WUF-91-041219

Subarunet Announcement
To: All Subaru Retailers
From: Subaru of America, Inc.
Date: April 12, 2019
New Subaru Safety Recall: WUF-91 Replacement Ignition Switch Recall
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain vehicles in the ranges listed below to inspect and
potentially replace the ignition switch. A total of 511 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
Affected Vehicles
Model Years
2009-2013
2008-2011
2008-2014
2005-2014
2005-2014
2006-2008
Carline
Forester
Impreza
WRX
Legacy
Outback
Tribeca
Vehicle count
266
58
22
47
108
10
Coverage for this recall must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on
subarunet.com. This information will be available later today.
Description of the Defect and Safety Risk
In some of the potentially affected vehicles, a previously-installed replacement ignition switch may
contain a ball spring susceptible to long-term wear and possible fatigue breakage.
If the ball spring inside the ignition switch breaks, the retention force of the ignition switch would be
reduced. If this occurs and heavier items are attached to the ignition key while the vehicle is driven over
rough surfaces, the weight may exceed the retention force of the broken ball spring and pull the ignition
switch from the “ON” position to the “ACC” position.
If the ignition switch is pulled from the “ON” position to the “ACC” position the engine would stop
running while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this
condition, the airbag system may not react as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Description of the Remedy
Subaru dealers will inspect the lot number of the ignition switch and if it is within the affected range,
replace it with a remedied one.
Retailer Responsibility
Any vehicles listed in any recall/campaign that are in retailer stock must be:
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Immediately identified.
Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to repair.
Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin.
Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in
their inventory (used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into
retailer inventory necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before
selling or releasing the vehicle.
Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office prior to owner notification.
Affected vehicles will be assigned to retailers as follows:
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•
•
Original vehicle owners will be assigned to the original selling retailer when their current
address is within a 100-mile radius of that retailer.
If the original selling retailer is inactive, the VIN will be assigned to the nearest active
retailer.
For any new owners or when original owners live more than 100 miles from the original
selling retailer, the VIN will be assigned to the nearest active retailer.
IMPORTANT: Retailer affected VIN lists include information for vehicles affected by this recall. This
information will enable retailers to follow up with owners of affected vehicles. The lists contain owners’
names and phone numbers obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such
motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is unlawful. Accordingly, retailers are required to
limit the use of these lists for the sole purpose of completing this recall.
Owner Notification
Subaru is in the process of acquiring current registration data and will notify affected vehicle owners by
first class mail within 60 days. Owners with a valid email address on file will also be notified by email.
Retailers will be advised when the notification is scheduled.
Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions
Detailed service, parts, and claim information will be available shortly in the WUF-91 Product Campaign
Bulletin on STIS.