WRE-23 Solterra Hub Bolt Torque – 2023 Subaru Solterra

February 9, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V064000

Wheel May Detach From Vehicle

Wheel detachment while driving can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V064

Manufacturer Subaru of America, Inc.

Components WHEELS

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,182

 

Summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Solterra vehicles. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle.

 

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the hub bolts, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru’s customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru’s number for this recall is WRE-23.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check if your Subaru has a Recall

 


DATE: 02/10/23
SUBJECT: Solterra Hub Bolt Torque
REVISED: 02/22/23
NHTSA ID: 23V-064

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated this new safety recall for certain 2023 model year Solterra vehicles to inspect the hub bolts and, if necessary, retorque them to the proper specification.

Until the inspection/remedy is completed, these vehicles should not be driven.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK

The vehicles included in this new safety recall had previously been contained at specific port processing facilities for repair which included the replacement and tightening of the hub bolts before delivery to Subaru retailers. The original hub bolts required replacement, because they had characteristics that could cause them to loosen under certain conditions of vehicle use. A third-party contractor was engaged to perform the repair work.

A certain contractor team did not properly complete the repair procedure resulting in the potential for under-torqued bolts.  Data indicates the recall population is limited to a certain contractor team at two port locations; however, out of an abundance of caution, the recall population includes all vehicles repaired at all port locations supported by the third-party contractor.

Under-torqued hub bolts could result in all the hub bolts on a wheel to loosen to the point where they can detach. If a wheel detaches from the vehicle while driving, it could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

REMEDY

For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru dealers will inspect the hub bolts and, if necessary, retorque them to the proper specification at no cost to the customer.

Until the inspection/remedy is completed, customers will be instructed not to drive their vehicle and to make arrangements with their Subaru retailer to have the vehicle towed for inspection.

Towing will be provided at no cost to the customer.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

A total of 1,182 U.S. Subaru Solterra vehicles will be affected by this recall, as listed below:

Model Year Carline Production Date Range
2023 Solterra March 30, 2022 – June 4, 2022

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.

 

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 will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail on or about March 1, 2023.

 

REQUIRED TOOLS:

  • A ½ Inch Digital Torque Wrench with a Calibration within 12 months. The Snap On® 1/2” Drive TechAngle® Electronic Torque Wrench (15–300 ft-lb) is shown below as an example.
  • If wheel removal and installation is required, a wheel stud pilot pin can be used to help prevent the wheel from falling and prevent damage or injury. A recommended wheel stud pilot pin set can be purchased through the Subaru Tools and Equipment site. Solterra requires a 14 X1.50 wheel stud pilot pin. https://www.subaruretailersolutions.com/equipment/product/15828

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: This procedure requires a total of three (3) torque checks.  An initial check at 90 ft-lbs to see if additional inspection is required followed by two (2) different patterns (star and circular) of 103 ft-lbs. Every wheel bolt should receive a total of three (3) torque checks to complete the recall with a final torque of 103 ft-lbs.

 

STEP 1: Mark every bolt and wheel using a water-based paint marker or waxed pen so any movement of the bolt will be visible. Ensure you mark both the bolt and wheel in a straight line, so any change can be identified after torque is applied to the bolt.

 

STEP 2: Using a Digital Torque Wrench, set the torque wrench to 90 ft-lbs (122 Nm).  CAREFULLY torque ALL wheel bolts on ALL wheels in the pattern shown below.

 

STEP 3: Inspect each wheel bolt identification mark for a deviation from the identification mark on the wheel. If any of the wheel bolts required tightening or showed movement based on the marks, before reaching a torque value of 90 ft-lb (122 Nm), mark the bolt head using a water-based paint marker or waxed pen.

 

CAUTION: DO NOT allow the vehicle to move while performing this procedure. Vehicle movement may cause an inaccurate torque result.

Did any of the wheel bolts move before reaching a torque of 90 ft-lbs (122 Nm).?

YES – Proceed to STEP 4.

NO – Proceed to STEP 7.

 

STEP 4: Remove each affected bolt one at a time and inspect the wheel and bolt for any signs of damage, reinstalling and torquing each bolt to 103 ft-lbs. after each inspection detailed in the following Steps. See the example images below.

 

STEP 5: Is there any damage detected on any of the affected wheel(s)?

YES – Replace the affected wheel(s) and the associated bolt(s) and proceed to STEP 7.

NO – Proceed to STEP 6.

 

STEP 6: Is there any damage detected on the affected bolt(s)? Check for damage to the O-ring or to the conical washer or threads would indicate a need to replace the bolt(s).

YES – Replace the affected bolt(s) and proceed to STEP 7.

NO – Proceed to STEP 7.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When wheel or bolt replacement is required, a detailed QMR (Quality Monitoring Report) with clear photos MUST be submitted for claim approval, the following must be added to the QMR:

  • An itemized list of each part and quantity that requires replacement.
  • Pictures identifying each individual wheel or bolt that has damage.

*Pictures of bolts can be combined if the failure can be identified on each bolt in the picture, but each failed bolt on the replacement parts list must be pictured. (Example: When requesting 5 bolts, there must be a picture of 5 bolts)

  • -VOR Order Number.

 

STEP 7: Adjust the Digital torque wrench to 103 ft-lbs (140 Nm).

CAREFULLY torque ALL wheel bolts in a star pattern to 103 ft-lbs (140 Nm). as shown below.

NOTE:

  • Follow the tightening order as shown in the illustration below
  • The number 1 bolt is always closest to the air valve and the movement is clockwise • Do Not continue to tighten the bolt once the torque is reached

 

STEP 8: CAREFULLY torque ALL wheel bolts to 103 ft-lbs (140 Nm) a second time in a clockwise circular pattern starting at the bolt closest to the air valve. This procedure will confirm the proper torque value has been reached.

NOTE: DO NOT allow the vehicle to move while performing this procedure. Vehicle movement may cause an inaccurate torque result.

 

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.

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.

 

Mobile Service:

The torque procedures outlined in this campaign can be performed by mobile technicians. If any further work is required such as wheel or bolt replacement, the vehicle must be transported to a retailer for further completion of the campaign.

 


IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

This notice applies to the VIN below

 

Subaru Safety Recall WRE-23
NHTSA Recall ID 23V-064
February 2023

 

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 2023 model year Solterra vehicles.

You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK

The hub bolts that attach the wheels to your vehicle may have been under-torqued prior to delivery to the Subaru dealership where you purchased or leased your vehicle.  Under-torqued hub bolts could loosen to the point where the wheels could detach.

If a wheel detaches from the vehicle while driving, it could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

WHAT SUBARU WILL DO

Subaru will inspect the hub bolts on your vehicle and, if necessary, retorque them to the proper specification at no cost to you.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Please do not drive your car until this recall repair has been performed by an  authorized Subaru retailer.

You should contact any authorized Subaru retailer (dealer) to have your vehicle towed to them for this recall repair, at no cost to you. For your convenience, your retailer may provide you with a  loaner or rental vehicle at no cost until the repair can be performed.

If you prefer to make alternative arrangements for having your vehicle towed to your retailer, you may contact the Subaru Roadside Assistance Program at 1-800-261-2155.

 

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?

The time required for this repair is less than 30 minutes. Your retailer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this service visit, as it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time for scheduling purposes.

 

OWNER INFORMATION

Government regulations require that recall notifications be sent to the last known owner of record. That information is based primarily on state registration and title data. If you are a lessor of this vehicle, federal regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee within ten days.

If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please update this information online at www.subaru.com, select ‘Customer Support,’ then select ‘Address Update’ or ‘Ownership Update’ from the “Quick Links” menu.

 

IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR A REPAIR

If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement consideration will be based on the amount an authorized Subaru retailer in your area would charge for the same repair.

Please send the original service repair order, which has the name of the repair facility, date of repair, mileage at the time of repair, complete 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), and your name, with correct mailing address and telephone number to the address listed below:

Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Advocacy Department, Attention: WRE-23 Recall
P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877

Please send original receipts only and retain a photocopy for your records.  Please be assured that we will attempt to process your reimbursement request as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 60 days for this process to be completed.

 

IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE

To locate the nearest Subaru retailer, you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select ‘Find a Retailer.’

For additional information, please go to: http://www.wre23.service-campaign.com.

If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:

  • By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Customer Support”
  • By telephone: 1-844-373-6614
    Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
  • By U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc.
    Attn: Customer Advocacy Department
    P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877

To subscribe to the NHTSA Recall Notification email System, please go to: https://www-odi.nhtsa. dot.gov/nhtsa/subscriptions.

Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.

You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.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.

Sincerely,

Subaru of America, Inc.

 

A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION

 


Chronology :

January 19, 2023 – A Technical Report was issued for a vehicle found with significantly loose bolts on the left front and left rear wheels discovered during a pre-delivery inspection. Subaru immediately began investigating the vehicle repair history.

January 19 – February 3, 2023 – Subaru confirmed the subject vehicle was repaired at a specific port in California by a third-party contractor. Subaru’s investigation included torque inspection for vehicles repaired at all port operations, confirmation of torque wrench calibration used during port facility repairs and interviewing of technicians
regarding the repair procedure followed at each port location. The investigation confirmed there were no concerns with the torque wrenches used for these repairs. Torque inspections found additional occurrences at the original port and one other port. All occurrences found were from the same third-party contractor team.

February 6, 2023 – The information obtained during the investigation indicates the potentially affected vehicle population is limited to repairs completed by a certain contractor team at two port locations; however, out of an abundance of caution, Subaru decided to recall all vehicles repaired at all port locations supported by the third-party contractor. There is one Technical Reports and zero warranty claims that relate or may relate to this condition. Subaru is not aware of any crashes or injuries that relate or may relate to this condition.

 


1 Affected Product

Vehicle

MAKE MODEL YEAR
SUBARU SOLTERRA 2023

 


7 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-23V064-3477.pdf 645.763KB

RCAK-23V064-3477

 


Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-23V064-7739.PDF 215.521KB

RCLRPT-23V064-7739

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-23V064-3333.pdf 2835.751KB

RCRIT-23V064-3333

 


Subaru – Subarunet Announcement – February 2023

RCMN-23V064-3573.pdf 1004.803KB

RCMN-23V064-3573

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-23V064-0562.pdf 990.319KB

RCRIT-23V064-0562

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-23V064-2896.pdf 197.352KB

RCONL-23V064-2896

 


Subaru – Subarunet Announcement – February 2023

RCMN-23V064-2988.pdf 190.882KB

RCMN-23V064-2988

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=23V064&docType=RCL

 


 

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