The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V078000·Announced 2013-03-05

Subaru Recalls 2012 Legacy and Outback for Wiper Motor Fire Risk

Subaru is recalling 2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles because wiper motor components may overheat, melt, and catch fire. Owners should contact a dealer for a free repair.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a potential fire hazard in a vehicle, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural/functional defects posing serious risk, warranting a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured between April 6, 2011, and May 12, 2011. This recall, identified as NHTSA campaign 13V078000, is an expansion of a previous recall (11V-469) and is designated as Subaru campaign WVV-32.

The defect involves components inside the wiper motor bottom cover that may overheat. If this overheating occurs, the wiper motor bottom cover may melt and potentially catch fire. No specific number of affected vehicles is provided in the source text, though the recall covers the specified model years and manufacturing dates.

Subaru has notified all affected owners. Dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly free of charge. The safety recall began on February 22, 2013. Owners can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
SUBARU LEGACY, OUTBACK
Brand
SUBARU
Manufacturer
Subaru of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Wiper System
Hazard
Affected units
16

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 (2)

  • LEGACY
  • OUTBACK

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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