- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
- Risk
- A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
What this recall means for you
A ground bolt for the heater's PTC unit under the dashboard may have been improperly tightened. Over time this can cause the ground terminal and nearby parts to melt.
A melting ground terminal raises the risk of a fire. If you notice or smell smoke from the dash or driver's footwell, stop driving right away and turn the ignition to Off. Until the repair is done, park the vehicle away from buildings and do not leave it unattended while the engine is running.
Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if needed, the ground wire and connector holder, at no cost to you. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. You can also contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 and check your VIN for open recalls.
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Subaru Ascent | 2019202020212022 |
|---|