Front Suspension Control Arm Problems of Subaru Legacy

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the right lower control arm broke. The failure recurred on one occasion. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 202,000. Sh.

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2005 Subaru Legacy with 202,000 miles had a failure of the right lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. The car had a current safety inspection for PA where it was being driven at the time of the failure. The failure caused loss of control of the vehicle and it skidded off the road to a stop. There is currently a NHTSA recall campaign ( number: 11v464000 ) for this very problem but not for this vehicle model. The lower control arm on the Legacy was not manufactured by fiji heavy industries USA, inc, according to Subaru and that is why it was not part of this recall campaign. However, the failure on our 2005 Subaru Legacy was due to excessive corrosion as we live in the "salt belt". When being repaired at the dealership we were told the left lower control arm had excessive corrosion and we had them replaced it along with the failed right lower control arm.

June 2012 - replaced front control arm bushings which were worn after only ~80,000 miles, earlier than would be expected. Rear control arm bushings are also wearing and will need to be replaced. August 2013 - airbag warning light on dashboard came on and stayed on while driving with a passenger in the front seat. Brought the car to the shop who informed me it was a faulty map light assembly. Was also informed that this is common with Subaru's which research online confirmed.

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The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that during routine matinencance, the private mechanic stated that there was corrosion on both sides of the control arms and oil pan. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 14,500.

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Control arm creased at center during turn at low speed. Damage appears similar to plastic straw placed under pressure at both ends until stress causes to crease. Tow operator, a certified mechanic, stated he saw no scratch or other evidence of impact that would cause the crease to occur, strongly suggesting that this incident was the product of long term stress related failure. Dealer, however, disagrees with this analysis, and states impact must have occurred to cause damage. In any event, such a condition could easily be life threatening under other circumstances. For what it's worth, I would suggest that the arm either be strengthend or protected to mitigate such a possibility.

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