A Subaru recall has been issued for 5,400 Subaru Legacy and Outback models in the United States for a defect that may cause steering control loss. The affected 2013 model-year vehicles were assembled between February 15 and June 15 of 2012.
The steering shaft of the 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles are made up an inner and outer assembly. According to the NHTSA, the components may be prone to disengaging from one another, causing an abrupt loss of steering control. It goes without saying that the consequences of steering loss is extremely dangerous, even deadly. Subaru notes that tehre are no reports of accidents caused by loss of steering control.
Subaru's Indiana factory managed to discover the defect and bring it to the company's attention. What's more, a later complaint from a customer was also reported. Subaru dealerships are expected to begin notifying affected owners within 30 days.
To learn more about the recall, be sure to read the official Recall announcement below:
Show full PR text Report Receipt Date: MAY 13, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V194000
Component(s): STEERING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5,379
All Products Associated with this Recall
SUBARU - LEGACY - 2013
SUBARU - OUTBACK - 2013
Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
SUMMARY
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.
CONSEQUENCE
If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or before, May 15, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.
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.
