Subaru recalls Forester, Impreza, WRX, and XV in Asian countries

KUALA LUMPUR: Subaru Corporation on February 28 announced a recall for 4 of its models due to a brake light switch issue. It initiated the biggest ever recall process including 2.2 million SUVs in total. The models affected are 2008-2016 Impreza, 2014-2016 Forester, 2011-2014 WRX (four-door variant), and 2012-2017 Subaru XV.

The company stated that the silicon gas from some consumer products in the affected models is seeping through the housing of the brake light switch and as a result interferes with the light operation. This effect, in turn, is also hampering the engine ignition. Besides the consumer products, silicon gas is also seeping through some of the cleaning items of the cars.

The issue could also affect the functions correlated with the brake light switch like Vehicle Dynamics Control and EyeSights system, transmission interlock, etc. The breakdown of these systems increases the risk of accidental collisions on the road. But as for now, in connection with the issue, no accident has been reported.

As per the Motor Image Enterprise, the distributor of Subaru cars in Asia, the problem affects about 3,500 models in Singapore, and some of the Asian customers including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are also affected.

Motor Image has also assured that it will send out the recall to the affected customers and change the brake and the other products, absolutely at no cost. It said "Motor Image is committed to the highest safety standards and quality driving experience for all our customers. Motor Image is in constant contact with Subaru Corporation for any further updates and will notify affected customers accordingly."

Subaru Corporation has already acknowledged the issue and filed a document with the transport ministries in the selected regions. Though it did not disclose about the recalling cost, as per industry sources, the company has predicted around US$ 90 million (RM 366 million) as the fixing cost.