Subaru Forester coolant leak can start engine fire

NHTSA campaign 23V723000 · Reported 2023-10-26 · Subaru of America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

A coolant leak onto a hot exhaust means a fire risk, which is as serious as it gets — the notice says these vehicles were never delivered, so if you somehow have one, have it checked before driving it.

What's wrong, in plain English

On some 2024 Subaru Foresters, the bolts holding the engine's coolant pipe may not be tight enough. A loose pipe can break its seal and let engine coolant drip out. If that coolant lands on the hot exhaust pipe underneath, it can catch fire. Subaru says these particular vehicles were caught before they reached dealers or buyers, so the bolts are being tightened at its distribution facilities and no owner letters are going out.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to check whether your Forester is one of the affected vehicles.
2. If it is, contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 or your dealer and ask about recall WRO-23 before driving.
3. Have the water pipe bolts tightened — the work is free.

Affected vehicles (1)

2024 Subaru Forester

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 engine recalls: sudden power loss, stalling and coolant leaks · all 4 Subaru recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Safety risk: Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRO-23.

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