Recall Alert: 2022 Subaru WRX Recalled for Bad Instructions In Owner’s Manual
The 2022 Subaru WRX is a rally-bred sedan that’s meant to tear up the streets and the track. Its turbocharged engine, tight suspension, and all-wheel drivetrain make it one of the most exciting cars on the market in its price range. It also has plenty of tech-savvy features like automatic high beams, for which a recent recall has gone out. However, it’s not for the high beams themselves; instead, it’s for something in the owner’s manual.
What is the 2022 Subaru WRX recall for?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there may be incorrect information published in the 2022 Subaru WRX’s owner’s manual. Subaru has recalled over 4,600 WRX models because “the manual may contain incorrect instructions for adjusting the high-beam assist sensitivity, possibly putting affected cars in violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards,” according to Motor1.
Obviously, this recall only concerns the WRX models with the high-beam assist feature. For the cars with the feature, the main concern is that owners may follow the incorrect instructions and mistakenly operate a different dimmer switch. The improper use could increase the risk of a crash.
Fortunately, Subaru noted that it’s unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to the incorrect information in the owner’s manuals.
What does the high-beam assist feature do?
According to Subaru, the high-beam assist feature “works in conjunction with EyeSight on automatic transmission models and uses a forward-facing camera on manual transmission models to detect a vehicle ahead or an oncoming vehicle to automatically switch the headlights between the high and low beam settings.”
The feature is standard on every Subaru WRX model, and drivers can turn the sensitivity of the feature up or down. From what the recall states, it looks like the issue is that the auto high beam sensitivity could blind other drivers if the sensitivity is turned down too much.
The Subaru WRX was redesigned for the 2022 model year
The Subaru WRX was redesigned for the 2022 model year, which included a new look, a new engine, and a new platform. It also has a stiffer chassis and standard tech features like Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that puts out 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT, which transmits that power to all four wheels.
What is the solution for the recall?
Luckily, Subaru WRX owners that received the recall notice won’t have to take their cars into the dealership for any fixes. Instead, Subaru is going to send the owners the correct information, which they can insert into the owner’s manual. However, if the owner would rather have a dealer insert the information into the manual for them, they can.
Subaru should start notifying customers about the recall starting on March 21. For now, drivers can keep enjoying their cars and even switch the auto high beam setting off, if they want to.
