Subaru of America, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Six Cylinder Outbacks and 2002, 2003, and 2004 Impreza WRX Vehicles

-- Campaign to Address Possible Cruise Control Cable Problem --

CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 16 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall on certain 2001-2004 six cylinder Outback models, and 2002-2004 Impreza WRX 2.0L models to address a possible cruise control cable problem.

This recall involves certain 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 model year Subaru Outback H-6 3.0L and Impreza WRX 2.0L turbo vehicles. The potentially affected Outback vehicles were produced at Subaru Indiana Automotive, Inc. between March 15, 2000 and February 19, 2004, and the Impreza WRX vehicles were produced at Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. between September 5, 2000 and February 12, 2004. Approximately 127,580 vehicles are potentially affected.

It is possible for the cruise control cable to come out of its track on the cruise control throttle lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and instead remain in an open position. This condition could occur at any time without prior notice and control of the vehicle could be affected.

Although we believe the percentage of vehicles likely to actually experience the failure is very low, a cruise control cable retaining clip will be installed on all potentially affected vehicles. The cruise control cable retaining clip will be fitted to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track.

The campaign was launched as a result of Subaru field inspections and quality assurance testing. There have been no accidents or injuries attributed to this problem.

In early April, we will notify all owners of potentially affected vehicles of this potential problem by first class mail and ask them to contact their dealer to arrange a service appointment to have the cruise control cable retaining clip installed at no charge to the owner. We will also advise owners in the notification letter of the action to take if they encounter this condition.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that features symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. For additional information please visit www.subaru.com.