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Subaru Ascent heater ground bolt may overheat and melt

NHTSA campaign 22V907000 · Reported 2022-12-08 · Subaru of America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

Very serious: melting wiring can lead to a fire, so park away from structures, never leave the engine running unattended, and stop driving immediately if you smell or see smoke.

⚠ Park outside, away from buildings — fire risk. See all such recalls.

What's wrong, in plain English

A bolt that grounds the cabin's electric heater may not have been tightened properly at the factory. A loose connection there can get hot enough to melt the terminal and nearby parts, and that can start a fire. Subaru says to park away from buildings and not to leave the engine running while you are away from the vehicle. If you see or smell smoke from the dash or driver's footwell, stop and shut the engine off right away.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Ascent is affected. 2. Park away from buildings and do not leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running. 3. Contact your Subaru dealer or Subaru at 1-844-373-6614 (recall WRL-22) for the free bolt and, if needed, wire replacement.

Affected vehicles (4)

2019 Subaru Ascent
2020 Subaru Ascent
2021 Subaru Ascent
2022 Subaru Ascent

Who to contact

Subaru — official Subaru recall lookup

Customer service: 1-844-373-6614

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Subaru electrical recalls: stalling, melting wiring and false fuel readings · all 6 Subaru recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened, which could result in melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components.
Safety risk: A melting ground terminal increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicle away from structures and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. An owner who notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position. Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-22.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.