A Message to Our Valued Owners :
We would like to thank you for choosing a 2002-2007 model year Subaru Impreza (except STI) or 2003-2008 model year Subaru Forester. At Subaru we take pride in our products and your continued satisfaction is important to us. It is with your continued satisfaction and safety in mind that we are announcing the following recall. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause and urge you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have this recall performed.
Subaru has determined that your vehicle may have been manufactured with front lower control arms that could corrode in the hanger bracket area if exposed to salt for a prolonged period of time. If the vehicle is operated for extensive period in a “salt-belt” area, continued exposure to salt could cause the lower control arm hanger brackets to rust and eventually break.
The lower control arms are part of your vehicle’s front suspension. If one or both were to break due to rusting, control of the vehicle could be affected without prior warning. If you encounter this situation, avoid sudden braking and steer straight ahead as you gradually slow down. Then move to an area off the roadway where you can safely stop. To correct this condition, Subaru will inspect and test the current condition of your vehicle’s front lower control arms. If both are found to be acceptable, anti rust materials will be applied to the areas of concern as a preventative measure. If either control arm is found to be unacceptable, both will be replaced.
This procedure will take approximately 42 minutes to inspect and apply anti- rust material. However, if it is determined that the lower control arms require replacement, the total estimated repair time is 2 hours and 36 minutes. Additionally, after the anti- rust material is applied, the vehicle should not be driven for at least one hour to allow time for the material to dry. Therefore it may be necessary to leave your vehicle the full day of your scheduled appoint to allow your dealership flexibility in scheduling. These repairs will be performed at no cost to you.
WVX-34 Safety Recall FAQs:
Q: Is it important that I have this recall done immediately?
A: As soon as possible, as this is a safety related recall. Please schedule an appointment immediately with your servicing Subaru dealership.
Q: What should I do?
A: Please contact your servicing Subaru dealership as soon as possible to set up a service appointment.
Q: What will be done to the vehicle?
A: Subaru will inspect and test the current condition of your vehicle’s front lower control arms. If both are found to be acceptable, anti-rust materials will be applied to the areas of concern as a preventative measure. If either control arm is found to be unacceptable, both will be replaced.
Q: What Subaru models are involved?
A: Only 2002-2007 Impreza (except STI) and 2003-2008 Forester models that currently are or were ever registered in the 20 “salt belt” states and Washington D.C.
Q: What are the 20 affected states?
A: The 20 states are as follows: Connecticut , Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Vermont, plus Washington, D.C.
Q: What determines if my vehicle is part of the salt belt state?
A: States that use salt extensively on the road during the winter months are considered “salt belt” states. This determination is made through the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Q: How much will this recall cost?
A: This recall will be performed free of charge at any authorized Subaru dealership.
Q: If I had a repair already, what should I do?
A: If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement consideration will be based on the amount an authorized Subaru dealer in your area would charge for replacement of the front lower control arms. Please send the original service repair order to the address appearing below. (Please retain a photocopy for your records.) The repair order should have the name of the repair facility, date of repair, mileage at time of repair, complete vehicle identification number (17 digits), your name, with correct mailing address and telephone number to the address listed below. This process can take up to 60 days for this to be completed.
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Dealer Services Department
Attention: WVX-34 Recall
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
Q: Do I have to return to the dealer where I bought the car?
A: Any authorized Subaru dealership will be able to perform this recall free of charge for you.
Q: Can I have this recall performed at an independent repair facility?
A: No, only an authorized Subaru dealership can perform this recall free of charge for you.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Yes, please contact your authorized Subaru dealership to set up an appointment to ensure that the dealer is able to allocate a time slot to best accommodate you.
Q: How much time should I allow to have this recall performed?
A: The time to inspect the front lower control arms and apply anti-rust material is approximately 42 minutes. After the anti- rust material is applied the vehicle should not be driven for at least one hour to allow time for the material to dry. However, if it is determined that the lower control arms require replacement, the total estimated repair time is 2 hours and 36 minutes.
Q: When can I have the recall completed?
A: As soon as possible, as this is a safety related recall. Please call and schedule an appointment with your servicing Subaru dealership.
Q: If I live in Canada do I have to return to the United States to have this performed?
A: Any authorized Subaru dealership in either the United States or Canada is capable of performing this recall.
Q: If I no longer own the vehicle what should I do?
A: If you no longer own your vehicle, please complete the prepaid postcard enclosed with your notification letter and mail it to us.