WUJ-95 – Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Bellows Cracking – 2015-2016 Subaru Legacy & Outback

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Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 1 of 14 Continued… NUMBER: WUJ-95R DATE: 02/11/20 REVISED: 07/30/21 APPLICABILITY: 2015-2016MY Legacy 2.5L 2015-2016MY Outback 2.5L SUBJECT: Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Bellows Cracking 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. ATTENTION: GENERAL MANAGER q PARTS MANAGER q CLAIMS PERSONNEL q SERVICE MANAGER q IMPORTANT – All Service Personnel Should Read and Initial in the boxes provided, right. © 2020 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved. SERVICE PROGRAM BULLETIN INTRODUCTION: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2016MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L models which may experience an exhaust noise and/or odor coming from cracks at the bellows section of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result, the vehicle may fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA and/or California ARB. AFFECTED VEHICLES: Vehicles included in this service campaign are 2015-2016 Legacy and Outback 2.5L. This recall will affect approximately 243,750 vehicles. Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. The affected VINs will be made available in phases, as the owner notification letters are scheduled for release. Please refer to the ‘Owner Notification’ section of this bulletin for more information. Model Year Carline Affected Production Dates 2015-2016 Legacy 12/16/2013 – 9/30/2015 2015-2016 Outback 12/09/2013 – 9/30/2015 DESCRIPTION OF THE REPAIR: Subaru retailers will replace the front exhaust pipe. RETAILER RESPONSIBILITY: Retailers are to promptly perform this repair on all affected vehicles in their inventory. Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this service program is taken into inventory or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the repairs have been made before selling or releasing the vehicle. OWNER NOTIFICATION: Affected vehicle owners will be notified in phases based on their physical location, the emissions specification of their vehicle (Cal-spec or Fed-spec), and parts production schedules. Listed in the table below is the current phased mailing plan: Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 2 of 14 Continued… Date Emissions specification (spec) Mailing Phase Assigned Retailers’ Facing RDC(s) Applicable WUJ-95 Kit Part Number Approximate Quantity February 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 1 Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635156 50,000 February 2020 Federal-spec FED 1 Aurora RDC SOA635157 16,000 March 2020 Federal-spec FED 2 SNE, SDC Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635157 18,000 April 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 2 SNE SOA635156 27,000 June, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 3 SDC SOA635156 19,000 July, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 4 Florence RDC SOA635156 30,000 September, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 5 Aurora RDC Douglasville RDC Lebanon RDC SOA635156 19,000 October, 2020 Federal-spec FED 3 Douglasville RDC Florence RDC SOA635157 25,000 October, 2020 Federal-spec FED 4 Lebanon RDC SOA635157 40,000 RETAILER AFFECTED VIN LISTS: Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list for each phased mailing from their Zone office as the owner notification letters are released. Vehicles will be assigned to retailers in the affected VIN list as follows. Please note that this logic has recently changed: 1. If there is a preferred retailer on file, the VIN will be assigned to the preferred retailer. 2. If there is no preferred retailer on file: a. Original vehicle owners are assigned to the original selling retailer if their current DMV registration address is within a 50-mile radius of that retailer. b. If the original selling retailer is inactive, the VIN is assigned to the nearest active retailer. c. If the owner is not the original owner, the VIN is assigned to the nearest active retailer. PART INFORMATION: During transportation from the supplier, the spacing between the exhaust flanges may change due to vibration. Although the amount of this change is small, it is enough to require more force than normal to install the EPF onto the engine during vehicle assembly. The amount of force may have caused cracking to develop in the bellows section of the EPF resulting in exhaust leakage. Since the area of the leak is upstream of the catalyst, emission system performance may be compromised. In some cases, customers may notice an unusual noise and / or exhaust odor. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 3 of 14 Continued… Description Part Number Application Cal Spec. (PZEV) Kit SOA635156 PZEV (Cal Spec) Vehicles Fed Spec. Kit SOA635157 Fed. Spec. Vehicles Insulation Pad Adhesive SOA868V9690 Both Fed and PZEV Vehicles IMPORTANT NOTE: When checking a VIN for an open WUJ-95 recall, hover over Open Recall / Campaign in the upper right corner of the Vehicle Inquiry result screen. Confirm the emission specification (Fed or Cal) to make sure the correct Front Exhaust Pipe kit is ordered to complete the repair. SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION: REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. The service procedures for removal and reinstallation of the EPF assembly remain unchanged. See “APPENDIX A” beginning on page 9 for additional Helpful Hints. NOTE: The new EPF kit is supplied without heat shields. The heat shields used on the original EPF will need to be CAREFULLY removed along with their fiberglass insulators and transferred to the new part. The kit includes a complete set of replacement fiberglass insulation pads. EPF heat shield -related repair guidelines are provided below. 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. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 4 of 14 Continued… (3) PREPARATION: • Record the customer’s radio station presets (and Navigation favorites where applicable) then disconnect the ground cable from the battery sensor. • Remove the engine under cover. • Verify the recalled part is installed. If an aftermarket replacement part is found, no further work is required. • CAREFULLY disconnect the Air Fuel Ratio and Oxygen Sensor harness connectors. • Disconnect the center exhaust pipe at the spring bolt connection. New nuts and spring bolts are supplied in the hardware kit but, the springs are to be reused. • Remove the center bolt from the hanger bracket but do not unhook the exhaust pipe from it yet. • Loosen / remove and discard the six one-time use EPF flange nuts at the cylinder heads. New nuts are also supplied in the hardware kit. NOTE: See “APPENDIX B” on pg. 11 for more helpful information related to the removal of these nuts. IMPORTANT REMINDER / CAUTION: The EPF assembly is heavy. Use a helper if necessary to avoid dropping it during removal. • Remove the center exhaust pipe from the EPF. CAUTION: The pipe may be hot. • Once the EPF has cooled (or if necessary), apply a penetrating oil (e.g. PB Blaster® or equivalent as directed on the product’s container) to the sensor threads to help with removal. • CAREFULLY remove the Air Fuel Ratio and Oxygen Sensors from the EPF assembly. NOTES: • Both EPF kits (SOA635156 for CAL-spec and SOA635157 for FED-spec. vehicles) include: ○ A new EPF WITHOUT heat shields ○ All new fiberglass heat insulation pads ○ 4 new clamps for the small heat shields closest to the cylinder head flanges. ○ A replacement hardware kit for the heat shields and spring nuts / bolts ○ A replacement exhaust gasket kit (cylinder head flange (2), front pipe (1) and center “donut” (1) gaskets). • Insulation Pad adhesive p.n. SOA868V9690 must be ordered separately and is used to secure the new insulation pads to the inside of the heat shields prior to reassembly. The part number to use for Warranty claim entry is SOA635314 (qty. 1). Each quart-sized (32 oz.) container has a brush applicator cap and contains enough adhesive to repair approximately 20 cars. IMPORTANT: Always keep the cap tightly sealed between uses for longest life. Replace the adhesive if it becomes dried out or cannot be applied properly using the brush. (4) HEAT SHIELD TRANSFER: IMPORTANT NOTE: All heat shields are intended to be reused. USE HAND TOOLS ONLY when removing them from the EPF to avoid breaking off the retaining studs. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 5 of 14 Continued… • ALWAYS wear proper eye protection • Use a wire brush to remove any loose rust/scale from the heat shield retaining fasteners. • Apply a penetrating lubricant (e.g. PB Blaster® or equivalent) as directed on the product’s container to the heat shield fasteners to help loosen and remove them without breakage. • In some cases, VERY CAREFUL use of a torch or an induction heating tool may be necessary to loosen / remove rusted / siezed heat shield hardware. • When the fasteners initially begin to loosen, work them back and forth while applying additional penetrant to help lubricate the threads. TAKING YOUR TIME during this step will help prevent breaking off fasteners and avoid heat shield replacements. Repeat as necessary until all the heat shields have been removed from the EPF. IMPORTANT: As each heat shield is CAREFULLY removed, use a permanent marker to outline the shape and positioning of each fiberglass insulation pad found on the inside of it whenever possible. A complete set of new insulation pads is included in the EPF kit and ALL are to be replaced at reassembly. Use a wire brush to remove any insulation and / or adhesive residue. Proper positioning of the new insulation pads is key to achieving a rattle-free repair. TIP: Replacing the insulation pads and swapping each (pair) of these small shields over to the new EPF one pipe at a time will help avoid confusion. • Before applying any of the new insulation pads, wipe the inside and outside of the shields clean of any residual oil / penetrant used with a mild solvent on a clean shop cloth. Use caution to not remove the position markings for the replacement insulation pads. TIP: Have all the stud threads and shields going back onto the new EPF cleaned and their respective heat insulation pads ready to apply. Doing it this way avoids having to open and close the adhesive container repeatedly. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 6 of 14 Continued… • Remove the brush cap from the adhesive container and apply a small amount of the material to each shield toward the center of where the new insulation pad will be positioned. Marking an outline for where the adhesive should be applied can also be used as shown below. • For reference, a “dab” or two of adhesive about the size of a silver dollar is plenty. There is no need to cover the entire insulation pad area. Keep in mind, the adhesive is only used to hold the new insulation pads in place during EPF reassembly as they will be held (“clamped”) in position once all the retaining hardware is tightened. • Apply the adhesive to the shield then press the new insulation pad onto it and all the contours of each shield. Repeat for each remaining shield and insulation pad. IMPORTANT: Keep the adhesive bottle tightly sealed at all times. • BEFORE installing the shields onto the new EPF, confirm the new EPF fits into place on the cylinder head exhaust studs properly without any prying or other manipulation. • When all the insulation pads are in place and proper EPF fit is confirmed, proceed with reassembling the heat shields onto the EPF. EPF Fastener Torque Specifications: • Reassemble the exhaust system and install using all the new gaskets and hardware supplied in the kit. REMINDER: The exhaust gaskets along with new manifold nuts and exhaust pipe nuts and bolts are all one-time use and MUST always be replaced. • Finish the EPF reassembly in reverse order of removal. Fastener Nm Ft. Lbs. Cylinder Head Flange Nuts 30 22.1 EPF to Center Pipe 42.5 31.3 Heat Shield Nuts / Bolts / Clamps 13 9.6 Center Pipe Spring Bolt Nuts 18 13.3 Center Pipe Hanger Bolt 35 25.8 Air-Fuel Ratio and O2 Sensor 21 15.5 Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 7 of 14 Continued… NOTE: The adhesive used for securing the fiberglass heat insulation pads is water-based and odorless. Any residual moisture will be eliminated the first time the new EPF comes up to temperature. For this reason, a slight amount of residual vapor may be noticed on the vehicle’s initial re-start. 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 Claim Type INSPECTION ONLY – AFTERMARKET EX HEADER A129-008 0.2 WUJ-95 RC EPF ASSEMBLY R&R INCLUDES: TRANSFER OF ALL METAL HEAT SHIELDS. INCLUDES INSTALLATION OF ALL NEW INSULATION PADS A122-951 0.7 EPF ASSEMBLY R&R INCLUDES: ALL THE ABOVE COMBINED WITH THE INSTALLATION OF AT LEAST ONE OR MORE NEW METAL HEAT SHIELDS* A122-953 0.8 *NOTE: This operation may only be used when replacement of one or more new metal heat shield (not to be confused with the white insulation pads) is needed to complete the campaign. REMINDER: All the white fiberglass heat insulation pads included in the EPF kit are required to be replaced during reassembly of the new EPF. Additional WUJ-95 Claim Submission Information Description Part Number Application CAL Spec. (PZEV) EPF Kit SOA635156 CAL Spec. PZEV Vehicles FED Spec. EPF Kit SOA635157 FED Spec. Vehicles Insulation Pad Adhesive SOA635314 Both FED and CAL Spec. Vehicles** Replacement Heat Shields and Insulation Pads Order individually per VIN and EPC Both FED and CAL Spec. Vehicles** **NOTE: Replacement Shields, Pads & Adhesive can be claimed with A122-953 ONLY. 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. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 8 of 14 Continued… 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. Part Number Applicability Description Order Quantity MSA6P1302 All Models Campaign Completion Labels (contains one sheet of 20 labels) 1 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. WUJ-95 Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 9 of 14 Continued… “APPENDIX A”: Additional Helpful Hints IMPORTANT REMINDERS: 9 ALWAYS wear eye protection! 9 The EPF heat shields are stamped stainless steel and have MANY sharp edges. Always use CAUTION to avoid nicks, cuts and scrapes. • When disassembling the heat shields from the original EPF, pay close attention to the two shields with retaining studs made onto them instead of nuts / bolt fasteners. TAKE YOUR TIME with these to avoid having to replace the shield(s) due to a broken stud. Use a wire brush to clean the stud threads along with a touch of lubricant before reassembly is recommended. • Take a minute to test fit the shields covering the catalytic converter section to the new EPF. The photo sequence below shows one of the original EPF’s outlet flange studs having clearance between it and the converter shield mounting bracket. The same stud on the new EPF is shown pushing against the edge of the bracket. This caused a mis-alignment of the shield mounting bolt hole and corresponding bracket bolt hole. Some VERY CAREFUL manipulation of the mounting bracket restored the proper bolt hole alignment. Clearance NO Clearance, Stud is Pushing on the Bracket Mis-Alignment Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 10 of 14 Continued… • Some reports have been received regarding the mounting bracket tabs as pictured below. Occasionally, the fastener holes in the bracket are not fully aligned with the holes in the center exhaust pipe mounting flange. The pictures show one of the center exhaust pipe mounting studs displacing the bracket tab. If this happens, it may cause the bolt hole for the converter shield to become mis-aligned (or, it may have no effect at all). This condition MAY require some VERY CAREFUL manipulation of the mounting bracket to re-align it with the converter shield bolt hole. • Using a pair of needle nose pliers to squeeze the new clamps for the small shields at the flanges together will help make getting the bolts started much easier and avoid cross-threading. • When reinstalling the A/F Sensors, NEVER apply anti-sieze compound on the threads. • BEFORE installing the shields onto the new EPF, confirm the new EPF fits into place on the cylinder head exhaust studs properly WITHOUT any prying or other manipulation. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 11 of 14 Continued… • TAKING YOUR TIME when refitting the shields is CRITICAL for a successful repair. As the original shields are removed, take note (or photos) of how they are stacked together, especially in the middle of the EPF. Numbering the shields with a marker on both sides of a seam can help too. There will be witness marks left behind on some of them to provide insight to the order they go together and what should be on top or underneath of what. A routiene will develop over time as more and more vehicles are repaired. As an example, in the photo below, there are four thicknesses of heat shield here being held together by these two bolts. TIPS: • Using a tapered center punch (or equivalent) as an alignment tool in the shield bolt holes will make installing the bolts easier. • As the new hardware is installed, leave the nuts loose until all the shields are in place. This makes proper shield alignment easier. • VERY IMPORTANT: After all the shields have been reinstalled, torque the nuts to 13 Nm (9.6 ft. lbs.) EXCEPT for the two on the driver’s side shield shown in the photo below. This shield covers the bellows section of the EPF and if tightened, the dimension of the bellows may be changed enough to keep the EPF assembly from fitting back onto the exhaust studs properly. Bellows Section • Install the EPF assembly and torque the six cylinder head flange nuts to 30 Nm (22.1 ft. lbs.) THEN tighten the last 2 heat shield bolts shown above to 13 Nm (9.6 ft. lbs.). • Re-connect the A/F sensor connectors. • Reinstall the center exhaust pipe with the new gaskets supplied in the kit in reverse order of removal. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 12 of 14 Continued… “APPENDIX B”: EPF Nut / Stud Removal Concerns In response to reports of the cylinder head studs coming out when removing the six (6) EPF retaining nuts, the following TIPS will provide helpful solutions: CAUTION: ALWAYS wear eye protection whenever working with aerosol sprays, wire brushes, corroded parts, inductive tools or gas torches. • It is STRONGLY recommended to not attempt removal of these nuts with the engine hot. Always allow the engine to adequately cool before proceeding. • Apply a penetrant (e.g. PB Blaster or equivalent) to the nuts while the engine is cooling. • Use a small wire brush after applying the penetrant to remove any loose rust from the studs where they extend past the top of the retaining nuts. Re-apply the penetrant as needed. • Use 6-point sockets ONLY (sockets with “flank-drive” are preferred) to remove the retaining nuts and prevent rounding. Applying a small amount of valve grinding compound to the flats of the retaining nuts can also help prevent rounding them and add some extra grip for the socket. • USE HAND TOOLS ONLY to break the retaining nuts loose then add penetrant, work them back and forth, add penetrant and repeat until removed. • As a last resort, CAREFUL use of auxiliary heat can be used. Use of inductive tools is recommended when heating is required as opposed to tools using open flame but, either method may be used successfully and safely based on the Technicians experience level. If the stud comes out of the head: • Use two (2) of the “old” (removed previously) flanged EPF nuts tightened together flange to flange as shown to act as jam nuts on the head side of the stud threads. • Clamp the stud in a vise, by the jam nuts to protect the stud threads as shown in the example photo here. • Heat the seized nut as necessary to free it up then CAREFULLY remove using hand tools and penetrant. • Use a thread chaser to repair the threads if necessary. • Reinstall the stud into the cylinder head. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 13 of 14 Subaru of America, Inc PO Box 9103 Camden, NJ 08101-9877 844-373-6614 www.subaru.com Subaru Service Program WUJ-95 Voluntary Emissions Recall February 2020 Continued… Dear Subaru Owner: We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. We take pride in our products and are committed to your continued satisfaction. Subaru has become aware that certain 2015-2016 2.5L Legacy and Outback models may experience an exhaust noise and/or smell coming from cracks at the bellows of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result, your vehicle may fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA and/or California ARB. REASON FOR THIS VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL: The front exhaust pipe assembly may have been installed under a stressful condition. As a result, the front exhaust pipe bellows may experience cracking during use possibly leading to exhaust gas leakage. Under this condition, a leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. You have received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles. REPAIR: Your Subaru retailer (dealer) will replace the front exhaust pipe at no cost to you. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have this inspection and any necessary repair performed. HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? The time to perform the replacement is approximately 1 hour. However, your retailer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this service visit, as it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time. 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. Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21 Page 14 of 14 A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION Notice to Lessors: Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s) within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.) CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU? If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please update this information online at www.subaru.com, select ‘Customer Support,’ then select ‘Address Update’ or ‘Ownership Update’ from the drop-down menu. 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.’ If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly: • By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com, Customer Support and select “Contact Us” • 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-Retailer Services Department P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877 Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge. Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action in the interest of 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 to have this repair performed. Sincerely, Subaru of America, Inc.

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: February 11, 2020 New Subaru Service Campaign/Voluntary Emissions Recall: WUJ-95 Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows Crack Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. Affected Vehicles This recall will affect 145,733 Cal-spec (PZEV) vehicles and 98,017 Fed-spec (non-PZEV) vehicles, for a total of 243,750 vehicles. Model Year Carline Affected Production Dates 2015-2016 Legacy 12/16/2013 – 9/30/2015 2016-2016 Outback 12/9/2013 – 9/30/2015 Coverage for this campaign must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. The affected VINs will be made available in phases, as the owner notification letters are scheduled for release. The VINs included in the February mailing will be loaded today. Please refer to the ‘Owner Notification’ section of this message, and in the Service Program Bulletin on STIS for more information on the phased release. Background Certain 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles may experience an exhaust noise and / or smell coming from cracks at the bellows of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result, affected vehicle may fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA and/or California ARB. Description of the Remedy Subaru retailers will replace the front exhaust pipe on all potentially affected vehicles. Retailer Responsibility 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). Additionally, 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. Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. Owner Notification Affected vehicle owners will be notified in phases based on their physical location, the emissions specification of their vehicle (Cal-spec or Fed-spec), and phased parts production schedules. Listed in the table below is the current phased mailing plan: Mail Date Emissions specification (spec) Mailing Phase Assigned Retailers’ Facing RDC(s) Applicable WUJ95 Kit Part Number Approximate Quantity February 19, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 1 Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635156 50,000 February 19, 2020 Federal-spec FED 1 Aurora RDC SOA635157 16,000 March 2020 Federal-spec FED 2 SNE SDC Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635157 18,000 April 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 2 SNE SOA635156 27,000 May 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 3 SDC SOA635156 19,000 June 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 4 Florence RDC SOA635156 30,000 July 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 5 Aurora RDC Douglasville RDC Lebanon RDC SOA635156 19,000 August 2020 Federal-spec FED 3 Douglasville RDC Florence RDC SOA635157 25,000 September 2020 Federal-spec FED 4 Lebanon RDC SOA635157 40,000 This schedule is subject to change based on parts availability. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions Detailed service, parts, and claim information will be available today in the WUJ-95 Service Program Bulletin on STIS.

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: August 12, 2020 UPDATE Subaru Service Campaign/Voluntary Emissions Recall: WUJ-95 Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows Crack Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. Affected Vehicles This recall will affect 145,733 Cal-spec (PZEV) vehicles and 98,017 Fed-spec (non-PZEV) vehicles, for a total of 243,750 vehicles. Model Year Carline Affected Production Dates 2015-2016 Legacy 12/16/2013 – 9/30/2015 2016-2016 Outback 12/9/2013 – 9/30/2015 Coverage for this campaign must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. The affected VINs will be made available in phases, as the owner notification letters are scheduled for release. The VINs included in the PZEV5 mailing phase are now loaded. The owner notification letters for all open PZEV5 VINs will be released on September 1, 2020. Please refer to the ‘Owner Notification’ section of this message, and in the Service Program Bulletin on STIS for more information on the phased release. Background Certain 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles may experience an exhaust noise and / or smell coming from cracks at the bellows of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result, affected vehicle may fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA and/or California ARB. Description of the Remedy Subaru retailers will replace the front exhaust pipe on all potentially affected vehicles. Retailer Responsibility 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). Additionally, 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. Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. Owner Notification Affected vehicle owners will be notified in phases based on their physical location, the emissions specification of their vehicle (Cal-spec or Fed-spec), and phased parts production schedules. Listed in the table below is the current phased mailing plan: Mail Date Emissions specification (spec) Mailing Phase Assigned Retailers’ Facing RDC(s) Applicable WUJ95 Kit Part Number Approximate Quantity February 19, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 1 Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635156 50,000 February 19, 2020 Federal-spec FED 1 Aurora RDC SOA635157 16,000 March 27, 2020 (revised) Federal-spec FED 2 SNE SDC Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635157 18,000 April 1, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 2 SNE SOA635156 27,000 June 2, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 3 SDC Aurora SOA635156 19,000 5,000 July 20, 2020 (VINs loaded 3/27/2020) California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 4 Florence RDC SOA635156 30,000 September 1, 2020 (VINs loaded 8/12/2020) California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 5 Douglasville RDC Lebanon RDC SOA635156 14,000 TBD Federal-spec FED 3 Douglasville RDC Florence RDC SOA635157 25,000 TBD Federal-spec FED 4 Lebanon RDC SOA635157 40,000 This schedule is subject to change based on parts availability. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions Detailed service, parts, and claim information are available in the WUJ-95 Service Program Bulletin on STIS.

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: March 27, 2020 UPDATE Subaru Service Campaign/Voluntary Emissions Recall: WUJ-95 Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows Crack Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. Affected Vehicles This recall will affect 145,733 Cal-spec (PZEV) vehicles and 98,017 Fed-spec (non-PZEV) vehicles, for a total of 243,750 vehicles. Model Year Carline Affected Production Dates 2015-2016 Legacy 12/16/2013 – 9/30/2015 2016-2016 Outback 12/9/2013 – 9/30/2015 Coverage for this campaign must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. The affected VINs will be made available in phases, as the owner notification letters are scheduled for release. The VINs included in the June PZEV4 phased mailing are now loaded, so that repairs can be made on affected vehicles if they are presented at a dealership for other services. The owner notification letters will be released at a later date, as planned, once additional parts inventory is available at the Florence RDC. Please refer to the ‘Owner Notification’ section of this message, and in the Service Program Bulletin on STIS for more information on the phased release. Background Certain 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles may experience an exhaust noise and / or smell coming from cracks at the bellows of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result, affected vehicle may fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA and/or California ARB. Description of the Remedy Subaru retailers will replace the front exhaust pipe on all potentially affected vehicles. Retailer Responsibility 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). Additionally, 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. Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. Owner Notification Affected vehicle owners will be notified in phases based on their physical location, the emissions specification of their vehicle (Cal-spec or Fed-spec), and phased parts production schedules. Listed in the table below is the current phased mailing plan: Mail Date Emissions specification (spec) Mailing Phase Assigned Retailers’ Facing RDC(s) Applicable WUJ95 Kit Part Number Approximate Quantity February 19, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 1 Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635156 50,000 February 19, 2020 Federal-spec FED 1 Aurora RDC SOA635157 16,000 March 27, 2020 (revised) Federal-spec FED 2 SNE SDC Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635157 18,000 April 1, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 2 SNE SOA635156 27,000 May 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 3 SDC SOA635156 19,000 June 2020 (VIN load pulled ahead to 3/27/2020 – mailing TBD) California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 4 Florence RDC SOA635156 30,000 July 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 5 Aurora RDC Douglasville RDC Lebanon RDC SOA635156 19,000 August 2020 Federal-spec FED 3 Douglasville RDC Florence RDC SOA635157 25,000 September 2020 Federal-spec FED 4 Lebanon RDC SOA635157 40,000 This schedule is subject to change based on parts availability. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions Detailed service, parts, and claim information are available in the WUJ-95 Service Program Bulletin on STIS.

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: May 18, 2020 UPDATE Subaru Service Campaign/Voluntary Emissions Recall: WUJ-95 Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows Crack Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. Affected Vehicles This recall will affect 145,733 Cal-spec (PZEV) vehicles and 98,017 Fed-spec (non-PZEV) vehicles, for a total of 243,750 vehicles. Model Year Carline Affected Production Dates 2015-2016 Legacy 12/16/2013 – 9/30/2015 2016-2016 Outback 12/9/2013 – 9/30/2015 Coverage for this campaign must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. The affected VINs will be made available in phases, as the owner notification letters are scheduled for release. The VINs included in the PZEV3 phased mailing will be loaded this week, so that repairs can be made on affected vehicles if they are presented at a dealership for other services. The owner notification letters will be released on June 2, 2020. Please note that an adjustment has been made to the mailing schedule to include Aurora-facing PZEV VINs in the PZEV3 mailing. Please refer to the ‘Owner Notification’ section of this message, and in the Service Program Bulletin on STIS for more information on the phased release. Background Certain 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles may experience an exhaust noise and / or smell coming from cracks at the bellows of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result, affected vehicle may fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA and/or California ARB. Description of the Remedy Subaru retailers will replace the front exhaust pipe on all potentially affected vehicles. Retailer Responsibility 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). Additionally, 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. Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. Owner Notification Affected vehicle owners will be notified in phases based on their physical location, the emissions specification of their vehicle (Cal-spec or Fed-spec), and phased parts production schedules. Listed in the table below is the current phased mailing plan: Mail Date Emissions specification (spec) Mailing Phase Assigned Retailers’ Facing RDC(s) Applicable WUJ95 Kit Part Number Approximate Quantity February 19, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 1 Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635156 50,000 February 19, 2020 Federal-spec FED 1 Aurora RDC SOA635157 16,000 March 27, 2020 (revised) Federal-spec FED 2 SNE SDC Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635157 18,000 April 1, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 2 SNE SOA635156 27,000 June 2, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 3 SDC Aurora SOA635156 19,000 5,000 June 2020 (VIN load pulled ahead to 3/27/2020 – mailing TBD) California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 4 Florence RDC SOA635156 30,000 July 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 5 Aurora RDC Douglasville RDC Lebanon RDC SOA635156 14,000 August 2020 Federal-spec FED 3 Douglasville RDC Florence RDC SOA635157 25,000 September 2020 Federal-spec FED 4 Lebanon RDC SOA635157 40,000 This schedule is subject to change based on parts availability. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions Detailed service, parts, and claim information are available in the WUJ-95 Service Program Bulletin on STIS.

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: October 6, 2020 UPDATE Subaru Service Campaign/Voluntary Emissions Recall: WUJ-95 Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows Crack Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. Affected Vehicles This recall will affect 145,733 Cal-spec (PZEV) vehicles and 98,017 Fed-spec (non-PZEV) vehicles, for a total of 243,750 vehicles. Model Year Carline Affected Production Dates 2015-2016 Legacy 12/16/2013 – 9/30/2015 2016-2016 Outback 12/9/2013 – 9/30/2015 Coverage for this campaign must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. The affected VINs will be made available in phases, as the owner notification letters are scheduled for release. The VINs included in the FED 3 and FED 4 mailing phases will be loaded today. The owner notification letters for these VINs will be released on October 15, 2020. Please refer to the ‘Owner Notification’ section of this message, and in the Service Program Bulletin on STIS for more information on the phased release. Background Certain 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles may experience an exhaust noise and / or smell coming from cracks at the bellows of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result, affected vehicle may fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA and/or California ARB. Description of the Remedy Subaru retailers will replace the front exhaust pipe on all potentially affected vehicles. Retailer Responsibility 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). Additionally, 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. Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. Owner Notification Affected vehicle owners will be notified in phases based on their physical location, the emissions specification of their vehicle (Cal-spec or Fed-spec), and phased parts production schedules. Listed in the table below is the current phased mailing plan: Mail Date Emissions specification (spec) Mailing Phase Assigned Retailers’ Facing RDC(s) Applicable WUJ95 Kit Part Number Approximate Quantity February 19, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 1 Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635156 50,000 February 19, 2020 Federal-spec FED 1 Aurora RDC SOA635157 16,000 March 27, 2020 (revised) Federal-spec FED 2 SNE SDC Coppell RDC Ontario RDC Portland Lombard RDC SOA635157 18,000 April 1, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 2 SNE SOA635156 27,000 June 2, 2020 California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 3 SDC Aurora SOA635156 19,000 5,000 July 20, 2020 (VINs loaded 3/27/2020) California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 4 Florence RDC SOA635156 30,000 September 1, 2020 (VINs loaded 8/12/2020) California-spec (PZEV) PZEV 5 Douglasville RDC Lebanon RDC SOA635156 14,000 October 15, 2020 (VINs loaded 10/6/2020) Federal-spec FED 3 Douglasville RDC Florence RDC SOA635157 25,000 October 15, 2020 (VINs loaded 10/6/2020) Federal-spec FED 4 Lebanon RDC SOA635157 40,000 Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions Detailed service, parts, and claim information are available in the WUJ-95 Service Program Bulletin on STIS.

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