The National Highway Traffic Safety administration is issuing a consumer alert about a new Subaru Ascent recall. It involves select 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs due to fire risk. The recall involves a warning to owners to park their vehicles outside away from structures, and avoid leaving the vehicle unattended. The recall affects 271,694 vehicles.
The problem according to Subaru is that there may be a production-related defect in the heater's ground bolt wiring connection that can cause a fire while the heater is running:
The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened during vehicle production. This potential condition may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components, increasing the risk of fire when the PTC heater is in operation.- Subaru Press Release
So far, there are two reports of fires, but no reported injuries or crashes. For a timeline click here.
In its press release, Subaru says it estimates a small percentage of vehicles, 0.6%, will require ground and connector replacement.
If you drive one of these recalled SUVs, here's what to do: Park it outdoors and away from other vehicles (even when vehicle is turned off) until the free recall repair is complete. If you notice or smell smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area, stop the vehicle immediately and turn it off. Subaru advises drivers to immediately contact Subaru’s Roadside Assistance program or nearest Subaru retailer for assistance.
Dealer notification was expected to occur by December 12, 2022 and owner notification is scheduled to begin on or about February 6, 2023. You can also go to Subaru's recall page and enter the vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number or do the same on www.NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Here are the specifics of the recall:
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V907000
- Manufacturer Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Potential Number of Units Affected 271,694
Summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
Notes
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.nhtsa.gov.
Defect Notice 573 Report RCLRPT-22V907-5845.PDF
Photo Credit: Subaru.