Subaru recall May 13, 2016

Subaru is telling owners of some newer Legacy and Outback vehicles not to drive them because the steering can fail.

(AP file photo)

If you have a newer model Subaru Legacy or Outback, stop right now.

The automaker is recalling more than 48,500 vehicles over a potential steering column defect so serious, they shouldn't even be driven to a mechanic.

The recall, which began Friday, affects 2016-17 Legacies and Outbacks manufactured between Feb. 29 and May 6, according to announcements from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and on Subaru's website.

"The steering column in your vehicle may not have been manufactured to specification," Subaru says in a customer service message online. "If this condition exists, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels, increasing the risk of a crash."

Subaru will contact owners of the affected vehicles. Dealers will have the cars towed, inspected and repaired at no cost, the announcements say.

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