Subaru has issued another recall of its battery-electric crossover Solterra because the wheel hub bolts could come loose and come off.
Subaru said the issue affects 1,182 Subaru Solterra vehicles of the 2023 model year.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra EV and 2023 Toyota bZ4x, products of a partnership between Toyota and Subaru to jointly develop an EV-only platform, were recalled last June for the same issue.
Apparently, the company is concerned that the fix hasn’t taken hold.
The vehicle was repaired at two ports before being delivered to the customer. Subaru states that it has discovered that a third-party contractor has not properly completed the repair procedure, which can result in a significant lack of bolt torque.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Subaru is recalling all vehicles repaired at all ports supported by third-party contractors,” the company said in a statement. “Vehicles without the original hub bolt concern and vehicles repaired at other facilities are unaffected.”
Subaru warned customers not to drive the vehicle. The company will cover the cost of towing the vehicle to a local dealer where it can be inspected. If necessary, retighten the hub bolts.
This recall is the latest mark in the difficult launch of the Solterra and Toyota bZ4x. The first recall for June 2022 came just two months after the Toyota bZ4x was launched.
Toyota engineers had a hard time determining the cause of the loose hub bolt problem. Production of the two cars he resumed in October.
