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Subaru of America, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2003 Model Year Legacy and Outback Vehicles in `Salt Belt' States

- Campaign to Address a Possible Front Suspension Corrosion Problem -

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 2 -- Subaru of America, Inc., the only car company that offers symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line, today announced a voluntary recall of certain 2003 Subaru Legacy and Outback models in "salt-belt" states to address a possible front suspension corrosion problem.

This recall involves some 2003 model year Subaru Legacy sedan and Outback vehicles. The vehicles were produced between April 3, 2003 and April 14, 2003. Approximately 350 vehicles are potentially affected in the "salt belt" region. This recall will include vehicles originally sold and/or currently registered in the states of CT, DE, DC, IA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, and WI.

Certain front left-hand side transverse link suspension components were produced by a supplier with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, may result in rusting of the component and eventual breakage of the transverse link. If such breakage would occur while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected.

The campaign was launched as a result of Subaru field inspections and quality assurance testing. There have been no accidents or injuries attributed to this problem.

The front suspension transverse link of vehicles operated in the "salt- belt" states will be rust-proofed with anti-rust wax at no cost to the owner. Subaru will provide a campaign bulletin to dealers, and during the month of July a recall notice will be sent to owners who have already purchased one of the affected vehicles, advising them of the potential defect.

For additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit the company's media web site at www.media.subaru.com.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru of America, Inc. is the only car company that offers symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. Subaru has been the best-selling import wagon in America for the past 20 years, based on R.L. Polk & Company new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2002.