Recall wrap: Subaru ramps up Takata program

The compulsory Takata airbag replacement campaign in Australia has stepped up another notch this month, with word that Subaru is expanding its recall program for Forester, Impreza and Tribeca.

GM-Holden has issued a recall notice for the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 models, and FCA are getting in touch with owners of the Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300 to have their vehicles' 'beta' airbags replaced with effect from June.

In other recall news, Hyundai's Santa Fe steering wheel may separate from the column, trim for the audio speakers in Audi's A4 and A5 models may pose a hazard to passengers, and the Tesla Model S may lose its electric power steering. Additionally, the doors of the Peugeot 4008 may not secure properly and a small number of Toyota Klugers could suffer a brake malfunction.

Starting with the Subaru recalls, the importer has expanded its recalls from April 18 for vehicles fitted with a Takata airbag on the front passenger side. Vehicles subject to the recall are Imprezas for the 2008 to 2014 model years (including WRX and STI models), Foresters for the 2009 to 2012 models years and Tribeca for model years 2007 to 2013.

According to Subaru, 55,628 Imprezas and 66,427 Foresters are affected, plus 9443 units of the Tribeca. Owners are advised to contact the nearest authorised Subaru dealer to have the repairs carried out.

FCA is now engaged in replacement of beta airbags (as opposed to the older, more dangerous alpha airbags) for the Jeep Wrangler from 2014 to 2016 and the Chrysler 300 from 2014 to 2015. The importer will let owners know when the replacement parts are available – anticipated to be June – for the owners to arrange a date and time for the nearest dealer to effect repairs. According to FCA Australia, 6730 vehicles are subject to the recall.

Saab is a new brand ensnared in the Takata global airbag recall campaign. Repairs for the Swedish brand's 9-3 and 9-5 models for the years 2006 to 2011 are being arranged through GM Holden. These cars are fitted with driver's airbags supplied by Takata. Holden advises owners of the 4837 vehicles affected to contact the nearest Holden dealer to have the airbag replaced. Owners may also contact Holden Customer Care on 1800 632 826 to make a booking.

Hyundai has issued a recall notice for the Santa Fe SUV, sold between June 15 and December 28, 2017. The importer advises that a manufacturing flaw could result in the steering wheel separating from the steering column. Owners of the 2945 vehicles affected are recommended to see the nearest Hyundai dealership to have the vehicle inspected and, if necessary, repaired. Hyundai's Customer Care Centre can be contacted on 1800 186 306, for further information.

Audi is advising owners of the A4 (including Avant and Allroad) and A5 models built between October 2014 and October 2017 and fitted with Bang & Olufsen speakers to contact the nearest dealer for the vehicle to be inspected and, if necessary, repaired. Aluminium trim fastened to the speakers may detach, posing a laceration hazard for passengers. Just under 1400 vehicles are subject to the recall and owners may contact Audi directly for further information on 1800 50 AUDI (2834).

Owners of the Tesla Model S are warned that aluminium bolts used to hold an electric motor to a gear housing for the power steering system could corrode and fracture over time. Steering assistance may be eroded or nullified as a consequence. Tesla will notify owners of the 874 vehicles affected – built between May 31, 2012 and April 9, 2016 – once parts become available, around the middle of this year.

Peugeot importer Inchcape has issued a recall notice for the Mitsubishi-built Peugeot 4008 SUV. The internal mechanism for the door locks may jam, resulting in unexpected unlocking and opening. Two campaigns cover 337 vehicles sold from May 1 to October 30, 2015, and 296 vehicles sold from October 1 to December 31, 2015. The importer will mail owners to arrange a service appointment with the nearest dealer to have the fault rectified.

Finally, Toyota is contacting 21 owners of the Kluger SUV (GSU50/GSU55 series) for a problem with the vacuum pump servicing the brake booster. According to the company, a lubrication passage within the pump may be subject to a manufacturing defect, possibly resulting in a loss of braking assistance and other symptoms, such as actuation of warning lights. Toyota will contact owners by mail to recommend they arrange a service appointment at the most convenient dealership for the fault to be repaired. Concerned owners may contact Toyota's Recall Assist Helpline on 1800 987 366.