Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86 Recalled For Power Steering Failure

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 twins are being recalled for power steering loss in Australia. According to News.comau, nearly 15,000 Toyota 86 sports coupes and 3000 Subaru BRZs that have been sold in Australia since 2012, are recalled because the power steering can suddenly fail.

What’s the issue?

The report says a statement from Toyota Australia says the 86’s electric power steering harness may interfere with a panel which contains the driver’s knee airbag. Toyota says, “If this happens, there could be an electrical contact failure which may result in the loss of power steering. A warning light would then illuminate on the dashboard along with a short audible warning while manual steering would be maintained.”

The problem is the same for the BRZ, which is identical mechanically to the 86. Subaru says the cars retain manual steering capability even if the power assistance for the steering is lost. A spokesman for Fuji Heavy, parent company for Subaru says, "Nevertheless, Subaru Australia has decided to carry out this recall out of an abundance of caution, following notification from the factory.

60 reports of steering loss in Australia

Toyota and Subaru say the sports coupes are driveable without power steering, but owners of affected vehicles should contact their nearest dealer for repairs. Reports say there have been more than 60 “incidents” of sudden loss of power steering in Australia alone.

Will recall include U.S. models?

Australian Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 owners should contact their dealer who will supply and fit the replacement parts free of charge. It’s reported that repairs may not commence for another month while they wait for the new components to be shipped from Japan. All Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S rear-drive sports cars in the U.S. and Canada will likely be recalled, but no U.S. recall has been issued as of this report. Stay tuned.

Source: Toyota AU, Subaru AU

Image source: Subaru