Subaru is recalling certain model-year 2005-09 Outback wagons and Legacy sedans due to a problem with the brake lines that could cause corrosion, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In its April 1 recall report, NHTSA stated that the exact number of vehicles affected was still undetermined; a Reuters story puts the number around 200,000.
Affected vehicles were manufactured between December 2003 and April 2009 and registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. According to NHTSA, salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector and result in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. This could cause brake fluid leakage, which could necessitate longer stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, though no repair schedule has yet been announced, according to NHTSA. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the problem for free. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected area will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If seepage has occurred, brake lines will be replaced and rustproofing performed.
Owners can call Subaru at 800-782-2783 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236. For more info, go to www.safercar.gov.
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