Subaru recalling 660k vehicles in some states for possible brake line corrosion

Thu, 03 Jul 2014

Subaru is recalling 660,238 vehicles located in 20 US states that use salt on their roads. It's possible that salty water could splash onto the rear brake lines, and it could eventually cause corrosion and potentially perforation, leading to a fluid leak.

The recall covers the 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI and 2009-2013 Forester. However, only vehicles currently or formerly registered in the following snowy US states or districts are covered: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The company previously recalled the 2005-2009 Legacy and Outback to repair this problem, and now it's added the additional models, plus any of the original cars it missed the first time.

According to the defect notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Subaru found a total of 24 cases of corrosion in US leading up to the recall. There was a single case of actual brake line perforation, but it happened in Switzerland, according to the document. The company believes that it would take seven or more seasons of winter driving on salty roads before any corroding would begin.

To fix things, Subaru will inspect all of the affected vehicles to check for a fluid leak. All cars will receive a coating of anti-corrosion wax around the potentially affected area. If there is a leak, then the lines will be replaced and will still get the wax coating. The automaker will begin contacting owners soon, but company spokesperson Michael McHale also tells Autoblog that "customers can come in at their convenience." Scroll down for the NHTSA recall announcement or download the full defect notice as a PDF here.

RECALL Subject : Brake Lines may Fail due to Corrosion
Report Receipt Date: JUN 10, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 660,238
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
SUBARU FORESTER 2009-2013

SUBARU IMPREZA 2008-2014
SUBARU LEGACY 2005-2009
SUBARU OUTBACK 2005-2009
Details
Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

CONSEQUENCE:
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Chris Bruce