Subaru has made a decision to recall an estimated 47,000-plus vehicles including 2010 to 2013 Legacy passenger cars and Outback SUVs, which have an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter. In addition, the 2012-13 Imprezas and 2013 XV Crosstrek SUVs, equipped with the aforementioned transmission and engine starter are also affected by this recall.
The need for the recall is, regrettably, the car may start on its own. This is, generally, not a good option, for a whole host of reasons. And, according to Subaru, it’s possible the engine could run after starting on its own for up to 15 minutes. (Why it will not run longer remains in question.) Subaru also says, the engine could continue “to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the car runs out of gas.” Of course, if a parked car’s engine starts on its own and continues to run, and if the windows are completely rolled up, there’s the risk of carbon monoxide build-up. The latter is also not an option I want in my car.
Subaru plans to notify owners of this recall campaign number WQF-42, but owners may contact Subaru at 1(800)782-2783 for additional information about this recall. Subaru says its dealers will replace the RES key fobs for free. Owners who have adverse experiences along this line may wish to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1(888)327-4236, as well as contacting their Subaru dealer. Owners may also visit www.safercar.gov to log a complaint.
If I were looking for a new car, this problem would be a non-starter for me. (Pretty bad, I know).
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