Safety Recall: WRL-21 – Front Axle Housing – 2020 Subaru Ascent

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Bulletin Number: WRL-21R; Revised: 02/23/22 Page 1 of 8 INTRODUCTION Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated this safety recall for certain 2020 model year Ascent vehicles in which the front axle housings may have been manufactured with improperly tapered tie rod mounting holes. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK The affected vehicles may be equipped with front axle housings that may have been manufactured with improperly tapered tie rod mounting holes. Over time, this condition may cause the tie rod end to separate from the axle housing, increasing the risk of a crash. AFFECTED VEHICLES The number of U.S. vehicles included in this recall is 1,305. Model Year Carline Production date range 2020 Ascent February 22, 2020 – March 5, 2020 Not all vehicles in the production date ranges listed above may be included in this recall. Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com, which is now available. DESCRIPTION OF THE REMEDY For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will replace left front and right front housings, tie rod ends, and all related hardware with new parts at no cost to the customer. OWNER NOTIFICATION Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail on February 7, 2022. A copy of the owner notification letter is included at the end of this bulletin. PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN 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: WRL-21R DATE: 02/23/22 NHTSA ID: 21V-954 APPLICABILITY: 2020 MY Ascent SUBJECT: Front Axle Housings 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. ©2022 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Bulletin Number: WRL-21R; Revised: 02/23/22 Page 2 of 8 RETAILER RESPONSIBILITY Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle covered by a recall under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied. Therefore, any Authorized Subaru Retailer failing to perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $21,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 CFR §578.6 and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement. 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). 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. Axle Housing/Tie rod End Mounting Description: PARTS INFORMATION: Kit Kit Contents (DO NOT Order Individual Components) Kit Orderable Kit Part Number Part Number Part Description Quantity WRL-21 KIT SOA635169 28313XC00A HOUSING-FRONT AXLE,RIGHT 1 28313XC01A HOUSING-FRONT AXLE,LEFT 1 34161SA001 TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY 2 901000468  FLANGE BOLT 8 902170049  NUT 2 902330007  SELF LOCKING NUT 4 051030300  COTTER PIN 2 023212010  CASTLE NUT 2 TIE ROD END Continued… Bulletin Number: WRL-21R; Revised: 02/23/22 Page 3 of 8 NOTE: The Service Manual uses a black star () in the component breakdown illustration to indicate one-time use parts. The kit contents listed above that are marked with a black star are one-time use parts required for this procedure, included in the kit. IMPORTANT PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION: • The parts required for this repair will be in a kit, part number SOA635169, which is on hold. • The WRL-21 kits CANNOT be ordered through PRIME. • When placing an order for a WRL-21 kit, please enter the last 8 digits of the affected VIN in the “Customer PO Number” field of the order. • Orders will be released by the Parts Information Coordinators (PICs) upon verification of the affected VIN. • If the VIN is not provided on the parts order, the order will not be released unless the retailer contacts the PICs by phone to do so; therefore, please be sure to enter the VIN as instructed. • If the order does NOT contain the last 8 digits of a valid affected VIN and the retailer does not contact Parts Information Coordinators within 5 business days of the order entry date, the order will be cancelled. SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION: REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. The service procedures for front axle housing and the tie rod end replacement remain unchanged, however there are TWO TIPS described below that with help provide a more streamline process when replacing this part combination. 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, necessary special tools, required processes and related one-time-use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair. IMPORTANT NOTE: The tie rod end and axle housing on BOTH left and right sides require replacement. Tip 1: The stabilizer link mounting nut (902380003) DOES NOT require removal during this procedure. This nut is a one-time use only part and if removed it MUST be replaced with a new one. See the photos listed below for examples. Continued… Bulletin Number: WRL-21R; Revised: 02/23/22 Page 4 of 8 Tip 2: Even with usage of a recommended ball joint separator tool (shown below), there can be difficulty separating the tie rod end from the axle housing. This is caused by possible deformation of housing/tie rod from exceeded torque limits during installation. ALWAYS use eye protection when attempting to apply this method. If there is difficulty found when removing/separating the tie rod end with the axle housing, follow the procedures outlined on the next page. STEP 1: Release the clamp on the outside of the steering rack boot with pliers and slide the clamp toward the tie rod end. STEP 2: While holding the tie rod end (A) with an 18mm wrench, loosen the 19mm locking nut (B). Continued… Bulletin Number: WRL-21R; Revised: 02/23/22 Page 5 of 8 STEP 3: While holding the steering gear box boot (C) and CAREFULLY preventing it from turning, loosen the tie rod (D) with a 14mm wrench. Take note of the number of rotations during removal and apply the rotation number to the new part installation. This will help save time during the alignment. Use CAUTION when performing this STEP to ensure the steering gear box boot does not twist/and or rotate. Once the tie rod end is removed from the tie rod, proceed to further removing the axle carrier. IMPORTANT NOTE: ALWAYS use new wheel bearing mounting flange bolts, strut self-locking nuts, axle nuts, and tie rod end nuts during assembly. Be sure to torque these items to the correct specification. Continued… Bulletin Number: WRL-21R; Revised: 02/23/22 Page 6 of 8 Number Part Description Part # Torque Specification 1 WHEEL BEARING FLANGE BOLT 901000468 126 N·m (12.8kgf-m, 92.9ft-lb) 2 STRUT SELF LOCKING NUT 902330007 155 N·m (15.8kgf-m, 114.3ft-lb) 3 AXLE NUT 902170049 220 N·m (22.4kgf-m, 162.3ft-lb) 4 TIE ROD END NUT 023212010 27 N·m (2.8kgf-m, 19.9ft-lb) + 60° 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 BOTH FRONT AXLE HOUSING R&R AND ALIGNMENT CHECK AND ADJUST A611-100 2.5H WRL-21 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. Coonnttiinnuueedd…… Subaru Safety Recall WRL-21 NHTSA ID 21V-954 February 2022 URGENT IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL This notice applies to the VIN identified in the address section below Dear Subaru Owner: This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2020 model year Ascent vehicles. You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK The front axle housings in your vehicle may have been manufactured with improperly tapered tie rod mounting holes. Over time, this condition may cause the tie rod end to separate from the axle housing, increasing the risk of a crash. WHAT SUBARU WILL DO For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru will replace left front and right front housings, tie rod ends, and all related hardware with new parts at no cost to you. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Please contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) immediately for an appointment to have this repair performed, at no cost to you. HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? The actual time for this repair is approximately two and a half hours. However, it may be necessary to leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow your Subaru retailer flexibility in scheduling. OWNER INFORMATION Government regulations require that recall notifications be sent to the last known owner of record. That information is based primarily on state registration and title data. If you are a lessor of this vehicle, federal regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee within ten days. 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 “Quick Links” menu. A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR A REPAIR If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement consideration will be based on the amount an authorized Subaru retailer in your area would charge for the same repair. Please send the original service repair order, which has the name of the repair facility, date of repair, mileage at the time of repair, complete 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), and your name, with correct mailing address and telephone number to the address listed below. Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department, Attention: WRL-21 Recall P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877 Please send original receipts only and retain a photocopy for your records. Please be assured that we will attempt to process your reimbursement request as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 60 days for this process to be completed. 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.’ For additional information, please go to: http://www.wrl21.service-campaign.com. If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly: • By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Customer Support” • 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 Advocacy Department P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877 To subscribe to the NHTSA Recall Notification email System, please go to: https://www-odi. nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/subscriptions. Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge. You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov if you believe the Subaru retailer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of time. Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and 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. Sincerely, Subaru of America, Inc.

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Subaru of America, Inc. P.O. Box 9103 Camden, NJ 08101-9877 844-373-6614 www.subaru.com Dear Subaru Owner: This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2020 model year Ascent vehicles. You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK The front axle housings in your vehicle may have been manufactured with improperly tapered tie rod mounting holes. Over time, this condition may cause the tie rod end to separate from the axle housing, increasing the risk of a crash. WHAT SUBARU WILL DO For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru will replace left front and right front housings, tie rod ends, and all related hardware with new parts at no cost to you. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Please contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) immediately for an appointment to have this repair performed, at no cost to you. HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? The actual time for this repair is approximately two and a half hours. However, it may be necessary to leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow your Subaru retailer flexibility in scheduling. OWNER INFORMATION Government regulations require that recall notifications be sent to the last known owner of record. That information is based primarily on state registration and title data. If you are a lessor of this vehicle, federal regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee within ten days. 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 “Quick Links” menu. IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR A REPAIR If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement consideration will be based on the amount an authorized Subaru retailer in your area would charge for the same repair. Subaru Safety Recall WRL-21 NHTSA ID 21V-954 February 2022 URGENT IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL This notice applies to the VIN identified in the address section printed below Please send the original service repair order, which has the name of the repair facility, date of repair, mileage at the time of repair, complete 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), and your name, with correct mailing address and telephone number to the address listed below. Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department, Attention: WRL-21 Recall P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877 Please send original receipts only and retain a photocopy for your records. Please be assured that we will attempt to process your reimbursement request as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 60 days for this process to be completed. 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.’ For additional information, please go to: http://www.wrl21.service-campaign.com. If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly: • By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Customer Support” • 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 Advocacy Department P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877 To subscribe to the NHTSA Recall Notification email System, please go to: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ nhtsa/subscriptions. Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge. You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov if you believe the Subaru retailer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of time. Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and 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. Sincerely, Subaru of America, Inc. A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: February 7, 2022 UPDATE Subaru Safety Recall: WRL-21 – Front Axle Housing UPDATE Owner Notification Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail on February 7, 2022. A copy of the owner notification letter is included in the bulletin. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions The WRL-21 Product Campaign Bulletin is now published on STIS, and the VIN status of this recall has been updated to “Open.” Please refer to the bulletin for specific parts ordering instructions, and detailed service and claim instructions. IMPORTANT PARTS INFORMATION > The parts required for this recall repair will be in a kit, and the kit will be on hold. > The kits cannot be ordered through PRIME. > When placing an order for a WRL-21 kit, please enter the last 8 digits of the affected VIN in the “Customer PO Number” field of the order. > Orders will be released by the Parts Information Coordinators (PICs) upon verification of the affected VIN. > If the VIN is not provided on the parts order, the order will not be released unless the retailer contacts the PICs by phone to do so; therefore, please be sure to enter the VIN as instructed in the bulletin. > If the order does not contain the last 8 digits of a valid affected VIN and the retailer does not contact the Parts Information Coordinators within 5 business days of the order entry date, the order will be cancelled. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has issued this safety recall for certain 2020 model year Ascent vehicles in which the tie rod end mounting holes in the front axle housings may have an incorrect taper angle. Affected Vehicles The number of U.S. vehicles included in this recall is 1,305. Model Year Carline Production date range 2020 Ascent February 22, 2020 – March 5, 2020 Not all vehicles in the production date ranges listed above may be included in this recall. Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com, which is now available. Description of the Defect and Safety Risk The tie rod end mounting holes in the front axle housings of the vehicles included in this recall may have an incorrect taper angle. Over time, if a tie rod and/or a housing are deformed from multiple over-torque installations, the tie rod end could separate from the housing, increasing the risk of a crash. Description of the Remedy For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will replace left front and right front housings, tie rod ends, and all related hardware with new parts at no cost to the customer. Retailer Responsibility Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle covered by a recall under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied. Therefore, any Authorized Subaru Retailer failing to perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $21,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 CFR §578.6 and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement. Any vehicles listed in any recall or 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 Bulletin Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures, to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into inventory or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the repair has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: December 10, 2021 New Subaru Safety Recall: WRL-21 – Front Axle Housing Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2020 model year Ascent vehicles in which the tie rod end mounting holes in the front axle housings may have an incorrect taper angle. Description of the Defect and Safety Risk The tie rod end mounting holes in the front axle housings of the vehicles included in this recall may have an incorrect taper angle. Over time, if a tie rod and/or a housing are deformed from multiple over-torque installations, the tie rod end could separate from the housing, increasing the risk of a crash. Affected Vehicles The number of U.S. vehicles included in this recall is 1,305. Not all vehicles in the production date ranges listed above may be included in this recall. Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com, which will be available today. The status of this recall will display as “Open – Remedy Not Yet Available” until the parts are available to support this recall. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions The remedy parts for this recall are expected to arrive by February 2022. Once they are available, the WRL-21 Product Campaign Bulletin will be published on STIS with detailed service and claim instructions. Retailer Responsibility Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle covered by a recall under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied. Therefore, any Authorized Subaru Retailer failing to perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $21,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 CFR §578.6 and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement. Any vehicles listed in any recall or campaign that are in retailer stock must be: • Immediately identified • Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to repair Model Year Carline Production date range 2020 Ascent February 22, 2020 – March 5, 2020 • Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the Bulletin Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures, to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into inventory or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the repair has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle. Owner Notification Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Retailers will be advised when the notification is scheduled.

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-954 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Subaru of America, Inc. Submission Date : DEC 09, 2021 NHTSA Recall No. : 21V-954 Manufacturer Recall No. : WRL-21 Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Subaru of America, Inc. Address : One Subaru Drive Camden NJ 08103 Company phone : 844-373-6614 Population : Number of potentially involved : 1,305 Estimated percentage with defect : 1 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2020-2020 Subaru Ascent Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : SUV Power Train : GAS Descriptive Information : -Description of the issue: The tie rod end mounting hole in the housing may have an incorrect taper angle. -The basis for how the recall population was determined: Potentially affected vehicles were identified using vehicle production records and supplier part production records. -How the recalled products differ from products that were not included in the recall: Vehicles not included have a properly manufactured part. The recall population includes certain 2020 model year Ascent vehicles. The number of potentially affected Ascent vehicles is 1,305. Production Dates : FEB 22, 2020 – MAR 05, 2020 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : The tie rod end mounting hole in the housing may have an incorrect taper angle. As a result, the fitment between the tie rod end and the housing may be imperfect. During assembly, the castle nut may have been over-torqued to allow installation of the cotter pin. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : If either the tie rod end or the housing is replaced during vehicle repair, the Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-954 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Description of the Safety Risk : imperfect fitment may lead to an inability to reinstall the cotter pin with the proper castle nut torque applied. Over time, if a tie rod and/or a housing are deformed from multiple over-torque installations, the tie rod end could separate from the housing, increasing the risk of a crash. Description of the Cause : An out-of-specification cutting tool was used in the manufacturing process of the housing. Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : None Involved Components : Component Name 1 : HOUSING-FRONT AXLE, RIGHT Component Description : Housing front axle right Component Part Number : 28313XC00A Component Name 2 : HOUSING-FRONT AXLE, LEFT Component Description : Housing front axle left Component Part Number : 28313XC01A Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Hitachi Metals America, Ltd. Address : 1500 Heartland Blvd. Effingham Illinois 62401 Country : United States Chronology : February 18, 2020 – The out-of-specification cutting tool was first used in the manufacturing process of the housing on the supplier’s production line. February 22 – March 5, 2020 – The subject parts were installed on the vehicle assembly line. The incorrect housing hole was noticed in the vehicle assembly plant and, in collaboration with the supplier, Subaru opened an investigation. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-954 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 April, 2020 – The supplier completed durability testing determined the reliability was equivalent to standard parts. Subaru continued investigating the potential effect of long-term market usage. January – July, 2021 – Following another durability test by the supplier and investigation by Subaru, Subaru began considering the potential effect of part replacement for affected vehicles after high mileage field exposure. July – November, 2021 – Subaru determined that if the castle nut joining the subject components was overtorqued during the assembly process due to the incorrect taper angle in the housing, and then either the tie rod or housing were replaced during repair, and finally components were subjected to unusually large road inputs after high mileage exposure, the tie rod end could separate from the housing. Through data analysis, Subaru confirmed that there were no warranty claims or technical reports related to this condition. December 2, 2021– Although Subaru is not aware of any warranty claims or technical reports related to this condition, out of an abundance of caution, Subaru decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru dealers will replace left front and right front housings, tie rod ends, and all related hardware with new parts at no cost to the customer. Subaru will provide reimbursement to owners for repairs according to the general plan submitted in May 2020. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : Remedy components have the proper hole taper angle in the housing. Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : Subaru corrected the condition in the vehicle manufacturing process beginning in March 2020. Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : Owner notification will occur within 60 days. If remedy parts are not available within 60 days, an interim notification letter will be issued. Dealer notification is scheduled to begin on or about December 10, 2021. Planned Dealer Notification Date : DEC 10, 2021 – DEC 10, 2021 Planned Owner Notification Date : FEB 07, 2022 – FEB 07, 2022 * NR – Not Reported

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