Recall 11V464000: Front Lower Control Arm Corrosion

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

SAAB/9-2X 2005-2006

Subaru/Forester 2003-2008

Subaru/Impreza 2002-2007

MANUFACTURER: Subaru of America, Inc.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: September 06, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V464000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11011

COMPONENT: Suspension: Front: Control Arm: Lower Arm

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 295,123

SUMMARY:
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Impreza, model year 2003-2008 Forester, and model year 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X vehicles manufactured from September 5, 2000 through November 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia and The District of Columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.

CONSEQUENCE:
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Subaru dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2011. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

NOTES:
This is Subaru's safety recall number WVX-34. Owners may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.