Subaru recalls Crosstrek Hybrid over loss of power, crash risk

Camden, NJ – March 19, 2023 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) has issued a recall for 8,413 2019–2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SUVs that may stall while driving due to an issue with the cars’ 12-volt battery,  which supplies electricity for a host of cars’ functions. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary

Cars use onboard batteries to supply electricity for the vehicle’s various functions. Subaru’s hybrid powertrain includes a battery pack that powers the electric motor assisting the engine. This battery is charged by a harness terminal that delivers electricity from the onboard voltage converter. 

In the affected vehicles, due to faulty design, this terminal could corrode and eventually break. When this happens, the battery will no longer be charged.

Recall risks

If the battery cannot be recharged, the engine could lose the electric motor assist. This could lead to a stall, upping the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If the harness breaks, a corresponding light will illuminate on the dashboard.

Other Subaru recalls

In August 2022, Subaru recalled 59,934 2015–2021 WRX sedans over “inoperative” rear lights and reverse camera, which could increase the risk of a crash.  

In December 2022, Subaru issued a recall for 271,694 2019–2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs on account of overheating of the vehicles’ electrical components, leading to an increased risk of fire.        

There have been no other recent Subaru Crosstrek recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the defective terminal mounting bracket with a new one. If no corrosion is found on the terminals of an affected vehicle, a protective rubber cap will be installed. Corroded terminals will involve replacing the entire 12-volt wiring harness with a new one.   

All repairs will be free of charge and Subaru will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 14, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are affected by this Subaru battery harness recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Subaru recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls Crosstrek Hybrid over loss of power, crash risk

Subaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

Camden, NJ December 23, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling  271,694 of their 2019 – 2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs because their electrical components may overheat and melt. This may lead to a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of property damage, crash, and injury. 

The fire may occur even while the vehicle is turned off and parked. Owners are advised to park away from structures until the issue is addressed. The recall comes on the back of 11 fire-related complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with several heaters, including one inside the dashboard. The dashboard heater helps the engine warm up faster when it is cold out. Its grounding wire is bolted to the chassis with a screw. 

On affected SUVs, these screws might not have been tightened up sufficiently during assembly. This may generate excessive heat which may lead to the grounding wire’s terminal and surrounding components melting if the temperature is high enough. It may also lead to a fire.

The component causing this recall is the tapping screw, with part number 904580002

Recall risks

You can find out all about the risks caused by overheating electrics in this recent Hyundai recall

Warning signs 

The driver or passengers may notice a burning smell if the grounding wire starts to melt. In addition, there might be smoke coming from underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. 

Safety tips 

If you notice these warning signs, pull over at the first safe spot, turn off the ignition and leave the vehicle with all your passengers.

Keep in mind that your car may still catch fire even when it is not running. This is why you should park it away from structures and other vehicles until the repair is done. 

Other Subaru recalls

Apart from these Subaru electrical issues, the manufacturer recalled nearly 200,000 of their popular Impreza cars because of defective headlights in August 2022

Among previous Subaru Ascent recalls, the one caused by malfunctioning transmission, which took place in January 2022, is the latest

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by installing a new grounding-wire screw. In addition, as a precaution, they will inspect the grounding wire and replace it if needed. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 6, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru ground terminal recall affects almost a quarter of a million SUVs. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures