November 8, 2002
Subaru is recalling 163,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. because of a problem with the automatic transmission. Tests indicate the vehicles could shift out of park and begin rolling without warning.
The recalled vehicles, all with automatic transmissions, include some 2001 Legacy vehicles, all 2002 Legacy, Outback, Forester and Impreza vehicles and some early 2003 Legacy, Outback, Baja, Forester and Impreza models.
Subaru says a possible defect in the automatic transmission parking rod could cause the parking gear to not be fully engaged. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries associated with the problem, which Subaru discovered during quality tests.
Subaru said it will notify all affected owners soon about the recall, and repair parts should be available in January. Until then, owners can put their parking brakes on to ensure that the vehicles will not roll when parked.
