You shift into Park, go to pull the key from the ignition—and nothing. No matter how much you wiggle it, the key refuses to come out.
If this keeps happening in your 2010–2018 Subaru Legacy, Outback, or certain Impreza and WRX models, there’s a good reason. Subaru has acknowledged the issue, and in many cases, they’ve issued service campaigns or repairs to fix it.
So what’s causing the key to get stuck, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.
Why the Key Gets Stuck—and Which Models Are Affected
It’s a simple expectation: shift into Park, turn off the engine, and remove the key. But when that last step doesn’t happen, frustration kicks in fast.
The problem isn’t random—it’s caused by a faulty micro-switch inside the shifter assembly that sometimes fails to recognize when the car is in Park. Without that confirmation, the ignition lock won’t release the key.
This issue has been widely reported in 2010–2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback models, along with some Impreza and WRX variants.
Subaru didn’t issue a full recall, but they did release a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) outlining the problem. In some cases, affected vehicles qualified for a free repair under a service campaign.
For some owners, the failure is occasional, freeing up with a little shifter movement. For others, the key stays stuck every time they turn off the engine. The more it happens, the worse it tends to get.
Technical Details of the Sticking Ignition Key Issue
So, what’s actually happening behind the scenes? It all comes down to a small switch inside the shifter assembly that tells the system when the car is in Park. If this switch fails, the car doesn’t get the signal, and the ignition lock refuses to release the key.
Most of the time, this switch failure happens gradually. At first, you might notice that jiggling the shifter or restarting the car frees the key. Over time, though, the problem gets worse—until one day, the key just won’t come out at all.
In some cases, the issue isn’t with the switch itself but with a wiring problem or a miscommunication with the Body Control Module (BCM).
If there’s a loose connection or a short somewhere in the circuit, the BCM won’t get the right signal to release the key. This is less common, but it can happen, especially in high-mileage cars where wiring connectors have loosened over time.
For drivers stuck with this issue, the short-term workaround is to repeatedly shift between Park and Drive or press the brake pedal a few times to see if the key releases.
Some owners have also had luck pulling the fuse for the ignition switch, which forces the system to reset. But these are just temporary fixes. If the micro-switch is failing, it’s only a matter of time before it stops working altogether.
Official Subaru Response and Repair Strategies
Subaru knows about the issue, but instead of issuing a full recall, they’ve handled it through Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and service campaigns. If your car falls within the covered VIN range, you might be eligible for a free repair at a dealership.
The fix itself is straightforward: replace the faulty micro-switch in the shifter assembly or, in some cases, swap out the entire shifter unit if the switch isn’t sold separately.
Subaru dealers have step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and repairing the problem, so if your car qualifies under the service campaign, it’s worth scheduling a visit.
If your car isn’t covered, you still have options. Some independent mechanics are familiar with the issue and can replace the micro-switch for a reasonable price.
If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, you can even swap out the part yourself—though accessing the shifter assembly requires removing some interior panels.
For those dealing with a wiring-related issue, things get trickier. If the problem is in the shift lock circuit or a Body Control Module miscommunication, a dealer or qualified mechanic will need to trace the wiring and check for faulty connections.
The bottom line? If your key is getting stuck and your car is still under Subaru’s service campaign, take advantage of the free fix while you can.
If it’s not covered, getting the micro-switch replaced sooner rather than later can save you the frustration of a completely stuck ignition down the road.
What Subaru Got Right—and Where Owners Are Frustrated
Subaru’s response to the stuck key issue has been a mixed bag. On one hand, they’ve acknowledged the problem and offered a service campaign that covers the repair for many affected owners. If your car qualifies, you get a free fix, no hassle. That’s a win.
But not everyone is so lucky. The biggest frustration? Coverage limits. Some owners with the exact same issue have been told their VIN isn’t included in the campaign, leaving them to pay for the repair out of pocket.
And if your dealership insists on replacing the entire shifter assembly instead of just the faulty micro-switch, the bill can climb fast.
For those who aren’t covered, the problem itself isn’t catastrophic—it won’t leave you stranded—but it’s incredibly annoying. Dealing with a stuck key day after day isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a sign of a failing part that will only get worse.
Subaru deserves credit for offering a fix to many owners, but for those left footing the bill, the situation is frustrating. If your car isn’t covered, knowing the issue and addressing it early can save you the hassle of a key that refuses to budge when you need to be somewhere.
How to Check If Your Subaru Is Affected
Before you start tearing apart the shifter or heading to the dealership, it’s worth checking if your Subaru is covered under Subaru’s service campaign.
The easiest way? Enter your VIN on Subaru’s official recall website or check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If there’s an open campaign for your car, you’re in luck—Subaru will cover the repair.
If your VIN doesn’t show any active recalls or service campaigns, don’t assume you’re out of options. Some dealerships will still perform the fix under goodwill coverage, especially if your car is only slightly outside the eligibility range. It never hurts to ask.
If you’re trying to confirm whether your car is experiencing this specific issue, watch for these common signs:
• Key won’t release from the ignition after shifting into Park.
• Repeatedly shifting between gears or pressing the brake pedal sometimes frees the key.
• No other ignition-related issues—turning the key and starting the car works fine.
If this sounds familiar and your car isn’t covered under Subaru’s program, you’ll need to decide whether to fix it yourself or take it to a mechanic.
Either way, dealing with it sooner rather than later can save you from being stuck with a key that refuses to come out no matter what.
Final Thoughts
A stuck key might not seem like a big deal at first—until you’re late for work and can’t get it out of the ignition. For some Subaru owners, the fix is covered under a service campaign, but for others, it’s an out-of-pocket repair.
If your car qualifies for the free fix, take advantage of it while you can. If not, replacing the faulty micro-switch now can save you from daily frustration.
Whether you DIY it or take it to a mechanic, getting ahead of the problem is better than wrestling with your key every time you park.
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