Subaru suspends production at its Japan plant affecting the 2022 Forester and 2022 Crosstrek. See what it means for customers and new car shoppers this winter.
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Subaru Corporation announced today it would suspend production at its automobile manufacturing facilities in Japan due to interruptions in the supply of certain parts. Subaru says the plant where it manufactures two of Subaru of America's top-selling models, the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, will be shut down January 28, January 31 through February 2, and February 7 - 8. The shutdown will be for six working days.
Two Subaru manufacturing plants will be affected by the closure; the main automobile plant in Gunma and Yakima plant. The engine and transmission plant in Oizumi will also be idle for six days.
photo credit: Competition Subaru
What does it mean for customers?
The six-day loss of production will further slow the number of new cars available for U.S. customers. Subaru manufactures the refreshed 2022 Forester compact SUV and 2022 Crosstrek subcompact SUV at its Yakima plant. It makes the 2022 Subaru WRX and WRX STI performance sedans and 2022 Subaru BRZ sports coupe at its main plant in Gunma, Japan.
Subaru's last plant shutdown was September 7-10, 2021. Subaru also had a one-day plant shutdown on July 16, 2021, due to more shortages of semiconductor microchips. Torque News reported in April 2021, the Subaru Yajima Plant in Gunma, Japan, suspended production April 10–27, 2021.
Subaru now has the tightest inventory of any automaker at four days. The four-day supply includes vehicles in transit from Japan. The number one selling 2022 Forester and number three 2022 Crosstrek are hard to find now and will be affected most by the new shutdown.
Will Outback, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy be affected?
The plant in Lafayette, Indiana, where Subaru manufactures the 2022 Outback, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy, will stay open, but the four models could also be affected by the Japan announcement. The Outback, Impreza, and Legacy have 40 percent of their parts shipped from Japan. The Ascent 3-Row family hauler has 30 percent of its parts from Japan.
Customers looking for 2022 model year Forester, Crosstrek, WRX, WRX STI, or BRZ will be harder to find this winter. If customers have recently ordered a 2022 Subaru Forester or 2022 Subaru Crosstrek from a U.S. retailer, delays will be likely. Stay tuned to Subaru Report for the latest new model news.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru
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Actually I just wanted to
Actually I just wanted to make a correction to this sentence “ Customers looking for 2022 model year Forester, Crosstrek, WRX, WRX STI, or BRZ will be harder to find this winter.”
Subaru is not manufacturing a WRX STI for the 2022 model year at all. They reimagined the WRX for 2022 whole new body style and much more sedan like but they are not making an STI. Rumor says it will be back in the line up In 2023
What does this mean if your
What does this mean if your car is already built (VIN and complete) waiting to be shipped?
If your VIN has been issued,
If your VIN has been issued, your dealer will also have an ETA date.
Don't be surprised by transit delays, however. Every step in transit is a potential chokepoint, mostly from worker shortages (port workers if applicable, truck drivers.)
It seems to go in waves from right on time to delays anywhere from a week to a month.
So no worries about whether your vehicle is coming, but it *might* take a bit loger than expected. Congrats in advance :)
Buyers beware! My Subaru
Buyers beware! My Subaru Forrester is the worst car I’ve ever owned in my life. I have 43,000 miles on it and this is the second time the bushings iand control arm or shot and need 100% replaced. The first time the first dealership where I got the car Troy to tell me I hit something hard so I would have to pay for it when it’s happened at 10,000 miles. I retained a racecar driver and got proof that it was not me. Open the case with Subaru of America in New Jersey and they are terrible to work with. Subaru parts are hard to get. If the dealership in your area is dishonest you have to drive really far for another Subaru dealer.
I would try a Honda CRV or a Jeep Cherokee or something or it’s a lot easier to get parts and worked on.
Subaru sucks. The management
Subaru sucks. The management at there Indiana plant is terrible. I know because I’m a manager. J. McTaggert is a stupid dumb ass. He just goes around cursing at everyone all day.
did the earthquake this week
did the earthquake this week (march 13 to march 16 2022 affect the subaru factory @ Yakima Japan...? i'm waiting since order# placed jan 22nd 2022. Forester base model..thanks, Jim.