Under Review
#08V135000
Simplified
2008-03-24
Component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Manufacturer
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
What Happened
Your vehicle's rear gate stay was installed with a bolt that might have been tightened incorrectly, which could cause the gate to detach and fall.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gate falls, it could hit someone underneath or near it, increasing the risk of injury.
Free Fix
Your local Subaru dealership will inspect the gate and replace the stay for free if necessary, so you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
SUBARU IS RECALLING 36,791 MY 2002-2003 IMPREZA WAGONS. THE STUD BOLT(S) OF REAR GATE STAY MAY HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED WITH INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING TORQUE AND A GAP MAY HAVE RESULTED BETWEEN THE REAR GATE PANEL AND STUD BOLT BASE. AFTER REPEATED REAR GATE OPERATIONS (OPENING AND CLOSING), THE REAR GATE INNER PANEL AT THE WELDING NUT MAY BREAK, WHICH WILL LEAD TO DETACHMENT OF THE REAR GATE STAY, AND THE REAR GATE DROPPING DOWN.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IN CASE SOMEONE IS UNDERNEATH OR NEAR THE REAR GATE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A DROPPING REAR GATE PANEL MAY HIT THEM INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY GAP AT THE STUD BOLT OF THE REAR GATE STAY INSTALLATION. IF A GAP IS FOUND, THE STUD BOLT WILL BE REMOVED TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE TO THE WELDING NUT. IF THE WELD NUT IS CRACKED, THE REAR GATE STAY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.