The problem
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from September 5, 2000 through November 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. The front lower control arms May break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
The risk
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Subaru will handle their vehicles and Saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during December 2011. Owners May contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners May contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 11V-464 (11V464000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WVX-34 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm |
| Report date | September 6, 2011 |
| Owners notified | December 31, 2011 |
| Vehicles affected | 318,215 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the suspension
- 2005 Saab 9-2X suspension problems 17
- 2003 Subaru Forester suspension problems 22
- 2004 Subaru Forester suspension problems 25
- 2005 Subaru Forester suspension problems 21
- 2006 Subaru Forester suspension problems 12
- 2007 Subaru Forester suspension problems 12
- 2008 Subaru Forester suspension problems 11
- 2002 Subaru Impreza suspension problems 49
- 2003 Subaru Impreza suspension problems 3
- 2004 Subaru Impreza suspension problems 17
- 2005 Subaru Impreza suspension problems 17
- 2006 Subaru Impreza suspension problems 2
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 11V-464 repair free?
Yes. Saab dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will handle their vehicles and Saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 318,215 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.