Considering how small of a company Subaru is, this is a massive recall. There is a possibility of corrosion on the brake lines of several Subaru products. Subaru says the recall is free and they will reimburse any owner of the listed vehicles who have already paid for the repair (on a case-by-case basis).
With this recall: If the brake lines show corrosion, Subaru will replace them and include an anti-corrosion wax. If they do not, Subaru will apply an anti-corrosive wax to the current brake line.
Here are the Subaru vehicles featured in this recall:
2009-13 Forester
2008-11 Impreza
2008-14 Impreza WRX
2008-14 Impreza WRX STI
2005-09 Legacy
2005-09 Outback
From the NHTSA and 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.”
If you live outside of the recall locations, it would be prudent for you to contact Subaru – just to be safe.
