SOA Directive Concerning Vehicle Modifications – Subaru

NHTSA ID Number: 10163528

Manufacturer Communication Number: Subaru Retailers

Summary

Subaru vehicles are designed to ensure that they meet or exceed federal and state regulations for safety, emissions, fuel economy, vehicle classification and other requirements. Aftermarket modifications can compromise compliance with those regulations and alter the intended design in a way that could compromise the safety or performance of the vehicle.

 

1 Affected Product

Vehicle

SUBARU

SUBARU

9999

 

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TO:	ALL SUBARU RETAILERS
FROM:	MIKE CAMPBELL, VICE PRESIDENT – SERVICE AND QUALITY
DATE:	July 12, 2019
RE:	SOA DIRECTIVE CONCERNING VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS

 

Subaru vehicles are designed to ensure that they meet or exceed federal and state regulations for safety, emissions, fuel economy, vehicle classification and other requirements.  Aftermarket modifications can compromise compliance with those regulations and alter the intended design in a way that could compromise the safety or performance of the vehicle.

As our vehicles become more advanced, these modifications can affect driver assistance systems such as EyeSight and RAB.  For example, an EyeSight vehicle cannot be recalibrated after it has been lifted.  Even simple modifications such as changing the tires or wheels can impact these new systems.  And even in the absence of advanced driver assistance technology, these seemingly simple modifications may result in inaccurate odometer and fuel economy readings, or an impact on vehicle braking and handling.

Modifications may also jeopardize coverage for repairs under the Subaru Limited Warranty.

Subaru recognizes that some of our customers desire personalization, so we offer a selection of optional accessory parts designed and tested to ensure that they do not affect regulatory compliance, vehicle safety, performance or overall design criteria.

Modifications other than with approved Subaru accessories are not endorsed or recommended by SOA.  Retailers should refrain from performing unauthorized modifications, such as installing larger tires and/or wheels, completing performance modifications to the drivetrain or suspension, changing cloth seat covers to leather, or other such modifications.  If a customer insists on such a modification, SOA recommends that the retailer decline to perform it and notify the customer that such a modification might compromise warranty coverage, as well as the overall safety, quality, durability, and performance of the vehicle.

If a retailer discovers such modifications during normal servicing, it should be noted on the repair order with an indication that it could affect the warranty coverage and vehicle integrity.

We also remind you that the Subaru Dealer Agreement and Standard Provisions require Dealers to indemnify SOA in the event of the “Dealer’s unauthorized alteration or modification of any Subaru product…” or “Dealer’s sale or use of any part, accessory, or optional equipment which is not a Genuine Subaru Part.”

Please ensure that all retailer personnel understand the implications and liabilities that unauthorized modifications can have on our customers and your business.

 

Thank you for your cooperation.

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SOA DIRECTIVE CONCERNING VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS

July 12, 2019

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10163528

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10163528-0001.pdf

 

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