Subaru has issued a recall for the Ascent SUV to address a potential fire danger.
The recall affects Ascent SUVs manufactured between 2019 and 2022, totaling 271,694 vehicles. The issue revolves around the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater module. The PTC heater serves as an electronic device that generates interior warmth before the engine’s coolant reaches the optimal operating temperature.
The root of the problem lies in a poorly secured fastener that holds the ground terminal of the PTC heater in place. If the fastener is loose and fails to establish a strong connection, the increased resistance in the connection can lead to excessive heat buildup at the terminal during heater operation. This heat can cause the ground terminal and surrounding components to melt, potentially igniting a fire within the vehicle.
While Subaru has not reported any accidents or injuries related to the PTC heater issue, there have been multiple incidents reported, some resulting in vehicle fires.
Subaru
The recall solution entails replacing the ground terminal bolt and ensuring a proper connection. Subaru estimates that 0.6% of the recalled vehicles may have already experienced melting of the ground terminal or wire, which will also be replaced if needed. The inspection and repair work will be carried out by Subaru dealers at no charge to affected customers.
Subaru will send notification letters to owners within the next 60 days. In the interim, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors, away from structures like garages or carports. This advice echoes a similar caution given by GM to Chevy Bolt owners facing unexpected vehicle fires last year. Drivers should also avoid leaving their vehicles unattended with the engine running. If there are signs of smoke or burning odors emanating from the dashboard or driver’s footwell, motorists should promptly park, turn off the vehicle, and contact Subaru’s roadside assistance program.
A faulty electrical connection can easily lead to a vehicle fire, especially with high-current components like the PTC heater. This serves as a stark reminder that conventional vehicles are just as susceptible, if not more so, to catching fire as electric cars. It underscores the fact that as modern vehicles grow increasingly sophisticated, the potential failure points multiply.
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