Subaru Puddle Lights | Subaru Puddle Light Recall | Subaru Service Bulletin WQE-41
You may have heard recently about Subaru Puddle Lights being recalled on certain Subaru models. The story has been all over the national and local media and we wanted to help clear up some confusion. Subaru Puddle Lights are an optional accessory installed on certain Subaru models. Most Subaru vehicles do not have these puddle lights. Often Subaru models have an interior light on the lower part of the door, allowing some light to shine on the ground providing a safer entry into the vehicle. These lights are NOT part of the recall issued earlier this week. We have already received calls from concerned guests about this recall. Below we have a photo showing a Subaru Outback equipped with the puddle lights and a Subaru BRZ with a standard door light. If you have any questions please give us a call at (207) 667-4641 or Toll Free 1-(800) 439-8989.
Recall details:
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 53,999 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Subaru's recall campaign number is WQE-41.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the problem is located in a faulty puddle lamp where wiring could short out if exposed to moisture," in a report to NBC News.
"There have been no incidents of injury or accidents," according to Subaru spokesman Mike McHale, though the maker has received word of "less than 10" incidents where the short did occur, resulting in smoke. So far, no vehicle has actually caught fire.
Stanley Subaru takes your safety and your vehicle's safe operation very seriously. If your vehicle is equipped with these optional puddle lights, you will receive a letter in the mail from Subaru of America. This letter will ask you to give us a call and schedule and appointment to have the puddle lights replaced at no cost to you. We have been told these letters have been mailed to affected Subaru owners. Subaru automatically notifies our Service Department of any and all recalls according to your vehicle's VIN number.
