Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 12, 2019 – Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The issue involves the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve; the valve is at risk of separating, which causes motor oil and parts of the valve itself to flood the engine, resulting in a loss of power for the vehicle, which can occur while driving.
The potential number of units affected is estimated at 51,613.
The Defect
Subaru believes that certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester and Ascent vehicles possess this defect with the Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. Due to a manufacturing error, these PCV valves are defective. While the vehicle is being operated, the PCV valve can separate, allowing motor oil into the combustion chamber that can prevent the engine from functioning. In addition, pieces of the PCV valve can make their way into the combustion chamber as well, damaging engine components and preventing the proper filtering of gases from the crankcase.
Timeline of Events
On December 2, 2019, Subaru of America discovered a defect in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve on the aforementioned vehicles. Later, on December 11, they released a recall notice notifying owners of the issue. Vehicles likely to be affected by this defect were identified by manufacturing and production records. Retailers have been sent notifications to identify and stop the sale of possibly affected vehicles in their inventory until a remedy becomes available. Official instructions state that the recall is expected to begin January 24, 2020, with instructions on the repair and remedy process having already been sent to retailers.
The Solution
Plans for the removal process of the defective PCV valves have not been finalized for consumers. Subaru recommends that owners do not operate their vehicles. Owners will be notified when repair and removal services become available for this specific issue. Dealers will review and train in the provided remedy procedures, and inspect any vehicles brought in under suspicion of possessing the defective valves. If a Subaru vehicle is found to possess this defect, it will be repaired. When the recall starts for already sold vehicles, vehicle owners will receive these repairs free of charge. Replacement and repair of these devices should only be undertaken by professional repairmen.
For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.
