Audi, Subaru issue recalls; thousands of vehicles impacted

Both Audi and Subaru issued recalls on certain vehicles on Wednesday.

Associated Press

Dec 16, 2021, 1:07 AM

Updated 1,087 days ago

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Audi, Subaru issue recalls; thousands of vehicles impacted
Two car manufacturers issued recalls on Wednesday. 
Volkswagen's Audi luxury brand is recalling 289,000 SUVs in the U.S. because water can get into a control computer under the back seats.
The recall covers certain 2021 and 2022 Q5 and SQ5 Sportback models and some 2018 through 2022 Q5 and SQ5 models.
The company says in documents posted by U.S. safety regulators that water can get to the computer through liquid spilled onto the back seat, or from a leaky body seam. That can cause the computer to shut down and reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
VW says in documents that it is not aware of any crashes or injuries.
Dealers will install a cover to protect the computers and seal an underbody seam at no cost to owners.
Notification letters will be mailed starting Feb. 24.
Subaru is also recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. because a chain in the transmission can break, causing a loss of power.
The recall covers certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles, as well as some 2019 and 2020 Ascent SUVs.
Subaru says in documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators that a programming error in the transmission control computer can let the clutch engage before the drive chain is clamped down. If that happens, the chain can slip and break, increasing the risk of a crash. Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say Subaru has no reports of crashes or injuries.
Dealers will reprogram the transmission computer and inspect the chain guide. If they find evidence of slippage or damage, the transmission will be replaced at no cost to owners. 
Owners will be notified by mail starting Feb. 7. The remedy is expected to be ready in April. 
The recall covers Ascents included included in a 2019 recall that covered a hydraulic sensor in the transmission
AP News Wire Services were used in this report.