Toronto, Ontario — Subaru is set to recall its new Crosstrek and Impreza models due to two different issues, affecting more than 400,000 vehicles in the United States alone.
The two new recall programs include all 2018-2019 model year Subaru Crosstrek compact SUV models, as well as 2017-2019 Impreza sedans and five-door models in the United States, Australia, Europe, Japan, Asia and Canada.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the engine control module in Crosstrek and Impreza models may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could potentially result in a short circuit and a blown fuse. If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle could stall, significantly increasing the chance of a collision.
But there’s more—the same models also have an issue with aluminum positive crankcase ventilation valves, which could potentially fall apart and allow debris to enter the engine.
The second-generation Subaru Crosstrek is manufactured in the Gunma, Japan factory, while models destined for the U.S. and Canada are built at the U.S. plant in Lafayette, Ind. Both models share a platform and FB20 two-litre Subaru boxer engine. Components for the electrical issues are shipped from Japan and are likely to affect models globally. The exact number of Canadian vehicles affected has not yet been released.
The news comes less than two weeks after the automaker was forced to recall 350,000 Forester models in Canada due to an issue with an electrical connection powering the vehicle’s heated seats. The issue caused the connection to loosen and deactivate the airbag, even when the seat is occupied.
Subaru will begin notifying affected vehicle owners on Dec. 13.
