Subaru has put a temporary halt to production of its Forester, Crosstrek and Impreza models in Japan after a problem with a steering component was identified.
The defect prevents the power steering in affected vehicles from functioning properly. Subaru estimates about 10,000 units were assembled with the problem, in the period between late December and January 16 of this year, the day on which the problem was discovered.
"The power steering unit issue was discovered very early, and countermeasures are being put in place. Subaru Corporation can confirm that no vehicles with the affected power steering units will be sold to US customers until the vehicles have been repaired."
- Dominick Infante, Subaru spokesperson
Subaru also confirmed that no vehicles with the issue made their way to the United States; by extension, we can assume that that means none are on Canadian soil either.
According to Subaru, the defective component came from a supplier. The company has advised owners of affected models that they should stop operating their vehicle if they sense that something is not right with the steering. Owners can also contact their dealership.
As for the idle assembly lines, they are expected to remain that way at least until next Monday, January 28.