WRF-23 Improper Air Bag lnflator Installation – 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza & WRX

SEOCONTENT-START

Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 1 of 18
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.
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APPLICABILITY: 2004-2005 Impreza (including WRX) SUBJECT: Improper Air Bag Inflator Installation
NUMBER: WRF-23
DATE: 02/27/23
NHTSA ID: 23V-076 INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating this safety recall for certain 2004-2005 model year Impreza (including WRX) vehicles in which the replacement frontal passenger-side air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
The vehicles included in this safety recall had a previous mobile air bag recall repair performed by a third-party contractor on behalf of Subaru. The replacement air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed during that repair.
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly inflate the passenger-side airbag, which
could increase the risk of an injury during a crash. REMEDY
For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru will inspect the passenger-side inflator installation and, if necessary, install a new inflator kit at no cost to the customer.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
A total of 130 vehicles will be affected by this recall, as listed below: Model Year Carline Production Date Range 2004-2005 Impreza (including WRX) January 14, 2003 – March 19, 2005 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.
ATTENTION: GENERAL MANAGER 🞏 PARTS MANAGER 🞏 CLAIMS PERSONNEL 🞏 SERVICE MANAGER 🞏
IMPORTANT – All
Service Personnel Should Read and Initial in the boxes provided, right.
© 2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved. RETAILER RESPONSIBILITY
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 owner registration data and will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Retailer will be advised when notification begins.
As a reminder, if a customer requests a loaner car, retailers should make every effort to comply with that request and follow normal warranty procedures to obtain reimbursement for the loaner car. See Section 8.4.7 (Alternate Transportation Program) of the Claims Policies and Procedures Manual on subarunet.com under ‘Claims & Warranty Administration’ for details. PART INFORMATION
Inflator Kit Part Number Order Quantity
98279FE070 1 VERY IMPORTANT: Failure to follow these service procedures carefully and correctly may result in an accidental deployment of the inflator and potentially cause serious injury. Please read through and understand these procedures COMPLETELY before beginning repairs. In addition, proper operation of the airbag after reassembly may be compromised if these service procedures are not followed. TOOLS REQUIRED
DESCRIPTION BRAND OR TYPE QUANTITY
Pliers – 1
Wire Cutters – 1
Needle-Nose Pliers – 1
Torque Wrench Inch-Pound 1
Safety Goggles – 1
Flat-Blade Screwdriver – 1
Scissors – 1 Ratchet
8 mm and 10 mm Socket Airbag Deployment Fixture 1/4” Drive J-39401-B 1
1 each
1 Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 2 of 18 INSPECTION PROCEDURE
The repair procedures for this recall include a required inspection prior to replacement, to confirm whether the (98279FE070) inflator is correctly installed.
CAUTION: Refer to the “CAUTION” section in the General Description portion of Airbag System AB in the Body Section of the Service Manual before handling or servicing the airbag module!
STEP 1: PREPARATION:
• Turn the ignition “OFF”.
• Disconnect the Negative (ground) cable from the battery and wait at least 60 seconds before proceeding further.
• Remove the glove box assembly following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
IMPORTANT: Whenever beginning to remove (or install) the airbag assembly, and periodically while performing the procedure or after stepping away, remove any possible static charge from your body by momentarily touching a clean, bare metal ground point on the vehicle (e.g. the door striker). Remove from your person all electronic devices including cellphones before proceeding.
• Disconnect the airbag module harness connector from the support beam bracket.
• Remove the 3 retaining bolts and CAREFULLY remove the airbag module from the vehicle and place it on a clean cloth to protect the dash trim surface portion from damage.
NOTE: There may be a Security Module secured with the lower
airbag module mounting bolt on some models. STEP 2: Visually inspect the airbag inflator positioning. INCORRECT: When incorrectly installed (backwards) the inflator cylinder (silver colored) metal is exposed, and a gap can be seen between the inflator and the end bracket.
Further action will be required. Follow this service procedure. If inspection confirms the inflator is installed incorrectly (backwards), photograph the incorrectly installed inflator in the bracket and attach photo to the claim, then proceed to the “INFLATOR REPLACEMENT” section of this campaign. Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 3 of 18 CORRECT: When correctly installed, no inflator cylinder metal is exposed and there are no gaps between the inflator and the end brackets on both sides. If inspection confirms the affected vehicle has the inflator installed correctly in the bracket, do not remove inflator from the bracket. Photograph the inflator in the bracket and attach photo to the claim. Reinstall the airbag assembly as per the applicable Service Manual. INFLATOR REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT: DO NOT destroy or damage the kit box as it MUST be used for the removed inflator’s return shipping.
• Open the Kit Box and confirm all the necessary components are included:
4 Self-Locking nuts
New Type 2 Inflator (pink collars on each end identify it as the replacement part) New Inflator Harness
New Stopper Plate
Electro-Tap (red shorting crimp connector)
1 ½” X 2 ¼” piece of self-adhesive Sponge Tape Shipping Documentation and Instructions Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 4 of 18 IMPORTANT: The removed airbag module must be mounted to the Airbag Deployment Fixture (part number J-39401-B) as shown in the photo below to better secure it during the inflator and wiring harness component replacement procedures. Always perform this work in an area away from others to reduce chances of inadvertent injury should any deployment occur. Take your surroundings into account to avoid possible hazards should inadvertent deployment occur or sources of static or other electricity that could potentially induce such a deployment. STEP 1- Peel the Sponge Tape and remove the harness clip from the retainer bracket by pushing the tangs inward with a flat-blade screwdriver as shown below. Always remove any Sponge Tape adhesive residue from the airbag mounting bracket using mild solvent on a clean shop cloth.
CAUTION: Never use any silicone-based products for this purpose. STEP 2- CAREFULLY cut the yellow harness cover enough (approximately 2 inches) to expose the 2 red (or yellow) wires inside and provide enough room to install the Electro-Tap (shorting) connector using a wire cutter or scissor (no knives or razors). TAKE YOUR TIME AND BE CAREFUL TO NOT CUT THE 2 WIRES! Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 5 of 18 STEP 3- Short the 2 wires together by installing the Electro-Tap connector. The connector creates a short circuit which acts as a safeguard to prevent against static discharge that may deploy the
removed inflator. The tab portion of the Electro-Tap connector MUST be cut off prior to use to insure a good short-circuit is made as shown in the illustration below. Follow the sequence below for installing the Electro-Tap connector. Use pliers to squeeze closed the two sections of the connector together, one section at a time. STEP 4- Once the Electro-Tap connector is fully crimped in place, cut the 2 wires on the body harness connector side of the Electro-Tap connector. 3 VERY IMPORTANT: Under no circumstances should any impact or power tools be used when
performing these procedures. HAND TOOLS ONLY! Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 6 of 18 STEP 5- Remove the two 8mm self-locking nuts securing the stopper plate. Loosen but do not remove the other two nuts on the mounting bracket as leaving them in place will help keep the airbag assembly together. STEP 6- VERY IMPORTANT: Record the 14-digit numeric serial number for the new inflator on
the Repair Order hard copy. This information will be required for claim approval. STEP 7- Inspect the new inflator to confirm the locating protrusions on each of the pink-collar portions are aligned as shown below. The “short” collar can be rotated as needed to align it with the protrusion on the “long” collar if necessary. Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 7 of 18 STEP 8- Install the new inflator into the mounting bracket, short collar with the “blank” (no harness connector) end going in first. The protrusion on the short collar will fit in the gap at the bottom of the fixed stopper plate portion. At the same time, the ridge portion of the inflator side of the stopper plate will fit into the “notch” in the end of the collar. When properly installed, the end of the inflator will be seated tight against the mounting bracket with NO gap. DO NOT peel the white harness connection dust cover at this time. Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 8 of 18 STEP 9- Install the new stopper plate over the harness connector end of the new inflator. Remove the 2 nuts still installed on the mounting bracket and replace them with 2 NEW self-locking nuts. Once all 4 NEW nuts are in place, torque to 31 – 38 inch pounds in the new sequence shown below. Use a marker to mark the nuts after torquing indicating they have been fully tightened. STEP 10- Peel off the white dust cover and CAREFULLY align the tang of the new harness connector with the receiving slot in the inflator connector. This assures proper routing of the harness in relation to the airbag assembly mounting brackets. Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 9 of 18 Step 11- Reinstall the wiring harness retaining clip into its position on the mounting bracket.
IMPORTANT: Confirm the harness is not twisted at the inflator connector as shown below. STEP 12- Peel the adhesive backing and install the new Sponge Tape onto the yellow harness tube
first then adhere it to the airbag mounting bracket as shown in the illustrations below. Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 10 of 18 STEP 14- Reinstall the airbag assembly into the vehicle in reverse order of disassembly. NOTE: If the accessory security module is installed to one of the airbag module mounting bolts, torque that specific bolt to 7.5 +/-1ft. lb. rather than the normal 5.4 ft. lb. specified in the Service Manual. Before installing the glove box assembly, reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition key “ON” and confirm the AIRBAG warning light comes on then cycles off properly. Once proper warning light operation is confirmed, reinstall the glove box assembly while making sure the cord loop for the opening dampener (if equipped) stays connected to complete the procedure. STEP 15- Place the removed air bag inflator in the “cradle” of the Kit Box insert, with a completed SOA warranty parts tag (MSA5W402A) attached to it. The tag must contain the following information: Claim Number, Repair Date, 17-digit VIN, and vehicle mileage. Refer to the “PARTS RETURN PROCEDURES” section of this bulletin (page 12) for further return shipping instructions and information. Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 11 of 18 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 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. Labor Description FRONT AIRBAG INFLATOR INSPECTION ONLY
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE INFLATOR REPLACEMENT** Labor Operation # A182-018 A182-031 Labor Time 0.2 0.8 Fail Code WRF-23 NOTE**: Upon entry of a recall claim, BOTH the newly-installed (replacement) and the removed (original) serial numbers are required to be entered in the appropriate fields in the Recall Claim Entry system. Attach before and after photographs of the inflators in the bracket, to the claim. SPECIAL RETURN PORCEDURE FOR INFLATORS
• Follow the standard Inflator Module Returns packaging and labeling instructions, (below)
• Do not mix the WRF-23 inflator with your other Takata inflators
• WRF-23 inflators go to the same address but should be kept separate and identifiable from the standard pallet. TK Services will process these differently
• Attach the additional label/page to the shipment, see below Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 12 of 18 Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 13 of 18 Attach this additional label to the WRF-23 shipments: Continued…
Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 14 of 18 SOA PART RETURN NOTICE INFORMATION IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is applicable to SOA and Subaru Distributors Corporation (SDC) retailers ONLY. Subaru New England (SNE) retailers will continue to follow the procedures currently in place as supplied below.
All SOA and SDC retailers are required to enter BOTH the newly-installed (replacement) and the removed (original) serial numbers for the airbag inflator (or module assembly) into the supplied fields as shown in the screen shot below. Claims will not receive an “Approved” status without the serial number information being entered in the appropriate fields in the Recall Claim Entry system. As a result of adding these new required entry fields, Part Return Notices will no longer be generated.
The following information must be include when entering the claim:
• VIN
• Recall Code: WRF-23
• Photos of the old inflator before installation
• Photos of the newly installed inflator in after installation (If inflator
is replaced)
• Old and New inflator serial numbers (If inflator is replaced)
• Notes, if needed Bulletin Number: WRF-23; Date: 02/27/23 Page 15 of 18 IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to the VIN below Subaru of America, Inc
PO Box 9103
Camden, NJ 08101-9877
844-373-6614
www.subaru.com Subaru Safety Recall WRF-23 NHTSA Recall ID 23V-076
March 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 2004-2005 model year Impreza (including WRX) vehicles in which the replacement
frontal passenger-side air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed during a previous repair.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
The vehicles included in this recall had a previous mobile air bag recall repair performed by a third- party contractor on behalf of Subaru. The replacement air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed during that repair.
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly inflate the passenger-side airbag, which
could increase the risk of an injury during a crash. WHAT SUBARU WILL DO
Subaru will inspect the passenger-side inflator installation and, if necessary, install a new inflator kit
at no cost to you. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should contact any authorized Subaru retailer (dealer) to have this repair performed. HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time required for this repair is less than one hour. 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: WRF-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.wrf23.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. A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION
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.

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Subaru of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 9103
Camden, NJ 08101-9877
844-373-6614
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 2004-2005 model year Impreza (including WRX) vehicles in which the replacement frontal passenger-side air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed during a previous repair.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
The vehicles included in this recall had a previous mobile air bag recall repair performed by a third-party contractor on behalf of Subaru. The replacement air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed during that repair.
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly inflate the passenger-side airbag, which could increase the risk of an injury during a crash.
WHAT SUBARU WILL DO
Subaru will inspect the passenger-side inflator installation and, if necessary, install a new inflator kit at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should contact any authorized Subaru retailer (dealer) to have this repair performed.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time required for this repair is less than one hour. 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 go to https://www.subaru.com/support/customer-support.html to send us your information.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to the VIN below
Subaru Safety Recall WRF-23
NHTSA Recall ID 23V-076
March 2023
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: WRF-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.wrf23.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

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers
From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: February 14, 2023
New Safety Recall: WRF-23 Improper Air Bag lnflator Installation Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2004-2005 model year lmpreza (including WRX) vehicles in which the replacement frontal passenger-side air bag inflater may have been incorrectly installed. Description of the Defect and Safety Risk
The vehicles included in this new safety recall had a previous mobile air bag recall repair performed by a third-party contractor on behalf of Subaru. The replacement air bag inflater may have been incorrectly installed during that repair. An incorrectly installed air bag inflater may not properly inflate the passenger-side airbag, which could increase the risk of an injury during a crash. Remedy
For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru will inspect the passenger-side inflater installation and, if necessary, install a new inflater kit at no cost to the customer. Affected Vehicles
A total of 130 vehicles will be affected by this recall, as listed below: Model Year
2004-2005 Carline
lmpreza (including WRX) Production Date Range January 14, 2003 – March 19, 2005 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. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions
For detailed service, parts, and claim instructions, please refer to the WRF-23 Product Campaign Bulletin on STIS.
Retailer Responsibility
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 owner registration data and will notify affected vehicle
owners by first class mail within 60 days.

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Subarunet Announcement
To: All Subaru Retailers
From: Subaru of America, Inc.
Date: February 27, 2023
UPDATE Safety Recall: WRF-23 Improper Air Bag Inflator Installation
Owner Notification
Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail on March 15, 2023.
As a reminder, retailers may access their open affected VIN list for any recall or campaign on subarunet.com, under Recalls & Campaigns/Recall Affected VIN List.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2004-2005 model year Impreza (including WRX) vehicles in which the replacement frontal passenger-side air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed.
Description of the Defect and Safety Risk
The vehicles included in this new safety recall had a previous mobile air bag recall repair performed by a third-party contractor on behalf of Subaru. The replacement air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed during that repair.
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly inflate the passenger-side airbag, which could increase the risk of an injury during a crash.
Remedy
For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru will inspect the passenger-side inflator installation and, if necessary, install a new inflator kit at no cost to the customer.
Affected Vehicles
A total of 130 vehicles will be affected by this recall, as listed below:
Model Year
Carline
Production Date Range
2004-2005
Impreza (including WRX)
January 14, 2003 – March 19, 2005
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.
Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions
For detailed service, parts, and claim instructions, please refer to the WRF-23 Product Campaign Bulletin on STIS.
Retailer Responsibility
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.

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-076
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
Subaru of America, Inc. FEB 13, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-076 Manufacturer Recall No. : WRF-23 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 : 130 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : 4-DOOR Power Train : GAS
Descriptive Information : -Description of the issue: A third-party contractor was engaged to perform the mobile repair work for previously recalled frontal passenger-side airbag inflators. The replacement inflator may have been installed incorrectly. -The basis for how the recall population was determined: The third-party contractor records had VIN-level traceability to the suspect repairs. -How the recalled products differ from products that were not included in the recall: Only vehicles identified by the third-party contractor are potentially affected by this condition. The recall population includes certain 2004-2005 model year Impreza 4-Door vehicles. The number of potentially affected Impreza 4-Door vehicles is 8.
Production Dates : MAR 04, 2003 – JAN 08, 2005
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-076 Page 2 Vehicle 2 : 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : STATIONWAGON Power Train : GAS
Descriptive Information : -Description of the issue: A third-party contractor was engaged to perform the mobile repair work for previously recalled frontal passenger-side airbag inflators. The replacement inflator may have been installed incorrectly. -The basis for how the recall population was determined: The third-party contractor records had VIN-level traceability to the suspect repairs. -How the recalled products differ from products that were not included in the recall: Only vehicles identified by the third-party contractor are potentially affected by this condition. The recall population includes certain 2004-2005 model year Impreza Stationwagon vehicles. The number of potentially affected Impreza Stationwagon vehicles is 9.
Production Dates : FEB 06, 2003 – JAN 18, 2005
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Vehicle 3 : 2004-2005 Subaru WRX Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : 4-DOOR Power Train : GAS
Descriptive Information : -Description of the issue: A third-party contractor was engaged to perform the mobile repair work for previously recalled frontal passenger-side airbag inflators. The replacement inflator may have been installed incorrectly. -The basis for how the recall population was determined: The third-party contractor records had VIN-level traceability to the suspect repairs. -How the recalled products differ from products that were not included in the recall: Only vehicles identified by the third-party contractor are potentially affected by this condition. The recall population includes certain 2004-2005 model year WRX 4-Door vehicles. The number of potentially affected WRX 4-Door vehicles is 97.
Production Dates : JAN 14, 2003 – MAR 19, 2005
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-076 Page 3 Vehicle 4 : 2004-2005 Subaru WRX Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : STATIONWAGON Power Train : GAS
Descriptive Information : -Description of the issue: A third-party contractor was engaged to perform the mobile repair work for previously recalled frontal passenger-side airbag inflators. The replacement inflator may have been installed incorrectly. -The basis for how the recall population was determined: The third-party contractor records had VIN-level traceability to the suspect repairs. -How the recalled products differ from products that were not included in the recall: Only vehicles identified by the third-party contractor are potentially affected by this condition. The recall population includes certain 2004-2005 model year WRX Stationwagon vehicles. The number of potentially affected WRX Stationwagon vehicles is 16.
Production Dates : JAN 22, 2003 – OCT 13, 2004
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : A third-party contractor was engaged to perform the mobile repair work for previously recalled frontal passenger-side airbag inflators. The replacement inflator may have been installed incorrectly.
FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger-side airbag, which could increase the risk of an injury during a crash.
Description of the Cause : A third-party contractor was engaged to perform the mobile repair work for previously recalled frontal passenger-side airbag inflators. The replacement inflator may have been installed incorrectly. Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : None. Involved Components : The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-076 Page 4 Component Name 1 : Air Bag Inflator
Component Description : Passenger-Side Frontal Airbag Inflator Component Part Number : 98279FE070 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : Not Applicable Address : NR
NR
Country : NR Chronology :
January 31, 2023 – A third-party contractor responsible for canvassing and mobile repair for previously recalled inflators informed Subaru that two employees may have been incorrectly installing replacement inflators. Subaru immediately began investigating. February 3, 2023 – The contractor was able to locate one previously repaired vehicle within the potentially affected population and confirmed an incorrect installation. Photographs and video were collected for engineering evaluation.
February 6, 2023 – Based on the investigation and out of an abundance of caution, Subaru decided to recall all vehicles identified by the third-party contractor. There are zero 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. Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru will inspect the passenger-side
inflator installation and, if necessary, install a new inflator kit at no cost to the customer. Subaru will provide reimbursement to owners for repairs according to the general plan submitted in May 2022. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : Not Applicable. The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-076
Page 5
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production :
Not Applicable.
Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Owner notification will occur within 60 days. Dealer notification is
scheduled to begin on or about February 14, 2023.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : FEB 14, 2023 – FEB 14, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : APR 14, 2023 – APR 14, 2023
* NR – Not Reported

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