Recall 08V-135: 2002–2003 Subaru Impreza

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. recall for latches/locks/linkages, reported to NHTSA on Mar 24, 2008, covering about 36,791 vehicles.

NHTSA number
08V-135
Report date
Mar 24, 2008
Vehicles affected
36,791
Owners notified
Jun 2, 2008

The problem

Subaru is recalling 36,791 my 2002-2003 impreza wagons. The stud bolt(S) of rear gate stay may have been tightened with insufficient tightening torque and a gap may have resulted between the rear gate panel and stud bolt base. After repeated rear gate operations (Opening and closing), the rear gate inner panel at the welding nut may break, which will lead to detachment of the rear gate stay, and the rear gate dropping down.

The risk

In case someone is underneath or near the rear gate, there is a possibility that a dropping rear gate panel may hit them increasing the risk of injuries.

The fix

Dealers will inspect to see if there is any gap at the stud bolt of the rear gate stay installation. If a gap is found, the stud bolt will be removed to check for damage to the welding nut. If the weld nut is cracked, the rear gate stay will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on june 2, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Notes

Subaru recall no. Wvd-14.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

ManufacturerSUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
ComponentLatches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number08V135000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Subaru Impreza2002, 2003All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 08V-135?

Subaru is recalling 36,791 my 2002-2003 impreza wagons. The stud bolt(S) of rear gate stay may have been tightened with insufficient tightening torque and a gap may have resulted between the rear gate panel and stud bolt base. After repeated rear gate operations (Opening and closing), the rear gate inner panel at the welding nut may break, which will lead to detachment of the rear gate stay, and the rear gate dropping down.

How is recall 08V-135 fixed?

Dealers will inspect to see if there is any gap at the stud bolt of the rear gate stay installation. If a gap is found, the stud bolt will be removed to check for damage to the welding nut. If the weld nut is cracked, the rear gate stay will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on june 2, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.