Subaru Suspends Sales of All 2.5L Turbo Cars
Monday, April 21st, 2008Hi Fellow Enthusiasts
I just wanted to pass on some important information about the 2.5L Turbo Subaru’s.
Subaru Australia has suspended the sale of all cars fitted with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, effecting the Forester XT, Impreza WRX and WRX STi and the Liberty GT sedan and wagon. Only cars with a build date pre 2008 are being sold, and manufacturing of the 2.5L turbo engine has been suspended as well.
A statement released last night by Subaru Australia said the problem had been identified as “abnormal wear on conrod big end bearings” and could affect up to 1233 vehicles in Australia built this year between Tuesday, 8 January and Saturday, 5 April. The problem would manifest as an engine knocking noise.
Whilst no car sold in Australia has demonstrated these problems, 171 potentially affected cars have been sold to customers, with another 1062 cars currently in dealerships or holding yards. However in overseas markets several reports of “Engine Knocking Noise” have been reported and initial investigation has confirmed an internal wear issue on the failed units. For the time being, the affected cars are not the subject of a recall but a “quality assurance action” which is “aimed at avoiding possible damage to the engines of potentially affected vehicles”.
“Therefore, in the interests of preventing any possibility of engine damage, we are isolating any potentially affected vehicles from sale until the cause and correction are identified,” Subaru said. “As far as Subaru Australia is aware, no customers have reported instances in Australia, but if any are forthcoming, they will be given a loan car until their vehicles can be checked and, where necessary, fixed. Subaru Australia will update its retail network and relevant customers as soon as possible, on receipt of further advice from FHI (parent Fuji Heavy Industries). This will also include advice regarding 171 potentially affected vehicles already with customers.”
Australian owners do not need to contact their dealer or Subaru’s customer service line (1800 22 66 43) unless they experience incidents of engine knocking noise.
Details regarding Subaru vehicles affected by the issue:
* Forester XT – chassis 002070 onwards
* Liberty GT sedan – chassis 038385 onwards
* Liberty GT wagon – chassis 068148 onwards
* Impreza WRX and WRX STi – chassis 015006 onwards
Only 2.5L turbo engines are affected, all other engines are unaffected.
