In most cases where a recall is issued by an automobile company, the recall pertains specifically to the number of vehicles suggested by the announcement. However, in this next case, although hundreds of thousands of vehicles are being recalled, slightly less than 54,000 of those vehicles might suffer from the issue.
This particular recall affects Tribeca, Forester, Outback, and Legacy automobiles of the 2006 through 2012 model years (the model year will vary depending on the vehicle). Each was sold prior to January 2012. Subaru issued the recall, which encompasses 633,842 automobiles.
The component in question that’s found on 54,000 of these vehicles is the accessory puddle light. These units provide light to the area just beneath the doors of the vehicle. There’s a chance that accumulated road moisture can enter the area of the circuit board or the puddle light connector pins. Were this to occur, a short circuit becomes a distinct possibility, as does melting plastic that results from this condition. Smoke and/or a fire could then imperil the safety of those onboard.
To prevent this from occurring, owners should hear from Subaru at some point in February. Dealers will provide free repairs to consumers. Those repairs will consist of the addition of a fused-harness that will hopefully take care of the issue.