Subaru Impreza Compact Cars Recalled Because of Faulty Headlight Reflectors
The affected parts may not meet the standards for adequate light reflection
2019 Subaru Impreza Sport
By Jon Linkov
Subaru has announced the recall of more than 188,000 Impreza sedans and wagons from the 2017 through 2019 model years to fix a problem with some of the reflectors in the headlight assemblies that may not properly reflect light. The lower levels of reflected light may lower the vehicle visibility for the driver and/or other vehicles, which increases the risk of a crash.
This process began back in 2019, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration informed Subaru that it had discovered in testing that the Impreza’s lights weren’t in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Number 108. In its own investigation, Subaru determined that the molds that had been used in production between September 2016 and August 2019 had been damaged.
Subaru filed a petition in 2019 for relief of the remedy requirements, called a Petition of Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance. The appeal was denied in August 2022.
There is no mention of any crashes or injuries associated with these faulty parts. Models equipped with LED headlights aren’t included in this recall.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 188,397 Subaru Imprezas from the 2017 through 2019 model years:
63,696 Impreza sedans
124,701 Impreza wagons
The problem: The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low-beam reflector may inadequately reflect light.
The side reflectors have a problem with the mold used to cast the parts. The mold was damaged during the casting process, yet it was still used to produce additional reflectors. Some of the side reflectors produced after the damage occurred have diminished performance.
At a later date, the mold that was used to cast the left front halogen low-beam reflector was worn down to a point where the final parts may not be able to meet the standards for reflexivity that are part of FMVSS Number 108.
The fix: Subaru dealers will replace the front headlight assemblies free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners of affected vehicles can call Subaru at 844-373-6614. Subaru will notify them via mail starting Oct. 11, 2022.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V624. Subaru’s number for the recall is WRG-22.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
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