Subaru · Model Report
Showing safety data for the 2007 model year only.
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
While driving in [XXX], the passenger-side front lower control arm on my 2007 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX]) fractured without warning due to severe internal rust corrosion. The structural collapse snapped the CV axle and sway bar link, causing an immediate loss of steering control that forced the vehicle to veer violently off the road—narrowly avoiding crossing the center median into oncoming traffic. Subaru service history confirms that Safety Recall WVX-34 (NHTSA Campaign 11V464000) was performed on this vehicle 14 years ago, where an anti-rust coating was applied instead of replacing the part. That factory recall remedy failed to prevent internal rust-through long-term, directly resulting in this crash and mechanical failure on a public road. Subaru of America Customer Advocacy has refused assistance, mischaracterizing an ineffective recall remedy as an expired standard warranty issue. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the failure and secondary damage were confirmed, and the fractured components are preserved for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was parked at my banks' ATM to deposit a check into my account. The car was parked and I put the gear shift in the Neutral position and applied the emergency hand brake. When I finished with the deposit, I released the hand brake. Then I moved the shift from Neutral to Drive and the vehicle did a sudden unexpected acceleration (the car left the parking spot like a bullet/missile). I attempted to apply brake pressure with both feet and there was no response. I caused a collision with parked cars opposite a chain link fence. Fortunately, the cars that I collided with were not occupied.
The contact's friend owned a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly violently accelerated and crashed into the retaining wall and unit across the street. The vehicle was then shifted into drive from reverse when the vehicle violently accelerated a second time where it was able to come to a stop in the driveway. The accelerator pedal had not been depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to the back neck and had several cuts, but medical attention was not provided. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
I was driving my car in Upstate NY toward a border crossing wicket and the vehicle began to vibrate violently. I thought that it was a blown tire. I stopped to check and the tires looked fine. I continued for a few yards and it began again. I pulled over and called a tow truck. When the car was loaded onto the tow bed, the front wheel was pitched out at an angle rather than at 90 degrees. Very scary to think what could have happened if I had been driving at 60 mph on the interstate. The car was towed to the nearest garage. The mechanic believed it to be a faulty lower control arm on the front driver's side. Related to Recall #WVX34
No injuries · No fire · No crash