Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Replacement & Warranty Extension – 2017-2018 Subaru Forester

NHTSA ID Number: 10226829

Manufacturer Communication Number: 09-84-22R

Summary

This bulletin announces Warranty Extension and design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the concerns of some customers regarding a rattle-type noise or fluttering sound coming from the undercarriage, during acceleration.

 

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NUMBER: 09-84-22R
DATE: 01/20/22
REVISED: 11/1/22

APPLICABILITY:	2017-18MY Forester 2.5L
SUBJECT:	Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Replacement & Warranty Extension

 

INTRODUCTION:

This bulletin announces Warranty Extension and design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the concerns of some customers regarding a rattle-type noise or fluttering sound coming from the undercarriage, during acceleration. These noises may be caused by cracking in the front exhaust pipe. The pipe material has been changed from a ferritic stainless steel to austenitic stainless steel. The associated covers have incorporated a shape change to fit accordingly to the bellows section of the front pipe. If this described condition is confirmed, the front exhaust pipe and covers should be inspected and if determined necessary, replaced as a set.

 

PART INFORMATION:

Part Description	Part Number	Quantity
CONVERTER COMPLETE-FRONT	44620AE960	1
COVER COMPLETE-CONVERTER PIPE,FRONT UPR	44651AJ320	1
COVER COMPLETE-CONVERTER PIPE,FRONT LWR	44651AJ330	1
GASKET-EXHAUST PIPE FRONT	44616AA290 Genuine Subaru 44011AC030 Gasket, 1 Pack Product Type: Auto Part Package Quantity: 1 Made In China Package Dimensions: 12.7Cm (L) X 8.128Cm (W) X 0.762Cm (H) $13.54 Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Last update on 2026-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API	2
GASKET-EXHAUST PIPE REAR	44022AA123 No products found.	1
GASKET-EXHAUST JOINT	44616AA330	1

 

NOTE: The parts listed above in gray are one-time use.

REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specific VIN being repaired.

 

Description of Changes:

Part Description	Number	Areas of Change	Details
Front Exhaust Pipe (CONVERTER COMPLETE-FRONT)	1	Bellows	Material Change
	2	Holder	Re-Shaped
	3	Upstream Holder	Re-Sized
	4	Downstream Holder	Re-Sized
	5	Upper Elbow	Re-Shaped
	6	Lower Elbow	Re-Shaped
Upper Cover (COVER COMPLETE-CONVERTER PIPE FRONT)	7	Upper Cover	Re-Shaped (Described Next Page)
Lower Cover (COVER COMPLETE-CONVERTER PIPE FRONT)	8	Lower Cover	Re-Shaped (Described Next Page)

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

REMINDER:  Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.

The service procedures for replacement of the front exhaust pipe & covers 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, necessary special tools, required processes and related one-time use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair.

Refer to the applicable Subaru Service Manual: Engine > EXHAUST > Front Exhaust Pipe

 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The NEW exhaust pipe MUST be replaced with BOTH covers as a set.
• The Service Manual uses a black star (★) in the component breakdown illustration to indicate one-time use
• Refer to the applicable Service Manual and review: General Description > Repair Contents > Action required before & after Battery Disconnect. Additionally, record any stored seat position(s) before proceeding.  Relearn any seat position memory after work is complete.  If the power rear gate (PRG) height has been customized, that position must also be noted and relearned
• Whenever reconnecting the ground cable terminal to the battery sensor, torque to 7.5Nm (5.5ft.lbs. or 66inch-lbs.) while supporting the sensor with the other hand as outlined in the applicable Service Manual under: STARTING/CHARGING SYSTSEMS > Battery Sensor

 

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2 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
SUBARU	FORESTER	2017-2018

 

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1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

NUMBER: 09-84-22R
DATE: 01/20/22
REVISED: 11/1/22

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10226829

MC-10226829-0001.pdf 2455.838KB

 

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NHTSA ID Number: 10207191

Manufacturer Communication Number: 09-84-22

Summary

This bulletin announces design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the small number of customer concerns regarding a rattle-type noise from the undercarriage during acceleration.

1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

NUMBER: 09-84-22
DATE: 01/20/22

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10207191

MC-10207191-0001.pdf 1333.471KB

 

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NHTSA ID Number: 10226835

Manufacturer Communication Number: Subarunet Announ

Summary

As part of Subaruâ??s dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Emissions Warranty for Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows cracks on certain 2017-2018MY Forester vehicles. This will extend coverage under the Emissions Warranty on vehicles sold or leased in the United States.

 

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Subarunet Announcement

To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc.
Date: November 1, 2022

Title: Exhaust Pipe (Front) Warranty Extension, (WI22-013)

 

As part of Subaru’s dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Emissions Warranty for Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows cracks on certain 2017-2018MY Forester vehicles. This will extend coverage under the Emissions Warranty on vehicles sold or leased in the United States.

Please note the following important details regarding this program and review them with all appropriate personnel:

 

Exhaust Pipe (Front), Warranty Extension

SOA is extending the emissions warranty coverage of certain 2017-2018MY Forester vehicles to address the concerns of some customers regarding a rattle-type noise or fluttering sound coming from the undercarriage during acceleration. These noises may be caused by cracking in the front exhaust pipe. This warranty extension will cover these concerns, should they develop during the warranty extension period.

The coverage period extends the vehicle’s Emissions Warranty as it applies to the Front Exhaust Pipe to fifteen (15) years or 150,000 miles whichever comes first. Repairs performed during this extended coverage period must be completed prior to the expiration of the fifteen (15) years / 150,000 mile period.

For vehicles that already have coverage for 15 years or 150,000 miles pursuant to the California Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) regulations, you should submit any applicable claims under that warranty.  This warranty extension is intended for vehicles that do not already have coverage for 15 years or 150,000 miles.  Please refer to the Subaru Claims Policies and Procedures Manual for emissions warranty coverage details in your state.

NOTE: Exhaust Pipe (Front) Bellows Warranty Extension is subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the Emissions Warranty unless expressly modified by terms outlined in the Customer Notification Letter, with extension coverage being provided only upon completion of the Exhaust Pipe Front (EPF) Replacement service procedure (Service bulletin #09-84-22).  Retailer personnel are highly encouraged to review and be familiar with these terms and conditions prior to applying this extended coverage.

 

Owner Notification

Subaru is sending a letter to all owners of affected vehicles.  A copy of the Customer

Notification Letter is linked here for reference. (Insert Hyperlink) Customer letters should begin mailing mid-November.

 

Technical Instructions / Claim Procedures

Detailed instructions regarding the repair and warranty claim procedures will be provided in #0984-22 Technical Service Bulletin.

 

New and Pre-owned Vehicles in Retailer Inventory:

Subaru requests, for all pre-owned vehicles covered by this program, all retailers inform customers at the time of sale the vehicle is covered by a Warranty Extension program. Sharing a copy of the Customer Notification Letter (as linked previously in this announcement) is strongly recommended to ensure this information is fully communicated.

 

Customer Reimbursement

Subaru is reimbursing customers who previously paid for repair or replacement related to this Exhaust Pipe (Front) Warranty Extension due to conditions that would normally have been covered if the vehicle was still under the terms of the Emissions Warranty.  If a customer has paid to have a repair or replacement performed sometime in the past, they may be eligible for reimbursement under the terms of this Warranty Extension.  Customers can apply for reimbursement online by going to www.recallapps.com/app/Subaru.

If they did not receive the letter, they may contact the Exhaust Pipe (Front) Warranty Extension Hotline at 877-551-7149 for specific information.

 

Coverage Questions

Any questions regarding warranty coverage should be directed to the Subaru Claims Helpline by calling 1-866-SUBARU2 (1-866-782-2782).

 

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2 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
SUBARU	FORESTER	2017-2018

 

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1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

Date: November 1, 2022
Title: Exhaust Pipe (Front) Warranty Extension, (WI22-013)

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10226835

MC-10226835-0001.pdf 110.011KB

 

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Last update on 2026-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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