An adjustment error at the factory means that brake light switches on 4,030 units of the 2023 Subaru Impreza are too sensitive. That could cause the brake lights to turn on, even if the driver isn’t trying to slow down.
The problem was first noted in February 2023, when Subaru received a technical report indicating that an Impreza’s brake lights were illuminating without the pedal being touched. Just how this was discovered is not clear, but the automaker decided to launch an investigation.
In all, it found four technical reports and one warranty report in the U.S. between February and April. It determined that this could be confusing for following drivers, and could increase the risk of an accident, making it worthy of a recall. Fortunately, it is not aware of any crashes or injuries relating to the error.
Read: Twinkling Brake Lights Force Maserati To Recall 56 MC20s In The U.S.
The cause of the issue is simple enough. Subaru discovered that the switch connecting the brake pedal to the lights was improperly adjusted at the factory. Specifically, the problem affects 3,089 Impreza hatchbacks, and 941 sedans built between February 1 and March 20, 2023.
The silver lining here, is that this is just an adjustment issue, meaning that the part isn’t defective. To prevent the problem from persisting, Subaru corrected the manufacturing process on March 21, 2023. It also issued a stop sale on the Impreza in order to allow dealers to adjust the brake light switch. Owners who already have a vehicle affected by this issue will have their Imprezas recalled, meanwhile.
Subaru plans to start getting in touch with owners on June 23. They will be asked to return their cars to the dealer, where the gap between the brake lamp switch and the stopper will be adjusted so that the lights don’t turn on in error. The repair will be performed at no cost to the owners.
