Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
00I002000SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.from 03/01/1996 to 05/31/1997I22352011/15/2000ODISUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.05/15/200008/24/2000
Defect SummaryThis is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: passenger vehicles. some of these vehicles have an alternator problem that can result in a loss of charging capability.
Consequence SummaryIf the alternator fails, the alternator warning telltale will alert the driver to the problem, giving ample opportunity to seek repair before a loss of battery power, which, if the warning were ignored, could ultimately result in a loss of vehicle power (engine stall).
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the alternator with a modified alternator. owners will also be cautioned that, should the alternator telltale warning lamp illuminate, they must seek immediate repair to avoid the eventual loss of electrical power, which could result in an engine stall.
NotesSubaru has decided to conduct a service program to replace the alternator. this replacement campaign will be conducted in phases.owner notification began november 15, 2000.owners can contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783, concerning this program.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
WXW8110/15/2000618425Some vehicles may experience a loss of alternator charging due to a broken brush wire. *tt04/12/2001

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PE99067SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.11/01/199905/31/2000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM00I002000
 Alleged that (while driving) the alternator failed, causing the engine to stop and shut down the vehicle's entire electrical system.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
02/14/20015
 The vehicle experienced reoccuring alternator failures, as a result of the alternator failing the harness wires have melted and burned, also the battery had to be replace.*nlm
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
08/12/200007/01/1998
 Alternators on 1995 & 1996 models were recalled, 1997 models have the same problem, why no recall?
03/10/2000104/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
01/13/1999
 While driving at 45 mph the alternator went out, causing the consumer to lose all power. also, headlights went out, and steering became difficult. manufacturer denies problem. *ak *ml
11/16/19963
 Replaced three alternators,hazard switch shorted draining battery.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
1
 Battery exploded and damaged the hood of the vehicle. mjs
09/19/199604/18/1997
 Alternator belt snapped, causing battery and brake warning light to come on and hard to steer.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
05/29/200208/01/2097
 Have had intermittent difficulty with starting vehicle between 03/2002 & 05/2002. when starting the vehicle on cool morning and occasional afternoons, it doesn't start. the radio, gauges function but the engine doesn't engage. there is a clicking sound and a partial turning of the engine. after 4-8 attempts, vehicle starts and functions normally. the vehicle was examined by the local service center when problem first occurred, but was unable to repeat it. contacted manufacturer who contacted local service center and center offered to repeat exam. currently, vehicle in service center's possession but problem has not reoccurred for them. unable to diagnose vehicle problem. this is an annoying situation when one has to rely on private auto for transportation to school and work.*ak
12/04/1996210/28/1996
 Ignitor failed, causing intermittent stalling. *ak
10/29/1996110/28/1996
 Igniter failed, causing unburned gasoline to flow into catalytic converter. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
03/10/1998311/01/1997
 Computer malfuncition on three different occasions, last incident resulting in vehicle collision due to loss of abs and control of vehicle.
03/10/19982
 Computer failed four times, resulting in two accidents.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
12/31/199911/01/1996
 Check engine light went on - car drove without incident - light went out- light went on again, and car began to vibrate and make knocking sounds. was taken to dealer, where they found wiring defective. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
08/16/2001
 Consumer tried to start vehicle, and it would not start. vehicle towed to dealer. dealer found a pinched wire in wiring harness. wire needed to be replaced at a cost of $ 2200.00 . consumer felt subaru was responsible for repairs. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
05/01/2000209/01/1997
 I have had problems with the heated seats (light which illuminates switch hasn't worked in months, and seats appear to remain on even when switched off), console lights (climate control lights are no longer illuminated at night) & fuel gage (stopped working, had to resart the vehicle to get it functioning again).