California Subarus not part of recall - 660,000 affected by possible rusting of brake lines

Subaru recently announced a voluntary recall of 660,000 vehicles for brake lines that may rust and leak fluid. The recall includes vehicles sold or registered in twenty-one states and Washington, DC where salt is used to clear roads in the winter. Subarus sold or registered in California are not included in the recall.

Vehicles recalled are 2005-2009 Legacys and Outbacks, 2008-14 Imprezas, and 2009-2013 Foresters.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there is a gap in the fuel tank protector through which salty water can get onto the brake lines, cause the lines to rust, and potentially leak.

Dealers will inspect the lines, apply anti-corrosion wax and/or replace lines if leaks are found. Approximately 274,000 Legacy and Outback vehicles were recalled for the problem in March 2013.

Auto manufacturers recalled approximately 25 million vehicles last year; General Motors (GM) alone has recalled 25.7 million this year. In June, GM announced 24 recalls affecting 12 million US vehicle and one million more abroad. Chrysler recently expanded its recall of vehicles with faulty ignition switches to 700,000 SUV’s and minivans. So far, 39 million vehicles have been recalled by the end of June, surpassing the previous one-year total of 33 million (2004).