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🩹 Injury riskNHTSA 08V135📅 Mar 24, 2008

2002–2003 Subaru Impreza recall: door latches & locks

⚠️ What's wrong

Subaru is recalling 36,791 my 2002-2003 Impreza wagons. The stud bolt(s) of rear gate stay may have been tightened with insufficient tightening torque and a gap may have resulted between the rear gate panel and stud bolt base. After repeated rear gate operations (opening and closing), the rear gate inner panel at the welding nut may break, which will lead to detachment of the rear gate stay, and the rear gate dropping down.

💥 The risk

In case someone is underneath or near the rear gate, there is a possibility that a dropping rear gate panel may hit them increasing the risk of injuries.

🔧 The fix

Dealers will inspect to see if there is any gap at the stud bolt of the rear gate stay installation. If a gap is found, the stud bolt will be removed to check for damage to the welding nut. If the weld nut is cracked, the rear gate stay will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on june 2, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Is the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
NHTSA campaign
08V135000
Manufacturer recall #
WVD-14
Manufacturer
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
36,791
Component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Owner phone
1-800-782-2783
NHTSA hotline
1-888-327-4236
Owner letters mailed
Jun 2, 2008
Built
Sep 22, 2000 – Sep 24, 2002
Recall started by
MFR
Notes
Subaru recall no. WVD-14.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Vehicles in this recall

Is your car affected? Recalls apply to specific VINs. Check my VIN

FAQ

Is the 08V135 recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)

Which vehicles are included in recall 08V135?

2002–2003 Subaru Impreza. 36,791 vehicles may be affected. Check your exact car with its 17-character VIN.

What should I do?

Check your VIN, then call any authorized Subaru dealer to book the free repair or call the manufacturer at 1-800-782-2783.