Subaru Announces Voluntary Recall of 2000 Through Certain Very Early 2003 Model Year Legacy, Outback and Baja Vehicles in `Salt Belt' States

- Campaign to Address a Possible Rear Suspension Corrosion Problem -

CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 29 -- Subaru of America, Inc., the only car company that offers symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line, today announced a voluntary recall on certain 2000-2001 models, some 2002 models, and very early production 2003 models including Subaru Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles in "salt-belt" states to address a possible rear suspension corrosion problem.

This recall involves Subaru Legacy, Outback, and very early production Baja vehicles. Model years include 2000 through 2001, some 2002 models, and approximately 45 very early production 2003 vehicles. The vehicles were produced between May 1, 1999 and April 30, 2002. Approximately 170,000 vehicles are potentially affected in the "salt belt" region. This recall will include vehicles originally sold and/or currently registered in the states of CT, DE, DC, IA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, and WI.

Certain rear suspension subframe components were produced by a supplier with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, may result in rusting of the component and eventual breakage of the subframe. If such breakage would occur while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected.

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.

The rear suspension subframe of vehicles operated in the "salt-belt" states will be cleaned and rust-proofed with anti-rust oil and anti-rust wax at no cost to the owner. Subaru will provide a campaign bulletin to dealers, and in late June or early July a recall notice will be sent to all registered owners who have already purchased one of the affected vehicles, advising them of the potential defect.

For additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit the company's media web site at www.media.subaru.com.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered near Philadelphia, 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 manufacturer to have all-wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle they make. Subaru has been the best-selling import wagon in America for the past 20 years, based on R.L. Polk & Company new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2002.