2013 Subaru Legacy and Outback recalled over potential steering loss

Wed, 15 May 2013

Subaru today announced a recall that affects 5,379 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon models in the United States. All of the affected 2013 model-year vehicles were built between February 15 and June 15 of 2012.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another" in these vehicles. If that happens, the driver can lose the ability to steer the vehicle, which could obviously lead to all sorts of harmful things.

Subaru will notify owners of the problem, and affected models will have their steering columns replaced at dealerships, free of charge. Scroll down for the official NHSTA report.

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.

By Steven J. Ewing