Recall 12V-602: 2012 Subaru B9 Tribeca, 2009–2012 Subaru Forester and 3 more
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. recall for exterior lighting, reported to NHTSA on Dec 26, 2012, covering about 633,842 vehicles.
The problem
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
The risk
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Notes
Subaru's recall campaign number is WQE-41.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. |
|---|---|
| Component | Exterior Lighting |
| Recall started by | the manufacturer |
| NHTSA campaign number | 12V602000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru B9 Tribeca | 2012 | All years |
| Subaru Forester | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 | All years |
| Subaru Legacy | 2010, 2011 | All years |
| Subaru Outback | 2010, 2011 | All years |
| Subaru Tribeca | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 | All 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 12V-602?
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
How is recall 12V-602 fixed?
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
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.