On certain vehicles, the front lower control arms could corrode due to exposure to humid environments and road de-icing chemicals. Over time, corrosion could progress causing thinning and perforation of the steel, which could allow the control arm to fracture near the forward pivot attachment to the chassis. Lower control arm failure could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and, depending on the degree of corrosion exhibited, will either rustproof or replace them.
On certain Impreza wagon, the liftgate stay damper bolts may not have received adequate tightening torque during vehicle assembly. After repeated rear gate operations, loose stud bolts can cause the welded nuts to fail, allowing the liftgate to drop suddenly, and placing anyone underneath or near the gate at risk of personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and repair as necessary.
On certain vehicles, the left front bolt that retains the forward part of the driver's seat to the seat slide rail may loosen due to stress forces applied to the seat as the seat is used. If the seat slide rail retaining bolt loosens and falls out, there is the possibility that the seat may separate from the seat slide in a crash, which might cause more severe injuries to the driver. Correction: Dealers will install a new left hand driver's seat rail mounting bolt.
On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the parking pawl actuating rod ("parking rod") spring retainer may be defective. The parking pawl may not engage the parking gear fully and could cause the vehicle to move if the parking brake is not applied. Correction: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Replacement parts will not be available until January 2003.
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