NHTSA Complaint #10629583 — 2010 SUBARU FORESTER

WHILE CRUISING AT 40 MPH UP A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY JERKED A FEW TIMES, THEN STOPPED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC'S GARAGE WHERE HE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT TO OPEN THE VALVE WHICH ALLOWS COOL AIR TO ENTER THE CABIN. THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT LITERALLY FROZE, RESULTING IN THE BELT WHICH ENGAGES THE ENGINE STOPPING AND CAUSING THE PISTONS TO STOP WHILE THE VALVES KEPT MOVING. SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE RESULTED WHICH REQUIRED MACHINING OF CYLINDER HEADS AND REPLACEMENT OF MANY PARTS. IF THIS INCIDENT HAD HAPPENED GOING AT HIGH SPEED ON A HIGHWAY, SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY MAY HAVE OCCURRED. *TR