Toyota and Subaru are recalling certain 2013 Toyota Scion FR-S and 2013 Subaru BRZ vehicles to update the owners manual information regarding the passenger side air bag. According to the recalls, the owner’s manual contains inaccurate information on the operation of the occupant classification system (OCS) which could increase the passengers chance of injury during certain crash conditions. The recall does not require the owner to take their vehicle to their dealership. Toyota and Subaru will be notifying owners of the problem and will mail out corrected manuals starting in June. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota at 1-866-707-2466 and Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Category Archives: Subaru
Airbag Problem Affects Several Manufacturers
An recent investigation into side curtain airbags not deploying properly in some Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Accura, and Subaru vehicles has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerned about how wide spread the problem could be. The investigation started after Swedish automobile parts manufacturer, Autoliv, reported that one of their airbags failed to deploy under cold weather conditions as a result of the wrong mixture of inflation gasses being used. The company also manufactures airbags for General Motors and Ford, but say that a different design is used. Approximately 11,000 of the potentially defective parts have been shipped to various manufacturers, and concerns over the problem has already lead to the recall of several vehicle models. The recall includes:
Subaru Air Bag Defects
Subaru is recalling certain 2012 Legacy and 2012 Outback vehicles for problems with the side curtain airbags. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) an incorrect propellant mixture for the initiator component could result in an insufficient output of compressed gas. The airbags may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury during an accident. The recall is expected to begin in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Unexpected Brake Travel In Subaru Vehicles
Subaru is recalling some 2012 Impreza sedans and wagons, 2012 Legacy and, 2012 Outback vehicles after customers complained about the increase in the amount of brake pedal travel. According to the recall report, these vehicles may have a master brake cylinder that could malfunction, leaving the driver to misjudge the amount of brake pedal required to slow or stop the vehicle. Subaru will inspect and replace any affected master brake cylinders free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Subaru Sunroof Defect
Subaru is recalling some 2011 Outback and 2011 Legacy vehicles because the moonroof glass may become loose or detach from the vehicle. According to the recall report, the amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied, and could become a road hazard if it detaches while driving. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Webasto Group first announced this sun roof detachment issue in 2010, and it has been an ongoing problem effecting many makes and models of vehicles. If you think your vehicle may have a recalled moon roof, you can click here to verify if your sunroof is involved.
Subaru Moonroof Detachment Problems
Subaru has announced a recall for certain 2011 Outback and 2011 Legacy vehicles for problems with the moonroof assembly. According to Subaru, the amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied and could lead to the glass to become loose or detached. Subaru dealers will inspect the moonroof and apply additional adhesive if necessary. Owners wanting more information can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Consumer Reports Top Automobile Picks For 2010
Consumer Reports (CR) is an American magazine published by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. Consumer Reports does not print outside advertising, accept free product samples, or permit the commercial use of its reviews for selling products. Its publisher states that this policy allows the magazine to “maintain their independence and impartiality… so that CR has no agenda other than the interests of consumers.
Every year, CR publishes their top ten automobiles in ten different categories. The choices are based on performance, reliability and safety. Below are Consumers Reports picks for the 2010 year.
Family Sedan
Nissan Altima:
The Nissan Altima has always been a popular choice as a family sedan. It’s roomy interior and comfortable ride makes the car an enjoyable drive. The 2010 version of this car offers improved looks, standard electronic stability control (ESC) and the best fuel economy in its class.
Small Sedan
Hyundai Elantra SE:
Hyundai safety and reliability has come a long way and has made Consumer Reports top picks for the third time. The Elantra SE, offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and plenty of features for the price. The SE comes with standard ESC that is often not offered on similar competitors vehicles.
Sporty Car
Volkswagen GTI:
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. It offers excellent handling and acceleration and is a comfortable car to drive. The interior is tastefully finished with plenty of cargo space, especially with the hatchback model. Like all Volkswagen’s, the GTI offers a respectable fuel economy.
Small SUV
Subaru Forester:
The Subaru Forester has been labeled as the SUV that offers the most car like driving experience. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room and excellent visibility. The Forester offers excellent reliability and an impressive gas mileage for an SUV.
Best Overall Car
Lexus LS 460L:
Lexus has always pampered it’s customers with a luxurious driving experience. The LS 460L is no exception with it’s well crafted, roomy and quiet interior. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the vehicles in its class, if you can afford it, it is well worth it.
Family SUV
Chevrolet Traverse:
Overall, the Traverse stands out as a family SUV. It is comfortable and responsive, and allows up to eight adults seated comfortably as well as room for cargo. Visibility is not the best for this SUV, taking into account the size of it, but Chevy offers convex side mirrors and an optional rear view camera to help.
Sports Sedan
Infiniti G37:
The Infiniti G sedans are one of the highest rated sedans tested by Consumer Reports. Excellent handling, acceleration and comfort make this luxurious vehicle a pleasure to drive. Because it is a sports sedan, space and storage are compromised.
Family Hauler
Mazda5:
The Mazda5 offers a lot in a compact and affordable microvan. It offers the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a wagon. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 makes this minivan safer and fun to drive.
Green Car
Toyota Prius:
The Toyota Prius was one to the first green cars manufactured for the public. Its overall mileage has made it the green car pick for the seventh straight year. It is a comfortable car to drive, and its 2010 redesign makes it even more appealing. Toyota has also added a dedicated EV that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds.
Pickup Truck
Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
This well rounded pickup offers a roomy cabin, an exellent payload capacity and a decent ride for a pickup. It is an excellent 4WD family vehicle offering a quality interior on higher end models.
Subaru Windshield Oily Film Problems
An oily substance on the windshields of Subaru vehicles is creating visibility problems for many Subaru drivers. The yellowish chemical haze has been reported as being so bad that driving the vehicle is made impossible especially in very bright or night time situations. Solutions offered by dealerships have been to clean the windshield, but the oily film is difficult to remove, and returns in a very short time.
Rumor is that there has been a technical service bulletin issued on the problem, but my searches have come up empty handed. Unofficially, the problem is being blamed on the material used in a rubber seal on the heater box. The material used is “off gassing” to excess causing the build up. The problem is expected to clear up after extended use, but some people with respiratory problems may experience health issues when breathing the fumes.
