Center Vent Grille Assembly- Improper Fit / Gap – 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza & 2018-2019 Crosstrek

NHTSA ID Number: 10150948

Manufacturer Communication Number: 10-89-18

Summary

This bulletin provides a procedure and precautions to use when addressing a customer concern of an improper fit or gap condition of the center vent grille assembly as shown in the comparison photos below.

 

5 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
SUBARU	CROSSTREK	2018-2019
SUBARU	IMPREZA	2017-2019

 

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INTRODUCTION:

This bulletin provides a procedure and precautions to use when addressing a customer concern of an improper fit or gap condition of the center vent grille assembly as shown in the comparison photos below.

 

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:

The new procedure for vent grille installation was incorporated into production starting with VIN:

• Impreza 4-Door: J3600807
• Impreza 5-Door: J3701944
• Crosstrek: TBD

 

PART INFORMATION:

The part numbers for the vent grille assemblies are unchanged.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

REMINDERS:

• Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
• The service procedures for installing the vent grill assembly have changed. Always refer to the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being performed.  The Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an effective repair the first time and every time.  This includes but is not limited to: important SAFETY precautions, proper inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required processes and related one-time-use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair.
• Whenever working with highly visible trim components, always take all the proper precautions to protect the surrounding surfaces from becoming scratched or damaged.

REMOVAL:

After applying protective tape to the instrument panel (a), use a plastic trim tool to CAREFULLY release the retaining claws (four (4) per side) and remove the affected vent grille assembly.

After removing the vent grille assembly, inspect the mounting tabs the claws clip onto closely for any damage. This photo shows a bent (and possibly cracked) tab. If any tabs are damaged and / or claws broken, the assembly must be replaced.

 

INSTALLATION:

The vent grille assembly has a guide rib on the inside (audio head unit side) of the housing as shown in the photo below.  The guide rib must align with the guide rib notch which is on the corresponding side of the audio head unit.  Once the two are properly aligned, CAREFULLY slide the vent grille assembly into position until seated in place.  NOTE: DO NOT force it into position.

Once the vent grille assembly is in position the use both hands and press firmly down from bottom to top making sure it “clicks” into place.  Insure there are no gaps as shown below.  If the vent grille assembly still has a gap or does not feel like it is seating properly or binds as it is being installed, confirm the guide rib is properly aligned in the notch.  Once alignment is confirmed, the vent grille assembly should slide into place normally.

After installation is completed, always confirm airflow direction and volume from the vent grille can be adjusted smoothly and any adjustments made are maintained regardless of fan speed selected.

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NUMBER: 10-89-18
DATE: 10-23-18

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10150948

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10150948-9999.pdf

 

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NUMBER: 10-89-18
DATE: 10-23-18

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10150923

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10150923-9999.pdf

 

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