Fire 'em Up: Subaru Subwoofers Belt Out Hot Tunes
Look, I’ll take this opportunity and cop to the fact I spent entirely too much money on aftermarket stereo systems when I was a kid. There is a very good chance, actually, that most of my systems were worth many multiples of the car in which they were installed.
This is why I applaud manufacturers who offer oontz-oontz-oontz levels of tunes as factory options. Subaru did just this on their 2015 WRX and WRX STI. However, it would seem that teenage Matthew was not the only one to haphazardly install speaker wiring, as the Exploding Galaxy has recalled 9,178 Rexys for a fire risk in the factory subwoofer.
According to an NHTSA recall, certain 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI models equipped with the optional factory subwoofer could experience an electrical short in the wiring, possibly leading to a fire. According to the recall report:
The subject vehicles are equipped with a factory installed subwoofer, which is located inside the trunk. Luggage in the trunk could contact subwoofer wire and move the wire out of its fixed position. If the wire touches the metal frame of the subwoofer, this may result in an intermittent short, causing the integrated circuit (IC) in the subwoofer amplifier to be damaged. In some case, the damaged IC may create a continuous electrical current into the subwoofer. If this occurs, the subwoofer could overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Once again, The Man is trying to stop kids from listening to modern music.
The recall goes on to clarify that the location of the subwoofer wire makes it susceptible to potential contact with subwoofer frame when cargo in the trunk hits it. Also, the subwoofer amplifier has insufficient protection from an intermittent electrical short. Crackling noises will likely occur when intermittent short happens, so the recall recommends turning off the audio system to prevent this defect from occurring.
You can’t tell me to turn off my music, NHTSA! You’re not my dad!
Ahem, yes. Anyway.
Owners of the affected cars will be notified and can then go to their dealer, who will fix the problem by plugging the thing into the thing. Actually, the dealer apparently has one of two options: installing a spacer clip on the wire or replacing the entire subwoofer and amplifier. We recommend owners demand the latter.
The NHTSA recall number for this issue is 17V-625, while the manufacturer’s recall number is WTQ-76. Get it fixed, kids. Don’t let The Man keep you from rocking out.
[Image: Subaru]
Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.
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I have seen electrical shorts heat wires and melt the plastic insulation even on fused circuits. A few times trouble snowballed through the electrical system until it reached something tied directly to the battery leading to a fire. Also I have seen the results of "professional" audio installers doing bad things to wiring harnesses. This results in something electrical not working, the car unable to start up, or major (expensive) repairs required. One audio shop installed kick panel speakers in a Mitsubishi. They drilled through the PCM. BTW most don't know or care about time alignment or phase distortion. They just want a loud, "Woom-Ka-Boom"
Isn't this how the term hot hatch came to be?