More than 17,000 Subaru cars recalled

Subaru is recalling a total of 17,526 vehicles across the country to fix engine and park-brake faults.

The recall affects 15,585 MY15 Liberty and Outback models and 1941 MY15 Forester XT and MY16 WRX models.

In the case of the Liberty and Outback, the maker of Subaru vehicles, Fuji Heavy Industries, has found that the electronic parking brake motor has the potential to “stick” after being activated, locking the car irretrievably in position.

The faulty intake duct problem in turbo-petrol Forester XT and WRX Subarus, which was caused by “the use of incorrect specification materials”  for the branch part of the intake ducts by the supplier between April 6 and April 10, 2015, may manifest itself in rough idling, loss of power and, possibly, engine stalling.

David Rowley, National Corporate Affairs Manager at Subaru Australia, said 12 vehicles were identified in Australia with the electronic parking brake problem and two with the air intake duct issue.

Subaru (Aust) Pty Ltd is contacting owners of the affected Liberty, Outback, Forester XT and WRX models to arrange for free-of-charge check and, if necessary, rectification of the problems at the dealer of choice.

This follows a recall program in August 2015 affecting Impreza, Forester and XV models in which more than 50,000 vehicles were called in to rectify a steering column short-circuit with the potential to disable wipers, headlights, horn, driver’s airbag and multi-function steering wheel operations such as cruise control, audio system and mobile phone connectivity. The problem could also short out the ECU fuse, causing the engine to shut down.

Customers can contact the Subaru Customer Service Centre on 1800 226 643.