Recalls for 1998 Subaru Outback

DEFECT #1 - SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Posted on: 2001-06-26
Description
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new york, new jersey, new hampshire, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia.  The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.

Consequence
Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.  Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.

Corrective Action
Dealers will notifiy customers to bring their vehicle to an authorize dealership to have a spring guard installed on both front struts to prevent tire puncture and replace any broken springs free of charge.  Owner notification began september 18, 2001.  Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Notes
Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

DEFECT #2 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Posted on: 1998-02-27
Description
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.  Due to poor welds, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break and shift levers can move.

Consequence
This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.

Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).

Notes
Owner notification began june 15, 1998.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.  Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).