Subaru is recalling 271,694 Ascent SUVs because of a potential fire risk involving electrical connections to heaters. The recall covers models from 2019 to 2022.
A particular issue is with the ground bolt connecting the ground terminal for the SUV’s Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater. This is basically an electric style heater which is used to circulate heat to the cabin before the engine warms up. Subaru says the bolts in question may not have been installed correctly during assembly. This can cause electrical problems, possibly melting the ground terminal and surrounding components when the heater is in use. If the object gets hot enough to melt, there is naturally a risk of fire, hence the recall.
No accidents or injuries related to this matter, according to Subaru. There are, however, a few related incidents that the automaker is aware of, including a few that led to vehicle fires. Subaru recommends 2019-2022 Ascent owners park outside, away from other vehicles and structures until an inspection – and repair if necessary – can be carried out.
There are plans, by the way, to make this repair happen. The Subaru dealer will inspect the PTC area and replace the ground bolt. On some vehicles, it may also be necessary to replace the ground terminal and connector. Until the inspection is complete, Subaru advises Ascent owners to immediately stop the vehicle and turn off the engine if smoke or a burning smell is encountered in the cabin.
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Owner notification by mail will be made within 60 days of this announcement. Relevant Subie owners can also enter their Ascent VIN in https://www.subaru.com/recalls.html to see if the vehicle is part of a recall.
Subaru certainly isn’t the only automaker lately to have had fire problems. In the last month alone, the Nissan Rogue, Ram HD pickup truck, and many Ford SUVs were recalled due to fire concerns. The Kia Niro Hybrid was also recalled during this period due to a bad relay being installed as a recall for a previously relay/fire problem.
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