Recall WRL22 PTC Heater Ground Bolt (Important Recall Alert)

Ascents from the model years 2019–22 are included in the population. There may have been an issue Recall WRL22 PTC Heater Ground Bolt. It could have led to the melting of the ground terminal of the heater with a positive temperature coefficient and nearby components, increasing the possibility of a fire.

Owners are recommended to park their Ascent far from buildings and to have it under their supervision at all times. Stop driving and turn off the ignition if you see or smell smoke from the dash or the driver’s footwell.

All repairs will be made without charge by dealers, who will swap out the PTC heater ground bolts and, if necessary, the ground wire and connector holder. Owners will be informed of the recall on February 6, 2023.

For more information, owners can contact Subaru at 844-373-6614 (Subaru’s number for this recall is WRL-22), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or the agency’s website.

Recall WRL22 PTC Heater Ground Bolt

Dealers will, free of charge, replace the connector holder, ground wire, and PTC heater ground bolts as needed. On February 6, 2023, owner notification letters are anticipated to be mailed. 

Subaru Ascent vehicles from the 2019–2022 model years (MY) are subject to a safety recall, according to Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru is making this announcement to urge owners of the recalled vehicles to get in touch with a licensed Subaru store as soon as they learn of the recall from Subaru of America.

During the manufacturing of the car, the ground bolt that holds the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater in place wasn’t properly fastened.

When the PTC heater is in use, this potential circumstance may cause the ground terminal and other components to melt, raising the fire danger.  This problem has not resulted in any collisions or injuries.

Subaru dealers will swap out the PTC Heater Ground Bolts and, if necessary, the ground wire and connector holder for all the conceivably impacted vehicles.  0.6% of vehicles, according to estimates, will need their ground and connectors replaced.  The consumer won’t be charged anything for the inspection or repairs.

Customers are urged to park their vehicles away from garages, carports, or other structures and only to keep the engine running once a certified Subaru dealer finishes the inspection and repair. 

Owners must immediately stop driving and turn the ignition switch to the “off” position if they see or smell smoke from the dash or the driver’s footwell.  If this happens, the owner is urged to immediately seek assistance from Subaru’s Roadside Assistance program or the closest Subaru Ascent shop.

Within 60 days, mail will be used to reach vehicle owners. Please visit https://www.subaru.com/recalls.html and enter the Vehicle’sVehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if it is affected. Vehicle owners can learn more about this recall and enter their 17-digit VIN. Alternative numbers include Hearing Impaired (TTY): 800-424-9153 and the VehicleVehicle

Subaru Corporation of Japan owns all of Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) shares. From its headquarters in Camden, New Jersey, a city with a zero-landfill workplace, the corporation promotes and sells Subaru vehicles, parts, and components through a network of more than 630 dealers throughout the United States.

The National Wildlife Federation has classified Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the first vehicle manufacturing facility in the United States to get this designation, as a backyard wildlife habitat. All Subaru products are produced in zero-landfill facilities.

The Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s aim to demonstrate love and respect to everyone and to assist its communities and consumers around the country, serves as the foundation for SOA.

The Subaru family has benefited from more than $270 million in donations made by SOA and the SOA Foundation over the past 20 years, and SOA workers have volunteered for close to 78,000 hours. Subaru sees it as a corporate responsibility to contribute to a better world because it is the moral thing to do.

Conclusion

The exact issue is the Recall WRL22 PTC Heater Ground Bolt that links the SUV’s Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater to its ground terminal. This heater is electric in design to heat the cabin before the engine warms up. Subaru said the questioned bolt might have been put in correctly during construction.

Using the heater can lead to some electrical issues, possibly causing the ground terminal and neighboring components to melt. The recall was necessary because there is a fire risk if something gets hot enough to melt.

According to Subaru, there haven’t been any collisions or injuries due to this problem. The carmaker is aware of a few related accidents, some resulting in vehicle fires. Subaru advises 2019–2022 Ascent owners to store their cars outside, away from other cars and buildings, until an inspection and, if necessary, repairs may be made.

That there is a strategy in place to carry out these repairs. The ground bolt will be replaced after a PTC area inspection by Subaru dealerships. The ground terminal and connector may also need to be changed in a limited number of automobiles.

If any smoke or burning aromas are noticed within the cabin, Subaru encourages Ascent owners to stop the car immediately and turn off the ignition until the inspection is finished.

Frequently Asked Questions