Subaru today announced a recall that affects 5,379 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon models in the United States. All of the affected 2013 model-year vehicles were built between February 15 and June 15 of 2012.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another" in these vehicles. If that happens, the driver can lose the ability to steer the vehicle, which could obviously lead to all sorts of harmful things.
Subaru will notify owners of the problem, and affected models will have their steering columns replaced at dealerships, free of charge. Scroll down for the official NHSTA report.
LA Auto Show, Forza Horizon, Lincoln Motor Company
Episode #311 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and George Kennedy talk about the Los Angeles Auto Show and the big deal Ford is making over its re-launch of Lincoln as Lincoln Motor Company. Also this week, an interview with Turn 10 Studios Creative Director Dan Greenawalt about Forza Horizon. It's a extra-value-length podcast this week. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
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[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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LA Auto Show, Forza Horizon, Lincoln Motor Company
Episode #311 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and George Kennedy talk about the Los Angeles Auto Show and the big deal Ford is making over its re-launch of Lincoln as Lincoln Motor Company. Also this week, an interview with Turn 10 Studios Creative Director Dan Greenawalt about Forza Horizon. It's a extra-value-length podcast this week. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly
The launch of the new XV Crosstrek may be the bigger news for Subaru here at the New York Auto Show, and the BRZ coupe may still be getting the lion's share of the attention, but the Legacy and its high-riding counterpart, the Outback, have also debuted here in Manhattan with a series of updates.
Most noticeable (that term being a relative one) is the pair's revised front fascia, but behind the new look is a fresh boxer four that replaces the old one in the 2.5i model, now producing three more horsepower and four more pound-feet of torque (173 hp/174 lb-ft.) while returning improved fuel economy. An updated CVT is the principal transmission for the 2.5-liter four, with a six-speed manual available, both driving all four wheels in typical Fuji Heavy Industries style. The available 3.6-liter flat six carries over with a five-speed automatic. Subaru says it has also revisited the suspensions on both models for improved ride comfort and performance.
There's also a suite of new electronics packed into the revised Legacy and Outback, including everything from new active safety technology features like lane departure warning and collision mitigation to improved audio system connectivity.
Sadly, Subaru has axed the enthusiast-minded Legacy 2.5GT model for 2013.
We’re just days away from the 2012 New York International Auto Show. As show time edges closer, Subaru today previewed revised versions of the 2013 Legacy sedan and Outback CUV which will be formally unveiled in New York next week. While the Legacy and Outback were completely redesigned for 2010 and have since enjoyed considerable sales success, Subaru has definitely gone beyond the typical mid-cycle refresh.
While the front end has been completely restyled, Subaru is introducing an all-new engine for 2013. A new 2.5L boxer four rated at 173hp takes over as the base engine in the Legacy/Outback. As always, all-wheel drive is standard. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission. While the new engine offers only modest gains in power and torque from the motor it replaces, Subaru claims improved low-end torque. Fuel economy is also improved, projected at 24/30 MPG city/highway for the Outback, with the Legacy getting 32 MPG on the highway. Both Legacy and Outback are still available with a 3.6L boxer six, rated at 256hp, paired to a five-speed automatic.
Apart from the new engine, Subaru has also made improvements the body structure, suspension and steering. Subaru claims the work results in a smoother, quieter ride, improved handling agility and a 40% reduction in body roll. Also new for 2013 is EyeSight Driver Assist, which bundles adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and vehicle lane departure warning in what Subaru says will be one of the most affordable safety systems available. Inside, buyers are treated to a new instrument panel, improved seat fabrics, while base Legacy/Outbacks now get Bluetooth, USB charging port and iPod control capability as standard fare.
While there is no word yet on pricing or availability, I must hand it to Subaru for taking a mid-cycle refresh to a new level. In a business where new headlights and taillights are enough to be considered a ‘revision’, Subaru has gone to great lengths with a new engine and chassis improvements to stay ahead of the competition. Stay tuned, as The Garage will be eager to review the latest from Subaru!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a safety recall affecting 69,590 model year 2011 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. The recall concerns adhesive, or a possible lack thereof, used to affix moonroof glass to its retainer. This action covers 2011 Legacy and Outback models manufactured from August 3, 2010, through July 1, 2011.
NHTSA says an inadequate amount of adhesive on the moonroofs of affected models could allow the glass to loosen or even detach while the vehicle is in motion. This flying glass, says the agency, could become a road hazard and possibly even lead to a crash.
Subaru will contact owners of affected Legacy and Outback models in October and says its dealers will inspect the adhesive and, if necessary, apply more of the sticky substance to ensure the glass doesn't detach. As is always the case with a federal recall, dealers will inspect and repair components free of charge, and owners are urged to contact Subaru for more info. Click past the jump to read the official recall notice.
