Subaru Recalls Nearly 14,000 Vehicles in Canada Due to Potential Fire Risk

The logo of Subaru is displayed at a car showroom in Tokyo, Japan, on Feb. 8, 2017. Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images

Subaru Canada is recalling almost 14,000 Ascent model vehicles from years 2019 to 2022 due to the potential risk of fire.

“The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened during vehicle production,” Subaru said in a Dec. 9 news release.

Subaru says this can result in the melting of the ground terminal and nearby components, and there is an increased risk of fire if the PTC heater is in operation. No crashes or injuries have been reported due to the issue.

Owners of a Subaru Ascent affected by the recall can go to the nearest authorized dealership, to have the PTC Heater ground bolts replaced, and also the ground wire and connector holder, if necessary. Subaru estimates about 0.6 percent of vehicles will need both replaced, at no cost to the customer.

Until the inspection and repair are completed for those affected, Subaru has warned customers to park their vehicles away from other structures, like garages and carports, and to avoid leaving the vehicle running while unattended. If an owner smells smoke coming from the dash or footwell area on the driver’s side, they should immediately turn their vehicle off and stop driving.

Ascent sport utility vehicles in the U.S. have also been recalled, including 271,000 vehicles manufactured between 2019 and 2022.

Subaru plans to send recall notices by mail to owners within the next 60 days. But owners can find out if their vehicle is affected on the recall website and enter the vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number. Vehicle owners can also visit the U.S.-based recall website and enter the 17-digit vehicle identification number for more information on this recall.