Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19 Best Practices – Subaru

NHTSA ID Number: 10174543

Manufacturer Communication Number: 01-181-20

Summary

All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)

 

376 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
SUBARU	22	1972-1973
SUBARU	23	1972-1973
SUBARU	62	1972-1973
SUBARU	63	1972-1973
SUBARU	ASCENT	2019-2020
SUBARU	B9 TRIBECA	2006-2011
SUBARU	BAJA	2003-2006
SUBARU	BRAT	1978-1979, 1982-1994
SUBARU	BRZ	2013-2020
SUBARU	CROSSTREK	2012-2020
SUBARU	DL	1974, 1980-1994
SUBARU	DL1600	1984
SUBARU	ESTEEM	2000-2001
SUBARU	FF-1	1970-1971
SUBARU	FORESTER	1995-2020, 9999
SUBARU	GL	1980-1994, 9999
SUBARU	GL-10	1983-1993
SUBARU	GLF	1980-1981
SUBARU	IMPREZA	1990, 1993-2020, 9999
SUBARU	IMPREZA STI	2008-2009
SUBARU	IMPREZA WRX	2015
SUBARU	JUSTY	1987-1995
SUBARU	LEGACY	1987-2020, 9999
SUBARU	LOYAL	1990
SUBARU	LOYALE	1983-1994
SUBARU	OUTBACK	1995-2020, 9999
SUBARU	OUTBACK SPORT	2006, 2008-2009
SUBARU	SUBARU	1972-1993, 9999
SUBARU	SUBARU TRUCK	1988, 9999
SUBARU	SVX	1990, 1992-1997, 9999
SUBARU	TRIBECA	2006-2014
SUBARU	WAGON	1976-1977, 1983-1994, 2002-2003
SUBARU	WRX	2002-2021
SUBARU	WRX STI	2004-2005, 2008-2020
SUBARU	XT	1983-1994
SUBARU	XT-6	1983-1994
SUBARU	XV CROSSTREK	2012-2017
SUBARU	XV CROSSTREK HYBRID	2014-2017

 

 

 

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NUMBER: 01-181-20
DATE: 04/30/20

APPLICABILITY:	All Models
SUBJECT:	Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19 Best Practices

 

INTRODUCTION:

During these challenging times, we know our retailers consider the personal safety of their employees and customers to be of the utmost importance.  We understand many retailers have enhanced their cleaning procedures, including procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting vehicle interiors. DISCLAIMER: Subaru of America has not evaluated any product for its ability to disinfect the novel coronavirus, and we make no representations regarding the effectiveness of any product.  For information on products and procedures recommended for this purpose, please refer to information from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, available at:

https://www.cdc.gov/

www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

 

SERVICE DEPARTMENT BEST PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

If not already done, Service Department practices should be enhanced to ensure both customer and employee safety.  These safety enhancements may include:

• Sanitizing customer areas every hour
• Waiting area floor markings with 6’ lines to promote social distancing
• Continue to greet the customers in a professional and friendly manner but refrain from any physical contact
• Inform customers of any sanitation measures taken before their vehicle is released back to them
• Personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.) should be used by Service Advisors • Providing customers with a new pen for their sole use to prevent cross-contamination.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURES / INFORMATION:

Subaru vehicles are built using many different materials requiring many different types of care.  Subaru Corporation recommends the use of mild soap / detergent and warm water to clean interior parts and trim surfaces which corresponds with the recommendation found in the Owner’s Manual.

According to the CDC website, cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.  Normal routine cleaning with soap and warm water decreases how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects which also reduces risk of exposure.

CAUTION:  Always be sure to wring out the wet cleaning cloth to avoid any “puddling” of water and be sure to use a clean towel to thoroughly dry the cleaned areas.  Always use extra caution when cleaning around switches, knobs and other electrical components.

The use of alcohol-based and / or chemical-based cleaning products to disinfect interior trim surfaces (e.g. steering wheels, shift knobs, leather seat trim surfaces, etc.) is NOT recommended.  These products may damage trim surfaces.  Cleaning solutions / sanitizers should not be used to clean or disinfect infotainment touch screens and other clear plastic surfaces as they may cause hazing or fading to occur.  It is also VERY important to remember when cleaning leather or other supple trim surfaces, a conditioner MUST be applied IMMEDIATELY after drying to restore moisture.

Some retailer Service Departments are using steering wheel, seat and shift knob covers.  If these measures supplement mild soap / detergent and warm water, are only used once and not moved from vehicle to vehicle, they should be considered a viable method for providing additional protection.  Other areas to consider are:

Interior and exterior door handles	Center console
Arm rests	Door locks and switches
Paddle shifters	Rear and side view mirror controls
Turn signal, wiper stalks	Sun visors
Radio and climate control buttons/knobs	Seat(s)
Window switches	Key(s) / fob(s)

 

To summarize, the recommendation is to use mild soap / detergent and warm water to clean interior parts and trim surfaces.  Technicians should continue using alcohol-based hand sanitizers on their hands regularly and allowing it to dry before entering the vehicle or touching any interior surfaces.

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: 01-181-20
DATE: 04/30/20

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10174543

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10174543-0001.pdf

 

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