Recall wrap: Double trouble for new Subaru Outback

The new Subaru Outback has been hit with two safety recalls – both related to its braking system – just weeks after its Australian release in February.

Affecting 1982 examples and prompting a stop-delivery order from Japan last week, the most significant recall involves the pre-collision braking braking system of the new MY21 Subaru Outback.

In a statement issued today, Subaru Australia said: “Following advice from the Subaru factory in Japan, Subaru Australia has announced a safety recall for 1982 Model Year 2021 Outback vehicles, due to the possibility that pre-collision braking may activate unexpectedly.

“In some cases, the stereo camera may mis-recognize roadside objects and/or miscalculate the travelling direction of an oncoming vehicle, unexpectedly activating pre-collision braking.

“The likelihood of these symptoms occurring is low.”

Subaru says its recall rectification procedure will involve an update to the vehicle’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system software in a free-of-charge process that takes 120 minutes.

The car-maker said it will advise potentially affected owners of the new Outback and that concerned customers can also contact the Subaru Customer Service Centre on 1300 550 994.

In a separate, unrelated recall for the sixth-generation Outback issued yesterday (March 28), Subaru said 256 examples of the MY21 vehicle were affected by an electronic brake booster (EBB) problem.

The Japanese brand said the EBB may be set up incorrectly, potentially preventing some vehicle functions from operating as they should.

According to Subaru, faults may include: cruise control cannot be set; brake lights remain on even when not braking; flat battery; more pressure may need to be applied when braking.

The car maker says this could increase stopping distances and increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death of vehicle occupants and other road users.

Owners of affected Outback models, some of which could suffer from both braking issues, will be contacted to arrange an appointment for a free inspection and repair. Click here to see if your vehicle is affected.

Meanwhile, Nissan last week recalled more than 14,000 examples of its current (R52-series) Pathfinder, all sold between September 25, 2013 and January 31, 2017.

A total of 14,460 MY14 and MY15 Pathfinders are being called back, with Nissan Australia saying the brake lights may stick in the on position.

If this occurs, affected Pathfinders could experience a loss of engine power, the brake lights may remain on even when not braking and the driver may be able to shift the vehicle out of park or start the engine without depressing the brake pedal.

Nissan will contact affected owners to have their vehicle inspected and repaired for free. Check if your vehicle is affected here.

Also last week, Mazda recalled select versions of its CX-30 small SUV. A total of 2668 examples of the new (DM-series) CX-30 Astina are involved, all built in 2020 and sold between January 8, 2020 and February 26, 2021.

The fault surrounds the power liftgate, which Mazda says may partially lower unexpectedly from the fully open position when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope in high ambient temperature.

If the boot lid lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area, the liftgate may contact them, increasing the risk of injury.

Mazda says parts to fix the issue won’t be available until May 2021 but will contact affected owners in the meantime to arrange a free inspection and repair as required. Click here to see if your CX-30 is affected.

Meantime yesterday, Ford recalled new versions of its Transit van over a potential manufacturing fault.

A total of 31 MY21 Transit vans are being called back, with Ford Australia saying the vehicle’s rear driveshaft bearing support bracket may hold the driveshaft at the incorrect angle, causing excessive wear to the driveshaft over time.

Ford says that if it suffers excessive wear in high-mileage vehicles, the driveshaft “could detach and hit the road or dig into the road surface.

“This could cause the vehicle to be lifted or tipped over, increasing the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.”

Ford says it will contact affected owners to arrange a free inspection and repair. A list of affected Fords can be found here.

In other recent product recall news, Ateco Automotive has recalled 563 examples of the LDV G10 van (model years 2020-21) due to a manufacturing defect.

Ateco’s recall notice says that the rear brake pipe may leak brake fluid, which could result in a loss of braking performance or braking ability.

Affected owners are being asked to contact their local LDV dealer to have an inspection and repair carried out free of charge. Click here to see if your LDV is affected by this recall.