls mentioning "Fuel Pump," "Low Pressure Fuel Pump," or "Fuel Pump Module." Take note of the recall number.
  4. Interpretation: If your VIN is listed, your vehicle is affected, and you need to schedule the repair. If it says "0 Unrepaired Recalls" related to your VIN, your vehicle is not currently included in this specific recall campaign (though check periodically).

What is the Repair Process? What Does Subaru Do?

If your Forester is recalled, Subaru’s authorized dealers will perform the necessary repair free of charge. Here's what happens:

  1. Contact Your Dealer: Call your preferred Subaru dealership’s service department. Inform them you want to schedule the fuel pump recall repair (provide the recall number if possible). Do not contact the sales department.
  2. Schedule the Appointment: The dealer will check parts availability. The recall involves a specific replacement part – an updated fuel pump module. Due to high demand initially, you might experience a brief waiting period until the part arrives at the dealer. Schedule the earliest available appointment.
  3. The Repair: At the scheduled time, bring your Forester to the dealership service department.
    • Draining Fuel: Before accessing the fuel pump, which is located inside the fuel tank, technicians must safely drain most of the gasoline.
    • Accessing the Pump: The rear seat bottom cushion is removed, and an access panel under it is opened to reach the top of the fuel tank and the pump assembly.
    • Replacement: The entire fuel pump module (the assembly containing the pump, fuel level sender, and filter) is removed and replaced with a new module containing a fuel pump with an impeller made to the correct specification that will not degrade.
    • Reassembly: The access panel and rear seat are reinstalled. Fuel is added back to the tank (you will likely leave with the same amount of fuel you arrived with).
  4. Duration: Expect the repair to take several hours, typically most of a business day. This includes draining/refueling time and ensuring everything is reinstalled correctly and tested. Dealerships often require an appointment.
  5. Post-Repair: Once complete, the recall repair is documented in Subaru's database and reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Your vehicle is no longer at risk from this specific defect.

What Should You Do If You Experience Problems BEFORE the Repair?

If you suspect your fuel pump is failing before you can get the recall repair performed, or if you encounter engine stalling, take immediate action:

  1. Pull Over Safely: At the first sign of engine hesitation, sputtering, loss of power, or if the engine stalls, safely maneuver your Forester to the side of the road or off the travel lanes as quickly as possible. Avoid sudden maneuvers.
  2. Turn on Hazard Lights: Immediately activate your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
  3. Do Not Restart Repeatedly: If the engine stalls, attempting to restart it multiple times may drain the battery without solving the problem. Try restarting once. If it fails, do not persist.
  4. Contact Assistance: Call for roadside assistance. Inform them your vehicle stalled unexpectedly. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle if it restarts but continues to run roughly or hesitantly.
  5. Inform the Dealership/Subaru: Contact your Subaru dealer immediately and explain the situation: your recalled Forester experienced a stall/failure. Request that they expedite the parts and repair. Report the incident to Subaru Customer Service. File a complaint with the NHTSA on their website detailing the problem.
  6. Alternative Transportation: If the vehicle is undrivable, work with the dealer or your assistance provider to arrange safe transport to the dealership for repair. Subaru may sometimes offer limited support for towing costs related to a recall failure – ask customer service.

Who Pays for the Subaru Forester Fuel Pump Recall Repair?

Subaru of America, Inc., the manufacturer, covers the entire cost of the recall repair. This includes:

  • The updated fuel pump module part.
  • Dealership labor time to perform the complex procedure (draining fuel, accessing the pump, replacement, refueling, testing).
  • All related materials and disposal fees.

You should never be charged for an authorized safety recall repair performed at a Subaru dealership. If any dealership attempts to charge you, contact Subaru Customer Service immediately.

How Subaru is Managing the Recall

  • VIN Notifications: Subaru mailed (and continues to mail) official notification letters to registered owners of affected vehicles using government registration data. However, if you bought the car used or have moved, these letters might not reach you. Never wait for a letter – check your VIN proactively.
  • Dealer Network: Subaru relies on its nationwide network of authorized dealers to perform the actual recall repairs. Dealers order specific parts as they schedule appointments.
  • Part Prioritization: As parts become available, Subaru prioritizes vehicles based on build date and other risk factors determined by their engineers. Owners experiencing symptoms may also be prioritized.
  • Customer Communication: Subaru Customer Service is the central point for owners with questions about the recall process, assistance if experiencing failures, or issues with dealerships. They can be contacted by phone or sometimes through the owner portal on the Subaru website.
  • NHTSA Reporting: Subaru is legally obligated to report recall initiation, progress, and completion statistics to the NHTSA, which oversees vehicle safety recalls in the USA.

Action Steps for Every Subaru Forester Owner

  1. Check Your VIN IMMEDIATELY: Use the official Subaru recall lookup tool with your 17-character VIN. Do this today. Don't assume your Forester is not involved.
  2. If Recalled, Schedule Repairs Promptly: Contact a Subaru dealership service department as soon as you confirm the recall. Book the earliest possible appointment. Don't delay.
  3. Be Aware of Symptoms: Know the warning signs of potential fuel pump failure (engine hesitation, stalling, loss of power) and what to do if they occur before your repair appointment. Your safety and that of others is paramount.
  4. Spread the Word: Inform other 2019-2020 Subaru Forester owners you know. Encourage them to check their VIN.
  5. Keep Contact Info Updated: Ensure your current mailing address is registered with both your state's DMV and potentially with Subaru (if you have an account via MySubaru or the app) to receive future communications reliably.

The Subaru Forester fuel pump recall addresses a critical safety defect. The risk of sudden engine stalling is real and dangerous. Taking prompt action is not just advisable, it is necessary for the safe operation of your vehicle. Do not underestimate this recall. Check your VIN now, schedule the free repair without delay, and protect yourself on the road.

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