While not deadly like the cinematic Terminator, the software glitch on certain Subaru models equipped with remote starters that can cause the engines to start on their own, could be equally scary.
According to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if the remote starter key fob is dropped, it may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
“The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes,” Subaru said in a statement. “The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause asphyxiation.”
The problem concerns the following models: 2010-2013MY Legacy and Outback, and 2012-2013MY Impreza vehicles, all equipped with automatic or CVT transmissions, and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory.
According to Subaru, around 47,000 cars are affected by the recall in the United States.
Subaru said it will notify owners and replace the RES key fobs, free of charge, with the recall action expected to begin by the end of April 2013.
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