Consumer Reports explains that problems stemming from the effects of salt corrosion led to a major recall by Japanese automaker Subaru this fall, totaling close to 300,000 cars. The reason for this recall, the consumer product safety site explains, is that this damaging corrosion can cause the joint of the front lower control arm and the hanger bracket to weaken and break on certain vehicles. The recall announcement explains that “A broken control arm can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and increases the risk of a crash.”
Subaru announced the recall of 295,123 cars built between September 5, 2000 and November 26, 2008 which were sold in the Northeast or Midwest, where wintry conditions call for these corrosive salts to melt snow and ice on roadways. Vehicles affected by this recall include the 2002 through 2007 Impreza, 2003 through 2008 Forester, and 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X models. Although Saab is a Swedish brand, the Saab 9-2X was manufactured Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru, at its factory in Japan.
This recall begins this month and affects cars registered in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Reports explains that “Affected vehicles were sold in or are currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.”
The news of this recall came in the midst of two other recalls from Subaru this past September, both for the Legacy and Outback models. Autoblog reports that the first of these recalls was for “faulty components inside the wiper motor’s bottom cover” that could cause the part to overheat and fail. This failure of the vehicle’s wiper system could cause these 2010-2011 model year vehicles to have decreased visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The other recall affecting the Japanese automaker in September was a defect in over 69,000 Subaru Outback and Legacy 2011 models which addressed faulty sunroofs that could become loose or totally detach from vehicles. The Consumer Reports article explains tthat “the amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and the retainer is inadequately applied.”
Consumer Reports goes on to explain that were this sunroof to break loose while the vehicle was being driven, “it would be a potential hazard to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.” The product safety resource explains that Subaru vehicles affected by this recall “were manufactured between August 3, 2010 through July 1, 2011.”
In total, these September Subaru recalls involved nearly 560,000 cars. Owners of these vehicles can take them to Subaru dealers to have the required repairs made free of charge.
If you or a loved one owns one of the affected Subaru or Saab models and have been injured due to a defective sunroof, windshield wipers, or control arm, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
References:
Loveday, Eric. (September 12, 2011) “Subaru recalls 2010-2011 Legacy, Outback for windshield wiper issue.” Retrieved on November 7, 2011 from Autoblog.
Shader, Maggie. (September 15, 2011) “More than 69,000 Subaru vehicles recalled for bad sunroofs.” Retrieved on November 7, 2011 from Consumer Reports.
Shader, Maggie. (September 12, 2011) “Recall: Subaru Forester, Impreza and Saab 9-2X-corrosion of suspension component.” Retrieved on November 8, 2011 from Consumer Reports.