Subaru Recalling 270,000 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs over Fire Risk

• Subaru announced a recall for certain 2019–2022 Ascent SUVs over an issue relating to a bolt connected to the Postive Temperature Coefficient heater.
• Subaru warned owners to park affected vehicles away from garages, car ports and other structures until a repair has been completed.
• The recall has not yet appeared on the NHTSA website, but Subaru gave an official statement here, and plans to contact owners by mail within 60 days.

Subaru is issuing a safety recall for certain 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs. In an email to Car and Driver, Subaru confirmed that the recall affects 271,694 vehicles, a figure which will be represented in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posting tomorrow.

According to Subaru, the issue stems from a ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater being improperly fastened during production. In affected vehicles, the loose bolt increases the chance of the ground terminal melting while the PTC is in use, which could lead to a fire.

At the time of issuing the recall, Subaru does not know of any crashes or injuries related to the potential defect. The manufacturer will replace the PTC Heater Ground Bolts at no cost to owners, and may replace the ground wire and connector holder if deemed necessary. According to the statement from Subaru, 0.6 percent of the recalled vehicles will require ground and connector replacement.

Until repairs are completed, Subaru is warning owners to park away from garages, car ports and other structures due to the risk of a fire. If owners notice or smell smoke from the dash or the driver’s-side footwell, they are recommended to immediately stop driving and turn the ignition to the “off” position before contacting roadside assistance.