WRQ-23R

ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
q
PARTS MANAGER
q
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
q
IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.
SERVICE MANAGER
q
© 2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
		
		
		
2021MY Crosstrek
2022MY Forester
2021-23MY Legacy
2021-23MY Outback
NUMBER: WRQ-23R
SUBJECT:
		
Safety Recall – Transmission Inhibitor
Switch Replacement
DATE: 12/12/23
REVISED: 01/31/24
NHTSA: 23V-755
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2021 model year Crosstrek
vehicles, certain 2022 model year Forester, and certain 2021-2023 model year Legacy and Outback
vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK:
The vehicles included in this recall may contain an inhibitor switch that was manufactured with an
insufficient weld between the switch stator and cover which may allow water intrusion.
Over time, moisture intrusion may cause the inhibitor switch to become inoperative. An inoperative
inhibitor switch may result in the backup lamps not illuminating when in reverse gear, the rear-view
monitor not displaying, the transmission gear select indicator in the instrument panel not being
displayed, or inability to start the engine.
REMEDY:
For all the potentially affected vehicles, Subaru dealers will replace the inhibitor switch with a new
one at no cost to the customer.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
A total of 95,830 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall, as listed below. Not all vehicles in the
production range listed below are affected by this recall. Coverage must be confirmed by using the
Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair.
Model Year
Carline
Production Date Range
2021
Crosstrek
February 8, 2021 – July 30, 2021
2022
Forester
July 26, 2021 – July 27, 2021
2021-2023
Legacy
March 18, 2021 – August 25, 2022
2021-2023
Outback
March 17, 2021 – May 16, 2022
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.
Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
Page 1 of 18
RETAILER RESPONSIBILITY:
Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle
covered by a recall under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied. Therefore, any Authorized
Subaru Retailer failing to perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected
vehicles in their inventory prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil
penalties of up to $26,315 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 CFR §578.6 and
will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
Any vehicles listed in any recall/campaign that are in retailer stock must be:
•
Immediately identified.
•
Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to repair.
•
Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin.
Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures, to correct all affected vehicles in
their inventory (used, demo & SSLP). Whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into retailer
inventory necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling
or releasing the vehicle.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:
Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail on January 8, 2024. Retailers will be
advised when owner notification is scheduled.
PART INFORMATION:
Kit Part Description
Qty
Kit Part Number
SWITCH -INHIBITOR KIT
1
X31918AA120
Kit Components
Part Description
Qty
SWITCH-INHIBITOR
1
STR PIN-5X22
1
Image
NOTE: These parts are available for order through PRIME only.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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REQUIRED TOOLS:
Tool Description
Image
Details
REMOVER-PIN
(Part Number: 99804AN070)
For removing the spring pin.
5mm pin punch
(Tip diameter 4.8mm)
For installing the spring pin.
4mm pin punch
(Tip diameter 4.0mm)
or
SST: Stopper Pin (Part Number:
499267300)
For adjusting the inhibitor switch.
M5x10mm bolt
For spring pin insertion guide.
3M 401 Masking Tape (or equivalent)
For protecting the gear selector
cable boot.
NOTE: The Pin Removal Tool (99804AN070) will be automatically shipped to all retailers.
CAUTION: Due to the limited supply of the Pin Removal Tool (99804AN070), it is vital to refrain
from using any power tools in conjunction with the Pin Removal Tool. The use of power tools will
cause damage to the tool and replacements are currently on backorder status.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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COMPONENT CONFIGURATION:
Spring Pin
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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SERVICE PROCEDURE:
The following service procedure has been outlined in a Work Tips Video for additional Technician
reference.
Work Tips Video
STEP 1: Apply the electronic park brake by pulling the switch
in the upward direction.
STEP 2: Using a plastic trim tool, remove the rubber pad
located in front of the gear selector.
STEP 3: Insert a small screwdriver into the round hole located
under the rubber pad. This will release the gear selector lock.
Move the gear selector into the Neutral position.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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STEP 4: Refer to the applicable Service Manual and review: General Description > Repair Contents
> Action required before & after Battery Disconnect. Additionally, record any stored seat position(s)
before proceeding. Relearn any seat position memory after work is complete. If the power rear gate
(PRG) height has been customized, that position must also be noted and relearned.
STEP 5: CARFULLY disconnect the negative
battery cable from the battery sensor.
STEP 6: Lift the vehicle following the procedures specified by the lift manufacturer.
STEP 7: Cover the rubber gear selector
cable boot with masking tape to prevent
any damage during the next steps. Refer to
the Work Tips Video at 00:00.
NOTE: 3M™ High Performance Green
Masking Tape 401+ or equivalent can be
used for this procedure.
STEP 8: Prepare the pin removal tool (99804AN070) by turning the threaded portion of the tool
counterclockwise to allow room for installation.
STEP 9: Install the pin removal tool over the spring pin located on the gear selector arm. The notched
side should be facing the transmission case. Slowly turn the threaded portion clockwise by hand until
the driving pin of the tool is aligned with the spring pin.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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CAUTION: CONFIRM the drive pin and the hole located on the top of the removal tool are aligned
with the spring pin. Any applied pressure without proper alignment may cause damage.
STEP 10: Using HAND TOOLS ONLY,
tighten the threaded portion of the removal
tool until the spring pin is fully removed.
Discard the spring pin once it is fully
removed. DO NOT reuse the spring pin.
CAUTION: Due to the limited supply of
the Pin Removal Tool (99804AN070), it is
vital to refrain from using any power tools
in conjunction with the Pin Removal Tool.
The use of power tools will cause damage
to the tool and replacements are currently
on backorder status.
STEP 11: Loosen the removal tool and
remove it from the shifter arm.
STEP 12: Using a marker or paint pen,
make an alignment mark on the cable
bracket and cable plate as show in the
right image. This mark will be utilized in
further steps.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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STEP 13: Remove the two retaining
bolts and remove the cable bracket.
CAUTION: DO NOT remove the
cable plate.
STEP 14: Remove the gear selector cable
and shifter arm together from the shifter
arm shaft.
CAUTION: It is possible for the shifter
arm to be stuck to the shifter arm shaft. A
small pry bar or screwdriver can be used
to assist the release of the shifter arm. DO
NOT apply any excessive force to the
gear selector cable.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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CAUTIONS WHEN REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE GEAR SELECTOR CABLE:
DO NOT apply an impact or a load to part (a) of the gear selector cable shown in the picture below.
Doing so may damage the resin guide pipe inside the boot.
If the resin guide pipe is damaged, the inner cable can become slackened when operating the gear
selector lever and the shifter arm become inoperative. As a result, the shift positions of the gear
selector lever and the inhibitor switch do not match, causing malfunctions such as an engine no
crank/no start condition.
Due to the resin guide pipe and the inner cable being unable to be seen, CAREFULLY remove and
install the gear selector cable.
STEP 15: Disconnect the inhibitor
switch electrical connector. Remove
the two mounting bolts for the inhibitor
switch.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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STEP 16: Remove and discard the original
inhibitor switch.
TIP: The inhibitor switch may be difficult to
separate from the shaft. Slightly rocking the
switch back and forth can help make removal
easier if this occurs.
STEP 17: Install the new inhibitor switch.
Maintain proper alignment with the shifter
arm shaft. Refer to Work Tips Video at 01:33.
STEP 18: Connect the electrical connector.
Install the two mounting bolts hand tight
only. The bolts will be torqued after a final
adjustment is made.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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STEP 19: Slightly pull the gear selector cable
toward the rear of the vehicle and install the
shifter arm onto the shaft.
CAUTION: DO NOT apply excessive
pressure to part (a) of the gear selector cable
shown below.
STEP 20: Install the cable bracket using the
alignment marks made in Step 13. Torque the
mounting bolts to 18Nm (13ft-lbs.).
CAUTION: DO NOT install the cable bracket in the opposite position. Doing so will damage the
gear selector cable.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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STEP 21: Align the shifter arm hole and the shaft
hole.
TIP: Inserting a bolt (M5x10mm) can help prevent
any misalignment of the
holes. The bolt can be
secured with masking
tape to prevent the bolt
from falling out during
pin installation.
STEP 22: Prepare the new spring pin by securing
it to the tip of a 5mm punch using masking tape or
a piece of rubber tubing.
STEP 23: Install the new spring using a hammer. The spring is completely installed when the pin
protrusion is equal on both sides.
CAUTION: Take particular care to not misalign the shifter arm and shaft holes during installation.
DO NOT hit the surrounding components with the hammer.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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STEP 24: Remove the masking tape from the
gear selector cable.
STEP 25: Align the shifter arm hole and the
inhibitor switch hole and insert SST 499267300
or a 4mm punch. Tighten the two inhibitor switch
mounting bolts to 5Nm (4 ft-lbs. or 44 inch-lbs.).
The tool or punch can then be removed.
STEP 26: Lower the vehicle as per the lift manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP 27: Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery sensor. Torque to 7.5Nm (5.5ft.-lbs.
or 66inch-lbs.) while supporting the sensor with the other hand as outlined in the applicable Service
Manual under: STARTING/CHARGING SYSTSEMS > Battery Sensor.
STEP 28: Engage the electronic parking brake and perform the follwing function tests.
NOTE: If any of the following function tests results indicate improper operation, repeat the
alignment procedure outlined in Step 25 followed by the function tests below.
A. With the ignition on, depress the brake pedal and move the gear selector to all
positions while confirming the gear indicated positions on the combination meter
match.
B. Confirm the illumination on the gear selector is functioning properly in all shift
positions even if the selector is rocked back and forth in each.
C. Confirm the engine can be started in both the Park and Nuetral positions, even if the
selector is pulled (in Park) or pushed (in Neutral) toward Reverse without pressing the
select lever button.
D. Without depressing the brake, apply slight pressure to the gear selector in all gears.
Confirm the gear selection cannot be changed without depressing the brake , with the
exception of Drive and Neutral. Confirm the gear selector will not move from Park
using only the select lever button.
E. Confirm the gear selector has smooth operation and is not binding in anyway.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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CALIFORNIA “VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL - PROOF OF CORRECTION”
CERTIFICATE
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles Registration/Recall
Program requires that all emission related Recall/Campaign or Service Program repairs be completed
before a vehicle registration is renewed. Please provide owners of vehicles registered in the state of
California a completed “Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction” certificate. Vehicle owners
should be advised to retain this certificate because the California Department of Motor Vehicles may
require they provide proof this service program repair has been completed. Additional certificates
are available through normal parts ordering channels using part number MSA6P1301. Quantity 1 = 1
booklet of 50 certificates.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL:
Type or print the necessary information on a Campaign Identification Label. The completed label
should be attached to the vehicle’s upper radiator support. Additional labels are available through
normal parts ordering channels. The part number is MSA6P1302, which comes as one sheet of 20
labels.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES:
Credit to perform this recall will be based on properly completed repair order information. Retailers
may submit claims through Subarunet.com.
Labor Description
Labor Operation #
Labor Time
Fail Code
INHIBITOR SWITCH R&R
A103-791
0.6H
WRQ-23
NOTE: Up to 50 cents can be claimed in sublet for materials used.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•
SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously
released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
•
Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
•
Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to the VIN identified in the
address section printed below
Subaru Safety Recall WRQ-23
NHTSA ID 23V-755
January 2024
Dear Subaru Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety,
exists in certain 2021 model year Crosstrek vehicles, certain 2022 model year Forester, and certain
2021-2023 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
The inhibitor switch on your vehicle may have been manufactured with an insufficient weld between
the switch stator and cover which may allow water intrusion.
Over time, moisture intrusion may cause the inhibitor switch to become inoperative. An inoperative
inhibitor switch may result in the backup lamps not illuminating when in reverse gear, the rear-view
monitor not displaying, the transmission gear select indicator in the instrument panel not being
displayed, or inability to start the engine, each of which increases the risk of a crash.
WHAT SUBARU WILL DO
Subaru will replace the inhibitor switch with a new one at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) immediately for an appointment to have this repair
performed, at no cost to you.
If you notice that the backup lamps are not illuminating when in reverse gear, the rear-view
monitor is not displaying, the transmission gear select indicator in the instrument panel is not being
displayed, or you cannot start the engine in your vehicle, please have your vehicle inspected by your
Subaru retailer immediately.
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Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time required to perform this repair is less than 40 minutes. However, it may be necessary to
leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow
your Subaru retailer flexibility in scheduling.
CALIFORNIA REGISTERED OWNERS
The California Air Resources Board requires that emission-related campaigns be completed prior to
California’s vehicle registration renewal process; without this repair, you will not be able to register
your vehicle during your next annual registration. Upon completion of this campaign, your California
dealer will complete and provide you a “Proof of Correction Certificate.” If required, present the
certificate to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (the “DMV”) when renewing your
California registration as proof of campaign completion. If the DMV does not request the certificate,
we recommend that you keep it for your records.
In addition, the State of California requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG
Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the service we are providing at no charge, your
vehicle may not pass this test.
OWNER INFORMATION
Government regulations require that recall notifications be sent to the last known owner of record.
That information is based primarily on state registration and title data. If you are a lessor of this
vehicle, federal regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee within ten days.
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please go to https://www.subaru.com/support/customersupport.html to send us your information.
IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR A REPAIR
If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition, you may be eligible for
reimbursement. Reimbursement consideration will be based on the amount an authorized Subaru
retailer in your area would charge for the same repair.
Please send the original service repair order, which has the name of the repair facility, date of repair,
mileage at the time of repair, complete 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), and your name,
with correct mailing address and telephone number to the address listed below.
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Advocacy Department, Attention: WRQ-23 Recall
P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877
Please send original receipts only and retain a photocopy for your records. Please be assured that we
will attempt to process your reimbursement request as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 60
days for this process to be completed.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE:
To locate the nearest Subaru retailer, you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select ‘Find
a Retailer.’
For additional information, please go to: http://www.wrq23.service-campaign.com.
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
•
By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Customer Support”
•
By telephone: 1-844-373-6614
Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
•
By U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer Advocacy Department
P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877
To subscribe to the NHTSA Recall Notification email System, please go to: https://www-odi.nhtsa.
dot.gov/nhtsa/subscriptions.
Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs
free of charge.
You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov if you believe the Subaru
retailer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of
time.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have
taken this action in the interest of your safety and your vehicle’s proper operation. We sincerely
apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause and urge you to schedule an appointment as
soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.
A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION
Bulletin Number: WRQ-23R; Revised: 01/31/24
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