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Manufacturer recall number

Subaru recall WRK-21

Subaru calls it WRK-21. NHTSA filed it as campaign 21V955000 on Dec 9, 2021: power train on the 2019–2020 Subaru Ascent and 2 other Subaru models, 198,255 vehicles potentially affected. One recall, two numbers — the dealer quotes the manufacturer’s, the federal record carries NHTSA’s.

What NHTSA has under this number

Source: 49 CFR Part 573 filings
NHTSA campaignVehiclesComponentFiledAffectedSeverity
21V9550002019–2020 Subaru Ascent and 2 other Subaru modelsPower TrainDec 9, 2021198,255high
Problem 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. Risk An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix 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.

The manufacturer’s own words as filed for 21V955000. Every model year it covers, the build window and the filed PDFs →

Two numbers, one recall

Every safety recall carries two identifiers. WRK-21 is the number Subaru assigned in its own system: it is what appears on the owner letter, on the dealer’s service screen and on the repair order. 21V955000 is the number NHTSA filed the same recall under when the manufacturer reported it, and it is the one every federal record, this site included, is keyed on.

The repair is free by federal law for vehicles up to fifteen years old. Whether one particular vehicle is included is settled by its VIN against the manufacturer’s build list, not by its model year.

Check one specific vehicle

Both lookups check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list and say whether the repair is still outstanding on that vehicle.

Common questions

Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR Part 573

Is WRK-21 the same recall as 21V955000?

Yes. WRK-21 is Subaru’s own number for it; 21V955000 is NHTSA’s. One recall, two references.

Which vehicles does WRK-21 cover?

2019–2020 Subaru Ascent and 2 other Subaru models, 198,255 vehicles by the manufacturer’s count. A recall covers a build range, so the VIN decides whether one particular vehicle is in it.

Does the WRK-21 repair cost anything?

No. The manufacturer must remedy a safety defect at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.