Battery Cable Problems Prompt Subaru Crosstrek Recall
» Posted May 12, 2023 • Resources | Share This Post
A new Subaru recall is scary news for people who own certain Crosstrek sport utility vehicles and anyone on the road with them.
Subaru is recalling more than 8,000 Crosstrek Hybrid SUVs, kbb.com, reports. A wiring harness connected to the 12-volt battery can rust and break, causing the cars to lose power unexpectedly, the auto manufacturer recently told federal regulators.
“The harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12V battery may corrode and over time, could cause the terminal to break,” Subaru said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If the harness terminal breaks and the 12V battery is unable to recharge, the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The recall covers certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. Subaru told NHTSA it plans to notify owners of recalled SUVs by the middle of April. It will ask owners to bring their cars to local dealers for inspection and repair.
“For all affected vehicles, Subaru dealers will replace the converter terminal mounting bracket with a new bracket with improved isolation,” the company said in the notice.
“If there is no corrosion found on the terminals of the 12V output harness, a protective rubber cap will be installed on the terminals,” Subaru added. “If corrosion is found on the terminals, Subaru dealers will replace the 12V output harness, including the terminals, with a new one.”
Subaru Safety Issues
These kinds of recalls are all too common for Subaru and other major auto manufacturers. The companies recall millions of vehicles every year, citing serious defects that pose real safety risks.
Earlier this year, for example, Subaru announced that it was calling back some 270,000 Ascent sport utility vehicles over fire risks. The company said poorly tightened bolts in the vehicles may cause components to melt and spark fires.
The recalls are also nothing new for Crosstrek owners. Subaru recalled 900,000 Crosstrek SUVs and Impreza sedans in 2021, citing engine and suspension defects.
How the California Lemon Law Protects Tesla Owners
California car owners do not need to wait around for a recall to get defective and malfunctioning vehicles fixed.
The state’s lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to do a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces automakers to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or flat-out refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.
A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.
Speak With a California Lemon Law Attorney at Our Firm
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle or are haggling with a car manufacturer over repairs, the California lemon lawyers at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney at our firm.
