Shoddy Backup Lights Lead to Subaru Recall
» Posted September 30, 2022 • Resources | Share This Post
Subaru owners will want to check if their cars are covered by a new recall before hitting the road.
Nearly 60,000 Subaru WRX and WRX STI performance vehicles are being called back because of faulty backup lights and cameras, the automaker recently told federal regulators.
“With long-term exposure to heated oil, a non-conductive copper sulfide film may build up and corrosion may occur on the terminal contact and plate spring surfaces resulting in electrical failure of the switch,” Subaru told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a defect notice.
That poses a real safety threat to drivers, passengers and anyone else on the road with the vehicles, the company acknowledged.
“If the backup lamps do not illuminate when the vehicle is in reverse gear, this condition may reduce the awareness of other motorists or road users of the driver's intention to operate the vehicle in reverse, increasing the risk of a crash,” Subaru told NHTSA. “Additionally, a rear-view camera (if equipped) that does not display an image can reduce the driver’s view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The recall covers certain 2015-2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI performance sports cars.
Subaru said it plans to notify owners of recalled cars by Sept. 19. The company will ask owners to bring their vehicles to a local dealer for inspection and repair, free of charge.
Legal Rights for Car Owners in California
This is not the only recall that Subaru has on its hands.
In January, the company said it would call back nearly 200,000 vehicles over a transmission control problem. Subaru acknowledged at the time that the defect increased the risk of an accident. Months earlier, the company said it was recalling some 165,000 vehicles because of faulty fuel pumps that could cause the cars to stall unexpectedly.
Subaru is not alone. The world’s largest auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles every year over a wide range of defects that put people’s safety at risk.
There is some good news for car owners in California: You do not have to wait for a recall in order to get a malfunctioning or defective vehicle repaired.
The California lemon law requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back vehicles that the companies are unable or simply unwilling to fix. That includes covering the purchase price and monthly payments, as well as picking up the tab for rental cars and other related expenses.
Speak with a Lemon Law Attorney
If you are locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help.
We have successfully assisted car owners across the state. Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer at our firm today.
