WASHINGTON, D.C. -

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released details about another vehicle recall for units registered primarily in cold-weather locations.

NHTSA said Subaru of America is recalling an undetermined amount of model-year 2005 through 2009 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from December 2003 through April 2009.

These units are currently or formerly registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Officials indicated salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines.

“Brake-line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA said.

Subaru told the agency it will notify owners, and franchised dealers will inspect the vehicles.

If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the automaker said the affected area will be rust-proofed with anti-corrosion wax.

If brake fluid seepage is observed, the OEM explained the brake lines will be replaced followed by rust-proofing with anti-corrosion wax.

Both of these services will be performed free of charge, according to NHTSA.

Officials added the manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. In the meantime, owners can contact Subaru at (800) 782-2783 and mention the recall campaign, which is WQG-43.

GM Recalls 2013 Buick Encore with Certain Steering Wheel

General Motors said it is recalling certain 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between Dec. 9 and Dec. 28 and equipped with a heated steering wheel, which amounts to a total of 144 units.

NHTSA indicated the steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed, which could cause the steering wheel to come loose or separate from the steering column.

“If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash,” officials said.

GM told NHTSA it will notify owners, and franchised dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will provided at no charge to the customer.

In a message to Auto Remarketing, GM spokesperson Alan Adler said, “There are no known crashes or injuries related to this recall. All 59 customers who have taken Encore deliveries have been contacted by telephone and their vehicles are being inspected. The 85 unsold vehicles are being inspected at dealerships, and none have been found to have the issue.” 

NHTSA Investigating Hyundai Sedans

In other news from the agency, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) recently opened an examination of the Hyundai Sonata from the 2006 through 2008 model years, which would cover an estimated 393,000 units.

ODI officials said they have received six complaints alleging rear suspension control arm failures related to rear subframe corrosion in these vehicles.

“Three of the reports allege failures at highway speeds and two indicate that the failure resulted in activation of the electronic stability control system,” investigators said.

“A preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect,” they continued.

Should an official recall be necessary, the volume would be more than 20 times larger than Hyundai’s most recent campaign.

Back in December, NHTSA said Hyundai was recalling certain versions of the 2012 Veloster in separate campaigns to correct an issue with the sunroof as well as the parking brake. Those initiatives covered less than 18,000 units.

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