WQN-50 – Accessory Trailer Hitch Assembly – 2015 Subaru Outback

SEOCONTENT-START

Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 1 Continued… Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2015 Outback vehicles equipped with a genuine Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly, part number L101SAL010. There may have been a mounting issue during installation of the affected accessory trailer hitch assemblies. AFFECTED VEHICLES There are approximately 56 potentially affected 2015 model year Outback vehicles, produced between 1/22/2014 and 8/18/2014. These vehicles are equipped with a genuine Subaru accessory hitch assembly, specifically part number L101SAL010. The affected vehicles were identified from port installation records, and from parts sales records to retailers along with the installation information (VIN) provided by those retailers. Vehicle coverage for this recall must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. This data will be available when owner notification begins. DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT AND SAFETY HAZARD Mounting nuts included in the accessory trailer hitch assembly are used to affix the trailer hitch to eight separate threaded studs welded to the body of the affected vehicles. SOA has determined that there may have been a mounting issue when installing the affected accessory trailer hitch assemblies. As a result, the installer may have underestimated the amount of torque being applied to the mounting nuts. Excessive tightening of the mounting nuts may, in turn, damage the threaded studs on the vehicle. If excessive tightening of the mounting nuts occurred during installation of the accessory trailer hitch assembly, the mounting nuts may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the threaded studs or the threaded studs might break. If either of those conditions is experienced while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could possibly result in a crash. DESCRIPTION OF THE REMEDY Retailers will replace all eight (8) mounting nuts for the accessory trailer hitch assembly. Also, the retailers will inspect all eight (8) threaded studs for damage and determine whether stud replacement is required. If inspection reveals that any of the studs require replacement, the retailer may need to make arrangements to have the remainder of the repair performed by an automotive body shop. Subaru will cover the expense of a loaner vehicle, if the repair cannot be completed the same day it is started as a result of subletting the remainder of the repair to a body shop. APPLICABILITY: 2015 Subaru Outback SUBJECT: 2015 Outback Accessory Trailer Hitch Assembly PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN NUMBER: WQN-50 DATE: October 2014 NHTSA ID: 14V-577 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. ©2014 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 2 Continued… OWNER NOTIFICATION Notification letters will be sent to owners of all vehicles included in this recall. Owner notification will occur around October 7, 2014. A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is included at the end of this bulletin. RETAILER AFFECTED VIN LISTS Each Subaru retailer that sold an affected vehicle will receive notification from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. SUBARU RETAILER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into retailer inventory, or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle. Any vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in retailer stock must be: • Immediately identified. • Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair. • Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin. Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a retailer 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 (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $7,000 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. PARTS INFORMATION The parts required for this recall are listed below: PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION ORDER QUANTITY L101SAL900 WQN-50 Hitch Repair Kit (includes 8 threaded studs, 8 mounting nuts, and 4 trial/testing nuts) 1 44011AL000 Exhaust Gasket Qty. 1 for H-4 vehicles Qty. 2 for H-6 vehicles 902350001 Lock Nut Qty. 2 for H-4 vehicles Qty. 4 for H-6 vehicles Prior to owner notification, the hitch repair kits, exhaust gaskets, and lock nuts will be distributed to each retailer that sold an affected vehicle. Retailers should not place orders through the Parts system. Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 3 Continued… PART RETURN PROCEDURES Upon claim approval, SOA will generate a Part Return Notice for the hitch repair kit, part number L101SAL900. To satisfy the Part Return Notice, the following parts must be returned to the SOA Part Collection Center (PCC) at the shipping address listed on the notice: • The eight (8) original M10 nuts removed from the vehicle • The four (4) bright silver Trial Nuts used during the inspection • Any unused threaded studs not needed for the repair A properly completed Warranty Parts Tag (MSA5W402A) and a copy of the repair order must be included with the returned parts. Failure to return these parts will result in a claim debit. SERVICE PROCEDURE The Service Procedure for this campaign involves inspection of the trailer hitch frame mounting stud bolts and replacement of the eight retaining nuts threaded onto those bolts. Any of the threaded stud bolt(s) found to be damaged and fail the Trial Nut inspection procedure must be replaced. Parts Required PART NAME: PART NUMBER QUANTITIES REQUIRED Hitch Repair Kit L101SAL900 1 Exhaust Gasket 44011AL000 1 (H-4), 2 (H-6) Lock Nuts 902350001 2 (H-4), 4 (H-6) The Hitch Repair Kit, p.n. L101SAL900 consists of the following: STEP 1- Initial Disassembly and Hitch Frame Retaining Nut Inspection • Remove both rear combination lamp assemblies following the procedure below: 1. Remove both combination lamp covers by removing the screw clips (1). 2. Using a 10mm socket, remove the 2 bolts securing the combination lamp assemblies. Remove the assembly by pulling straight back. (Repeat for both sides.) For TESTING ONLY, must be returned to SOA with the other 8 removed nuts. TRIAL NUT (Bright Silver) 4 pcs. All 8 MUST be installed and torqued to 51 ft. lbs. REPLACEMENT NUT (Gray) 8 pcs. To be replaced as needed after inspection and thread testing with the Trial Nuts. STUD BOLT 8 pcs. Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 4 Continued… 3. Remove the 2 screws (3) screws securing the bumper fascia. Screws can be accessed by CAREFULLY opening the access covers. 4. Remove the 2 combination lamp bulb sockets and harness connector from each side. Set all parts aside and protect from damage during bumper fascia removal. • Remove rear bumper fascia following the procedure below: 1. With a screwdriver, release (1) small push button fastener per side on the left and right side of the fascia wheel well. Use the tip of the screwdriver to push the center of the pin in. 2. With a small flat head screwdriver, remove (7) large push pin fasteners across the length of the bumper. 3. Start at the LH side rear wheel. Using both hands, pull one side of the fascia out from the vehicle. 4. Continue around the rear LH side. At the rear corner, begin to pull rearward and work across the vehicle from the left to right to remove the entire bumper fascia. 5. Fully release the bumper from the vehicle body. 6. Lay the bumper fascia aside where it will not be damaged during hitch R&R. Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 5 Continued… • Once the rear bumper fascia has been removed, remove each of the eight M10 (15mm hex) retaining nuts (circled in green below) securing the hitch frame to the stud bolts one at a time using HAND TOOLS ONLY. As each nut is removed, inspect the flange portion of the nut for a stamping mark as follows: TOP OF VEHICLE TOP OF VEHICLE Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 6 Continued… • If all eight removed nuts have an “S” stamping mark on them as shown below, replace them with the GRAY nuts included in the Hitch Repair Kit and torque to 51 ft. lbs. in the sequence shown in the chart on pg. 8 (5-12). Once all of the new GRAY nuts have been installed, skip ahead to STEP 7 to complete the campaign service procedure. • If any of the nuts have stamping marks other than an “S”, the hitch frame must be removed and the stud bolt threads must be closely inspected for damage. STEP 2- Hitch Frame Assembly Removal • Remove the rear muffler(s) and heat shield(s). Retain the muffler bolts for re-use. Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 7 Continued… • Remove the two M12 hitch frame bolts (17mm hex) from the back of each frame rail shown below. STEP 3- Stud Bolt Thread Inspection Procedure • Inspect the threads of each stud bolt for damage. оо If severe damage to the threads is confirmed as shown in the example photo below, the affected stud bolt(s) must be replaced. оо If the threads do not appear to be severely damaged, take one of the bright silver Trial Nuts from the Hitch Repair Kit and thread it onto the stud bolt by hand. A 15mm socket can also be used to turn the nut by hand only (no ratchet or other turning tools). Thread the Trial Nut all the way onto the stud bolt until it contacts the body. If the Trial Nut can be threaded onto the stud bolt BY HAND, the stud bolt does not need to be replaced. Inspect all the stud bolts using the four bright silver Trial nuts included in the Hitch Repair Kit. Each Trial Nut should only be used twice (to test only two stud bolts). • If the Trial Nut cannot be threaded all the way on by hand as described above, the affected stud bolt(s) will need to be replaced. Mark the affected stud bolt(s) with paint to identify them for replacement. Trial Nut (Bright silver finish) Damaged Threads Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 8 Continued… NOTE: Slight resistance may be felt at some point(s) during this testing. If the Trial Nut can be run back and forth BY HAND ONLY a few times and overcome the resistance, the stud bolt is acceptable for reuse. STEP 4- Stud Bolt Replacement IMPORTANT: If it is determined any stud bolt replacements are required, it is recommended the following repairs be performed by a qualified body shop which has the proper tools, welding capabilities, and resources for restoring the vehicle’s OEM corrosion protection and sound deadening characteristics after completing the repair. REMINDER: Record the customer’s radio station presets and (if applicable) navigation system favorites before sending the vehicle to the Body Shop as the battery must be disconnected during the repair. Mounting Stud Bolt Replacement Procedure, General Guidelines for Body Shops • Scrape the sound deadening and undercoating off the stud bolt flange and surrounding area. • Using a small belt sander / grinder, grind the stud bolt flange away while being careful to not overheat or damage the surrounding sheet metal Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 9 Continued… • When the stud bolt flange gets thin enough, the edges will start to discolor from heat and indicate the locations of the 3 welds securing it to the sheet metal. Continue grinding CAREFULLY until the bond holding the stud bolt can be broken by tapping it through from the outside with a hammer. If the stud bolt does not break loose with a firm tap of the hammer, continue grinding the flange until it breaks free. DO NOT use any excessive force which may bend or damage the sheet metal. • Once the damaged stud bolt(s) are removed, dress the area smooth for the replacement. Remove any remnants of the original welds to prevent contamination of the new welds. • Before the new stud bolt(s) can be installed, the three projections on the underside of the flange shown in the “before” photo below must be removed as it MUST SIT FLUSH against the sheet metal before it can be welded to the vehicle. In addition, lightly grind the plating off of 2 adjacent spots on the edge of the flange where the new welds will be applied. Always take precautions to protect the threads when grinding off the projections. A stud ready to install and weld is shown in the “after” photo below. Projections Projections Removed Plating on the Flange Edge Ground Away for New Weld in 2 Adjacent Places BEFORE AFTER Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 10 Continued… VERY IMPORTANT: THE VEHICLE BATTERY MUST BE DISCONNECTED BEFORE PERFORMING ANY WELDING OPERATIONS OR ELECTRICAL COMPONENT DAMAGE MAY RESULT. • Install the new stud bolt through the hole and thread on a bright silver Trial Nut from the outside to hold it in place tight against the body during welding as shown below. Torque the Trial Nut to 5-10 ft. lbs. NOTE: DO NOT use the replacement gray nuts for this purpose. • After securing the new stud bolts to the body panel, apply 2 welds approximately ¼” long and adjacent to each other to secure each stud bolt in place as shown in RED in the reference illustration below. • When welding is complete, restore the vehicle’s corrosion protection, sound deadening and undercoating to OEM specifications. STEP 5- Once all the stud bolt threads have passed inspection and/or been replaced, remove the Trial Nuts and reinstall the hitch frame assembly. VERY IMPORTANT: Follow the torque values and tightening sequence of all the fasteners closely per the following table: Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 11 Continued… • REMINDER: NEVER re-use any of the eight original M10 nuts. The eight original M10 nuts, the four Trial Nuts, and any unused threaded stud bolts must be retained. Upon claim approval, SOA will issue a Parts Return Notice for these items. Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 12 Continued… STEP 6 – After the hitch frame assembly has been reinstalled and all fasteners properly torqued, reinstall the muffler heat shield(s) (torque retaining bolts to 7.4 ft. lbs.) and the muffler(s) using a new exhaust gasket(s) and new lock nuts (torque to 35.4 ft. lbs.). STEP 7- Re-install the bumper fascia and the combination lamps in reverse order of removal to complete the campaign service procedure RECALL IDENTIFICATION LABEL Type or print the necessary information on a Service Program identification label. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle’s upper radiator support. Additional labels are available through normal parts ordering channels. The part number is MSA6P1302. Ordering qty 1 = 1 sheet of 20 labels. PART NUMBER APPLICABILITY DESCRIPTION ORDER QUANTITY MSA6P1302 All models Campaign Completion Labels (contains one sheet of 20 labels) 1 WQN-50 CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES Credit to perform this recall will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Retailers may submit claims through ‘Vehicle Claim Entry’ on Subarunet.com. Listed below is claim entry information: LABOR DESCRIPTION LABOR OPERATION # FAIL CODE LABOR TIME Inspect & Replace ‘S’ Nuts – (all 8 nuts contain ‘S’ marking) A105-400 WQN-50 0.7 Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts (no stud bolt damage found) A105-401 0.9 Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts, Replace 1 Stud Bolt B105-501 1.7 Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts, Replace 2 Stud Bolts B105-502 2.5 Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts, Replace 3 Stud Bolts B105-503 3.3 Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 13 Continued… LABOR DESCRIPTION LABOR OPERATION # FAIL CODE LABOR TIME Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts, Replace 4 Stud Bolts B105-504 WQN-50 4.1 Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts, Replace 5 Stud Bolts B105-505 4.9 Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts, Replace 6 Stud Bolts B105-506 5.7 Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts, Replace 7 Stud Bolts B105-507 6.5 Inspect & Replace Nuts, Remove Hitch Frame, Inspect Stud Bolts, Replace 8 Stud Bolts B105-508 7.3 Sublet Repair, Administration Expenses C101-108 0.3 NOTE: The labor time for replacing the stud bolt(s) includes time for restoring the vehicle’s corrosion protection, sound deadening, and undercoating. PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION ORDER QUANTITY L101SAL900 WQN-50 Hitch Repair Kit (includes 8 threaded studs, 8 mounting nuts, and 4 trial/testing nuts) 1 44011AL000 Exhaust Gasket Qty. 1 for H-4 vehicles Qty. 2 for H-6 vehicles 902350001 Lock Nut Qty. 2 for H-4 vehicles Qty. 4 for H-6 vehicles REMINDER: Once the claim for this campaign is submitted and approved, a Part Return Notice will be sent for the return of part number L101SAL900 (Hitch Repair Kit). When this request has been received, the following parts must be returned to ensure proper claim credit: • The eight original M10 nuts • The four bright silver Trial Nuts • Any unused threaded stud bolts Be sure to include a properly completed Warranty Parts Tag and a copy of the repair order for proper claim credit. Failure to return all of these items will be result in a claim debit. Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 14 Continued… OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER 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 2015 model year Subaru Outback vehicles. You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles. REASON FOR THE RECALL This recall applies to certain 2015 model year Subaru Outback vehicles equipped with a genuine Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly, specifically part number L101SAL010. Mounting nuts included in the accessory trailer hitch assembly kit are used to affix the trailer hitch to eight separate threaded studs welded to the body of the affected vehicles. Subaru has determined that during the installation process, the installer may have applied excessive torque when tightening those mounting nuts. If so, the threaded studs on the vehicle may have been damaged. If excessive tightening of the mounting nuts occurred during installation of the accessory trailer hitch assembly, the mounting nuts may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the threaded studs or the threaded studs might break. If either of those conditions is experienced while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could possibly result in a crash. DESCRIPTION OF THE REPAIR Subaru will replace the mounting nuts for the accessory trailer hitch assembly and inspect the vehicle’s threaded studs for damage. Any damaged studs will be replaced. This repair will be performed at no charge to you. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have the accessory trailer hitch assembly inspected and repaired. UNTIL THIS REPAIR CAN BE PERFORMED, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT USE THE TRAILER HITCH. Subaru Recall Campaign WQN-50 NHTSA Recall No. 14V-577 October 2014 IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL This notice applies to the VIN identified in the address section printed below. Bulletin Number: WQN-50; Date: October 2014 Page 15 HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? The time to access and replace the mounting nuts for the accessory trailer hitch assembly, and to inspect the vehicle’s threaded studs, is approximately one hour. If the inspection reveals that any of the studs require replacement, your Subaru retailer may need to make arrangements to have the remainder of the repair performed by an automotive body shop. 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. If the repair cannot be completed the same day it is started, Subaru will cover the expense of a loaner vehicle. CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU? If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us. Or if you prefer to update this information online, please go to www.subaru.com, select ‘Customer Support,’ then select ‘Address Update’ or ‘Ownership Update’ from the drop down menu. 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’. If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly: • By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”. • By Telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET. Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET • By U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn. Customer Retailer Services Department P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000. 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, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888- 327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.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 to have this repair performed. Sincerely, Subaru of America, Inc. Notice to Lessors: Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s) within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.) A subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

**************************************************************************************************************

Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru Plaza P.O. Box 6000 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000 800-782-2783 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 2015 model year Subaru Outback vehicles. You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles. REASON FOR THE RECALL This recall applies to certain 2015 model year Subaru Outback vehicles equipped with a genuine Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly, specifically part number L101SAL010. Mounting nuts included in the accessory trailer hitch assembly kit are used to affix the trailer hitch to eight separate threaded studs welded to the body of the affected vehicles. Subaru has determined that during the installation process, the installer may have applied excessive torque when tightening those mounting nuts. If so, the threaded studs on the vehicle may have been damaged. If excessive tightening of the mounting nuts occurred during installation of the accessory trailer hitch assembly, the mounting nuts may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the threaded studs or the threaded studs might break. If either of those conditions is experienced while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could possibly result in a crash. DESCRIPTION OF THE REPAIR Subaru will replace the mounting nuts for the accessory trailer hitch assembly and inspect the vehicle’s threaded studs for damage. Any damaged studs will be replaced. This repair will be performed at no charge to you. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have the accessory trailer hitch assembly inspected and repaired. UNTIL THIS REPAIR CAN BE PERFORMED, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT USE THE TRAILER HITCH. HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? The time to access and replace the mounting nuts for the accessory trailer hitch assembly, and to inspect the vehicle’s threaded studs, is approximately one hour. If the inspection reveals that any of the studs require replacement, your Subaru retailer may need to make arrangements to have the remainder of the repair performed by an automotive body shop. 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. If the repair cannot be completed the same day it is started, Subaru will cover the expense of a loaner vehicle. Subaru Recall Campaign WQN-50 NHTSA Recall No. 14V-577 January 2015 – 2nd Notice IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL This notice applies to the VIN identified in the address section printed below. CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU? If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us. Or if you prefer to update this information online, please go to www.subaru.com, select ‘Customer Support,’ then select ‘Address Update’ or ‘Ownership Update’ from the drop down menu. 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.’ If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly: • By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select ‘Customer Support’ • By telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET • By U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: Customer-Retailer Services Department, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000 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, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.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 to have this repair performed. Sincerely, Subaru of America, Inc. A subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Notice to Lessors Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s) within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)

**************************************************************************************************************

Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: September 18, 2014 Subject: New Subaru Recall Campaign: 2015 Outback Accessory Trailer Hitch Assembly – WQN‐50 Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2015 Outback vehicles equipped with a Genuine Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly, part number L101SAL010. There may be a mounting issue when installing the affected accessory trailer hitch assemblies. Affected Vehicles There are approximately 56 potentially affected 2015 model year Outback vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Genuine Subaru accessory hitch assembly, specifically part number L101SAL010. Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. This data will be available when owner notification begins. Description of the Safety Defect and Safety Hazard Mounting nuts included in the accessory trailer hitch assembly are used to affix the trailer hitch to eight (8) separate bolts (studs) welded to the body of the affected vehicles. Subaru has determined there may be a mounting issue when installing the affected accessory trailer hitch assemblies. As a result, the installer could underestimate the amount of torque being applied to the mounting nuts. Excessive tightening of the mounting nut may, in turn, damage the bolts (studs) on the vehicle. If this were to happen, the mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the bolt(s) or the bolt(s) themselves might break. Should one or both of these phenomena occur while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could possibly result in a crash. Description of the Remedy The remedy plan calls for retailers to replace all eight (8) mounting nuts for the accessory trailer hitch assembly. Also, the retailers will inspect all eight (8) bolts (studs) for damage and determine whether replacement is required. Retailer Program Responsibility 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 retailer new or used inventory, or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle. New, used, demo or SSLP vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in retailer stock must be:  Immediately identified.  Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair.  Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin, which will be issued shortly. Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a retailer 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 (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $7,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 CFR §578.6 and will also be in breach of the Subaru Retailer Agreement. Owner Notification Subaru will notify potentially affected vehicle owners by first class mail. This is expected to occur on or before October 15, 2014. Retailers will be advised when owner notification begins.

**************************************************************************************************************

Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: October 3, 2014 Subject: Update: WQN‐50 Subaru Recall Campaign 2015 Outback Accessory Trailer Hitch Assembly On September 18, 2014 Subaru of America, Inc. announced a recall on certain 2015 Outback vehicles equipped with a genuine Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly, part number L101SAL010. There may be a mounting issue when installing the affected accessory trailer hitch assemblies. Affected Vehicles There are approximately 56 potentially affected 2015 model year Outback vehicles. Each Subaru retailer that sold an affected vehicle will receive notification from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. Coverage for all affected vehicles will be available in the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com on Monday, October 6, 2014. Owner Notification Subaru will notify potentially affected vehicle owners by first class mail around October 7, 2014. E‐mail notification will follow shortly after, to owners with a valid email address on file. Product Campaign Bulletin The WQN‐50 product campaign bulletin is now posted on the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) website under “Information/What’s New.” Please refer to the bulletin for repair instructions and additional information including parts information, part return procedures, and claim submission instructions. Parts Retailers should not order parts for this recall. Prior to owner notification, the parts needed for the repair will be distributed to each retailer that sold an affected vehicle. The affected VIN will be listed for reference in the ‘P.O. Number’ field on the order placed and shipped by SOA. Part Return Procedures Upon claim approval, SOA will generate a Part Return Notice for the hitch repair kit. To satisfy the Part Return Notice, the following parts must be returned to the SOA Part Collection Center (PCC) at the shipping address listed on the notice:  The eight (8) original M10 nuts removed from the vehicle  The four (4) bright silver trial nuts used during the inspection  Any unused threaded studs not needed for the repair A properly completed Warranty Parts Tag (MSA5W402A) and a copy of the repair order must be included with the returned parts. Retailer Program Responsibility 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 retailer new or used inventory, or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle. New, used, demo or SSLP vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in retailer stock must be:  Immediately identified.  Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair.  Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin, which will be issued shortly. Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a retailer 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 (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $7,000 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.

**************************************************************************************************************

OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 14V-577 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Subaru of America, Inc. Submission Date : SEP 18,2014 NHTSA Recall No. : 14V-577 Manufacturer Recall No. : WQN-50 Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Subaru of America, Inc. Address : P.O. Box 6000 Cherry Hill NJ 08034-6000 Company phone : 856-488-8500 Number of potentially involved : 56 Population : Estimated percentage with defect : 0 Vehicle Information : Vehicle : 2015-2015 Subaru Outback Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : SUV Power Train : GAS Descriptive Information : In accordance with 49 CFR Part 573 Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc. on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc. and Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., submits the enclosed notification and report concerning a defect in the accessory trailer hitch assembly on certain 2015 model year Subaru Outback vehicles sold in the United States. Our internal designation for this recall campaign is: WQN-50. Production Dates : JAN 22, 2014 – AUG 18, 2014 VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Range Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential VINs Part 573 Safety Recall Report 14V-577 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : Mounting nuts included in the accessory trailer hitch assembly are used to affix the trailer hitch to eight (8) separate bolts (studs) welded to the body of the affected vehicles. Subaru has determined there may be a mounting issue when installing the affected accessory trailer hitch assemblies. As a result, the installer could underestimate the amount of torque being applied. Excessive tightening of the nut may, in turn, damage the bolts (studs) on the vehicle. If this were to happen, the mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the bolt(s) or the bolt(s) themselves might break. Description of the Safety Risk : Should one or both of these phenomena occur while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could possibly result in a crash. Description of the Cause : NR Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Flex-N-Gate Address : 1306 E. University Ave Urbana IL 61803 Country : US Chronology : July 7 2014: During a training event for the 2015MY Subaru Outback at one of Subaru’s U.S. ports, an individual installing the trailer hitch on a vehicle could not achieve the target tightening torque for some of the mounting nuts. This incident was subsequently reported by Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) to FHI. July 11 2014: SOA issued a stop sale of the accessory trailer hitch kit to dealers due to a potential quality concern. July to September 2014: FHI and the accessory trailer hitch assembly supplier (Flex-N-Gate) worked together to investigate this potential mounting issue. Sep. 11 2014: FHI concluded that this potential mounting issue is safety related; therefore, Subaru will perform a safety recall in the U.S. market. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 14V-577 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : The remedy plan calls for dealers to replace all eight (8) mounting nuts for the accessory trailer hitch assembly. Also, dealers will inspect all eight (8) bolts (studs) for damage and determine whether replacement is required. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : NR Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : NR Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : Subaru of America, Inc. expects to notify U.S. dealers on or around September 18, 2014. It is expected that owner notification will begin on or about October 15, 2014. Subaru will update NHTSA if the situation changes significantly. Planned Dealer Notification Date : SEP 18, 2014 – SEP 18, 2014 Planned Owner Notification Date : OCT 15, 2014 – OCT 15, 2014 * NR – Not Reported

SEOCONTENT-END