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Loose Wheel Arch Forces Recall for Certain Audi SUVs

October 23, 2019 Sean Reyes Audi Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 23, 2019 – Volkswagen Group of North America has announced it’s recalling nearly 174,300 Audi SQ5 and Q5 sport utility vehicles due to an improperly installed wheel arch cover that may loosen during the course of driving.

Should it detach, it may result in an accident for the owner or another motorist. All the vehicles have model years between 2018 and 2020.

Operators are encouraged to remove their SUVs from the road and heed this Audi SQ5 and Q5 recall by bringing their vehicles to an authorized VW or Audi dealership. Should it be deemed necessary, the faulty clips securing the rear wheel arch trim will be swapped out for fully operating ones.

The defect

In filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volkswagen stated that it seeks to recall 174,278 Audi SQ5 and Q5 SUVs from the marketplace over an apparent manufacturing flaw affecting the rear wheel arch cover, which may have not been appropriately affixed to the wheel during the course of assembly.

The part’s disconnection from the car could present a road hazard that may result in a crash and the potential for injury.

Timeline of events

Typically, when the details of recalls are made publicly available by NHTSA, the agency provides written details that document how the recall came about, what the results were when officials investigated the nature of these issues and when they occurred.

However, these specifics were not published before the notice went to press.

This isn’t the first recall for Audi or VW in 2019. In August, VW informed NHTSA that it was recalling approximately 7,000 Audi E-Tron’s – an all-electric vehicle – worldwide due to fears that its onboard battery may start a fire. This recall was not just in the U.S., but worldwide as well.

Prior to that, VW also recalled an estimated 138,000 Audi vehicles – specifically A3 E-Tron, A3 Cabriolet, S3, and R3 – because of an onboard computer issue that prevented the system from recognizing the installed air bags.

Motorists affected by these recalls should have already received notifications either from VW, NHTSA or both via first-class mail.

The solution

As for the Audi SQ5 and Q5 recall – which is the automaker’s best-selling model – VW believes it has the remedy that will fix the rear wheel arch cover so it stays put.

As such, drivers who received notifications – which are due to be sent out by Nov. 1 – should take their SUVs off the road so that they can bring them to their local VW or Audi dealership.

A mechanic will inspect the automobile to see if a fix is necessary. Should it be, the clips securing the front portion of the rear wheel arch trim will be replaced so the hold is snug.

For more information on the Audi SQ5 and Q5 recall, please visit MotorSafety.org. You can also use our website to see if there are any existing recalls from this automaker or others so you can take the appropriate measures that ensure your car is always safe to drive.

BMW Launches Massive Recall Due to Backup Camera Glitch

October 23, 2019 Sean Reyes BMW Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – October 23, 2019 – BMW of North America is poised to recall an extraordinarily large number of models due to a backup camera system snafu that may prevent motorists from seeing what’s behind them while shifting into reverse.

Affecting potentially 257,500 vehicles, a handful of the models that may contain this camera glitch include:

2018 – 2020 540d
2018 – 2020 640i xDrive Gran Turismo
2018 – 2020 Rolls Royce Phantom
2018 – 2020 530 ixDrive
2018 – 2020 540i xDrive
2018 -2020 X3 sDrive
2018 -2020 X3
2018 – 2020 M40i,
2018 – 2020 X3 M and Z4 sDrive models

Motorists affected by this BMW recall are urged to bring their vehicle to a local BMW dealer so the system can be updated with the appropriate software. There will be no charge for the repair if one is required.

The defect

As documented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW intends to recall an estimated 257,481 2018 – 2020 model year vehicles because the backup camera can be manipulated in such a way that prevents the display from appearing on the driver’s screen.

In addition to the 2020 Toyota Supra and 2018 – 2019 Rolls Royce Cullinan and Phantom, over 20 BMW models may have faulty backup cameras in place. These included but aren’t limited to the following:

330i
530e
530i
540d
540i
640i
740 Le
740Li
745 i3
750Li
840i
M340i
M5
M550i
M850i

Multiple X models, as well as the Z4, are also a part of the recalled BMW model population.

Timeline of events

In mid May, NHTSA’s Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance reached out to BMW in order to obtain details on the performance of the automaker’s X4, specifically in terms of how the rear view camera system was functioning from an overall performance standpoint.

Roughly three weeks later, BMW provided the OVSC with an exhaustive report of the backup camera unit, which led to a meeting regarding compliance rule FMVSS 111.

The minutes from this confab revealed that the units may be out of compliance, specifically Section 5.5.6 of FMVSS 111, which pertains to rear visibility.

In 2014, NHTSA mandated that all 2018 models have backup cameras as standard inclusions to guard against the potential for serious injury, particularly to young children who may be out of motorists’ view when putting their cars in reverse.

Concerned that other backup cameras may be out of compliance aside from certain X models, BMW decided to launch a voluntary recall on additional models for which there was sufficient evidence to suggest they may be compromised.

It’s possible that all of the 257,481 automobiles involved may contain this flaw.

Some of the models affected by this BMW backup camera recall also have other separate safety recalls in effect. For example, a small portion of M340i models may have rear headrests that could fold down improperly during operation.

Additionally, M40i vehicles are subject to a voluntary recall over a seat defect that appears to emanate from a welding issue.

The solution

The fix appears to be as simple as updating the software that’s used to make the backup camera functional. Motorists thusly advised by first-class mail are encouraged to bring their car to a dealer so these units can be fully inspected.

The software refresh will come at no cost. Operators can expect to receive a notification in late November or December, as the automaker intends to distribute the notices starting November 19.

For more information on the BMW backup camera recall or others announced by different manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org. Be sure to have your VIN information available, which you can use to see if your car is subject to an existing recall.

BMW sedans, convertibles recalled over deadly Takata airbags

October 22, 2019 Sean Reyes BMW Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – October 22, 2019 – BMW is pulling over 3,900 models from the marketplace due to the possibility that installed air bags are compromised. In the event of an accident that the air bags to deploy, sharp metal fragments could break through them, potentially leading to a severe injury.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

2000 – 2002 325i
2000 – 2002 325xi
2000 – 2002 323Ci
2000 – 2002 325Ci
2000 – 2002 330Ci

The defect

The cause of this issue is believed to be the propellant used in the release of the air bags. The propellant has the potential to break down over time due to exposure to high levels of humidity and temperature cycling.

Timeline of events

The 2000 – 2002 BMW air bag recall is one of several that have affected the auto industry tracing back several years.

The Office of Defects Investigation arm of the NHTSA opened a sweeping inquiry into this issue back in June 2014 after learning of six separate incidents where air bags ruptured, which involved five vehicle manufacturers.

The ODI determined that the common link between them all was the manufacturer of the air bags – Takata – and the locations of where these air bags were installed. All six took place in either Florida or Puerto Rico.

These events led to a much wider investigation of Takata air bags and their potential to cause serious injury to motorists.

All told, at least 37 million automobiles had been equipped with 50 million defective air bags manufactured by Takata, according to the most recent statistics available from the NHTSA. Repair rates among automakers with Takata air bags installed rose 30% in 2018 compared to the previous year.

“Communicating the urgency for recall repairs with the help of stakeholders and DMVs is proving effective to protecting lives on our nation’s roadways,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King said at the time.

This isn’t the first time this year that BMW has been affected by an air bag safety issue. In June, the luxury automaker announced it was recalling approximately 2,000 SUVs whose air bags were installed improperly.

Prior to that, around 1,700 2-Series, 3-Series and 4-Series models were also recalled because of compromised passenger knee air bags.

The solution

As for the 2000 – 2002 BMW air bag issue, the luxury automaker is getting ready to start distributing mailers that will inform owners about this problem. BMW says it will begin sending the notifications out starting November 25.

Recipients of the safety notices are urged to bring their vehicle to a local dealer. If appropriate, a replacement air bag will be installed free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 3,900 airbags were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – 1,425 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 8, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have added the last section to allow the driver to check if his or her car is part of the recall and include the most up-to-date information on the recall’s completion rates. The article has also been updated to reflect the latest editorial standards.

Software Malfunction Leads to Lamborghini Recall

October 21, 2019 Sean Reyes Lamborghini Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 17, 2019 – Earlier this month, Lamborghini announced the recall of certain 2017-19 Aventador S Coupè and Aventador S Roadster vehicles. The reason for the action involves the engine management software used for both vehicles, which, due to a defect, may cause the engine to stall while coasting toward a stop.

While the recall involves a relatively small number of vehicles (approximately 441), it is nonetheless a vital one: According to the manufacturer, no warning is likely to precede the stall on the affected automobiles. Additionally, all of the vehicles included in the recall are expected to contain the defect, without exception.

The Defect

As a result of the flaw, the engine might unexpectedly turn off under very specific conditions. The safety recall report issued by Lamborghini describes those conditions exactly: “The affected vehicles might, under certain driving conditions (accelerator pedal released in the idle approach to a stop) present an engine stall event without warning,” the document explained. “The engine can switch off approaching a stop at idle, increasing the risk of an accident.”

Lamborghini’s documents also note that the defect occurs because the engine management software “doesn’t assure the idle minimum revs in order to maintain the engine running.” The remedy for the defect will involve dealers installing new engine management software that can maintain the proper level of minimum revs while the vehicle is idle.

Timeline of Events

First knowledge of the defect came by way of field reports describing cases of alleged engine stalls involving the related vehicles, which reached Lamborghini sometime during May 2019. Following additional complaints received shortly thereafter, an investigation was launched.

“Results from the investigation revealed a risk of vehicle stalling,” stated the manufacturer’s chronology report. “On Sept. 25, 2019, the matter was presented at the Product Safety Committee, [at which point the] decision to conduct a safety recall was made.”

The specific vehicles containing the defect have been identified using vehicle identification numbers. They were all manufactured between December 2016 and June 2019.

The Solution

Owners of the vehicles included in the field action should be notified via mail by the end of 2019. They will be instructed to arrange an appointment with an authorized Lamborghini dealer to have the updated engine software – which is free of the defect that necessitated this recall – installed on their automobiles.

Those with further questions can read Lamborghini’s “frequently asked questions” document for the recall or contact the manufacturer’s customer service line at (866) 681-6276. And for more information on other recent vehicle recalls, visit MotorSafety.org.

Recall Announced on Certain 2020 Ford Explorer Vehicles

October 16, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 10, 2019 – The Ford Motor Company announced a recall on 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines due to improperly secured wiring harnesses. According to the manufacturer, this defect could lead to a damaged wiring harness or a damaged air-conditioning belt drive, creating the possibility of “a short circuit and potential fire”.

The Defect

According to documents filed by Ford with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defect was caused by improperly secured wiring harnesses that were used in production between May 28 and July 19, 2019.

“The wiring harness is not secured and may contact the air conditioning pulley, resulting in a damaged wiring harness or damaged A/C drive belt,” read the safety recall report. “If the wiring harness is not secured properly, the harness may inadvertently contact the air conditioning pulley. Over time, contact with the A/C pulley may rub through the wire harness insulation creating the potential for contact with the unused B+ circuit [and] resulting in a short circuit and potential fire.”

Ford has announced that 10,655 vehicles are involved in the recall, all of which are believed to contain the defect.

Timeline of Events

The first notice of the potential problem came in early July 2019, when a vehicle quality inspection at a Ford facility revealed two vehicles with a loose wiring harness. Ford stopped shipping of any vehicle models potentially including the same defect, and began inspecting vehicles at numerous other facilities in search of the root cause.

In August, Ford identified reports of loose wiring harnesses in vehicles already sold, “with customers reporting the wrench light and traction control lights were illuminated in the instrument panel.” On Sept. 23, the manufacturer’s field review committee reviewed the subject and approved the field action, made official in a letter to the NHTSA dated Oct. 4, 2019.

The Solution

Owners of vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by mail in late October 2019, with messages instructing them to bring their vehicle to an authorized dealership to have the defect repaired. Dealers will complete such repairs in-house at no cost, by installing a tie strap to the wiring harness. Those with further questions may contact Ford’s customer service line at (866) 436-7332, or the NHTSA line at (888) 327-4236.

For more information on vehicle recalls announced by Ford or other major automobile manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

Subaru Recalls Forester Vehicles Due to Air Bag Risk

October 16, 2019 Sean Reyes Subaru Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 14, 2019 – Subaru of America has announced the recall of more than 366,000 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats, due to a defect that could potentially deactivate the front passenger air bag.

An indicator acknowledging the loss of the air bag’s function will illuminate if deactivation occurs, so hopefully drivers will be fully aware if their vehicle is affected. However, the problem still brings with it an increased possibility of injury for the individual in the passenger seat, thus necessitating the field action.

The Defect

Documents describing the defect note that it applies to certain 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles, and is caused by electrical issues.

“Over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between terminals in the occupant detection system (ODS) sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible,” Subaru’s safety recall report describing the defect pointed out. “If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of a front right seat occupant.”

Because the sensor cannot ascertain whether or not the front right seat is occupied, it may fail to activate the air bag.

Timeline of Events

Subaru’s own chronology report regarding the defect goes back more than three years, as the issue first surfaced in April 2016. At that time, the manufacturer received its first field report related to the ODS sensor issue, which described the condition as it affected a 2016 Forester vehicle. Further reports of the same issue continued to find their way to the automaker throughout much of 2017, although no root cause could be determined by either Subaru or its supplier.

By September 2018, it had ultimately been determined that “other factors could cause connection instability, such as harness connectors and/or harness routing,” which led to a crucial update of the manufacturing process. Roughly one year later, Subaru finally concluded that the root cause of the failure was the unstable electrical connection described above.

The manufacturer was able to decide the scope of the recall by comparing vehicle production information, results of their own investigation, and field reports describing specific vehicles that contained the defect. Of the 366,282 vehicles currently reported to be included within the recall, Subaru estimates that roughly 10% of them contain the defect.

The Solution

“Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge,” stated an official letter that Subaru filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Dealers have already been notified of the field action, and owners of vehicles affected by the recall will themselves be fully informed by the end of November. However, the parts being used for the repair are not currently available, so owners will be contacted once again, at a later date, when they can actually bring their vehicle in for the remedy to be implemented at no cost.

For information on other vehicle recalls involving Subaru and other major automobile manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

Ford Announces the Recall of Some F-250 and F-350 Vehicles

October 9, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 7, 2019 – The Ford Motor Company has announced the recall of certain 2019 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with electronically locking rear differentials, resulting from issues that involve the passenger-side rear axle shaft. The manufacture has reported that roughly 28,600 vehicles will be affected by the recall, with estimates suggesting that more than 15 percent of those vehicles contain the defect.

The Defect

According to Ford’s description of the defect in the recall report it filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the passenger-side axle shaft of the electronically locking rear axle assembly may have been manufactured using steel that did not meet Ford’s precise specifications. Because of the incorrect material employed in this particular manufacturing run, the automaker believes that the affected passenger-side rear axle shafts involved in the recall may fracture much earlier than expected.

Damage to the rear axle shaft could result in the loss of motive power to the vehicle. It could also prevent the vehicle from remaining in place while in the park function. Both possibilities significantly increase the possibility of crash, injury or unintended damage to the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

As detailed by the information included in the safety recall report sent to the NHTSA, the defect first came to light in August 2019, when a supplier notified Ford of a vehicle that had experienced an unusual passenger-side axle shaft failure during production testing. Further investigation revealed that part to have been produced with incorrect materials.

“Upon investigation, the supplier determined that a certain batch of axles produced with an incorrect steel type were inadvertently mixed with the correct F-Super Duty axle shafts,” the automaker explained in its report. “Axles produced with the [incorrect] material do not meet Ford’s torsional strength and hardness specifications.”

The recall action was officially approved by Ford’s Field Review Committee on Sept. 23, 2019.

The Solution

The documents filed by Ford with the NHTSA stated that Ford will begin notifying owners of the potentially affected in early October and encourage them to bring their vehicles in for an examination by their dealerships. Professionals will inspect the passenger-side rear axle shaft, replacing the part whenever necessary at no cost to vehicle owners. The recall is expected to formally begin Oct. 21, 2019.

Those with further questions about the F-250 and F-350 recalls may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. The identification number for this field action is 19S31. For other issues or to seek more information, vehicle owners may also contact the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.

For additional news on Ford recalls, and other reports from the automotive industry, be sure to regularly visit MotorSafety.org.

Chrysler Recalls Jeep Wrangler Vehicles with Right Hand Side Drive

October 9, 2019 Sean Reyes Jeep Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 3, 2019 – Chrysler has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a recall pertaining to certain Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles produced between late 2010 and early 2018. The reason for the recall is a defect involving the driver’s seat belt buckle mounting strap.

The manufacturer sells a small number of right-hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles to American consumers – in addition to the left hand drive-style vehicles that are standard in the U.S. – for very particular reasons, at least in theory: They are made specifically for rural mail carriers, who benefit from the unusual design in a number of ways.

“Right-hand drive Wranglers are intended for rural mail deliverers who need to deal with both intense climates (hence the Wrangler) and mailboxes mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle (hence right hand drive)”, stated a report published by AutoTrader three years ago. “These postal workers don’t drive to one spot in the neighborhood and walk around to all the houses, since each one of their deliveries can sometimes be several miles apart, so they deliver mail directly from their vehicles.”

While the vehicles are made specifically for these mail carriers, there are no restrictions on who is able to purchase them, so the vehicle is available for sale to the general public as well.

The Defect

According to the safety recall report filed by Chrysler, the defect essentially creates the possibility that over time the seat belt system may become inoperative.

stated a report published by AutoTrader three years ago explained that if the seat belt buckle is “fatigue-loaded” – subjected to excessive stress over time – its mounting strap can fracture and separate from the seat cushion’s frame.

The manufacturer estimates that roughly 11,463 vehicles could potentially be involved in the recall, although it also estimates that only 1% of those vehicles contain the defect. Information on the cause of the flaw has not been included in any of the documents currently available.

Timeline of Events

The first notice of the possible defect came out March 20, 2019, when the NHTSA provided Chrysler with a vehicle owner questionnaire that described a driver’s seat belt buckle strap separation on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicle.

Chrysler then conducted a number of tests on the failed buckle strap, and identified a “fatigue failure near the buckle strap mounting hole” as the reason for the problem. Additional, similar reports involving 2016 vehicles then followed, leading Chrysler to continue the investigation.

Chrysler examined field data including customer complaints, vehicle owner questionnaires and warranty claims between July 24 and Aug. 8 and conducted engineering evaluations. These efforts led the automaker to conclude that only 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler RHD vehicles built for rural mail carriers and sold in the U.S. market were affected.

On Sept. 19, 2019, following the identification of a number of additional warranty claims and other reports pertaining to the same defect, Chrysler decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

The Solution

The recall is still in its early stages, so Chrysler is not planning to notify dealers or vehicle owners until Nov. 15, 2019. At that point, those who own the affected vehicles will bring them into an authorized dealership, where the seat belt buckle assembly will be repaired or replaced as is necessary at no cost.

For information on additional Chrysler recalls, visit MotorSafety.org.

Three Hybrid Vehicles Listed in Recent BMW Recall

September 30, 2019 Sean Reyes BMW Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – September 29, 2019 – Field incidents demonstrating the failure of a specific part on three different BMW hybrid electric vehicles has led to a small but very significant recall from the manufacturer.

As part of the action, BMW has recalled 139 vehicles due to potentially faulty Electric Motor Electronics (EME) modules, across three different models.

BMW estimates that roughly 10 percent of those 139 vehicles contain the defect, which has the potential to cause a complete shut-down of high-voltage electric power – increasing the risk of a crash should the error occur while the vehicle is in motion.

Owners of the vehicles containing the defect should be notified within the coming weeks, with repairs conducted by dealers afterward.

The defect

The exact part causing the defect on the vehicles is the EME’s printed circuit board (PCB), which BMW reported was not produced to proper specifications.

According to paperwork the manufacturer filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “this [defect] could lead to an increase in transition resistance at certain PCB contact points and cause a loss of electrical contact.”

Following this loss of electrical contact, the EME module would shut down high-voltage electrical power on the vehicle, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash.

The vehicles involved in the recall are the:

2019 BMW i3 BEV
2019 BMW i3 REx
2019 BMW i8

While there is unfortunately no “warning” or other indication presaging the errors caused by the defect, BMW did report that in the event of a shut down of high-voltage electrical power, the affected vehicle would still retain power steering and braking via its 12-volt power.

Timeline of events

According to the safety recall report that BMW filed with the NHTSA, the manufacturer first became aware of the possibility for the defect via field incident reports from non-U.S. markets involving high-voltage electrical power loss on the i3 and i8 vehicles.

“Further reviews were conducted, which also involved the EME supplier and sub-supplier,” the safety recall report stated.

“The Tier-1 supplier informed BMW that certain EME modules may not have produced to specifications. The supplier indicated that the EME’s PCB may not have been produced to specifications on a specific assembly line by the Tier-2 supplier.”

By reviewing production records held by the “Tier-2 supplier”, BMW identified the production dates of the PCBs which potentially contained the defect.

Following that, other records were cross-referenced in order to determine the exact vehicles which contain those PCBs (and potentially, the defect along with them).

BMW decided to conduct the recall on August 7, 2019.

The solution

BMW has indicated that owners of the vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by first class mail no later than October 7, 2019. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicle to an authorized BMW center to have the EME replaced free.

For more information on other recalls involving BMW and additional major auto manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

2020 Legacy and Outback Vehicles Recalled For Brake Pedal Mounting Bracket

September 29, 2019 Sean Reyes Subaru Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Sep. 29, 2019 – Subaru of America has announced the recall of certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles in order to inspect and potentially repair the brake pedal mounting bracket.

The brake pedal mounting bracket in the affected vehicles, most of which were produced in August 2019, may not contain all the bolts required to function properly, or may feature a bolt that was insufficiently tightened. As a result, the mounting area for the brake pedal may deform, which could reduce braking performance and thus increase the risk of a crash.

The Defect

In the Legacy and Outback vehicles involved in the recall, the brake pedal mounting bracket may include an insufficiently tightened or outright missing bolt.

“Over time, if a brake pedal mounting bracket has an insufficiently tightened or missing bolt/nit, the brake pedal mounting area may deform,” stated the safety recall report that Subaru filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make a formal note of the issue. “Deformation of the brake pedal mounting area could reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of the crash.”

The recall population includes 2,862 Outback vehicles, and 605 Legacy vehicles, according to the same report. Subaru estimates that one percent of those vehicles contain the defect.

Timeline of Events

According to the chronology included in Subaru’s safety recall report, knowledge of the potential for the defect came to light on Aug. 29, 2019, when an associate discovered an insufficiently tightened bolt on a vehicle in the midst of assembly.

“Upon closer review, it was observed that certain hardware located on the brake pedal mounting bracket may have been insufficiently tightened or missing,” according to the report.

An investigation was opened shortly thereafter, and the condition was quickly traced to a defective bolt feeder, which was removed from the assembly line on Sept. 4. Further investigation allowed Subaru to determine that the flagged hardware may have serviced a number of vehicles that were produced between July 30 and Aug. 29.

Subaru decided to conduct the recall on September 11, and informed dealers on September 18.

The Solution

Dealers have been informed of the defect and a stop order has been placed on all vehicles potentially containing it that have not yet sold. All of those vehicles will be inspected – and repaired if necessary – before being made available for sale once again.

Owners of vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by Subaru no later than Oct. 1, according to the report filed by the automaker with the NHTSA. These customers will be instructed to bring their vehicle to an authorized dealer, who will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware, and then replace the hardware of the brake pedal assembly if necessary.

If you own one of the listed vehicles and have further questions, you may contact Subaru’s customer service line at (844) 373-6614. For information on additional Subaru recalls and other news from the automotive industry, visit MotorSafety.org.

The defect

Timeline of events

The solution

The defect

Timeline of events

The solution

The defect

Timeline of events

The solution

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The defect

Timeline of events

The solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

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