Brake Light Malfunction Prompts Subaru Impreza Recall
» Posted August 7, 2023 • Resources | Share This Post
Subaru is calling back certain compact cars over malfunctioning brake lights.
More than 4,000 Subaru Imprezas are covered by the new recall, the carmaker recently told federal regulators. The vehicles’ brake lights may stay on even when the brake pedals are not in use, Subaru said.
The company blamed a manufacturing error. “The brake lamp switch may not have been appropriately adjusted to allow the specified gap between the switch and the stopper,” Subaru said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“An improper gap between the brake lamp switch and the stopper may cause the brake lamps to illuminate without application of the brake pedal,” the company told NHTSA. “Brake lamp illumination without driver input may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The recall covers certain 2023 Impreza vehicles which were produced between February and March 2023. Subaru said it has received at least four warranty claims but is not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect.
The automaker plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by the end of June, Subaru said in the NHTSA filing. It will ask owners to bring their vehicles to authorized local dealers for inspection and repair.
“The brake lamp switch will be appropriately adjusted to ensure the proper operation of the brake lamp switch and brake lamp illumination function,” Subaru said.
Subaru Recalls More Cars
The new recall is one of several that Subaru has announced in the last year.
Earlier this year, for example, the company announced it was recalling some 1,200 Solterra electric vehicles because their wheels could come off unexpectedly. It is also told owners not to drive the cars again until the problem is fixed.
The company also recently announced that it is recalling more than 8,000 Crosstrek Hybrid SUVs over a defect that could cause a sudden loss of power. Subaru separately called back some 270,000 Ascent SUVs over fire risks, which it said were the result of poorly tightened bolts.
California Lemon Law Rights for Subaru Owners
Subaru and other car owners in California do not have to wait around for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed. The state’s lemon law offers some valuable rights and protections.
The law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty.
It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or are unwilling to fix. That includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments and the outstanding balance on any loan.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
