Subaru Recalls 2015-2021 WRX Sedans For Backup Lights

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling 2015-2021 WRX sedans. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse. About 60,000 WRX sedans may have the safety defect.

In the required NHTSA filing made public today, Subaru said: “The operating environment of the Backup Lamp Switch may expose the internal switch contacts to heated oil. When heated, sulfur in the oil may cause a chemical reaction with the materials used on the switch terminal contact surfaces and plate spring.

“This chemical reaction may cause corrosion and a non-conductive film to form on the contacts resulting in poor electrical conductivity. Over time, the switch may become inoperative which may result in the backup lamps not illuminating when in reverse gear, the rear-view monitor, if equipped, not displaying and the indicator in the combination meter not displaying R.”

Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge as required by Federal regulations  Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru’s customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru’s number for this recall is WRE-22. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Chronology

• October 2019 – Subaru received the first field report from the U.S. market
• February 2020 – Subaru identified a non-conductive film that builds up on the terminal contact surfaces and plate spring surfaces, when exposed to heated oil, resulting in electrical failure of the switch. Test results indicated that this condition could only be achieved under excessive or abusive driving conditions.
• March 2021 – Subaru identified an unexpected increase in field reports from another market and determined that further investigation was required.
• September 2021 – Based on additional testing, Subaru found that the non-conductive film can build up at a slightly lower temperature than originally determined when continuously exposed to the heated oil over extended driving periods.
• July 14, 2022 – Subaru is aware of only one technical report and zero VOQs in the U.S. market. Subaru is not aware of any crashes or injuries resulting from this condition. Subaru decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.