Subaru Recalls Certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles

Subaru Recalls Certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles 

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes

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.

Sean ReyesSubaru Recalls Certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles 
Subaru recalls SUVs with defective driveshafts

Subaru recalls SUVs with defective driveshafts

July 26, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, Calif. — July 26, 2019 — Subaru of America has recalled dozens of sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective driveshafts, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2019 Subaru Ascent SUVs produced between June 8, 2019, and June 11, 2019. The Japanese automaker suspects that all of the vehicles involved in the recall contain these defective components.

The Defect

The affected vehicles could come equipped with driveshafts whose support bracing surfaces and bolts have been inadvertently painted and are therefore disconnection. Continuous vibration could shake these essential fixtures lose, leading to driveshaft separation and sudden loss of motive power. The defective parts pose a serious hazard to owners and occupants as a consequence. That said, Subaru has yet to receive any reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On June 12, 2019, quality assurance personnel inspecting recently assembled vehicles at the Subaru of America production plant in Lafayette, Indiana encountered a 2019 Subaru Ascent with an out-of-specification driveshaft torque brace bolt. The automaker connected with its driveshaft supplier, Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, based in Monroe, Georgia, and requested that it conduct an internal investigation to understand error. The supplier executed a review June 13, 2019, and found that some production teams were not masking driveshaft support mounting surfaces during the painting process. Subaru and Hitachi then used assembly records to assess the extent of the issue between June 14, 2019, and July 1, 2019.

The automaker reviewed all investigation findings and approved a voluntary recall July 2, 2019.

The Solution

Subaru has directed dealers to inspect the recalled vehicles and replace any defective driveshaft components, free of charge, per NHTSA documents. The vehicle manufacturer intends to contact owners via first-class mail July 26, 2019. Those who need additional assistance can connect with Subaru customer service staff by calling (844) 373-6614. Callers should use the recall identification code WUI-94. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesSubaru recalls SUVs with defective driveshafts
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories