Subaru had to recall more than 4,600 of the 2022 WRX models due to incorrect information published in the owner’s manual. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the manual may contain incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the high beam assist, which may lead the affected car to violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The recall affects 4,615 2022 WRX models and only those equipped with the high-beam assist feature. That doesn’t include cars with the correct owner’s manual or those that don’t have the high beam assist feature.
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Owners who follow the wrong instructions may misunderstand the system state, increasing the risk of crashes. The instructions erroneously reference the operation of a different type of dimmer switch. Subaru became aware of the problem in October, spent the next two months investigating the matter before deciding earlier this month that the affected vehicles did not meet federal safety standards. The automaker notes that they are not aware of any accidents, injuries, or reports of problems related to this faulty instruction.
Subaru redesigned the WRX for the 2022 model year, giving it a new engine and platform wrapped in a package that looks familiar. It debuted with an evolutionary design and thick fender cladding, with the new chassis coming with stiffer overall torsional rigidity. Inside, the automaker gave the cabin a complete and necessary makeover. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity are standard features.
Under the hood of the WRX sits a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, growing from 2.0 liters. The factory produces 271 horsepower (202 kilowatts) and 258 pound-feet (349 Newton-meters) of torque. Subaru pairs the engine with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. Both direct power through the Subaru all-wheel drive system.
Luckily, this isn’t a recall that will see the owner driving to the dealer to have it repaired. Subaru will send the correct information to affected customers for inclusion in their owner’s manual. However, if the customer so desires, they can ask a Subaru dealer to install the repaired nsert into the book. Subaru will start notifying affected customers around March 21.
