Camden, N.J. – The first group of the completely redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy models are subject to a recall to repair a brake-pedal issue.
Subaru estimates about one percent of the 3,467 vehicles subject to the recall have the defect, a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt. Over time, this issue if not repaired might cause the brake-pedal-mounting area to deform, reducing brake performance and increase the risk of crash.
Subaru reported an employee discovered a bolt that was not tight enough and certain hardware was missing on the brake-pedal-mounting bracket. Subaru contacted the supplier which opened an investigation that determined a defective bolt feeder was the cause.
The automaker discovered the affected vehicles were built between July 30, 2019, and August 29, 2019 at the company’s Indiana plant, the lone production facility outside Asia.
Customers will begin receiving notices Oct. 1 from Subaru, with inspections and, if necessary, free repairs, occurring at the company’s dealers.
In addition to the letter, owners can call Subaru at 844-373-6614, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit its website to check their vehicle identification number to determine if their vehicle is covered by the recall.
The Legacy and Outbacks are just trickling into dealerships, having gone into production during late July. The two models, which share a lot under the skin, combined make up roughly one-third of Subaru’s sales in the U.S., with the Outback being its top performer (just ahead of the Forester).
The Legacy serves the family sedan market, while the Outback is a crossover utility vehicle/sport utility vehicle (CUV/SUV). Subaru prices the Legacy from just under $24,000 and the Outback from approximately $28,000.