Complaint 2261744

Complaint Summary

POWER TRAIN

Owner Narrative

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear differential assembly completely failed, disabling the vehicle's all-wheel-drive capability. The component was replaced by Shingle Springs Subaru, so the original failed part is no longer available for physical inspection, but all diagnostic and repair receipts are available upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Around 73,000 miles, during a major winter snowstorm, I was starting to drive up a hill when the vehicle lost traction and the car would not move forward and began sliding. This sudden loss of control in severe weather put me, my [XXX] child, and all surrounding drivers at immediate risk of a catastrophic crash on a hazardous road with no warnings. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The complete failure of the rear differential was officially diagnosed, confirmed, and replaced by the service department at Shingle Springs Subaru. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The failure was inspected and documented by Shingle Springs Subaru. Furthermore, corporate Subaru (the manufacturer) reviewed the dealership's case files and confirmed the situation enough to issue a $1,000 goodwill assistance gesture toward the repair. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or obvious symptoms prior to the incident. The vehicle had its major 60,000-mile factory service completed around 61,000 miles, and no issues were flagged by the mechanics. The catastrophic failure of the all-wheel-drive system only became apparent when the vehicle was subjected to the slick conditions of the winter storm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.