2023 Subaru Solterra Unexpected Wheel Detachment

On 2023-02-15 12:08:04

The drivers of certain 2023 Subaru Solterra SUVs could experience an unexpected wheel detachment that could result in loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of an accident.

 

Subaru first became aware of the problem in January 2023 when a pre-inspection technical report was issued for a vehicle found with significantly loose bolts on the left front and left rear wheels. Subaru immediately began an investigation of the vehicle repair history and found the subject vehicle was repaired at a specific port in California by a third-party contractor.

 

Subaru’s investigation included torque inspection for vehicles repaired at all port operations, confirming torque wrench calibration used during port facility repairs and the repair procedure followed at each location. All occurrences found were from the same third-party contractor team. The information obtained during the investigation indicates the potentially affected vehicle population is limited to repairs completed by a certain contractor team at two port locations; however, out of an abundance of caution, Subaru decided to recall all vehicles repaired at all port locations supported by the third-party contractor.

 

According to the defect report, the affected vehicles are equipped with certain hub bolts that had been contained at specific port processing facilities for repair which included the replacement and tightening of the hub bolts before delivery to retailers. These original hub bolts required replacement because they had characteristics that could cause them to loosen under certain conditions of vehicle use. A third-party contractor was engaged to perform the repair work and a certain contractor team did not properly complete the repair procedure, resulting in the potential for significantly under-torqued bolts. Data indicate the recall population is limited to a certain contractor team at two port locations; however, out of an abundance of caution, the recall population includes all vehicles repaired at all port locations supported by the third-party contractor.

 

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the hub bolts as necessary. There is one Technical report and zero warranty claims that relate or may relate to this condition. Subaru is not aware of any crashes or injuries that relate to or may relate to this condition. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-23 and the NHTSA Campaign Number is 23V-064.