Front Spring Recall on ALL Legacy platform cars in NE!

[Guest shortlid]

This is the message I sent my Mother in New York City metro area when

she received the recall for the front springs on her '98 Legacy L Wagon.

 

Yes, I was aware of the recall over a month ago through the Subaru

on-line message boards I belong to. They was not sure it would effect L

wagons or if it extended down south as far as New York.

The problem seems to be that SOA (Subaru of America) spec.ed out a

coating for the front coil springs that was not corrosion resistant

enough. In New England and apparently NY. where road salt can wreck

havoc on the under body of vehicles, they have had concerns that if the

spring rusted enough it could break, resulting in a puncture of a front

tire! This would be a lawsuit ready to happen for Subaru, if someone

lost control while this occurred and crashed!

 

The problem is this, the recall only entails installing a shield on the

spring. This shield prevents a broken spring from puncturing the tire,

it does NOT prevent or rectify the corrosion problem with the front

springs. Seems GM might be using some of there "dirty" money fingers at

Subaru to boost profits and reduce Quality !!!

 

I did hear that one owner in New Hampshire brought his Subaru in for the

recall in the Tech. and he looked at the springs and they were BADLY

corroded. The dealer agreed to both replace the front springs with the

new improved version AND install the recall shields! This is the

situation I would like to see for you. If there is a known problem with

these springs we don't just want a temporary solution that we will have

to deal with 2 years down the road. We want the problem rectified the

way it was suppose to be from the factory!! Wilton Subaru is a good

dealer they should help you, and concur with you on this one. If they

do not, let me know and I will let the list know about this one.

[Guest remarcable]

My springs are rusted and not doing as good a job as they used to, with 33k miles on the outback.

 

Unfortunatly, I live in the south. So no recall for me.

[Guest Legacy777]

Marc, it's most likely surface rust and dirt. If it's not, you should definitely have them looked at.

 

You say this recall only pertains to legacies in the NE area, you say all legacies as well. I don't think it's all years 90 on up is it? Do you have a copy of the recall letter or know where to find a copy of it.

[Guest jsocool]

I too would definately be intersted in seeing the recall letter if it can be posted, although i'm In maryland and most likely left out.

[Guest 97SubaruGT]

I got a letter from Subaru yesterday, talking about hte recall. I think it applied to 95-99 cars in NE area, there's a list of states covered. I don't have a scanner but can fax teh letter so anyone who wants it on Wednesday. Drop off your fax number if you want it faxed to you.

[Guest shortlid]

If anyone has a scanner and the recall notice would they please post it for the NG , thanks!!! I want to know how I can get my dealer to put NEW improved front springs in the car.

[Guest MKIVSupra]

I just got the recall yesterday. I live in the Chicago, Illinois area. It lists a bunch of states, mostly those that get a lot of snow during the winter and thus have to deal with all the salt on the roads. This sux cause I was just at the dealer for the alternator recall a week ago, now I need to go make another appointment and go back. The service dept told me they heard about it, but I need to wait to get a letter from Subaru... figures it would come a week later. One thing I was surprised at is why are they only putting on spring guards and not replacing the springs.

[Guest PaganQWA]

Does this also extend to the first gen Legacys ? My wife drives a '90 Legacy L wagon and we live in MN where they use salt like its going out of style.

[Guest Legacy777]

That's what I was trying to find out for sure, but I really doubt it. The first gen (90) really didn't have any recalls. It had an undercoating thing, and I think one other thing, don't remember I can lookup the paperwork when I get home, and the tranny filter add-on thingy.

[Guest meep424]

Remarcable:

 

My brother owns a new OB that's registered in TN. He just received the recall too, so I don't think that all Southern states are out of the picture.

 

Meep

[Guest shortlid]

I took a better look at the letter and it states that Subaru IS willing to replace the springs BUT only if they are corroded! They are however willing to replace them down the line if they do develop bad corrosion. You will never see a domestic giving you such complete coverage!!

[Guest oquipah]

I got my letter a week ago and was also wondering why they aren't just replacing the springs now? I'd rather have the sense of security that my spring isn't going to just snap one day. I'm sure that'll be a fun drive to the dealer!

 

Sounds like treating a symptom rather than the cause.

 

I guess I'll talk to my dealer about options when I take it in.

 

If anything develops I'll post it.

[Guest 2001GT]

If you want to check recalls for your particular vehicle, just go to the NHTSA site (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) at:

 

www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

 

Good luck.

 

Joe