NHTSA ID Number: 10231320
Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-232-21R
Summary
This Service Information Bulletin provides helpful tips when using the Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002) during trailer hitch accessory installation. (Wilderness models)
NUMBER: 12-232-21R
DATE: 12/28/21
REVISED: 01/24/23
| APPLICABILITY: | 2022-23MY Outback Wilderness |
| SUBJECT: | Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template Usage Tips |
INTRODUCTION:
This Service Information Bulletin provides helpful tips when using the Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002) during trailer hitch accessory installation. Use the information below in conjunction with accessory installation guide L101SAN620 and L101SAN000 to help ensure an accurate cut line on the Wilderness bumper fascia.
PART INFORMATION:
| Part Description | Part Number |
| Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Cutting Template | SOA554002 |
NOTE: The Fascia Panel cutting template shown above is available using the normal parts ordering procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The Outback Wilderness Trailer Hitch Accessory Installation Guide can be found on STIS:
The Outback Wilderness Trailer Hitch Panel Accessory Installation Guide can be found on STIS:
TIP 1: The Outback Wilderness Trailer Hitch Panel Accessory Installation Guide contains a printable fascia panel template to be used in place of the Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002). When using the printable template version, it is CRITICAL the template is printed in “Actual Size”. ALWAYS measure to confirm the sizing of each 1 inch square block located on each printable section as shown below.
- Additional Measurements:
The measurements listed bellow, can be made from bottom points of the 1 inch square blocks to further confirm the accuracy of the template.
TIP 2: The Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002) is made from a heavier gauge paper that provides added rigidity. Pre-bending the template in the highlighted areas pictured below can help provide extra flexibility. Bend the template in both directions along the indicated lines.
TIP 3: Use both hands to press down on the template as shown in the photo below. A helper is recommended for taping down the template or tracing with a marker while being held in place. Use a sharp utility knife to CAREFULLY cut the bumper fascia.
Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template Usage Tips Video
2 Affected Products
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
SUBARU | OUTBACK | 2022-2023 |
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 12-232-21R
DATE: 12/28/21
REVISED: 01/24/23
MC-10231320-0001.pdf 530.806KB
NHTSA ID Number: 10210828
Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-232-21R
Summary
This bulletin provides helpful tips when using the Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002) during trailer hitch accessory installation.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 12-232-21R
DATE: 12/28/21
REVISED: 04/20/22
MC-10210828-0001.pdf 1057.209KB
NHTSA ID Number: 10205928
Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-232-21
Summary
This bulletin provides helpful tips when using the Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002) during trailer hitch accessory installation.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 12-232-21
DATE: 12/28/21
MC-10205928-0001.pdf 1214.746KB
- Rated to 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
- Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
- Protected by a durable high-gloss black powder coat finish
- Dependable Strength: Stringently tested to SAE J684 standards, the hitch has a weight capacity of 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight
- Corrosion Resistant: Finished with CURT's unique co-curing process; Each hitch is dipped in a liquid A-coat for rust prevention, inside and out, and then co-cured in a durable black powder coat finish for maximum rust, chip and UV resistance
- Vehicle Compatibility: Each CURT class 3 hitch is engineered to fit on a specific vehicle; This provides the best possible fit and easiest installation; Fits 2020-2025 Legacy & Outback
- Warranty: Covered by CURT's limited lifetime warranty to give you confidence in each adventure, season after season
- Made in USA: CURT custom-fit receiver hitches are made in the USA to ensure quality from design to finish (may include imported hardware)
- Application: This class 3 trailer tow hitch receiver is compatible with 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Subaru Forester all models
- Function: After installing the towing receiver device on your vehicle, it can bear the weight of the trailer and the cargo, ensuring that the towing vehicle can stably pull the load during driving
- Load-bearing Capacity: Class 3 trailer hitch is rated for up to 3,500 lbs. Tongue weight is rated for up to 525 lbs. Made of steel, it is solid and not easy to deform. The black powder coating effectively avoids rust and wear caused by external conditions, ensuring stable performance over a long time
- Installation: Install with screws, professional installation is recommended
- Package: Package includes 1 x trailer tow hitch receiver, installation hardware and assemble manual
- VEHICLE FITMENT— (NOTE:This trailer hitch requires trim panel according to the instructions.) Compatible with 2020-2025 Subaru Outback, 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy. Please check vehicle compatibility before purchase.
- VERSATILE DESIGN — This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver (not compatible with vertical hanging bikes / bike racks that require the bikes to be hung / mounted vertically).
- HEAVY DUTY TOWING CAPACITY — Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): 3,500 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW): 350 lbs. (limited to lowest-rated towing component).
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT — This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays.
- RIGOROUS SAFETY TESTING — Trailer hitches are tested to exceed SAE J684 and V-5 standards. these hitches ensure maximum safety and reliability while hauling.
- Fitment: This Class 3 Trailer Hitch Compatible with 2010-2019 Subaru Outback
- Feature: This heavy-duty steel trailer hitch features a durable black powder-coated finish, rated for a maximum gross trailer weight of 4000 lbs (4000 lbs with weight distribution) and a maximum tongue weight of 600 lbs (600 lbs with weight distribution)
- Function:This heavy-duty trailer hitch provides a standard 2-inch square receiver, offering versatile mounting for cargo racks, bike racks, tow hooks, and various other accessories. Constructed from robust steel and finished with a durable black powder coat, it delivers superior protection and exceptional resistance to rust, ensuring reliable performance and longevity even under demanding outdoor conditions and rigorous work environments
- Installation: Installation is straightforward using the included hardware; however, it is essential to thoroughly review the provided installation instructions before beginning, as they contain critical information and specific guidance. For optimal performance, professional installation is highly recommended
- Package: 1 x Trailer Hitch including instruction manual and mounting hardware
Last update on 2026-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Bulletin Number: 12-232-21R; Revised: 01/24/23 Page 1 of 4 SERVICE INFORMATION 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: 12-232-21R DATE: 12/28/21 REVISED: 01/24/23 APPLICABILITY: 2022-23MY Outback Wilderness SUBJECT: Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template Usage Tips INTRODUCTION: This Service Information Bulletin provides helpful tips when using the Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002) during trailer hitch accessory installation. Use the information below in conjunction with accessory installation guide L101SAN620 and L101SAN000 to help ensure an accurate cut line on the Wilderness bumper fascia. PART INFORMATION: Part Description Part Number Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Cutting Template SOA554002 NOTE: The Fascia Panel cutting template shown above is available using the normal parts ordering procedure. 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. ©2021 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Bulletin Number: 12-232-21R; Revised: 01/24/23 Page 2 of 4 Continued… SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION: REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. The Outback Wilderness Trailer Hitch Accessory Installation Guide can be found on STIS: L101SAN000 The Outback Wilderness Trailer Hitch Panel Accessory Installation Guide can be found on STIS: L101SAN620 TIP 1: The Outback Wilderness Trailer Hitch Panel Accessory Installation Guide contains a printable fascia panel template to be used in place of the Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002). When using the printable template version, it is CRITICAL the template is printed in “Actual Size”. ALWAYS measure to confirm the sizing of each 1 inch square block located on each printable section as shown below. Bulletin Number: 12-232-21R; Revised: 01/24/23 Page 3 of 4 Continued… • Additional Measurements: The measurements listed bellow, can be made from bottom points of the 1 inch square blocks to further confirm the accuracy of the template. 5 7/8 Inches 6 5/8 Inches 6 7/8 Inches TIP 2: The Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template (SOA554002) is made from a heavier gauge paper that provides added rigidity. Pre-bending the template in the highlighted areas pictured below can help provide extra flexibility. Bend the template in both directions along the indicated lines. TIP 3: Use both hands to press down on the template as shown in the photo below. A helper is recommended for taping down the template or tracing with a marker while being held in place. Use a sharp utility knife to CAREFULLY cut the bumper fascia. Bulletin Number: 12-232-21R; Revised: 01/24/23 Page 4 of 4 Trailer Hitch Fascia Panel Template Usage Tips Video 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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