A host of 2023 Subaru models delivered to customers throughout the United States are being recalled due to an issue related to the propeller/drive shaft. A total of 4,311 vehicles are impacted.
The recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that some of the mounting surfaces of the drive shaft center support brace bolts may have been painted during the manufacturing process when they shouldn’t have been. Subaru says that the affected vehicles may not retain the specified torque rating.
Read: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek And Impreza Have A Wiring Issue That Could Shut Off The Engine
As a result, the front end of the drive shaft could separate due to the constant vibration it experiences. This could increase the risk of a crash. Subaru adds that owners of impacted vehicles may notice irregular sounds and/or vibrations from the drive shaft area when they are driving.
As mentioned, 4,311 vehicles from the 2023 model year are impacted by the recall. These consist of Outback models manufactured between March 21, 2023, and March 31, 2023, Legacy models made from March 21, 2023, to March 30, 2023, Ascent models built between March 20, 2023, and March 29, 2023, and Impreza hatchback models made from March 22, 2023, to March 31, 2023. The recall also impacts 148 units of the 2023 Subaru Impreza sedan built from March 22, 2023, to March 27, 2023.
Subaru launched an investigation into the issue on April 4, 2023, after an incorrectly torqued fixing bolt on the drive shaft center support brace was identified two days prior. The carmaker is not aware of any warranty claims or accidents related to the fault.
Owners of affected Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza models will be alerted to the recall around November 20, 2023. Dealers will clean the bolt seating surfaces, install new bolts, and tighten them to the specific torque.
