Cherry Hill, N.J. – Nov. 30, 2017 – Subaru of America has recalled more than 2,300 vehicles potentially equipped with defective floor mat brackets, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Subaru Crosstrek sport utility vehicles produced between May 16, 2017 and Sept. 7, 2017. The automaker estimates that all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.
The Defect
The affected models feature defective driver-side floor mat retention brackets that do not sufficiently secure floor mats. As a result, these fixtures can move out of position during vehicle operation and interfere with pedal usage, posing a serious threat to drivers. However, Subaru has yet to receive any reports linking the defective components to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
On Oct. 17, 2017, the automaker received a field report detailing an instance in which the driver-side floor mat in a 2018 Crosstrek slipped out of position. Over the next 12 days, Subaru engineers conducted an internal investigation, eventually determining that the floor mat retention brackets installed in the vehicle were defective. On Oct. 31, quality assurance and safety officials for the company decided that the features posed a serious hazard to owner and chose to launch a voluntary safety recall.
Subaru notified dealers of the impending recall Nov. 1.
The Solution
The car manufacturer has directed dealers to inspect the floor mat retention brackets in affected and replace them, free of charge, if necessary, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Subaru began contacting owners Nov. 14. Those who need additional assistance can contact Subaru customer service at (800) 782-2783. Callers should use the internal recall reference code WTR-77. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
