Brakes work perfectly, but the brake lights might not be lit.
Millions of Subaru owner could face trouble. According to Reuters, the automaker plans to recall around 2.3 million vehicles globally due to problems with brake lights. This could also affect the ignition system. Consumer Reports estimates that there are 1.3 million affected vehicles in the United States. This includes the Impreza and Crosstrek. Subaru informed us that the recall was pending. We reached out to them for clarification. These are the details.
Problem lies within the brake lamp switch. It is possible that liquids, such as silicone cleaners, could get into the switch and cause it to stop working. While the mechanical operation of the brakes doesn’t suffer, a defective brake lamp switch may cause the brake lights not to illuminate when the vehicle is stopped. Subaru states that it has received “approximately 33% technical reports” regarding incidents.
As a safety measure, many vehicles have the brake lamp switch tied to the ignition system. This requires that the brake pedal be depressed before the vehicle can start. Although Reuters initially reported on this issue, Subaru’s response did not. Reuters also stated that Japan is affected by approximately 300,000 vehicles.
Subaru will contact owners of affected vehicles within 60 days. According to Subaru, this voluntary recall is VIN-dependent and will only affect certain (but not all) affected vehicles.
2013-2017 Subaru Crosstrek
2012-2016 Subaru Impreza
2008-2014 Subaru Impreza
2014-2016 Subaru Forester
This will be Subaru’s biggest-ever recall, barring the Takata airbag recall which has affected almost every automaker in the world.