Subaru Forester, Impreza, XV Recall R/2020/316: Due To Improper Ecm Programming Under Certain Circumstances The Ignition Coil May Be…, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 15 Nov 2020
- Launched
- 2,338
- vehicles in the UK
- SRT284
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Subaru recalled Forester, Impreza, XV vehicles built between 20 September 2016 and 1 October 2019. Possible engine stall and restart failure. The recall notice describes the fix as: re-programme the engine control module and replace if required the ignition coil. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Possible engine stall and restart failure.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: DUE TO IMPROPER ECM PROGRAMMING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE IGNITION COIL MAY BE ENERGIZED LONGER THAN DESIGNED AFTER THE ENGINE IS OFF Defect: Possible engine stall and restart failure. Remedy: Re-programme the engine control module and replace if required the ignition coil.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: due to improper ecm programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is off.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: re-programme the engine control module and replace if required the ignition coil. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Forester, Impreza, XV built between 20 September 2016 and 1 October 2019 may be included. Subaru estimates 2,338 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Subaru, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Subaru.
- Book with any franchised Subaru dealer, quoting the campaign code SRT284 or the DVSA reference R/2020/316. See how to get a Subaru recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRZ, ForesterThe impeller deformation may cause the fuel pump to become inoperative | Urgent | R/2022/266 | |
| Impreza, Levorg, Outback, XVThe electronic park brake connector may disconnect | Urgent | R/2022/260 | |
| Forester, Impreza, XVPotential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition | Urgent | R/2021/353 | |
| Forester, XVThe bolts of the rear stabiliser bracket might become loose | Low | R/2021/352 | |
| Impreza, XVBrake hose fitting caulking area has insufficient sealing | Urgent | R/2020/315 |
This is one of 37 Subaru recalls in DVSA’s data. The Subaru recall launched before it was R/2020/315 on 15 Nov 2020, for brake hose fitting caulking area has insufficient sealing. The one launched after it was R/2021/352 on 1 Nov 2021, for the bolts of the rear stabiliser bracket might become loose. You can also see every Subaru recall, all recalls launched in 2020 and loss of power recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2020/316, launched 15 November 2020. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.