Recalls Of The Day, January 3, 2013

Two recalls have been issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  One is for an electrical fault that could start a fire.  The other is for a thickness issue in brake rotors that could cause poor brake performance. 

Both recalls could cause injury or worse.   

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): SUBARU / FORESTER 2009-2012 SUBARU / LEGACY 2010-2011 SUBARU / OUTBACK 2010-2011 SUBARU / TRIBECA 2006-2012 Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. Report Receipt Date: DEC 26, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V602000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Potential Number of Units Affected: 633,842

Summary: 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).

Consequence: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Notes: Subaru's recall campaign number is WQE-41. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment Brand Name / Part No. or Model No.: Production Dates: DURALAST / BRAKE ROTOR Information not Available Manufacturer: Neotek Corporation, Inc. Report Receipt Date: DEC 28, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12E057000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: EQUIPMENT Potential Number of Units Affected: 10,626 Summary: Neotek Corporation, Inc. (Neotek) is recalling certain replacement brake rotors, branded as DURALAST, part number 5399, sold exclusively through Autozone. Some of the brake rotors may have been produced from castings with narrow thickness in the bridge between the mounting surface and the braking surface. The narrow area of the casting can allow for fractures. Consequence: If the casting fractures, there may be a decrease in braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Neotek will notify the Autozone retail outlets and post public notices about the recall. Any affected DURALAST brake rotor will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2013. Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.