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NHTSA Recall 79V016000: Carburetor system (fuel system)

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 170,000 vehicles. It affects 1977–1978 Subaru Subaru.

170,000
vehicles potentially affected
1
model affected
1979
owners notified (April 30)
NHTSA campaign79V016000
ComponentFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE › CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Report receivedJanuary 11, 1979
Owner notificationApril 30, 1979
Initiated byNHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Defect

Unsatisfactory engine operation and throttle valve sticking may occur under long hours of high speed driving in outside temperatures of approximately 20 degrees fahrenheit and below. This is caused by condensed water vapor drawn from the crankcase ventilating system which ices up the carburetor. This can lead to gradual loss of vehicle power and eventual stalling of vehicle.

Safety risk

Not provided.

Remedy

Dealer will equip all affected vehicles with a revised design crankcase ventilation and carburetor shield. An automatic temperature control, designed to shoot hot air into the carburetor to reduce icing, will also be installed. This will be done without cost to owner.

Notes

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: fuel; carburetor.consequences of defect: if either situation occurs while driving in traffic, avehicle accident may occur.

Vehicles covered by recall 79V016000

Make and modelModel years
Subaru Subaru1977, 1978

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.