Subaru recalls grey imports

Subaru of New Zealand is calling back four models that entered the fleet as grey-market imports to remedy a problem with their engines.

The company says certain Impreza, pictured, XV and two-litre Forester models made between January 16, 2012, and May 14, 2013, are affected – as well as some BRZs with a production start date of May 14, 2013. 

In rare cases, these vehicles contain a potentially defective engine-valve spring. If a spring fractures, the engine may stall and may not be able to be restarted. Once the marque receives relevant parts, owners will get letters about having a local authorised dealer complete remedial. Note that the model year is different to the year of registration.

The company also recalled its model year 1999-2001 Legacy on October 11, 2019. Due to inappropriate circuit structure on the luminescent meter on some grey-market models, the cabin is exposed to moisture for a long time. This may result in the circuit board’s power line causing an electrical short, potentially overheating the board and increasing the risk of a fire.

Holden Astra & Commodore, model year 2019

Recall issued: November 19, 2019. The hazard: A cross-member at the base on the seat back-frame assembly might have been improperly welded to the seat frame. What to do: Holden is writing to affected owners requesting for vehicles to be taken to Holden dealers to have their seat frames inspected free of charge. If a defective weld is identified, the assembly will be replaced free of charge.

Peugeot 5008, model year 2019

Recall issued: November 19, 2019. The hazard: The tightness of the spare-wheel support mountings need to be checked. What to do: Contract a local Peugeot dealer to arrange a suitable date for this to be done.

Volkswagen T5 & T6, model years 2010-17

Recall issued: November 19, 2019. The hazard: In vehicles with two-litre diesel engines, slight accelerating from 100-120kph isn’t carried out in sixth but seventh gear. During an exhaust-gas test, this characteristic can lead to the NOx-emission limits not being reached. What to do: All owners of affected vehicles have been contacted for repair work to be carried out.

Renault Megane, model year 2019

Recall issued: November 19, 2019. The hazard: A defect relating to the oil-pressure solenoid valve may be present. What to do: Contact the marque’s customer service team as soon as possible to arrange an inspection at any Renault dealer or service agent. It will take about half a day and is free of charge. If a new part is required, remedial work will take longer.

Peugeot Boxer, model years 2018-19

Recall issued: November 12, 2019. The hazard: A risk may exist to damage brake pipes over time and, in worst cases, lead to a risk of brake failure. What to do: Contact an authorised dealer to arrange a date to take the vehicle in.

Audi Q5, model years 2017-19

Recall issued: November 12, 2019. The hazard: The latching connection on the wheel-housing liner may fail. As a result, the wheel-arch cover may come loose and become detached from the car. What to do: Owners will be notified in writing. Note the relevant information supplied by the importer. All affected vehicles need to be checked and repaired during their next workshop visit.