Subaru Recalls 394,000 Vehicles for Engine Defects and Faulty Fuel Range Estimates

Subaru has issued a vehicle defect recall for 394,182 cars in the United States to replace faulty engine valve springs and to correct inaccurate fuel range estimates. According to a report on Car and Driver, the recall for fuel range reporting problems involves all 2018 Legacy and Outback models, which could give incorrect low-fuel warnings and range estimates.

Two Separate Recalls

A software problem with about 228,648 cars could make the gauges show mileage remaining when there isn’t any usable fuel left in the tank, and the warning light may not illuminate in time, the automaker said in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The company first discovered this issue in December 2017. Continental, the supplier, performed an investigation into the matter and determined last month that a software update is necessary.

The second recall over engine valve springs affects 165,534 vehicles including the 2012-2014 Impreza and the 2013 BRZ and XV Crosstrek. The 2013 Scion FR-S, which is mechanically identical to the BRZ, represents 25,285 cars of that total. The faulty engine valves could crack, fall off and allow the valve to contact the piston. In affected vehicles, owners may notice rattling and excessive vibration. In addition, the engine can stall without warning and become severely damaged. The automaker has attributed the problem to springs that were too thin.

Subaru increased the spring wire’s thickness in its vehicles in May 2013. Still, despite receiving at least 15 reports of stalling cars in the U.S., Subaru was not convinced about the defect based on “low failure rate.” Dealers will replace the valve springs and potentially other damaged engine parts.

Auto Product Liability Issues

So far, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities as a result of these vehicle defects. However, both defects have the potential for serious accidents. When a vehicle stalls unexpectedly, there is always the danger of getting hit by other vehicles. When an individual gets off a stalled vehicle to get help, he or she also faces the risk of getting hit by passing vehicles. A faulty fuel gauge could catch drivers off guard causing their vehicles to stall due to lack of fuel.

If you have been injured as a result of a dangerous or defective auto, you may be able to file an auto product liability lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer or the maker of a defective part. An experienced auto defect lawyer can help you obtain compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries and pain and suffering.

Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/subaru-recall-fuel-gauge-engine-defect