Faulty Part Idles Subaru’s Sole Plant in Japan

Defective power steering components have idled Subaru Corp.’s home plant in Japan, disrupting roughly 60% of the company’s global capacity, The Nikkei reports.

The Gunma factory makes nine models, including the Forester SUV, Impreza small sedan and BRZ sports car. The plant exports 80% of its output, most of it to the U.S.

The shutdown began a week ago, according to The Nikkei. Subaru says the defective part, designed specifically for its vehicles, has only one supplier and will be difficult to replace.

Subaru did not indicate when it expects to resolve the problem and resume normal production at the Gunma facility.