— Subaru is recalling over 633,000 model year 2010-2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, model year 2006-2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January, 2012, and 2009-2012 Forester vehicles sold before January, 2012.
Subaru says up to 53,999 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that 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 connectors.
This can cause a short circuit of the light system and possibly melt the plastic. It’s possible the melting plastic could cause a fire.
The recall is expected to begin in February, 2013. Subaru dealers will install an additional fused-harness that should fix the problem. Owners may contact Subaru at 800-782-2783 and reference recall number WQE-41.
