WRL-22 PTC Heater Ground Bolt – 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent

SEOCONTENT-START

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

1. Dominick Infante Director, Corporate Communications (856) 488-8615 dinfante@subaru.com Todd Hill Manager, Product Public Relations 856.488.3234 thill@subaru.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUBARU ANNOUNCES RECALL ON 2019-2022 MODEL YEAR ASCENT December 9, 2022 – Camden, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. announced a safety recall on certain 2019-2022 model year (MY) Subaru Ascent vehicles. Subaru is announcing this recall to encourage owners of affected vehicles to contact an authorized Subaru retailer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Subaru of America. The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened during vehicle production. This potential condition may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components, increasing the risk of fire when the PTC heater is in operation. There have been no crashes or injuries due to this issue. For all the potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will replace the PTC Heater Ground Bolts and replace the ground wire and connector holder if necessary. A small percentage of vehicles, estimated at 0.6%, will require ground and connector replacement. The inspection and repair will be completed at no cost to the customer. Until the inspection and repair is completed by an authorized Subaru dealer, customers are being advised to park their vehicle away from garages, car ports, or other structures, and to avoid leaving the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. If an owner notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver’s footwell area, they should immediately stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch to the “off” position. If this occurs, the owner is advised to immediately contact Subaru’s Roadside Assistance program or nearest Subaru retailer for assistance. Vehicle owners will be contacted by mail within 60 days. To find out if a vehicle is affected, please go to https://www.subaru.com/recalls.html and enter the vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number. Vehicle owners can also visit www.NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter the 17-digit vehicle identification 2. number for more information on this recall. Alternatively, call the Vehicle Safety Hotline 888-327-4236, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET; Hearing Impaired (TTY): 800-424-9153. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $270 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 78,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.

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

Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 1 of 20 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-22R DATE: 12/12/22 NHTSA: 22V-907 REVISED: 12/15/22 APPLICABILITY: 2019-2022MY Ascent SUBJECT: PTC Heater Ground Bolt Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019-2022 model year Ascent vehicles. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened during vehicle production. This potential condition may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components when the PTC heater is in operation, increasing the risk of a fire. REMEDY For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if necessary, replace the ground wire harness and connector holder at no cost to the customer. • As a precautionary measure, it is highly recommended that owners park their vehicle away from any garage, car port or other structure until this repair is completed. • Additionally, owners should never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running until this repair is completed. • If an owner notices or smells melting plastic or smoke coming from the dash or driver’s footwell area, the ignition should be placed in the “off” position and the vehicle should not be operated. If this occurs, the owner should immediately contact Subaru’s Roadside Assistance or the nearest Subaru retailer for assistance. 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-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 2 of 20 Continued… AFFECTED VEHICLES A total of 271,694 U.S. vehicles will be included in this recall as listed below. Not all vehicles in the production range listed above are affected by this recall. Coverage must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair. This information is now available. Model Year Carline Production Date Range 2019-2022 Ascent February 23, 2018 – April 28, 2022 The VIN status for this recall will display as ‘Open-Limited Parts Available’ until the owner notification letters are mailed, at which time the status will be updated to ‘Open.’ Repairs can begin prior to the owner notification. 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 $22,423 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. OWNER NOTIFICATION Subaru is in the process of obtaining current vehicle registration data and will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Retailers will be advised when owner notification is scheduled. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 3 of 20 Continued… PART INFORMATION: Up to two kits may be required for this procedure. The bolt kit is required on ALL vehicles. The harness kit is required if the inspection results confirm further harness work is required. Part Description Kit Part Number Qty Application Ordering Method WRL-22 Bolt Kit SOA635174 1 Required on ALL vehicles Ordered through PRIME WRL-22 Harness Kit SOA635175 1 Required on vehicles needing further harness work after inspection Currently on HOLD. The PIC team will release the ordered parts when contacted & provided with a valid VIN and QMR number Bolt Kit (SOA635174) Components Part Description Qty Image BOLT (Ground Bolt) 2 Harness Kit (SOA635175) Components Part Description Qty Image INST PNL HARN USA (PTC Heater Ground Wire) 1 CONNECTOR HOLDER LH 1 Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 4 of 20 Continued… REQUIRED TOOLS: Tool Description Application Image Thread Chaser (M6 x 1.0) For cleaning the female thread of the ground terminal. Tap (M6 x 1.0) For repairing female thread of the ground terminal. Tap Holder To be used with tap. QMR INFORMATION: The following are required when a harness kit (SOA635175) repair is necessary (arcing or melting found at the ground point): 1. From (the release date of this bulletin) through 12/31/2022, there is a QMR submission requirement should a repair require the harness kit (SOA635175). • A TechShare QMR must be issued including photo(s) clearly showing the melting or arcing condition found at the ground point necessitating the repair. • Include the VOR parts order number for the related harness kit (SOA635175) in the QMR comments. This will be used to prioritize release of parts as they become available. 2. ALL claim submissions for repairs requiring a harness kit (SOA635175) will require attachment of photos to the claim submission documenting the condition found requiring a harness kit repair. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 5 of 20 Continued… COMPONENT DESCRIPTION/CONFIGURATION: Diagram 1 Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 6 of 20 Continued… Diagram 2 Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 7 of 20 Continued… Diagram 3 Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 8 of 20 Continued… Service Procedure / Flowchart: Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 9 of 20 Continued… SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION: REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs. STEP 1: 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. STEP 2: CAREFULLY disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor. STEP 3: Remove the left rear side sill cover on the driver’s side of the vehicle. STEP 4: Remove the left front side sill cover from the driver’s side of the vehicle. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 10 of 20 Continued… STEP 5: Disconnect all electrical connections from the connector holder. STEP 6: Remove the two heater ground bolts. STEP 7: Release the connector holder cover mounting clip security tabs. CAUTION: To prevent any damage, DO NOT attempt to remove the connector holder WITHOUT releasing the security tabs first. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 11 of 20 Continued… STEP 8: Move the connector holder aside to allow room for workspace. STEP 9: Thread the thread chaser into both of the ground bolt holes. Use a torque wrench to turn the thread chaser. If the turning torque is 7Nm or higher, clean the threads with a tap and recheck the turning torque. Once the turning torque is less than 7Nm, continue to the next STEP. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 12 of 20 Continued… STEP 10: Using a small flat head screwdriver, release the holding claw on the back of the connector holder. With the claw released, remove the PTC heater ground terminal from the connector holder. STEP 11: CAREFULLY inspect the PTC heater ground terminal and peripheral parts for any damage. See the example images of overheat damage below. IMPORTANT: If any damage is found, a QMR will be required with detailed photos of the damage attached and the repair parts order information noted in the comments section. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 13 of 20 Continued… STEP 12: Has any damage been found with the PTC heater ground terminal and/or the peripheral parts? YES – Proceed to STEP 13. NO – Proceed to STEPS 25, 26, & 27. Then proceed to STEP 33. STEP 13: Pull the front left side cover in the horizontal direction to release the holding claws. Once released remove the cover. STEP 14: CAREFULLY pull the trim panel toward the rear of the vehicle to release the mounting claws. Once released, remove the panel. STEP 15: Remove the mounting screw and pull the lower cover toward the rear of the vehicle to release the mounting clips. Once released, disconnect all electrical connections and remove the panel. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 14 of 20 Continued… STEP 16: Disconnect the data link connector. Disconnect the knee airbag module connector. CAREFULLY remove the knee airbag module. STEP 17: Remove the mounting screw. Release the mounting claws. Remove the duct by pulling in the direction of the left front door. STEP 18: Disconnect the electrical connections at the front of the fuse box. Remove the mounting nuts and screw. Move the fuse box toward the floor to allow for workspace. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 15 of 20 Continued… STEP 19: Using needle nose pliers, pinch the claw of the connector holder and remove the ground terminal. STEP 20: Release the locking tab using a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect all electrical connections and remove the connector holder. STEP 21: Install the new connector holder supplied in harness kit (SOA635175). Connect all the electrical connections in the reverse order of disassembly. Secure the connector holder to the vehicle body with the mounting clip. CAUTION: DO NOT install the mounting bolts at this time. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 16 of 20 Continued… STEP 22: Disconnect the original ground wire connection. Connect the new ground harness supplied in the harness kit (SOA635175). NOTE: The original ground wire will remain in place. The ends will be trimmed in later STEPS. STEP 23: Route the new ground wire along the instrument panel harness as shown below. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 17 of 20 Continued… STEP 24: Align and attach the ground terminal of the new ground wire to the connector holder. STEP 25: Install the new ground bolts and torque to 13Nm. IMPORTANT: CONFIRM bolts are torqued to 13Nm. STEP 26: Confirm there is no movement with the ground terminal. Check for any loose contact by attempting to move the terminal with your fingers in an up/down direction. There is no need to pull the ground cable when checking for loose contact. CAUTION: Any loose connection could cause a possible thermal event. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 18 of 20 Continued… STEP 27: Connect all the previously removed connectors to the connector holder. NOTE: If performing bolt replacement ONLY, proceed to STEP 33. STEP 28: Using cable ties, secure the new ground wire at the six locations indicated in the images below. The original harness wire strap locations can be used as reference. Confirm the tension of the ground wire is evenly distributed. NOTE: 12-inch wire straps are recommended for the best results. Cable Ties CAUTION: Always trim the edges of the cable ties to prevent any interference with other parts. STEP 29: Using side cutting pliers, CAREFULLY cut the ORIGINAL ground wire and remove the terminal. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 19 of 20 Continued… STEP 30: Seal the cut end of the original ground wire with electrical insulation tape. The wire can then be taped to the new ground wire. STEP 31: Cut the opposite end of the ORIGINAL ground wire and remove the connector. STEP 32: Seal the cut end of the original ground wire with electrical insulation tape. The wire can then be taped to the new ground wire. STEP 33: Reinstall all removed parts in the reverse order of disassembly. IMPORTANT: 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. Bulletin Number: WRL-22R; Revised: 12/15/22 Page 20 of 20 Continued… SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL: Type or print the necessary information on a Campaign 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, which comes as one sheet of 20 labels. WRL-22 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 Inspect & Chase and/or Tap Threads A125-151 0.5 WRL-22 Inspect, Chase & or Tap, Install Harness* A125-152 0.8 *A QMR identification number must be noted on the repair order as this information is required for entry in the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission. *Up to $1.00 can be claimed in sublet for wire straps and insulation tape used during this repair. *Clear photos of the damage MUST be included as an attachment when submitting claims. Failure to include a photo will affect claim processing and payment. 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.

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

Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: December 13, 2022 UPDATE Safety Recall: WRL-22 PTC Heater Ground Bolt Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions For detailed service, parts, and claim instructions, please refer to the WRL-22 Product Campaign Bulletin which is now available on STIS. WRL-22 Parts Supply Plan The VIN status for this recall will display as ‘Open-Limited Parts Available’ until the owner notification letters are mailed, at which time the status will be updated to ‘Open.’ Repairs can begin immediately, and prior to the owner notification. Listed below are the two parts kits for this recall: SOA635174 – WRL-22 Bolt Kit The bolt kit will be required for all affected vehicles. These kits are available now. All retailers will be set at PRIME ordering level of 10 pieces for the first week (December 12). The ordering levels will be increased as listed below, until packaging and distribution to all RDCs is complete. SOA635175 – WRL-22 Harness Kit This kit is only needed for a limited number of vehicles that, upon inspection, show any sign of damage as described in the service procedure for this recall. The harness kits will be available in early January. • If an affected vehicle is showing signs of this damage prior to parts availability, submit a TechShare QMR including clear photos of the damage found and the VOR order number for the harness kit. The owner should be placed in a loaner vehicle until the repair can be made. • Once the harness kits are available, the valid orders will be released based on the information submitted in the TechShare QMR. • The TechShare QMR process will remain in place through 12/30/22. Week 12/1210 per retailerWeek 12/1920 per retailerWeek 12/2620 per retailer50 Level 1-3100 Level 4 & 5SOA635174 Supply PlanWeek 1/2 Background Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019-2022 model year Ascent vehicles. Description of the Defect and Safety Risk The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened during vehicle production. This potential condition may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components when the PTC heater is in operation, increasing the risk of a fire. Remedy For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if necessary, replace the ground wire and connector holder at no cost to the customer. • As a precautionary measure, it is highly recommended that owners park their vehicle away from any garage, car port or other structure until this repair is completed. • Additionally, owners should never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running until this repair is completed. • If an owner notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver’s footwell area, the ignition should be placed in the “off” position and the vehicle should not be operated. If this occurs, the owner should immediately contact Subaru’s Roadside Assistance or the nearest Subaru dealer for assistance. Affected Vehicles A total of 271,694 U.S. vehicles will be included in this recall as listed below. Not all vehicles in the production range listed above are affected by this recall. Coverage must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair. This information is now available. Model Year Carline Production Date Range 2019-2022 Ascent February 23, 2018 – April 28, 2022 The VIN status for this recall will display as ‘Open-Limited Parts Available’ until the owner notification letters are mailed, at which time the status will be updated to ‘Open.’ Repairs can begin prior to the owner notification. 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 $22,423 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. Owner Notification Subaru is in the process of obtaining current vehicle registration data, and will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Retailers will be advised when owner notification is scheduled.

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

Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: December 9, 2022 New Safety Recall: WRL-22 PTC Heater Ground Bolt Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019-2022 model year Ascent vehicles. Description of the Defect and Safety Risk The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened during vehicle production. This potential condition may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components when the PTC heater is in operation, increasing the risk of a fire. Remedy For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if necessary, replace the ground wire and connector holder at no cost to the customer. • As a precautionary measure, it is highly recommended that owners park their vehicle away from any garage, car port or other structure until this repair is completed. • Additionally, owners should never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running until this repair is completed. • If an owner notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver’s footwell area, the ignition should be placed in the “off” position and the vehicle should not be operated. If this occurs, the owner should immediately contact Subaru’s Roadside Assistance or the nearest Subaru dealer for assistance. Affected Vehicles A total of 271,694 U.S. vehicles will be included in this recall as listed below. Not all vehicles in the production range listed above are affected by this recall. Coverage must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair. This information is now available. Model Year Carline Production Date Range 2019-2022 Ascent February 23, 2018 – April 28, 2022 The VIN status for this recall will display as ‘Open-Limited Parts Available’ until the owner notification letters are mailed, at which time the status will be updated to ‘Open.’ Repairs can begin prior to the owner notification. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions For detailed service, parts, and claim instructions, please refer to the WRL-22 Product Campaign Bulletin which will be available on STIS early next week. 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 $22,423 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. Owner Notification Subaru is in the process of obtaining current vehicle registration data, and will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Retailers will be advised when owner notification is scheduled.

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

OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-907 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Subaru of America, Inc. Submission Date : DEC 08, 2022 NHTSA Recall No. : 22V-907 Manufacturer Recall No. : WRL-22 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 : 271,694 Estimated percentage with defect : 1 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : SUV Power Train : GAS Descriptive Information : -Description of the issue: An improperly fastened ground terminal for the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components when the PTC heater is in operation. The basis for how the recall population was determined: Potentially affected vehicles were identified using vehicle production records. -How the recalled products differ from products that were not included in the recall: Vehicles not included in this recall were assembled with a properly fastened ground bolt. Production Dates : FEB 23, 2018 – APR 28, 2022 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the PTC heater may have been improperly fastened during the assembly process. As a result, when the PTC heater is in operation, electrical resistance may increase, leading to the generation of heat. If the contact surface between the ground terminal and ground bolt is sufficiently limited, the excessive heat generated could result in melting the ground terminal and surrounding components. FMVSS 1 : NR Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-907 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : If the ground terminal melts, there is an increased risk of a fire. Description of the Cause : Obscured access to the ground point may not have allowed the ground bolt to achieve a proper tightness during production assembly. Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : Owners may notice a burning smell and/or smoke from under the driver’s side instrument panel area. Involved Components : Component Name 1 : SCREW Component Description : TAPPING SCREW – HEXAGON HEAD Component Part Number : 904580002 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Subaru Address : NR NR Country : NR Chronology : January 9, 2020 – Air tools introduced to the production line (replacing battery tool) January 11, 2020 – Subaru received the first technical report exhibiting smoke from the driver’s side interior cabin September 29, 2021 – Subaru received the first technical report involving fire damage. While a vehicle inspection identified the area of origination, a root cause could not be determined due to the significant damage caused by the fire. February 24, 2022 – Subaru received the first technical report exhibiting smoke on a vehicle produced after the Jan 9, 2020 tool change April 29, 2022 – Subaru changed line tooling to DC tools capable of detecting torque and rotation angle May 2022 – Subaru received the first technical report from the U.S. market involving fire damage on a vehicle produced after the Jan 9, 2020 tool change. May-July 2022 Subaru conducted testing and evaluation to determine the specific conditions required to generate the heat necessary to cause the melting conditions being observed. It was determined that contact surface area was the primary condition. Low torque was a secondary condition. August 15-30, 2022 – Subaru conducted a field evaluation study to understand the potential scope of the issue Part 573 Safety Recall Report 22V-907 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 beyond the few incidents that were reported. December 1, 2022 – Out of an abundance of caution, Subaru decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. Subaru is only aware of 11 technical reports in the U.S. market. Subaru is not aware of any crashes or injuries resulting from this condition. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : For all the affected vehicles, Subaru dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if necessary, replace the ground wire and the connector holder. • As a precautionary measure, it is highly recommended that owners park their vehicle away from any garage, car port or other structure until this repair is completed. • Additionally, owners should never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running until this repair is completed. • If an owner notices or smells smoke coming from the dash or driver’s footwell area, the ignition should be placed in the “off” position and the vehicle should not be operated. If this occurs, the owner should immediately contact Subaru’s Roadside Assistance or the nearest Subaru dealer for assistance. Subaru will provide reimbursement to owners for repairs according to the general plan submitted in May 2022. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : NA Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : The recall condition was corrected in production on April 29, 2022. The tightening tool for the PTC heater ground bolt has been updated to prevent incomplete tightening and the potential cross-threading of the grounding bolts. Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : Dealer notification is expected to occur by December 12, 2022. Owner notification is scheduled to begin on or about February 6, 2023. Planned Dealer Notification Date : DEC 12, 2022 – DEC 12, 2022 Planned Owner Notification Date : FEB 06, 2023 – FEB 06, 2023 * NR – Not Reported

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

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

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

SEOCONTENT-END