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A report from Reuters says Subaru Corporation announced Thursday it issued a global recall of its first all-electric vehicle, the all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra SUV. Toyota Motor manufactures the Subaru Solterra in Japan alongside the bZ4X EV, which is also recalled. The two electric models are a joint venture, and the Japanese automaker's first all-electric model was launched only two months ago.
The report says 2,600 Solterra EVs are recalled because of a risk the wheels could come loose due to an issue with the wheels bolts. Subaru submitted the Solterra recall to Japan's transportation ministry that said sharp turns and sudden braking could cause a hub bolt to loosen, raising the risk of a wheel coming off the vehicle. Subaru and Toyota said they are unaware of any accidents caused by the defect.
Japan's safety regulator advised drivers to stop using the Solterra until a more "permanent" repair measure was in place. No new electric Solterra compact SUV has been delivered to customers in the U.S., and most of the 2,600 vehicles were for Subaru retailers meant for test drives and display purposes.
Subaru and Toyota said they are investigating the details of the possible wheel bolts coming loose and would repair the issue as soon as possible. The recall is an embarrassment to Subaru as the joint venture of its first all-electric model with Toyota should have produced a quality model with few issues.
The Subaru Solterra was a success for Subaru of America, and every vehicle allocated to the US was sold out in the first 72 hours of being released for sale. Customers who didn't get one of the first models must wait until the 2024 Solterra models are available for US customers.
With the supply chain issues and microchip shortages, production of the 2023 model year Solterra is limited. Reports say Subaru Corporation will produce fewer than 10,000 Solterra models for the entire calendar year 2022. Subaru of America has not said how many new EVs will be available for US customers.
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Solterra?
The 2023 Solterra is offered in three trim levels, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Pricing for the Solterra Premium trim level starts at $46,220. The Limited trim carries a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49,720. The top-of-the-line Touring trim is priced from $53,220. Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,225). Subaru says U.S. retailers set the actual price and may charge more.
The Solterra comes with five exterior paint options, Harbor Mist Gray Pearl ($395), Elemental Red Pearl ($395), Cosmic White Pearl ($395), or Galactic Black and Smoked Carbon at no charge. Two-tone paint is available for $890.
When will the 2023 Solterra be available for U.S. customers?
The 2023 Subaru Solterra was set to arrive in the U.S. this summer in limited numbers, but the new recall will likely delay shipments of the new EV. Stay tuned.
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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
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