Recall Campaign

Subarunet Announcement
To: All Subaru Dealers
From: Subaru of America, Inc.
Date: February 22, 2013
Subject: New Subaru Recall Campaign: Optional Genuine Subaru Remote Engine Starter Transmitter
Fobs
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on
certain Subaru vehicles equipped with optional Genuine Subaru Remote Engine Starter (RES). Transmitter
fobs may contain a defect that could adversely affect the operation of the RES resulting in a potential
safety hazard.
Affected vehicles equipped with optional RES are as follows:
 2010MY through 2012MY Legacy and Outback with AT or CVT
 2012MY through 2013MY Impreza with CVT (except WRX/STI models)
 2013MY XV Crosstrek with CVT
This action applies to:
 Affected vehicles with an RES Installed by a port facility and delivered to dealers on or before
2/22/13. Your Region will provide you with any affected VINs that are currently in your inventory.
 Affected vehicles with an RES Installed by a dealer on or before 2/22/13.
 RES kits applicable to affected vehicles sold by a Subaru dealer parts department on or before
2/22/13.
 Replacement part RES transmitter fobs applicable to affected vehicles and 2013 Legacy / Outback
sold on or before 2/22/13.
To address this condition, a recall campaign will be released within the next 60 days.
Description of Safety Hazard
If an RES transmitter fob is dropped, movement of the internal battery retaining clip may occur and cause
damage to a component on the PC board. Under this condition, the fob may transmit an engine start (or
stop) request without the user pressing the button. If the vehicle is in range and receives the request, the
engine may start and run for up to 15 minutes (or until a stop request is received). The engine may
continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If that
occurs when the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, such as a garage, there is a risk of carbon monoxide
build‐up, which may pose a safety hazard.
The defect does not pose a risk while driving because the RES system is completely deactivated after the
vehicle is started with the key. Original Equipment (OE) keyless entry fobs integrated on a vehicle key are
not affected.
To remedy this condition, it is necessary to replace RES transmitter fobs. Recall code WQF‐42 has been
assigned to this recall campaign.
Repair Instructions
The WQF‐42 repair procedure bulletin is posted on the Techinfo.Subaru.com website under “What’s
New”, Title: “Repair Procedure for WQF42 Remote Engine Starter Transmitter Fobs””. In addition to
repair instructions, the bulletin contains part and claim entry information.
The final WQF‐42 Campaign Bulletin will be available in the future.
Repair Parts
Repair parts to correct known vehicles with port installed RES currently in dealer inventory are in the
process of being shipped and should begin arriving at dealers on 2/23. For additional parts required to
correct other affected vehicles in dealer inventory, please contact the Parts Information Coordinators
helpdesk.
For previously sold vehicles, Subaru is in the process of acquiring an adequate supply of replacement RES
transmitter fobs needed to remedy the condition. When available, Subaru will notify potentially affected
vehicle owners by first class mail.
Owner Notification
Subaru is in the process of acquiring replacement parts necessary to remedy the condition. When
available, Subaru will notify potentially affected vehicle owners by first class mail. This is expected to
occur within the next 60 days. Dealers will be advised in advance of owner notification.