Subaru recalls Liberty, Outback - again

SUBARU Australia has recalled its latest MY10 Liberty and Outback models for the second time in six weeks, this time to fix a potentially faulty steering roll connector that could render the driver’s airbag useless.

Last month Subaru recalled 2288 examples of the new Liberty and Outback, which both went on sale in Australia last September, to repair potential oil leaks on models fitted with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Now a further 8827 versions of both closely related models have been recalled to rectify a wiring defect that “may affect the operation of the steering wheel mounted cruise controls or audio controls, the operation of the horn, the operation of gearshift paddles (if equipped) and possibly illuminate the airbag warning light".

“Illumination of the airbag warning light cancels the operation of the airbag system, creating a safety risk,” said Subaru.

Models potentially affected include Liberty sedans with vehicle identification numbers ranging between 002003 and 003525, Liberty wagons with VINs from 002001 to 004834, and Outbacks carrying a 002005-004831 VIN range.

Subaru advises owners of all affected vehicles to contact an authorised Subaru dealer for inspection and, if necessary, replacement of their vehicle’s steering roll connector.