Crosstrek

Make
Subaru
Segment
SUV

If Subaru hasn't had enough to contend with having delayed production due to the effects of Typhoon Hagibis in Japan, now the company has had to issue a pair of extensive recalls. The first is for Impreza cars and Crosstrek SUVs in the US regarding an electrical issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall will see 466,205 vehicles recalled here in the US. Specifically, the electrical problem is affecting owners of the 2018-2019 model year Subaru Crosstrek and 2017-2019 Impreza sedan and 5-Door models.

While the Crosstrek is built in Gunma, Japan, and the Impreza is built in Lafayette, Indiana, both share the same platform and the electrical components involved come from Japan. That means that Subaru could end up recalling both vehicles globally.

According to the NHTSA filing, the specific problem is that the Engine Control Module (ECM) in both models may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off. That could result in blowing a fuse via a short circuit. The danger is that the vehicle could possibly stall, causing a crash. The fix is for dealers to update the vehicle's software. For vehicles with an identified diagnostic trouble code and ignition coil damage, Subaru dealers will replace the coil and the front exhaust for free.

The second recall applies to 205,000 vehicles. It affects 2017 to 2019 Impreza models and 2018 Crosstrek SUVs. According to Subaru, the aluminum positive crankcase ventilation valves can fall apart with the potential to cause debris falling into the engine and causing power loss. Dealers will replace the valves on recalled vehicles, but if a valve has separated and the parts can't be found, the engines will be replaced free of charge. Subaru expects to notify owners for both recalls beginning on December 13.