NHTSA Complaint #11659521 — 2023 SUBARU WRX

I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the front suspension of my 2023 Subaru WRX. After installing aftermarket lowering springs, I began noticing loud popping, clicking, and cracking noises from the front struts during low-speed turns and uneven road surfaces. To isolate the issue, the springs were completely removed from the strut assemblies. The noise persisted when manually rotating the top hat and shaft, confirming an internal defect in the OEM strut mount bearing (Subaru part #20320FL010). This eliminates the springs as the source of the issue. The component remains installed and is available for inspection. This defect poses a safety concern, as the strut bearing appears to bind during steering input. This can compromise vehicle stability and steering responsiveness—especially during evasive maneuvers or rough road conditions. The dealership acknowledged the noise but blamed the aftermarket springs. Subaru of America (SOA) opened a formal case but backed the dealership’s position without independent verification. The failure has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent mechanic, even with the aftermarket springs removed. Despite the clear evidence of a factory component failure, SOA refused to cover the repair under warranty, stating that the presence of aftermarket parts voids the claim. This is contrary to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires proof that a modification caused a failure. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the issue. The symptoms—repetitive loud noises from the front suspension. I believe this may point to a broader defect with this OEM strut bearing and respectfully request investigation by NHTSA.