Recall alert: Subaru recalls 165K vehicles over possible defective fuel pump

Subaru of America and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration announced late last month that the automaker is recalling more than 165,000 vehicles because of potentially defective fuel pumps.

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The pumps could cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash, the NHTSA said in a July 29 announcement, Automotive News reported.

The models affected are 2019-2020 Ascent SUVs, 2018 Forester SUVs, 2018-2020 Impreza hatchbacks and sedans, 2018-2020 Legacy sedans, 2018-2020 Outback SUVs, 2018-2019 WRX sedans, and 2018-2019 BRZ coupes, according to Consumer Reports.

There have been no accidents or injuries, Jessica Tullman, of Subaru product communication, told Automotive News.

The in-tank, low-pressure fuel pump in question was utilized in many of Subaru’s models, AutoBlog reported. The recall is not limited to any particular engine, the website reported.

“The affected vehicles may be equipped with a low-pressure fuel pump produced during a specific timeframe that may include an impeller which has been manufactured with a lower density,” Subaru’s report to the NHTSA stated. “If the surface of the lower density impeller is exposed to solvent drying for longer periods of time, it may develop fine cracks. These cracks may lead to excessive fuel absorption, resulting in impeller deformation. Over time, the impeller may become deformed enough to interfere with the body of the fuel pump, potentially causing the low-pressure fuel pump to become inoperative.”

It is the second recall on Subaru vehicles due to fuel-pump issues, according to Consumer Reports. The 2018-2019 Toyota 86 coupe, which shares components with the Subaru BRZ, is also included in this recall, the magazine reported.

Dealers will replace the pump in the vehicles free of charge, Automotive News reported. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 13.

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