Subaru of America is recalling about 200,000 2005-2009 Legacy and Outback sedans and wagons to check for corroded brake lines.
Subaru told Reuters the vehicles were sold in 20 ‘salt belt’ states, mainly in the northeast and midwest, and most were built at the US assembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana.
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An official recall notice released Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said “salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.”
NHTSA said corrosion could cause brake fluid leakage, which could result in longer vehicle stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru on Tuesday said “no reports, accidents, injuries or incidents of failure have occurred.” It said the problem was discovered by its Japanese parent Fuji Heavy Industries during an internal testing programme.
Subaru in its NHTSA recall filing said vehicle brake lines could be perforated after exposure to salt over seven or more winter seasons.
Dealers will inspect cars free of charge and rustproof the affected area with anti-corrosion wax or, if necessary, replace the brake lines, Reuters said.
