The problem
On some passenger and sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, certain left-hand front transverse link components were produced with poor paint quality. If the vehicle is operated form an extensive period in a salt-belt area, continued exposure to salt could cause the left front transverse link to rust and eventually break.
The risk
If the transverse link were to break due to rusting, control of the vehicle could be affected without prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will apply anti-rust material to the left front transverse link. Owner notification began August 1, 2003. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-232 (03V232000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WWN-97 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Suspension › Front |
| Report date | June 26, 2003 |
| Owners notified | August 1, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 350 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the suspension
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-232 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will apply anti-rust material to the left front transverse link. Owner notification began August 1, 2003. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 350 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.