NHTSA ID Number: 10180734
Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-297-20
Summary
This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear seat folding center arm rest.
NUMBER: 12-297-20
DATE: 09/21/20
| APPLICABILITY: | 2017-19MY Impreza 2018-19MY Crosstrek 2019MY Forester |
| SUBJECT: | Rear Seat Folding Arm Rest- Design Change |
INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear seat folding center arm rest. The change is in response to a small number of reports regarding the inner cloth material becoming exposed at the bottom corners near the hinge area as illustrated below.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
The new Arm Rest assemblies were incorporated into production with the following starting VINs:
- Crosstrek: KH348615
- Forester: KH561344
This bulletin will be revised with the starting VINs for Impreza models when they become available.
PART INFORMATION:
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.
If the inner cloth material is exposed at the bottom corners near the hinge areas as described above, replace the arm rest assembly following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
The service procedures for replacing the rear seat center arm rest 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, every time. This includes but is not limited to important SAFETY precautions, proper inspection criteria, required processes and related one-time-use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair.
7 Affected Products
Vehicles
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 12-297-20
DATE: 09/21/20
MC-10180734-0001.pdf 1087.379KB
- Compatible Models:Front car seat covers fit Subaru
( Outback Forester Crosstrek Legacy Impreza) - 2026 New Edition: Featuring thicker foam padding and heavier faux leather seat covers, delivering a smoother surface and enhanced support for the same premium look as pictured
- Easy Installation:Innovative quick-install design allows most users to complete cover installation in approximately 3 minutes. Ensures no shifting during driving or getting in/out of the vehicle
- Durable & Protective Leatherette:Effortlessly handles seat scratches, daily wear and tear, pet claw marks, and liquid spills. Simply wipe away everyday stains to keep it looking as good as new
- Classic Style Design:Ideal for protecting new car seats or restoring old ones. Effectively prevents wear and fading of original upholstery while giving your older vehicle a fresh new look
- Compatible Models:Front car seat covers fit Subaru
( Outback Forester Crosstrek Legacy Impreza) - 2026 New Edition: Featuring thicker foam padding and heavier faux leather seat covers, delivering a smoother surface and enhanced support for the same premium look as pictured
- Easy Installation:Innovative quick-install design allows most users to complete cover installation in approximately 3 minutes. Ensures no shifting during driving or getting in/out of the vehicle
- Durable & Protective Leatherette:Effortlessly handles seat scratches, daily wear and tear, pet claw marks, and liquid spills. Simply wipe away everyday stains to keep it looking as good as new
- Classic Style Design:Ideal for protecting new car seats or restoring old ones. Effectively prevents wear and fading of original upholstery while giving your older vehicle a fresh new look
- BRAND - Skechers
- MATERIAL - Skechers Memory Foam with Leather & Air-Cool Mesh.
- SKECHERS MEMORY FOAM - Skechers Memory Foam( car seat cover provides the ultimate comfort in seat cover performance - contouring to your body and providing pressure relief.
- LEATHER & AIR COOL MESH FABRIC - Our seat cover made of Cooling mesh top layer is incredibly smooth and breathable.
- SKECHERS BY DESIGN - Skechers automotive seat covers designed to maximize your driving comfort and offer comprehensive protection and style to the interior of your vehicle.
- 【Compatibility】 The ventilated front seat covers fit Outback Forester Crosstrek Legacy Impreza.Includes 2 front seat covers + headrest covers, easy to install, no interference with seat adjustments.
- 【Breathable Material】Features breathable mesh + faux leather. Leather is wear-resistant, mesh is breathable and quick-drying, and faux leather is easy to clean. It resists stains and wear, avoids stuffiness after long sitting, bringing you a comfortable and refreshing driving experience.
- 【Buffering Sponge】Filled with 40-density sponge on front & back, excellent elasticity, no collapse even after long sitting. Boosts cushioning, eases waist & hip fatigue on long drives, delivers a comfortable road trip experience.
- 【Stretchable Fabric】Elastic cloth on both sides for flexible up/down pull and seat adjustment fit. Exposed areas (headrest/waist seams) with edge binding—wear-resistant, no snags, sleek finish, better fit & durability.
- 【Organized Storage】3 separate divided storage pockets on the back hold phones, tissues, car chargers & small items, keep clutter away, easy access, maintain a tidy interior for daily driving needs.
- 【High Compatibility】 Front seat covers engineered to fit Subaru
Outback Forester Crosstrek Legacy Impreza perfectly, maintaining a smooth and snug fit during everyday driving - 【Thickened and upgraded】Built with 5mm high-density foam—50% thicker than standard single-layer covers. Provides enhanced lumbar support for long drives, reducing fatigue from extended sitting. Maintains its shape without sagging or flattening over time
- 【Premium Leather Front & Back Panels】 Our front seat covers feature upgraded leather on both the front and back panels, replacing the traditional elastic fabric backing for a more premium interior appearance. The durable leather surface helps resist stains and makes cleaning easier—just wipe away spills, dirt, and daily scuff marks from kids or pets
- 【Safe Design】Side seams utilize OEM-style weakened stitching. Upon impact,the car seat protector's seams burst open instantly , allowing side airbags to deploy without obstruction—tested for reliability
- 【3-Minute Easy Installation】Features a next-gen round lock clip + S-hook that lets one person seat cover install in just 3 minutes—no more struggling with traditional designs. The upgraded installation with anti-slip bottom grips more securely than ordinary velcro or elastic straps
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Bulletin Number: 12-297-20; Date: 09/21/20 Page 1 of 2 Continued… 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. NUMBER: 12-297-20 DATE: 09/21/20 APPLICABILITY: 2017-19MY Impreza 2018-19MY Crosstrek 2019MY Forester SUBJECT: Rear Seat Folding Arm Rest- Design Change INTRODUCTION: This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear seat folding center arm rest. The change is in response to a small number of reports regarding the inner cloth material becoming exposed at the bottom corners near the hinge area as illustrated below. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The new Arm Rest assemblies were incorporated into production with the following starting VINs: • Crosstrek: KH348615 • Forester: KH561344 This bulletin will be revised with the starting VINs for Impreza models when they become available. SERVICE BULLETIN 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. Bulletin Number: 12-297-20; Date: 09/21/20 Page 2 of 2 PART INFORMATION: 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. If the inner cloth material is exposed at the bottom corners near the hinge areas as described above, replace the arm rest assembly following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual. The service procedures for replacing the rear seat center arm rest 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, every time. This includes but is not limited to important SAFETY precautions, proper inspection criteria, 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 REAR SEAT CENTER ARM REST R&R B913-681 0.3 YFG-03 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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