Subaru Forester, Impreza Recall R/2011/146: Lower Control Arms May Fail, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 15 Jan 2012
- Launched
- 22,928
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2011/146
- DVSA reference
Subaru recalled Forester, Impreza vehicles built between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2008. The front Transverse links (lower Control Arms) may corrode leading to possible breakage if left without treatment. The recall notice describes the fix as: either additional rust proofing or replacement of the Transverse links will be performed according to the degree of corrosion. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The front Transverse links (lower Control Arms) may corrode leading to possible breakage if left without treatment.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY FAIL Defect: The front Transverse links (lower Control Arms) may corrode leading to possible breakage if left without treatment. Remedy: Either additional rust proofing or replacement of the Transverse links will be performed according to the degree of corrosion.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to possible breakage if left without treatment.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: either additional rust proofing or replacement of the Transverse links will be performed according to the degree of corrosion.
Are You Affected?
Forester, Impreza built between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2008 may be included. Subaru estimates 22,928 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Subaru, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Subaru.
- Book with any franchised Subaru dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2011/146. See how to get a Subaru recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRZ, ForesterThe impeller deformation may cause the fuel pump to become inoperative | Urgent | R/2022/266 | |
| Impreza, Levorg, Outback, XVThe electronic park brake connector may disconnect | Urgent | R/2022/260 | |
| Forester, Impreza, XVPotential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition | Urgent | R/2021/353 | |
| Forester, XVThe bolts of the rear stabiliser bracket might become loose | Low | R/2021/352 | |
| Forester, Impreza, XVDue to improper ecm programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is off | Urgent | R/2020/316 |
This is one of 37 Subaru recalls in DVSA’s data. The Subaru recall launched before it was R/2010/194 on 18 Jan 2011, for steering control could be lost. The one launched after it was R/2013/117 on 10 Jan 2014, for engine may cut out. You can also see every Subaru recall, all recalls launched in 2012 and suspension recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2011/146, launched 15 January 2012. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.