2012 Subaru Impreza Recall

A problem with certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key turn out of the “ON” position while driving. This could cause the engine to turn off suddenly. It could also cause the airbag system not to work properly in a crash. Note: This is a voluntary service campaign that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This problem only affects certain parts used for replacement of original parts.

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An airbag system that does not work properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injuries.

The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary.

On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch could fail. This would cause the brake lamps not to turn on when the brakes are applied. Depending on the model, this could cause an inability to shift from park or to start using the push-button ignition. This may also cause problems with the following: anti-lock brake system (ABS), vehicle dynamics control (VDC), and/or Eyesight system.

If the brake lights do not work, a following driver may not to recognize that a vehicle ahead is braking, increasing the risk of crash.

The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the brake lamp switch replaced.

On certain vehicles, the engine valve springs could fracture, causing an engine failure or a stall with an inability to restart. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine valve springs. Note: A driver may notice abnormal noise and/or vibration prior to an engine failure or stalling.

A failure of this component (engine) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the Occupant Control Unit (OCU) of the ODS (Occupant Detection System) may incorrectly identify a front passenger occupant when seated in the front passenger seat if the passenger touches a metal part of the vehicle that is electrically grounded (i.e. forward/reward seat adjustment lever) while using an IPod or cell phone plugged into the accessory power outlet. This may result in the deactivation of the ODS, and cause the Air Bag Warning Light to illuminate and the Passenger Air Bag Indicator would illuminate “OFF”, providing a visual warning that the air bag system is not operating properly. Failure of the passenger frontal airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit (OCU) with a revised one.

A failure of this component (airbag) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles equipped with a dealer-installed accessory remote engine starter, if the fob is dropped, movement of the internal battery retaining clip may occur and cause damage to a component on the printed circuit board. Under this condition, the fob may transmit an engine start (or stop) request without the user pressing the button. If the vehicle is in range and receives the request, the engine may start and run for up to 15 minutes (or until a stop request is received). The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If that occurs when the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, such as a garage, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up, which could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Correction: Dealers will replace the remote engine starter fob.

A failure of this component (accessories) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, a seal within the brake master cylinder may have deformed during vehicle assembly. As such, the driver may experience extended brake pedal travel and increased stopping distance, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake master cylinder assembly.

A failure of this component (brakes) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).