Engine and engine cooling: cooling system (Subaru)
Vehicle recall 02V-240. NHTSA received SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.’s report on Sep 13, 2002.
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The short answer
NHTSA received SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.’s report on Sep 13, 2002. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 20, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
IN SOME INSTANCES, THE INTERFERENCE FIT BETWEEN THE INNER WALL OF THE PULLEY CENTER HOLE AND THE WATER PUMP DRIVE SHAFT WAS NOT AS TIGHT AS SPECIFIED IN THE DRAWING SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE WATER PUMP PULLEY DISLODGING FROM THE WATER PUMP SHAFT, WHICH CAN CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE/SEIZURE DURING VEHICLE USAGE.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE WATER PUMP PULLEY CENTER HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Engine and engine cooling: cooling system.
What should you do?
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 555 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- Subaru Outbackand 2003, before the model years listed here
- Subaru Bajaand 2003, before the model years listed here
- Subaru Legacyand 2003, before the model years listed here
Who is recalling it?
- Made by SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC..
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- This recall names only model years before 2015, which have no pages here. Your VIN, at NHTSA, says which recalls are open on a vehicle.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 20, 2026 and checked Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 20, 2026.