Subaru is warning more than a quarter-million drivers to park their SUVs outdoors because the vehicles can catch fire.
The automaker has issued a recall for nearly 272,000 Ascents after getting reports of at least two SUVs catching fire. The recall applies to 2019 through 2022 model years.
According to a notice issued by Subaru, a bolt that holds the ground terminal of a heater may not have been fastened properly during assembly, which can cause the terminal and surrounding parts to melt, increasing the risk of fire.
Subaru said there have been no reports of crashes or injuries due to this issue.
Owners of affected vehicles should contact an authorized Subaru dealer as soon as they receive notification of the recall. Until then, the vehicles should be parked outside due to the fire risk.
"Customers are being advised to park their vehicle away from garages, car ports, or other structures, and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running," Subaru said. "If an owner notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area, they should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the 'off' position."
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Subaru said vehicle owners will be contacted by mail within 60 days. Owners can also go to the Subaru or NHTSA website and input their VIN to determine if their vehicle might be part of the recall.
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