Subaru Announces Massive 1.3M Forester, Crosstrek, WRX/STI, Impreza Recall In U.S.

Subaru is hit with their largest recall ever and has announced they are recalling around 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. over a brake light switch malfunction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says Subaru of America is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2013-2017 Crosstrek 2008-2016 2008-2014 WRX sedans and WRX STI, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, and 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons. This is part of a massive global recall where 2.3 million vehicles are affected. A total of 1,303,530 vehicles in the U.S. will be affected by this recall.

What is the problem?

Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

The company said that silicone gas from certain consumer products, including cleaning items, could seep through the housing of the brake light switch, interfering with the lights turning on properly and also engine ignition. If this occurs, the brake lights will not light up and may cause other drivers to be unaware of the driver’s intention to stop the vehicle and could increase the risk of accidental collisions.

1.3 M vehicles affected

2014-2016 Forester models manufactured between December 18, 2012-April 28, 2016 (526,941 vehicles), 2013-2017 Crosstrek May 17, 2012-June 13, 2017 (363,566), 2008-2014 WRX and WRX STI 4-door, April 26, 2007-January 15, 2014 (39,726), 2008-2016 Impreza 4-door April 26, 2007-October 28, 2016 (162,744), and 2012-2016 Impreza 5-door April 28, 2011-October 3, 2016 (210,553.)

This massive global recall over the brake light defect is the largest recall ever in the companies history. Subaru says they are in the process of acquiring the remedy parts and special tools necessary to perform this repair, and the status of this recall is “Open-Remedy Not Yet Available” until the parts and special tools to perform this repair are available.

Subaru will notify Forester, Crosstrek, WRX and WRX STI, and Impreza owners and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 29, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90. Subaru says there have been no accidents reported in connection with the problem.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA