Recalls: Subaru recalls 660,238 models in 20 states over corroding brake lines

July 7, 2014July 4, 2014 Chris Chin 2014, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, Recalls, Subaru Impreza, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru WRX, Subaru WRX STI

Subaru is recalling a total of 660,238 models in a total of 20 US states that use salt on their roads as a deicing method.

According to the recall, salty water will splash on the rear brake lines, which could cause them to corrode and eventually fail, leading to an obvious brake and safety issue.

The models recalled are in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

The list of affected cars goes like this:

2005-2009 Subaru Outback and Legacy
2008-2011 Subaru Impreza
2008-2014 Subaru WRX and WRX STI
2009-2013 Subaru Forester

Subaru will notify owners of affected cars and will check all of them for possible leaks. If corrosion hasn’t occurred, they will wax the area with a specific anti-corrosion material. Should there be lines that have already been corroded, they will replaced at no extra cost.

For full details, check out the press release after the jump.

RECALL Subject : Brake Lines may Fail due to Corrosion
Report Receipt Date: JUN 10, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 660,238
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
SUBARU FORESTER 2009-2013
SUBARU IMPREZA 2008-2014
SUBARU LEGACY 2005-2009
SUBARU OUTBACK 2005-2009
Details
Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

CONSEQUENCE:
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.