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New Subaru Outback And Impreza Recall - Windshields Could Detach In A Crash

Subaru recalled some new Outback and Impreza models for improper windshield attachment. See if your vehicle is affected and what owners should know.

Subaru of America is recalling specific new 2022 Outback midsize SUV and 2022 Impreza compact models for improper windshield attachment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says they may have applied the wrong clear coat to the windshield during the assembly of the two models, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle.

How many Outback and Impreza windshields are affected??

The NHTSA says some 2022 Outback and 2022 Impreza fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting." Subaru of America says a total of 42 vehicles are affected; twenty-seven Outback midsize SUVs, seven 2022 Impreza sedans, and seven 2022 Impreza hatchback models are affected. Both models are manufactured at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant.

2022 Subaru Outback and Impreza windshield recall

Description of the problem

The NHTSA says the incorrect clear coat may not achieve the proper hardness, potentially causing inadequate front windshield adhesion to the vehicle body structure in the event of a crash. Subaru says the supplier delivered a container of an incorrect clear coat with the automaker's specification label attached.

What is the safety risk?

The windshield may not stay adequately retained in a crash, which may increase the risk of injury to an occupant during a collision.

What should Outback and Impreza owners do?

2022 Subaru Outback and Impreza windshield recall

Subaru says they removed the suspect container of clear coat from the production paint line beginning July 18, 2022. Vehicles not included in this recall were produced with the correct clear coat. Subaru will provide reimbursement to owners for repairs made before this recall.

Owner notification will occur within sixty days. Dealer notification is scheduled to begin on or about September 26, 2022. Subaru of America will offer affected customers the option of exchanging the vehicle or repurchasing it at no cost. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 21, 2022.

Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22. You can check the Subaru VIN recall tool here.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA