SUBARU Impreza Hatch
What the hazard is
Malfunction
What to do
Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited will write to owners of all affected vehicles.
Defect
Certain 2001-2003 MY Subaru Impreza hatches may have been manufactured with tailgate struts (also known as tailgate stays) that were inadequately tightened during production. The left and right tailgate struts are designed to support the tailgate when it is placed in an upright position. Each is connected to the tailgate by means of a stud bolt that is attached directly to a welded nut located within the tailgate. If one or both of the stud bolts wwere inadequately tightened, the loose stud bolt may put unintended stress at the area around the welded nut. Over time and after repeated tailgate operation (opening and closing), this condition could result in the welded nut, along with the tailgate strut, separating and detaching from the tailgate causing the tailgate to close unexpectedly.