Outer Door Handles- Chrome Finish Peeling – 2018-2020 Subaru Crosstrek & 2019-2020 Forester

NHTSA ID Number: 10173109

Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-279-20R

Summary

This bulletin announces availability of new outer door handles to address isolated concerns of the chrome finish peeling.

 

11 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
SUBARU	ASCENT	2019-2020
SUBARU	CROSSTREK	2018-2020
SUBARU	FORESTER	2019-2020
SUBARU	IMPREZA	2017-2020

 

 

 

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NUMBER: 12-279-20R
DATE: 01/17/20
REVISED: 03/04/20

APPLICABILITY:	2018-20MY Crosstrek 2019-20MY Forester 2017-20MY Impreza 2019-20MY Ascent
SUBJECT:	Outer Door Handles- Chrome Finish Peeling

 

INTRODUCTION:

This bulletin announces availability of new outer door handles to address isolated concerns of the chrome finish peeling.  Some hand creams and lotions contain oleic acid which may penetrate the chrome finish and cause it to peel as shown in the example photos below.  The new handles utilize a plating with increased durability and improved resistance to oleic acid.

 

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:

The new door handles were incorporated into production starting with the following VINs:

Model	Starting VIN
Impreza 4-Door	L1607753
Impreza 5-Door	L3716116
Crosstrek	LH214419
Forester	LH455974
Ascent	L3458324

 

PART INFORMATION:

Description	Part Number	Application
HANDLE-DOOR OUTER	61160FL042WW	Impreza, Crosstrek & Forester, FRONT
	61160FL04CWW
	61160FL031WW	Impreza, Crosstrek and Forester, REAR
	61160FL03BWW
	61160FL04CWW	Ascent, FRONT
	61160FL03BWW	Ascent, REAR

 

REMINDER:  Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specific VIN being repaired.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

REMINDER:  Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.

The service procedures for door handle replacement remain unchanged.  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.

 

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:

Labor Description	Labor Operation #	Labor Time	Fail Code
ONE OUTER DOOR HANDLE &/OR FRAMR R&R	B915-561	0.4	XDX-56
EACH ADDITIONAL OUTER DOOR HANDLE S&/OR FRAMES R&R	C915-565	0.3

 

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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NUMBER: 12-279-20R
DATE: 01/17/20
REVISED: 03/04/20

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10173109

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10173109-0001.pdf

 

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NUMBER: 12-279-20
DATE: 01/17/20

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10171090

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10171090-0001.pdf

 

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Last update on 2026-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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