NHTSA Recall 12V602000: Exterior lighting
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 633,842 vehicles. It affects 5 models including the Subaru B9 Tribeca.
| NHTSA campaign | 12V602000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | WQE-41 |
| Component | EXTERIOR LIGHTING |
| Report received | December 26, 2012 |
| Owner notification | February 19, 2013 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Safety risk
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Notes
Subaru's recall campaign number is WQE-41.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.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 12V602000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Subaru B9 Tribeca | 2012 |
| Subaru Forester | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2010, 2011 |
| Subaru Outback | 2010, 2011 |
| Subaru Tribeca | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.