Subaru’s claims of providing drivers with full-time symmetrical all-wheel-drive are being challenged by a cracking front driveshaft. The problem stems from a manufacturing error at its supplier’s factory, and is the subject of a new recall.
In total, 3,732 vehicles are impacted by this issue. The majority, comprising 2,835 examples, are 2024 Subaru Crosstreks. Additionally, there are 413 units of the 2023 WRX, 328 examples of the 2023-2024 Foresters, and 156 units of the 2024 Imprezas potentially implicated in the recall.
The problem stems from the outer race of the front driveshaft assemblies, which are produced by NTN Corporation, in Japan. The company first became aware that something was amiss when it noticed cracking along the part’s outer diameter after quenching.
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At first, it was believed that the issue had been identified before any outer races were sent to Subaru. However, upon closer examination, it became evident that the root cause of the cracking, attributed to a cooling problem during the heat treatment process, had persisted for a longer duration than initially assumed.
As a result of the heat management trouble, itself caused by a leaky water pipe, the inner surface of the race may have cooled improperly, leading to cracking when it was being quenched. NTN checked its manufacturing records, and together with Subaru determined that vehicles made between September 1 and 13, 2023, may have received the problematic part.
What happens if it cracks?
If the outer race cracks in those vehicles, it could lead to a loss of power for the driver, which leaves them vulnerable to being hit from behind. It may also mean that the vehicle can roll away while it is stopped if the parking brake is not applied.
Fortunately, Subaru is not yet aware of any accidents that have been caused by this manufacturing error. In an attempt to prevent any from occurring, it will start reaching out to owners on January 8, 2024, and will ask them to return their vehicle to a nearby dealership. There, a technician will inspect the left and right front driveshafts, and will replace them as necessary, at no cost to the owner.
