New Subaru Outback and Legacy models recalled for fire risk

Certain 2016 Subaru Outback wagon and 2016 Legacy sedan models are being recalled by Subaru of America for potential risk of fire. The Outback and Legacy models have a drivetrain issue and both were manufactured at the Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana.

A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA) says this is due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts on the drive shaft when they were assembled at the U.S. factory. As a result, the drive shaft could separate from the rear differential. If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Which vehicles are affected?

Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015 and Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015. There are potentially 3,251 total vehicles that could be affected.

The NTSA says these 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy owners will be notified by Subaru and asked to come in to their local dealer for inspection. Dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.

Subaru of America had another call recently on 2016 Outback and Legacy models manufactured here in the U.S. for a potential fire risk. A transmission fluid leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft could hit the exhaust pipe and could ignite and start a fire. There has not been any fires, injuries, crashes or fatalities linked to this latest 2016 Outback and Legacy recall. Both models were completely redesigned for the 2015 model year.

Media source: NHTSA.