Subaru Recalls of 1996-1997 Legacy to Fix Welds
10 July 1998
Subaru Announces Voluntary Recall of 1996-1997 Legacy Vehicles; Possible Improper Welding on the Front Transverse Link AssemblyCHERRY HILL, N.J., July 10 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall campaign on its 1996/1997 model year Legacy vehicles. The campaign involves an improper welding on the front transverse link assembly on some 1996/1997 Legacy models. Improper welding on the part supplier may result in weld fractures on the hanger (support) bracket which could cause partial (or complete, if the resulting noises are ignored,) separation of the bracket from the transverse link. Such separations may cause failure of the lower suspension mounting that could lead to a loss of vehicle control. The number of vehicles potentially affected is 29,442 although it is unknown how many vehicles actually contain the defect. All registered owners of vehicles potentially affected by the voluntary recall have been notified by first class mail. They have been asked to return their vehicles to a Subaru dealer for an inspection of both the front transverse links and replacement of the link assembly if improper welds are found. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 610 franchised dealers across the United States. All Legacy models sold in the U.S., including the Outback and Sport Utility Sedan, are produced at the company's American manufacturing plant, Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc., near Lafayette, Ind. In 1998, Subaru celebrates 30 years in the U.S. market, having sold over three million vehicles.