Subaru Shuts Down New Model Production – Forester And Crosstrek Affected

Subaru suspends production at its Japan plant affecting the 2022 Forester and 2022 Crosstrek. See what it means for customers and new car shoppers this winter.

Subaru Corporation announced today it would suspend production at its automobile manufacturing facilities in Japan due to interruptions in the supply of certain parts. Subaru says the plant where it manufactures two of Subaru of America’s top-selling models, the 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, will be shut down January 28, January 31 through February 2, and February 7 – 8. The shutdown will be for six working days.

photo credit: Competition Subaru

Two Subaru manufacturing plants will be affected by the closure; the main automobile plant in Gunma and Yakima plant. The engine and transmission plant in Oizumi will also be idle for six days.

What does it mean for customers?

The six-day loss of production will further slow the number of new cars available for U.S. customers. Subaru manufactures the refreshed 2022 Forester compact SUV and 2022 Crosstrek subcompact SUV at its Yakima plant. It makes the 2022 Subaru WRX and WRX STI performance sedans and 2022 Subaru BRZ sports coupe at its main plant in Gunma, Japan.

Subaru’s last plant shutdown was September 7-10, 2021. Subaru also had a one-day plant shutdown on July 16, 2021, due to more shortages of semiconductor microchips. Torque News reported in April 2021, the Subaru Yajima Plant in Gunma, Japan, suspended production April 10–27, 2021.

Subaru now has the tightest inventory of any automaker at four days. The four-day supply includes vehicles in transit from Japan. The number one selling 2022 Forester and number three 2022 Crosstrek are hard to find now and will be affected most by the new shutdown.

Will Outback, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy be affected?

The plant in Lafayette, Indiana, where Subaru manufactures the 2022 Outback, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy, will stay open, but the four models could also be affected by the Japan announcement. The Outback, Impreza, and Legacy have 40 percent of their partsshipped from Japan. The Ascent 3-Row family hauler has 30 percent of its parts from Japan.

Customers looking for 2022 model year Forester, Crosstrek, WRX, WRX STI, or BRZ will be harder to find this winter. If customers have recently ordered a 2022 Subaru Forester or 2022 Subaru Crosstrek from a U.S. retailer, delays will be likely. Stay tuned to Subaru Report for the latest new model news.