Subaru Recall Illuminates Faulty Brake Light Switches

Chris Chase

2019-03-06 · 1 min read

Subaru Recall Illuminates Faulty Brake Light Switches

Stop lights could stop lighting

Transport Canada and Subaru have announced a far-reaching recall to replace faulty brake light switches in the manufacturer's compact car and crossover models.

Transport Canada's recall notice says that nearly 136,000 vehicles sold between 2008 and 2017 could be affected. A bad switch would fail to turn on the brake lights. In cars with an automatic transmission, it would also prevent the driver from shifting out of park even with the brake pedal depressed. It could be the source of further issues with the cars' anti-lock braking and stability control systems.

In newer models, the faulty switch could impact push-button engine starters and Subaru's Eyesight active safety features.

This recall covers Forester SUVs sold from 2014 through 2016; Crosstrek crossovers from 2013 through 2017; Impreza cars sold between 2008 and 2016; and the WRX sports car from 2008 through 2014.

Subaru says it will notify owners of the affected cars by mail, asking them to take their cars to a dealer for a technician to install a new brake light switch.

Chris Chase

As a child, Chris spent most of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement or making car sounds while riding his bicycle. Now he's an award-winning Algonquin College Journalism grad who has been playing with real cars that make their own noises since the early 2000s.