NHTSA ID Number: 10171106
Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-280-20
Summary
This bulletin provides a procedure to address a limited number of customer concerns regarding a visible gap between the A-Pillar trim panel and the head liner.
NUMBER: 12-280-20
DATE: 01/31/20
| APPLICABILITY: | 2020MY Legacy and Outback |
| SUBJECT: | A-Pillar Trim- Gap Visible at Head Liner |
INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides a procedure to address a limited number of customer concerns regarding a visible gap between the A-Pillar trim panel and the head liner as shown in the photo here.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
A production change was made to prevent this condition from occurring starting with the following VINs:
- Legacy: L3002855
- Outback: L3103472
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. The service procedures for A-Pillar trim removal and installation 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 eff ective repair the fi rst time and every time.
This procedure will describe four (4) conditions which may cause the gap to occur: A, B, C and D.
- Condition “A”
These comparison photos show the A-Pillar trim not fi tting into the instrument panel (IP) properly. The trim is contacting a structural rib of the IP and is keeping it from fi tting in behind the IP as it should.
- Condition “B”
The NG photo below shows a portion of the side airbag module fabric protruding from between the A-Pillar trim and the A-Pillar of the vehicle body.
- Condition “C”
Here, the roof harness is partially covering the surface of the trim clip attachment point. The OK photo shows the harness properly tucked in away from the attachment point.
- Condition “D”
The trim clip securing the trim panel to the A-Pillar must be fully seated against the locating bosses as shown here.
Once the condition (A, B, C or D) has been identified, proceed as follows:
- If Condition A, B or D is confirmed, the affected A-Pillar trim must be replaced as the holding force of the clips is reduced. Follow the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
- If Condition C is confirmed, trim replacement is NOT needed as the clips were never properly seated at assembly.
VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: Whenever removing or installing the A-Pillar trim panels, use CAUTION when disengaging the tether clip (a). If the tether clip is damaged in any way, it MUST be replaced.
- Release the trim toward the center of the IP using a plastic trim tool to access the tether clip.
- Using a needle-nose plier or the special Tether Clip removal tool, CAREFULLY rotate the clip to disengage it from the trim (b).
- Rotate the trim toward the center of the IP to remove it.
PART INFORMATION:
This information is supplied for reference only in case a replacement A-Pillar trim or tether clip is needed.
| Description | Part Number |
| TRIM PANEL-A PILLAR, UPPER RIGHT | 94010AN10AME |
| TRIM PANEL-A PILLAR, UPPER LEFT | 94010AN11AME |
| TETHER CLIP | 909150040 |
REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specifi c VIN being repaired.
2 Affected Products
Vehicles
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 12-280-20
DATE: 01/31/20
MC-10171106-0001.pdf 2713.051KB
- Deep Cleaning: Quickly dissolves oil & stains,deeply penetrates dirt;wipes dry easily with no streaks left on car/home surfaces
- Versatile Use: Ideal for car headliners,seats,consoles & home sofas; works well on fabric,leather and plastic
- No‑Rinse Waterless Clean: Skip tedious rinsing; just apply & wipe, quickly removes grime without water hassle
- Restore Shine: Mild yet effective formula lifts dirt,revives original gloss of fabric interiors with light surface protection.Note: Faded & aged fabric cannot be restored to its original gloss
- Safe & Gentle Formula: Features a fresh lemon scent,non‑irritating; will not damage surface,safe for long‑term daily use. NOTE: 1.Old embedded stains may not be completely removed. 2.Do not spray cleaner directly onto headliner fabric,spray onto sponge first. 3.Always test on an inconspicuous spot first
- WILL IT LEAVE MY CARPET SOAKING WET: No - this car carpet cleaner has a low-moisture foaming formula, is detergent-free, and finishes with the soft feel of clean fabric rather than the wet, stiff, crusty residue low-grade cleaners leave
- FABRIC CLEAN SPRAYABLE AND NIFTY BRUSH KIT (HOL463): 16 oz ready-to-use fabric cleaner and car upholstery cleaner with Induro 7 Heavy Duty Nifty brush for home detailers needing spray-and-scrub carpet cleaning in one combo
- READY-TO-USE SPRAY FORMAT FOR IMMEDIATE USE: This Fabric Clean Sprayable car interior cleaner comes pre-diluted in a spray bottle ready for immediate use - no concentrate dilution, no measuring, just spray onto the surface and clean
- FOAMING ACTION FLOATS DIRT TO THE SURFACE: This carpet cleaner spray uses hi-sudsing foam that penetrates into carpet and upholstery fibers, lifts dirt to the surface, and allows cleanup with a microfiber towel or hot water extractor
- NIFTY BRUSH AGITATES FABRIC WITHOUT DAMAGE: The Induro 7 Heavy Duty Nifty Brush provides the agitation that activates the fabric car seat cleaner on carpet and upholstery, separating fibers and breaking up embedded dirt without damage.
- POWERFUL ON DIRT, GRIME & TOUGH STAINS – Our concentrated formula cuts through embedded dirt, oil, grease, and stains other interior car cleaners leave behind. Set-in spills, ground-in dirt, and stubborn grime lift with light agitation — minimal effort, no second product needed. If you've cycled through cleaners that fail on tough messes, stop and try Super Cleaner.
- ONE BOTTLE FOR LEATHER, CARPET, UPHOLSTERY & MORE – How many surfaces does it cover? Leather, upholstery, carpet, fabric, vinyl, plastic, rubber, and metal — across interior, non-paint exterior, and household surfaces. From back seat spills to steering wheel grease, one bottle handles most of your cleaning list — no need to juggle a separate product for each material.
- LEAVES ZERO RESIDUE — CLEAN FINISH – Most interior car cleaners leave a sticky film or greasy feel behind. Super Cleaner lifts the mess and leaves a clean finish on leather, dashboards, and trim. No sticky residue, no greasy feel, no second wipe-down required.
- SPRAY, WIPE, DONE — NO-RINSE FORMULA – Spray onto the surface or towel, agitate with a microfiber, wipe off. The no-rinse formula skips the water and the cleanup — most jobs finish in a single pass. Spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying a fresh, clean interior.
- COMPLETE 18 OZ KIT WITH MICROFIBER TOWEL – How much does one bottle cover? A little goes a long way — one 18 oz bottle handles many cleaning sessions across multiple vehicles. Comes with our Professional Series microfiber towel. Built for real value — you clean more and buy less. Backed by our Zero Risk Policy — if you’re not happy for any reason, we’ll make it right.
- 【Powerful Stain Removal】: Effectively cuts tough grease,oil & grime.Penetrates and dissolves stubborn residues for easy wiping,spot‑free with no sticky leftovers
- 【Waterless Cleaning】: No water or rinsing needed. Just spray & wipe to lift dirt off delicate headliners and upholstery,skip tedious washing steps
- 【Multi‑Surface Application】: Great for car headliners, seats,consoles & dashboards;safe on fabric,leather and plastic.Also fits household sofas and bags
- 【Gentle Formula】: Lemon‑infused mild non‑irritating formula,gentle on car interiors.Leaves a fresh light lemon scent
- 【Portable Multi‑Purpose】: Compact spray bottle ideal for car interior care and household daily cleaning. NOTE: 1.Old embedded stains may not be completely removed. 2.Do not spray cleaner directly onto headliner fabric,spray onto sponge first. 3.Always test on an inconspicuous spot first
- COLORLESS & ODORLESS LEATHER CLEANER (SPI_208_16) – Chemical Guys leather cleaner gently cleans leather surfaces without dyes or scents, lifting dirt, oils, and embedded dirt while preserving the natural look and feel
- SAFE FOR ALL LEATHER TYPES – A leather cleaner for car interiors, natural, synthetic, faux, and pleather; ideal for furniture, boots, jackets, handbags, and more
- REMOVES DIRT & GRIME – This car leather cleaner breaks down body oils, food spills, dust, and daily buildup without leaving residue, streaks, or causing discoloration
- PREPS FOR CONDITIONING – This Chemical Guys interior cleaner for cars and leather furniture cleaner is the perfect first step before applying a leather conditioner or protectant to maintain durability, suppleness, and appearance
- EASY TO USE – Spray directly on leather, as a leather car seat cleaner, or onto a microfiber applicator, gently scrub with a soft brush, and wipe clean for refreshed, clean leather
SEOCONTENT-START
Bulletin Number: 12-280-20; Date: 01/31/20 Page 1 of 4 Continued… NUMBER: 12-280-20 DATE: 01/31/20 APPLICABILITY: 2020MY Legacy and Outback SUBJECT: A-Pillar Trim- Gap Visible at Head Liner 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. SERVICE BULLETIN ATTENTION: GENERAL MANAGER PARTS MANAGER CLAIMS PERSONNEL SERVICE MANAGER IMPORTANT – All Service Personnel Should Read and Initial in the boxes provided, right. ©2020 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION: This bulletin provides a procedure to address a limited number of customer concerns regarding a visible gap between the A-Pillar trim panel and the head liner as shown in the photo here. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: A production change was made to prevent this condition from occurring starting with the following VINs: • Legacy: L3002855 • Outback: L3103472 SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION: REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. The service procedures for A-Pillar trim removal and installation 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 eff ective repair the fi rst time and every time. This procedure will describe four (4) conditions which may cause the gap to occur: A, B, C and D. Bulletin Number: 12-280-20; Date: 01/31/20 Page 2 of 4 Continued… • Condition “A” These comparison photos show the A-Pillar trim not fi tting into the instrument panel (IP) properly. The trim is contacting a structural rib of the IP and is keeping it from fi tting in behind the IP as it should. • Condition “B” The NG photo below shows a portion of the side airbag module fabric protruding from between the A-Pillar trim and the A-Pillar of the vehicle body. • Condition “C” Here, the roof harness is partially covering the surface of the trim clip attachment point. The OK photo shows the harness properly tucked in away from the attachment point. Bulletin Number: 12-280-20; Date: 01/31/20 Page 3 of 4 Continued… • Condition “D” The trim clip securing the trim panel to the A-Pillar must be fully seated against the locating bosses as shown here. Once the condition (A, B, C or D) has been identifi ed, proceed as follows: • If Condition A, B or D is confi rmed, the aff ected A-Pillar trim must be replaced as the holding force of the clips is reduced. Follow the procedure in the applicable Service Manual. • If Condition C is confi rmed, trim replacement is NOT needed as the clips were never properly seated at assembly. VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: Whenever removing or installing the A-Pillar trim panels, use CAUTION when disengaging the tether clip (a). If the tether clip is damaged in any way, it MUST be replaced. • Release the trim toward the center of the IP using a plastic trim tool to access the tether clip. • Using a needle-nose plier or the special Tether Clip removal tool, CAREFULLY rotate the clip to disengage it from the trim (b). • Rotate the trim toward the center of the IP to remove it. PART INFORMATION: This information is supplied for reference only in case a replacement A-Pillar trim or tether clip is needed. Description Part Number TRIM PANEL-A PILLAR, UPPER RIGHT 94010AN10AME TRIM PANEL-A PILLAR, UPPER LEFT 94010AN11AME TETHER CLIP 909150040 REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specifi c VIN being repaired. Bulletin Number: 12-280-20; Date: 01/31/20 Page 4 of 4 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 A-PILLAR GAP REPAIR- ONE SIDE A913-173 0.2 YCJ-03 A-PILLAR GAP REPAIR- BOTH SIDES A913-174 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.
**************************************************************************************************************
SEOCONTENT-END
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.