Important! Subaru Emergency Recall for Steering Defect
Over the last several years, the number of vehicle recalls has been staggering. The numbers are so high that some experts are warning that a sort of “recall fatigue” may have set in for some people. However, if you own a 2016 or 2017 Subaru Legacy or Outback, you really need to pay attention to this, because there is a very real possibility that your vehicle may not be safe to drive.
Subaru has issued a recall of nearly 50,000 of these cars because of their concern over a potentially dangerous defect in the steering system. This is not a small problem, either; some Subaru owners have found themselves driving into a ditch through no fault of their own. According to the website they have set up to address this problem:
“The steering column in your vehicle may not have been manufactured to specification. An incorrect tool setting during the manufacturing process may have resulted in improper machining of one of the steering column shafts. If this condition exists, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.”
What that means is, the steering wheel may not do what you tell it to, and Subaru has determined that the defect makes these vehicles unsafe to drive. Because of this, the car maker is asking that all owners of these vehicles to contact their Subaru dealer immediately. In fact, they consider the defect so severe, the company is offering to pay to have the owner’s Outback or Legacy towed to the local dealership for repair.
The dealer will then perform an inspection, which will take about ten minutes and if the steering column needs replacement, they will do that at no cost. They note that the replacement takes about an hour, but if technicians can’t get to your car immediately, the dealership will provide owners with a loaner or rental vehicle at no cost.
This problem is obviously extremely serious and potentially very dangerous. In addition to the extraordinary measures Subaru is taking here, they have also cut back on production at their Indiana assembly plant, to make sure that the problem doesn’t recur. If you have one of these vehicles, please follow the recall instructions and take it to the dealer immediately for repair.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed due to this or any other vehicle defect, please contact the Auto Defect Attorney at the Hill Law Firm as soon as possible for a free consultation, so that we can examine the situation and help you protect your rights under the law. No one should have to suffer another party’s negligence alone.