Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
11V464000SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.from 09/05/2000 to 11/26/2007V (Vehicle)29512312/31/2011ODISUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.09/06/201109/08/2011
Defect SummarySubaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from september 5, 2000 through november 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. the front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
Consequence SummaryA broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective SummarySubaru will handle their vehicles and saab will handle theirs. dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
NotesThis is subaru's safety recall number wvx-34.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT
05350510/04/200510017969Countermeasure to eliminate front strut noise. *tt12/09/2005
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
03500212/23/200210000642New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings. *tt03/26/2003
SUSPENSION - REAR
0901200309/01/200310016483On the car rear wheel bearing replacement procedure. *sc09/13/2005

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SUSPENSION
PE11011SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.04/07/201109/23/2011Front suspension control arm failure11V464000
 On september 6, 2011, fuji heavy industries usa, inc, on behalf of subaru of america, inc notified the office of defects investigation (odi) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (my) 2002 through 2007 subaru impreza, my 2003 through 2008 subaru forester, and my 2005 through 2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the district of columbia (dc). for the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include 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 dc.odi's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. all of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to odi by subaru, odi identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. all of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE11011SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.04/07/2011FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM FAILURE
 The office of defects investigation has received seven complaints alleging failure of either the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.two of the complainants alleged the failure occurred at speeds of 50 mph or greater.additionally, two complainants also alleged a loss of vehicle control when the failure occurred.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect.
SUSPENSION - FRONT
PE11011SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.04/07/201109/23/2011Front suspension control arm failure11V464000
 On september 6, 2011, fuji heavy industries usa, inc, on behalf of subaru of america, inc notified the office of defects investigation (odi) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (my) 2002 through 2007 subaru impreza, my 2003 through 2008 subaru forester, and my 2005 through 2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the district of columbia (dc). for the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include 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 dc.odi's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. all of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to odi by subaru, odi identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. all of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE11011SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.04/07/2011FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM FAILURE
 The office of defects investigation has received seven complaints alleging failure of either the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.two of the complainants alleged the failure occurred at speeds of 50 mph or greater.additionally, two complainants also alleged a loss of vehicle control when the failure occurred.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM
PE11011SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.04/07/201109/23/2011Front suspension control arm failure11V464000
 On september 6, 2011, fuji heavy industries usa, inc, on behalf of subaru of america, inc notified the office of defects investigation (odi) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (my) 2002 through 2007 subaru impreza, my 2003 through 2008 subaru forester, and my 2005 through 2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the district of columbia (dc). for the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include 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 dc.odi's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. all of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to odi by subaru, odi identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. all of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE11011SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.04/07/2011FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM FAILURE
 The office of defects investigation has received seven complaints alleging failure of either the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.two of the complainants alleged the failure occurred at speeds of 50 mph or greater.additionally, two complainants also alleged a loss of vehicle control when the failure occurred.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
PE11011SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.04/07/201109/23/2011Front suspension control arm failure11V464000
 On september 6, 2011, fuji heavy industries usa, inc, on behalf of subaru of america, inc notified the office of defects investigation (odi) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (my) 2002 through 2007 subaru impreza, my 2003 through 2008 subaru forester, and my 2005 through 2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the district of columbia (dc). for the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include 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 dc.odi's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. all of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to odi by subaru, odi identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. all of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE11011SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.04/07/2011FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM FAILURE
 The office of defects investigation has received seven complaints alleging failure of either the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.two of the complainants alleged the failure occurred at speeds of 50 mph or greater.additionally, two complainants also alleged a loss of vehicle control when the failure occurred.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
11/04/2012159500
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repairs. the technician advised that the front lower control arm would not have to be replaced. instead, the technician added rust proof to the front lower control arm. approximately one month later while driving approximately 25 mph, the contact heard a banging and grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician advised that the front lower control arm separated and fractured the sway bar linkages. the wheel was pushed inward into the wheel well, causing body damage to the vehicle. the technician advised the contact the lower control arm, bushings and sway bar linkages would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 159,500. kmj
11/04/2012159500
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the vehicle was included in the recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. the technician stated the front lower control arm would not have to be replaced and rust proofed the front lower control arm. approximately one month after the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall the contact was driving approximately 25 mph when he heard a banging and grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician stated the front lower control separated and fractured the sway bar linkages. the wheel pushed inward into the wheel well causing body damage to the vehicle. the technician stated the lower control arm, bushings, and sway bar linkages would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 159,500. da
01/17/2012103000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). the contact stated that the dealer bolted the recalled component to the sub-frame, which was rusted. the contact was concerned that the vehicle could separate from the wheels due to the stress on the rusted component. the manufacturer was notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 103,000 and the current mileage was 104,000. kmj
01/17/2012103000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the contact repaired the vehicle via the nhtsa campaign id number: 11v464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) recall, but noticed that the dealer bolted the repaired piece onto a rusted sub-frame. the contact was concerned that the vehicle could separate from the wheels due to a rusted part. the manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repair to the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 103,000 and the current mileage was 104,000. nw
08/27/2011120723
 While pulling into my driveway at about 3-5 mph in august 2011, the right front lower control arm broke due to corrosion. when this happened it broke the sway bar links that connect to the control arm. the mechanic that specializes in subarus in my area found that the sub frame was also rotted out due to corrosion (the control arms bolt to the sub frame). he replaced the sub frame, both left & right lower control arms, and both left & right sway bar links in order to get back to a road safe vehicle. in november 2011 i was notified by subaru that there was a recall campaign wvx-34 , nhtsa recall no.11v-464 for the lower control arms. i submitted all necessary information under paragragh titled if you have previously paid for a repair and never heard from subaru (they said it may take up to 60 days). after 90+ days i emailed them only to find out on feb 21, 2012, i had the opportunity to review your claim and unfortunately, it appears that your request for reimbursement was denied based on the fact that the part that was replaced is not an affected component of this recall . i responded, please review the repair order again. both lower control arms were replaced ( the right actually broke and the left was rusted through) that is exactly what the recall is about. it was further found that the sub frame was also rotted through. the control arms bolt to the sub frame, so just replacing the control arms would not have made the vehicle road worthy. i received a check for $723 with no explanation what was being covered (it cost me $1449.36 for repairs). i called subaru and was told that covered both lower control arms and $100 towing. i again asked for the claim to be reviewed and they said they would now pay for the links but not the sub frame. you can't safely bolt new control arms to a rotten subframe. subaru needs to inspect and repair this also and pay!!!
12/28/2011197245
 Extreme corrosion of front sub-frame. fast onset. no sign of issue and then approx. less than 1 year later total penetrating corrosion was visible in an area of it. was noticed during completion of an existing safety recall due to excessive corrosion and failure of the lower control arms. can provide digital photos of the issue upon request.
07/15/201095000
 Rt control arm failed while my daughter was north bound on the west side highway in nyc. she was able to control car and exit highway. inspection by my machanic indicated the part had rusted away. i had him replaced both as i intended to trade it in and i didn't want to endanger anyone who might get the car. car was traded in for a new subaru in august 2010.
10/27/2011109000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance when the technician advised that the front lower control arm was corroded. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
10/27/201197000
 The front passenger side control arm broke due to rust damage. happened when backing out of the garage. vehicle cannot be steered. subaru has issued a recall for this exact issue for the same model year but has excluded my vin number.
10/27/2011109000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance when the technician advised that the front lower control arm was corroded. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 109,000. kmj
10/27/201197000
 The front passenger side control arm broke due to rust damage. happened when backing out of the garage. vehicle cannot be steered. subaru has issued a recall for this exact issue for the same model year but has excluded my vin number.
10/27/2011109000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. while at the dealer for routine maintenance the technician stated the front lower control arm was corroded. the contact stated there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 109,000. ds
10/27/201197000
 The front passenger side control arm broke due to rust damage. happened when backing out of the garage. vehicle cannot be steered. subaru has issued a recall for this exact issue for the same model year but has excluded my vin number.
10/01/2011100000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while driving at low speeds and reversing from the driveway, the front lower control arm had fractured. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that they were aware of the failure. the failure and current mileages were approximately 100,000.
08/28/201151764
 See previous complaint w/same vehicle----failure of right side lower control arm on 1-14-2011 at odo 49093. this current complaint is failure of left side lower control arm on 8-28-11. 2002 subaru impreza 2.5ts wagon with 51764 miles. always best of preventative maintenance. driving slowly on city street. clunking sound from left front, difficulty steering. recognized problem from previous failure of right side lower control arm. returned to my driveway (less than a mile) and called wrecker. repair cost: $458.95. contacted subaru customer/dealer services----no acknowledgement of responsibility for this or previous failure. out of warranty, you live in a snow/salt area, etc
10/01/2011100000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while driving at low speeds and reversing from the driveway, the front lower control arm had fractured. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that they were aware of the failure. the failure and current mileages were approximately 100,000. kmj
08/28/201151764
 See previous complaint w/same vehicle----failure of right side lower control arm on 1-14-2011 at odo 49093. this current complaint is failure of left side lower control arm on 8-28-11. 2002 subaru impreza 2.5ts wagon with 51764 miles. always best of preventative maintenance. driving slowly on city street. clunking sound from left front, difficulty steering. recognized problem from previous failure of right side lower control arm. returned to my driveway (less than a mile) and called wrecker. repair cost: $458.95. contacted subaru customer/dealer services----no acknowledgement of responsibility for this or previous failure. out of warranty, you live in a snow/salt area, etc
10/01/2011100000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while driving at low speeds and reversing from the driveway, the front lower control arm had fractured. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that they were aware of the failure. the failure and current mileages were approximately 100,000. kmj
08/28/201151764
 See previous complaint w/same vehicle----failure of right side lower control arm on 1-14-2011 at odo 49093. this current complaint is failure of left side lower control arm on 8-28-11. 2002 subaru impreza 2.5ts wagon with 51764 miles. always best of preventative maintenance. driving slowly on city street. clunking sound from left front, difficulty steering. recognized problem from previous failure of right side lower control arm. returned to my driveway (less than a mile) and called wrecker. repair cost: $458.95. contacted subaru customer/dealer services----no acknowledgement of responsibility for this or previous failure. out of warranty, you live in a snow/salt area, etc
10/01/2011100000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while driving at low speeds and reversing from the driveway, the front lower control arm had fractured. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that they were aware of the failure. the failure and current mileages were approximately 100,000. kmj
08/28/201151764
 See previous complaint w/same vehicle----failure of right side lower control arm on 1-14-2011 at odo 49093. this current complaint is failure of left side lower control arm on 8-28-11. 2002 subaru impreza 2.5ts wagon with 51764 miles. always best of preventative maintenance. driving slowly on city street. clunking sound from left front, difficulty steering. recognized problem from previous failure of right side lower control arm. returned to my driveway (less than a mile) and called wrecker. repair cost: $458.95. contacted subaru customer/dealer services----no acknowledgement of responsibility for this or previous failure. out of warranty, you live in a snow/salt area, etc
09/14/2011196950
 As i pulled into my driveway after work, everything seemed normal. the car had driven fine all the way home, including on the highway. a few hours later when i went out to the car to leave, is when i found the problem. as i began to back up the car began making a shuddering sound, and backed up crooked. it felt like something in the drivetrain was binding severely. i got out to check underneath with a flashlight, and i noticed the drivers side front lower control arm had separated into two pieces. this occurred where the front control arm bushing is attached to the rest of the control arm. comparing side to side, the front wheels are not even close to parallel now. luckily this did not result in an accident, as only a few miles prior i was cruising down the highway at 65 mph! i'm assuming the small bump at the end of my driveway is what finally caused the failure, but it just as easily could have been a bump or pothole on the highway.
08/24/200971000
 Contact owns a 2002 wrx imperza. current and failure mileage was 71,000. contact stated while backing out of the driveway the lower control arm broke in half due to rust. the manfacturer offered to pay for 50% of the repairs but the contact they should pay the total cost. contact feels this is a safety issue because the vehicle could have been driving on the highway while the lower control broke and caused a crash. jo
05/10/200211/01/2001
 Vehicle's abs controller went bad, abs was getting activated ever in a dry non slip condition, contacted dealer, and they replaced the abs controller. reported problem about engine vibration at idle speed, dealer refuses to accept it, compared with a new vehicle at dealer's stock and the vibration in my vehicle was distinguishable. still dealer refuses to accept it. contacted 1-800-subaru3 and they said that they woul dget in touch with the dealership and see whats going on.*ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT
04/18/2011145900
 The passenger side lower control arm broke while leaving the driveway. it was about midnight. attempts were made to drive the car. however once i checked the steering and noticed that the two front wheels were not tracking together, i left the car where it was since it was dark and i could not see what the issue was. next morning a tow truck was called and he showed me where the lower control arm had sheared off.at the lower section of the control arm. the rest of it was completely corroded. once the car was delivered to the repair garage, it was put on the hoist and the driver's side lower control arm was checked. using a hammer the mechanic was able to put a large hole in the control arm section above the base of the control arm. the control arm in profile section looks like a triangle. he put a hole in the upper front leg of the triangle. i have contacted transport canada as well to alert them of the issue and file a complaint. i have the old parts. i have installed two new control arms and the sway bar link kit for a total cost of $ 1,384 cdn. just last week the car had been on a road trip at night i was extremely fortunate that the lower control arm did not fail then. i am shocked that both arms were so badly corroded and one completely failed. the car was made in april 2001. i am also concerned because i own a 2005 subaru forester and i do not know if this may be a similar issue for the forester's lower control arms with respect to corrosion at the same place and whether this will happen to the forester in 3 years time.
07/26/2010125000
 In the day or two prior to the event, the car felt out of alignment. in order to get the car to drive straight i had to keep the wheel turned ~15%. when i was driving on the highway at ~65mph, i hit an undulation in the road. this must have put increased load on the suspension component. all of a sudden the i heard a pop and the the car started to go out of control. there was screeching from the tires and i struggled with the wheel to keep the car going straight as traffic was all around me. i managed to keep the car somewhat in control and merged to the shoulder where i came to a stop. it turned out the front passenger lower control arm had broken. the weld on it had corroded and it separated. this is vital to keeping the cars ability to steer. i got the part replaced, along with a new axle and sway bar end-link that were damaged in the incident. the total repair was over $1000.
10/01/201079000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza wrx. while driving less than 5 mph in the driveway, the front end of the vehicle collapsed. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they stated that the front passenger side lower control arm was cracked. in addition, the front driver side lower control arm exhibited a stress hairline crack. the front passenger and driver side lower control arms were replaced on the vehicle. the failure mileage was 79,000. js
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM
02/10/20101
 2002 subaru imprezza. consumer states that the left steering control arm rusted and broke while driving. *gr it was also noted the vehicle needed rear a cross member. *jb
SUSPENSION - REAR
02/10/20101
 2002 subaru imprezza. consumer states that the left steering control arm rusted and broke while driving. *gr it was also noted the vehicle needed rear a cross member. *jb
09/29/200656254311/16/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated while depressing the brake pedal on bumpy roads, there was a longer stopping distance. this occurred on two other occasions and the dealer replaced the rear wheel bearings. the vehicle was driven to the dealer a third time, who determined the rear wheel bearings needed to be replaced again. updated 10/17/2006 - the rear wheel bearing was replaced twice. *nm