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Subaru recalls 2.2 million cars (merged thread)

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27K views 59 replies 38 participants last post by  Ralph_Thornton  
#1 ·
#19 ·
Oh snap!

... I had the switch fail about a year ago and picked up a replacement at a Subaru dealer. The new switch had a green dot on it that wasn't on the original. This makes me think it was a newer/modified version of the original switch. I wonder if the problem is going to return again...

Perhaps I need to find something better to treat the door seals!
Hopefully your new switch lasts...

I’m calling B.S. on this one...

And I’m not buying it. I had a brake switch failure after just 11 months and use only homemade soaps and no fabric softener, no hair conditioner,no lotions, no cologne, no perfume, no dash dressing, no vinyl conditioner, no silicone or any product containing same.

Why aren’t other manufacturers or even other switches having issues? An item tucked up under the dash? I think they are looking for an excuse for PR reasons. Suck it up and admit you went with the cheapest producer and got screwed. I like honesty.
X2, WTH Subaru, honesty please. Gotta be cheapest vendor they could find problem, growing way too fast.

Whatever off-gassing they claim would probably kill the driver long before the switch.:)
Agreed.

After having to replace all 4 hub bearings at less than 65,000 miles – this is walk in the park……
First and last Subaru…..
Ya, Toyota's partial ownership hasn't upgraded the never lasting wheel bearing problem, but we now have gadget overload. :furious::mad:
 
#4 · (Edited)
I read a few of the articles about this brake light switch recall and Subaru is saying that the use of silicone-based consumer products is contaminating the contacts in the switch. While I don't use any cleaning products in the cabin (other than plain water on the dash and door panels and Stoner invisible glass on the windows), I do treat my door seals with 3M silicone paste. I had the switch fail about a year ago and picked up a replacement at a Subaru dealer. The new switch had a green dot on it that wasn't on the original. This makes me think it was a newer/modified version of the original switch. I wonder if the problem is going to return again...

Perhaps I need to find something better to treat the door seals!

StanF
 
#5 ·
I'm not certain this is what you want for your door seals, but I use Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845 for all my window trim and black "vinyl". A person on a car detailing forum did a long term test of various treatments and found 845 lasted the longest by a long shot. A little goes a long way and does not leave any white residue. Just remember to place the plastic bottle into some hot water to warm it up before you try to shake it.
 
#7 ·
Affects the brake light, not the brakes ... details here https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/subaru-recall-crosstrek-impreza-forester-brake-lights/

"The issue stems from the brake light switch, a component behind the brake pedal that regulates the use of the brake lights on the vehicle's rear. Use of silicone-based consumer products, such as cleaning products or lubricants, near the brake pedal may cause that material to seep into the brake light switch housing. If that happens, it could deposit a layer of film on the switch that prevents the brake lights from turning on when the pedal is depressed."
 
#10 ·
I’m calling B.S. on this one...

And I’m not buying it. I had a brake switch failure after just 11 months and use only homemade soaps and no fabric softener, no hair conditioner,no lotions, no cologne, no perfume, no dash dressing, no vinyl conditioner, no silicone or any product containing same.

Why aren’t other manufacturers or even other switches having issues? An item tucked up under the dash? I think they are looking for an excuse for PR reasons. Suck it up and admit you went with the cheapest producer and got screwed. I like honesty.
 
#13 ·
New Subaru Recall Developing!

A new Subaru Forester Recall for some models of 2014-2016 Forester for brakelight warning light switch may be disabled by some siliicone cleaners. Brakes would work but not their lights. Allso effecting some crosstreks and imprezas. Watch this one today, guys, more to follow from Subaru.
Subaru recalls 1.3M vehicles in US for brake light problem
 
#16 ·
Brake light switch Ignition recall....hard starts

I have been researching hard starts in foresters since I got mine and It occurred for the first time. It seems it's the later model foresters that have this issue. Could this recall be the elusive fix? Or am I dating myself right now.

I haven't.found a solution ANYWHERE
 
#18 ·
According to my vehicle's service records, the brake light switch has been replaced before by the previous owner under warranty, I presume with the updated part. When I plug my VIN in to the site now, it now shows this as a new open recall. I wonder if there's another newer part now.
 
#24 ·
I was just notified of this recall about the BLS. I've had to replace mine twice on my 2015 2.5i premium as the failure turns off all the safety electronics (VDC, eyesight, etc.). One time was covered under the 2-year warranty, but the second time was 4 months ago which I purchased the part myself. I doubt I'll get reimbursed for that even though it's a known common problem.
 
#26 ·
I ran my VIN on Subaru's recall info page linked in the CarTalk article and I'm on the brake light switch recall list but it says "remedy not yet available" which isn't too surprising at this point lol with 2 million switches needed. The MySubaru site isn't updated with the recall notice yet which also isn't surprising. My first Forester recall not too bad actually...
 
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#27 ·
Recall - Break Lamp Switch

I received a recall notice by email for various Subaru models. I checked the https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-recalls.html/ webpage and found an active recall for my 2015 Forester limited. Anyone get a notice from Subaru to get the Break Lamp Switch replaced? According to Subaru a remedy is not yet available.

Description
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2013-2017 MY Crosstrek vehicles, 2014-2016 MY Forester vehicles, 2008-2016 Impreza (4-door) vehicles, 2012-2016 Impreza (5-door) vehicles, and 2008-2014 WRX (4-door) vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch.

Safety Risk
Depending on the model, the brake lamp switch functions affected may include: brake lamp illumination, transmission interlock (shifting from park), ignition interlock (push-button ignition start), anti-lock brake system (ABS) functionality, vehicle dynamics control (VDC) functionality, and/or Eyesight operation. If the vehicle experiences a loss in function, as described, any of the associated warning light(s) will illuminate. If the brake lamps do not illuminate properly, a trailing vehicle may be unable to recognize the braking operation, which may increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch on all affected vehicles once the remedy parts are available, at no charge to the customer. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90. Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
 
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#36 ·
I received a recall notice by email for various Subaru models. I checked the https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-recalls.html/ webpage and found an active recall for my 2015 Forester limited. Anyone get a notice from Subaru to get the Break Lamp Switch replaced? According to Subaru a remedy is not yet available.....

...Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch on all affected vehicles once the remedy parts are available, at no charge to the customer. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90. Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
I've not yet received that letter, thanks for the post. :)

Could it be the ScotchGuard many of us may have sprayed on the seat/carpet?
Quite likely, I didn't opt for the addons at dealer or do that myself this time.
 
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