Subaru is recalling 47,419 cars in the United States due to a problem with the remote engine starter (RES) which could malfunction and start the vehicle without warning.
The affected vehicles include the 2010-2013 Legacy and Outback equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox RES accessory, the 2012-2013 Impreza equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox RES accessory, and the 2013 XV Crosstrek equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox RES accessory.
"If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause asphyxiation."
The recall is expected to begin by the end of April and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. For more information, owners can call Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
