NEWS:   Subaru Recalls Outback, Legacy, Forester and Impreza Models

YAHOO NEWS -- September 12,  2011 – Subaru has announced two major recalls, affecting 195,080 model year 2010 and 2011 Subaru Legacy and Outback models and 295,123 Subaru Forester, Impreza and Saab 9-2X models built between 2002 and 2008.

The recall for the 2010-2011 Subaru Legacy and Outback models relates to an overheating condition in the windshield wiper motor assembly lower cover. Should the motor and associated components overheat to the point of motor failure, operator visibility in wet conditions will diminish, increasing the likelihood of a crash. There is also a potential fire risk from the overheated component contacting the bottom plastic resin panel of the wiper motor assembly.

The repair involves replacing the windshield wiper motor assembly bottom cover with one of proper dimensions. Dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover at no charge to consumers when the recall begins in November of 2011.

The second recall campaign begun by Subaru involves certain 2002-2007 Impreza models, 2003-2008 Forester models and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X models, sold or currently registered in Northeast or Midwestern states that use snow-melting agents such as road salt.

When driven in corrosive environments, some vehicles may experience the front lower control arm breaking at the joint with the hanger bracket. A broken lower control arm can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Specific states included in this second recall are Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Dealers will inspect the lower control arms of affected vehicles and wither rustproof or replace them as necessary when the recall begins in November of 2011.

For both recalls, customers with questions or concerns can reach Subaru’s customer service hotline at 800-782-2783, or they may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

MORE RECALL INFO:   

• Subaru Outback
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Forester
• Subaru Impreza

SEPTEMBER 2011 -- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Impreza, model year 2003-2008 Forester, and model year 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles manufactured from September 5, 2000 through November 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Subaru dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2011.   11V-464

SEPTEMBER 2008 -- Subaru is recalling 16,715 MY 2007-2008 Legacy sedans and wagons, MY 2008 Impreza sedans and wagons, and MY 2009 Forester vehicles. Some vehicles may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled. Vibration could occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur. Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall is expected to begin during November 2008.  08V460