February 10, 2023, Camden, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) issued a “do not drive” safety recall 2023 Subaru Solterra due to service performed by a negligent third-party contractor. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners are advised NOT to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. The recall repair can be performed relatively quick as it only requires the replacement of original hub bolts, but repairs can only be performed by an official Subaru Dealer.
Vehicles without the original hub bolt concern and vehicles repaired at other facilities are not affected. The 2023 Subaru Solterra was previously subject to a recall requiring replacement of original hub bolts in 2021. In a press release, Subaru said
We have identified an issue with vehicles repaired at two port locations by one particular team of contractors.
The recall affects an estimated 1182 vehicles serviced at certain port locations operated by a third-party contractor. Subaru did not name the contractor in their statement, but said
The teams did not properly complete the repair procedure resulting in the potential for significantly under-torqued bolts.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the first vehicle of this year to be flagged as a “DO NOT DRIVE” recall, a special status the NHTSA uses to indicate the vehicle is to risky to drive. Less than half of 1% of all recalls since NHTSA’s inception in 2012 have ever been given this status.
“Do Not Drive” recalls are of increasing concern for government regulators of automotive industry. Over 35% of all “do not drive” recalls have been issued in the last 2 years alone, with 2022 and 2021 having an equal count of 17. Together they nearly double the previous 3 year total of 22. There are currently a total of 91 “do not drive” recalls in effect.
Subaru will be notifying affected owners by mail starting March 1, 2023. Subaru Dealers will inspect and tighten the hub bolts, if necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Subaru’s customer service at 844-373-6614 or visit www.subaru.com/recalls for more information regarding this recall campaign (WRE-23). Alternatively, call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline 888-327-4236, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET; Hearing Impaired (TTY): 800-424-9153.
TLDR;
• Subaru is recalling the 2023 Subaru Solterra EV due to a serious safety concern
• DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until inspected and/or repaired by a Subaru Dealer
• Contact Subaru’s customer service for more information at 1-844-373-6614
• NHTSA recall number (23V064) and Subaru recall (WRE-23)
