Recall 12V602000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Report Date
20121226
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Affected Vehicles
15 models

Defect Description

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).

Safety Consequence

Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Affected Vehicles

Year Make Model
2006 SUBARU TRIBECA
2007 SUBARU TRIBECA
2008 SUBARU TRIBECA
2009 SUBARU FORESTER
2009 SUBARU TRIBECA
2010 SUBARU FORESTER
2010 SUBARU LEGACY
2010 SUBARU OUTBACK
2010 SUBARU TRIBECA
2011 SUBARU FORESTER
2011 SUBARU LEGACY
2011 SUBARU OUTBACK
2011 SUBARU TRIBECA
2012 SUBARU B9 TRIBECA
2012 SUBARU FORESTER

Check your vehicle: Visit NHTSA.gov and enter your VIN to see if your specific vehicle is affected.