If you drive a 2017 Subaru Impreza, you might be hearing from Subaru soon about a recall. The recall covers Impreza sedans and hatchbacks in America built between September 13th, 2016, and March 15, 2017, according to the NHTSA’s recall database.
The recall is for some engine control software that needs to be recoded, or it could stall the car's boxer engine. The problem is possible premature fuel vaporization at low speed, idle, or high ambient temperatures.
When premature fuel vaporization occurs, it can cause all sorts of problems like stalling, failure to start, and rough idling. It appears to only be an an issue where winter fuel blends are required in some parts of North America.
This recall is unrelated to the Impreza recall from last month, which was implemented to fix faulty infotainment software.
When you take your Impreza in for its recall, the service department will reprogram the engine control unit, telling the radiator fan to turn on at lower temperatures. Of course, the repairs will be free of charge.
If you’re one of the lucky folks who drives one of these some 33,000 Imprezas, you can keep driving your car normally for the time being-but make sure you get it fixed as soon as you’re officially notified. Owners can expect a notification from Subaru at some point this month.
Subaru also issued a stop-sale order for new Imprezas sitting on dealer lots affected by the recall, so if you were planning on picking one up soon, the dealer might have bad news for you. (Your humble author suggests you just get a BRZ instead.)