2015 Subaru Outback, Impreza, Legacy, XV Crosstrek, 2016 WRX Recalled To Fix Collision Avoidance

Subaru of America is recalling roughly 72,000 vehicles from the 2015 and 2016 model years. The recall is meant to fix a problem with collision-avoidance systems found on select Outback, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, and XV Crosstrek vehicles.

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The problem is rooted in the software that runs Subaru's Eyesight Driver Assist System, which provides a range of high-tech safety features. In an official recall bulletin, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that "If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function". Though the software glitch doesn't affect a driver's ability to apply brakes herself, if the collision-avoidance system is deactivated, it does nothing to improve the safety of the vehicle's occupants.

As with many recalls, this one is limited to vehicles built during specific windows of time. (Obviously, it's also limited to vehicles equipped with Eyesight.) The models affected include:  

• 2015 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured between March 10, 2014 and April 16, 2015

• 2015 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured between February 24, 2014 and April 16, 2015

• 2015 Subaru Impreza vehicles manufactured between September 9, 2014 and April 14, 2015

• 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured between October 16, 2014 and April 15, 2015

• 2016 Subaru WRX vehicles manufactured on March 23, 2015

Subaru says that it will notify owners of the recall by mail. After receiving recall notices, owners will be able to take their vehicles to Subaru dealers, who will reprogram the Eyesight Driver Assist System at no charge. 

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If you own one of the vehicles listed above and have further questions, you're encouraged to call Subaru customer service at 800-782-2783 and ask about recall WQS-54. You can also call NHTSA at 888-327-4236 and ask about safety campaign #15V366000.

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