P0705 on Subaru: How to Diagnose & Fix
Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)
3 Subaru models · 3 documented issues
P0705 on Subaru by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
An insufficient weld between the switch stator and cover of the transmission inhibitor (park/neutral start interlock) switch allows water intrusion over time, causing the switch to become inoperative. When it fails, the reverse lights do not illuminate and the rearview/backup camera image does not display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, increasing the risk of a backover crash. Subaru recalled certain 2021-2023 Outback (and Legacy, plus 2021 Crosstrek and 2022 Forester) vehicles; roughly 51,470 Outbacks were among the ~95,830 total affected.
Common Symptoms
- Backup/rearview camera image does not display when in reverse
- Reverse (backup) lights do not illuminate
- Intermittent loss of rear camera
- Possible no-crank or shift-interlock related faults
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: Subaru dealers replace the inhibitor switch under campaign WRQ-23 (NHTSA 23V755000). Owner notification letters mailed beginning January 2024. If the backup camera goes dark or reverse lights stop working, verify the VIN at NHTSA or with a dealer and have the switch replaced.
Sources for this issue (3)
If you drive a 2022 Forester, it may be covered by Subaru recall WRQ-23. An insufficient weld in the automatic transmission's inhibitor switch (the park/neutral start interlock switch) can allow water to work its way into the switch, and a water-contaminated switch can stop working. Because the Forester uses that switch to detect that reverse has been selected, the failure shows up as the reverse lamps not illuminating and the rearview camera image not coming up on the infotainment screen. Backing up without the camera view and without reverse lights to warn people behind you raises the chance of a collision, which is why NHTSA treats this as a safety defect. The recall's 95,830 units are the campaign-wide total for all Subaru models involved.
Common Symptoms
- No rearview camera display when shifting into reverse
- Reverse lights inoperative
How to Fix
Take the Forester to a Subaru dealer, which will install a replacement inhibitor switch free of charge under the recall. Owner letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Confirm your specific vehicle is included by running the VIN through nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 about recall WRQ-23.
Sources for this issue (1)
2021-2023 Legacy sedans are among the vehicles Subaru recalled under campaign WRQ-23. The defect is a weld on the park/neutral start interlock switch — the inhibitor switch — that was not made adequately, allowing water to enter the switch body and cause the switch to fail. A Legacy with a failed inhibitor switch may not light its reverse lamps and may not bring up the rearview camera image, both of which matter most when backing out of a parking space or driveway. NHTSA rates the consequence as an increased crash risk. Note that the 95,830-unit figure attached to this recall is the total for the entire campaign across every model included, not a count of Legacys.
Common Symptoms
- Backup camera image fails to appear on the screen when in reverse
- Reverse lights stay off with the transmission in reverse
How to Fix
Subaru dealers replace the inhibitor switch at no charge to the owner. Notification letters went out January 8, 2024, so if you bought your Legacy used the letter may have gone to a previous owner — check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair is still open. Subaru customer service is 1-800-782-2783; the internal recall number is WRQ-23.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0705 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0705 mean on a Subaru?
P0705 stands for "Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)." The transmission range sensor (also called the neutral safety switch or PRNDL switch) tells the computer which gear position the shifter is in (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive). P0705 sets when the signal from this sensor is missing, out of range, or inconsistent. Symptoms include no-start in Park, the wrong gear indicator on the dash, harsh or incorrect shifts, and sometimes the engine starting in any gear position. On Subaru it is documented across 3 models: Outback, Forester, Legacy.
What are the most common causes of P0705?
The most common causes of P0705 are: Faulty transmission range / neutral safety switch, Misadjusted shift linkage or range sensor, Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors, Poor ground connection, Failed PCM or TCM. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0705 on a Subaru?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Subaru model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for P0705 on a different make?
View P0705 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.