Subaru, Toyota recall 411,000 vehicles for engine stall risk

Subaru and Toyota are recalling 411,000 vehicles globally for a valve spring problem that could stall the engine.

The glitch is caused by an overstressed valve spring that could fracture, which could lead to engine noise, malfunction or, in the worst case, stalling, said Dominick Infante, director of communications for Subaru of America.

The recall covers Subaru Impreza, Crosstrek and BRZ vehicles built between January 2012 and October 2013, but does not affect vehicles with engines made after May 2013, Infante said. He said the defect was detected in Japan after reports of engine noise, and that it affects 140,249 Subaru vehicles in the U.S.

Additionally, 80,000 Toyota and Scion vehicles built in 2012 and 2013 are covered by the recall, including 25,000 Scion FR-S models sold in the U.S., a spokeswoman for Toyota North America said. She said Toyota dealers will replace the valve springs at no cost to customers.

Separately, Toyota on Thursday announced a voluntary airbag recall covering certain 2004-05 Scion xA vehicles in the United States. About 17,000 vehicles are susceptible to an electrical short-circuit that could damage circuits in the airbag system, Toyota said in a statement. The automaker said the short-circuit could cause the airbag warning lights to turn on and the airbag and seat belt pretensioner to deactivate. In addition, it could cause those systems to inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Owners will receive a notification by mail starting in late December. Toyota dealers will replace the airbag control unit.