Subaru to recover 2.2 million cars over brake light failure, including in Singapore

Subaru has announced a global recall of 2.2 million sport utility vehicles, the largest ever for the company, due to a failure in the brake light that could affect the operation of the engines of vehicles.

The models affected are the Model Year 2014-2016 (MY) Forester, 2011-2014MY WRX (4-door), Impreza 2008-2016MY and 2012-2017MY Subaru XV.

The recall affects around 3,500 vehicles in Singapore, according to Motor Image Enterprises, a Subaru car dealer in Singapore, in response to questions from Channel NewsAsia.

Asian customers also affected by the recall include those from Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

In Japan, Subaru is collecting 306,728 units of the Impreza and Forester cars, while the remaining 1.96 million vehicles will be collected in North America and other regions.

"It's the biggest recall with regard to number," a Subaru spokesman told AFP.

No accidents were reported in connection with the problem.

The company said the silicon gas from certain consumer products, including cleaning supplies, could infiltrate the brake light switch housing, interfering with the lights on properly and also with the ignition of the engine.

"If the fault occurs, the brake lights will not turn on and may cause other road users not to notice the driver's intention to stop the vehicle, which may increase the risk of accidental collisions," Motor Image told Channel NewsAsia.

Image Motor reported that it will notify its customers in the region about the recall and will replace the brake light switch and related parts, free of charge.

"Motor Image is committed to the highest safety standards and quality driving experience for all our customers," he said. "Motor Image is in constant contact with Subaru Corporation for future updates and will notify affected customers accordingly."

Subaru, which submitted a document to the Ministry of Transport, did not disclose the cost of the recall, but the Nikkei newspaper said the company expects it to be around 10 billion yen ($ 90 million).

Subaru's reputation, built in part on the safety of its vehicles, has been affected by several scandals in recent years.

It had to admit of a mileage data fraud scandal, as well as acknowledging that it allowed factory personnel, without proper authorization, to conduct final inspections on some vehicles.