During a large rainstorm [XXX] in Colorado Springs, CO when driving through water amid the downpour, the front fabric like wheel well liners came loose and caught underneath the vehicle causing the front plastic undercarriage cover to also come loose. Despite the rain and lightning, and to mitigate any further damage to the vehicle or safety risks to occupants, pulled over and removed the dragging covers from underneath the vehicle. Reasonable threat of danger to occupants and further damage to vehicle if continued to drive. Not removing these would have had made vehicle completely undriveable or debris could have caused risk to other vehicles on roadway. Vehicle was just acquired last month for Subaru dealership in Colorado Springs, CO. Vehicle was dropped off the morning of [XXX] at the same dealership’s service department for further analysis and remediation. Unsure if covered under warranty (really needs to be). Concerned about winter driving and moisture causing the same damage and risk. Also contacted USAA insurance on options. Awaiting resolution from local dealership. Publicly available information suggests that this problem is or has happened to others during rain events and has not been covered under warranty. Suggest manufacturer be held to repair and remediate issue under warranty with more durable parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11609929