The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·12V602000·Announced 2012-12-26

Subaru Recalls Vehicles for Puddle Light Fire Risk

Subaru is recalling certain 2006-2012 vehicles because accessory puddle lights may short-circuit and cause a fire.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect may result in smoke or fire, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural/functional defects leading to severe consequences.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may be affected.

The recall addresses accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors. A short circuit can develop if the puddle light or connector is exposed to an electrolytic moisture source, such as road spray containing road salt. Over time, moisture migration into the circuit board or connector cavity may result in a short circuit that generates heat, potentially melting plastic and causing smoke or fire.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU FORESTER, TRIBECA, OUTBACK, LEGACY
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Category
Vehicle — Lighting
Hazard
Affected units
633,842

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (5)

  • FORESTER
  • TRIBECA
  • OUTBACK
  • LEGACY
  • B9 TRIBECA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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