NHTSA recall 03V-232 (03V232000)

What is being recalled

ON SOME PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, CERTAIN LEFT-HAND FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FORM AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN A SALT-BELT AREA, CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO SALT COULD CAUSE THE LEFT FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK TO RUST AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.

Why it is dangerous

IF THE TRANSVERSE LINK WERE TO BREAK DUE TO RUSTING, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL APPLY ANTI-RUST MATERIAL TO THE LEFT FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 03V-232 when calling a dealer.

Affected 2 models

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.