WRJ-23 – Lower Control Arm Castle Nut / Improper Torque – 2023 Subaru Ascent

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Bulletin Number: WRJ-23R; Revised: 06/05/23 Page 1 of 6 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: WRJ-23R DATE: 06/02/23 REVISED: 06/05/23 NHTSA ID: 23V-392 APPLICABILITY: 2023 Ascent SUBJECT: Lower Control Arm Castle Nut / Improper Torque Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2023 model year Ascent vehicles that may be equipped with a front lower control arm with a loose castle nut. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK: The affected vehicles may be equipped with either a left or right front lower control arm with an insufficiently tightened ball joint castle nut. Over time, the rotational movement of a loose castle nut could result in the sheering of the retention pin. Without a functional retention pin, the castle nut could eventually fall off completely, allowing the ball joint to separate from the lower control arm. If the ball joint separates from the lower control arm while driving, the vehicle may experience a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY Subaru dealers will inspect the five (5) affected vehicles and, if the castle nut is determined to be loose, replace the lower control arm assembly at no cost to the customer. 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. ©2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Bulletin Number: WRJ-23R; Revised: 06/05/23 Page 2 of 6 Continued… AFFECTED VEHICLES A total of five (5) U.S. vehicles will be included in this recall as listed below: Model Year Carline Production Date Range 2023 Ascent March 31, 2023 – April 3, 2023 Not all vehicles in the production date 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. 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 $26,315 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 by the end of June. Retailers will be advised when owner notification is scheduled. PART INFORMATION: REMINDER: The parts required may vary depending on the results of the torque inspection performed. Part Name Part Number Quantity LOWER ARM ASSEMBLY-FRONT, RIGHT 20202XC00A 1 LOWER ARM ASSEMBLY-FRONT, LEFT 20202XC01A 1 SELF LOCKING NUT 902330009 1 FLANGE BOLT 901000425 2 STUD BOLT 901370012 1 COTTER PIN 051030320 1 SELF LOCKING NUT 902330007 1 Bulletin Number: WRJ-23R; Revised: 06/05/23 Page 3 of 6 Continued… SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION: STEP 1: Refer to the VIN table below to confirm the affected side of the vehicle. VIN Section To Be Inspected P3434783 Right (passenger) side P3434823 Right (passenger) side P3434849 Right (passenger) side P3434691 Left (driver) side P3434636 Right (passenger) side STEP 2: Raise the vehicle using the lift manufacturer’s specified procedures. STEP 3: Using the table shown in STEP 1 above, remove and discard the lower control arm castle nut cotter pin on the VIN specified side. STEP 4: Using a paint marker, mark an alignment line on the joint portion of the lower control arm and the castle nut. See the images below. Bulletin Number: WRJ-23R; Revised: 06/05/23 Page 4 of 6 Continued… STEP 5: Set a torque wrench to 39Nm (28.8ft. lbs.). Tighten the castle nut until the torque limit is indicated by the torque wrench. STEP 6: Perform a visual inspection of the markings made to the castle nut and lower control arm. If the markings indicate the castle nut has moved during the torque procedure, the lower control arm assembly will require replacement. If the markings indicate no movement, only the cotter pin will require replacement. See the images below. Has movement of the castle nut been detected? YES: Proceed to STEP 7. NO: Replace the one-time use cotter pin. No further action is required. STEP 7: Replace the affected front lower control arm assembly as per the applicable Service Manual. Refer to STIS Suspension > FRONT SUSPENSION > Front Arm Bulletin Number: WRJ-23R; Revised: 06/05/23 Page 5 of 6 Continued… IMPORTANT NOTES: • The lower control arm assembly comes complete with the ball joint and control arm bushings previously installed as an assembly. • IMPORTANT: The Service Manual uses a black star (★) in the component breakdown illustrations to indicate one-time use parts which MUST be replaced. STEP 8: Perform a four-wheel alignment. 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. Bulletin Number: WRJ-23R; Revised: 06/05/23 Page 6 of 6 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 CASTLE NUT INSPECTION A111-421 .2H WRJ-23 INSPECTION AND LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM R&R AND ALIGNMENT A111-423 1.9H INSPECTION AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM R&R AND ALIGNMENT A111-424 1.9H IMPORTANT REMINDERS: • SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time. • Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing. • Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

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Subarunet Announcement To: All Subaru Retailers From: Subaru of America, Inc. Date: June 2, 2023 New Safety Recall: WRJ-23 Front lower arm castle nut torque Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2023 model year Ascent vehicles that may be equipped with a front lower control arm with a loose castle nut. Description of the Defect and Safety Risk The affected vehicles may be equipped with either a left or right front lower control arm with an insufficiently tightened ball joint castle nut. Over time, the rotational movement of a loose castle nut could result in the sheering of the retention pin. Without a functional retention pin, the castle nut could eventually fall off completely, allowing the ball joint to separate from the lower control arm. If the ball joint separates from the lower control arm while driving, the vehicle may experience a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Subaru dealers will inspect the 5 affected vehicles and, if the castle nut is determined to be loose, replace the lower control arm assembly at no cost to the customer. Affected Vehicles A total of 5 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 2023 Ascent March 31, 2023 – April 3, 2023 Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions For detailed service, parts, and claim instructions, please refer to the WRJ-23 Product Campaign Bulletin which is available on STIS. The bulletin indicates by VIN whether the left or right front lower control arm requires inspection for each of the affected 5 vehicles. 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 $26,315 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 by the end of June. Retailers will be advised when owner notification is scheduled.

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-392 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Subaru of America, Inc. Submission Date : JUN 01, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-392 Manufacturer Recall No. : WRJ-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 : 5 Estimated percentage with defect : 23 % Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2023-2023 Subaru Ascent Vehicle Type : LIGHT VEHICLES Body Style : SUV Power Train : GAS Descriptive Information : -Description of the issue: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a left or right front lower control arm with an insufficiently tightened ball joint castle nut. -The basis for how the recall population was determined: Potentially affected vehicles were identified by tracing the affected lower control arm LOT number to the corresponding vehicle production records. -How the recalled products differ from products that were not included in the recall: Vehicles not included in the recall are equipped with front lower control arm assemblies that are outside of the affected LOT numbers. The recall population includes certain 2023 model year Ascent vehicles. The number of potentially affected Ascent vehicles is 5. Production Dates : MAR 31, 2023 – APR 03, 2023 VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : The affected vehicles may be equipped with a left or right front lower control arm with an insufficiently tightened ball joint castle nut. Over time, the rotational movement of a loose castle nut could result in the sheering of the retention pin. Without a functional retention pin, the castle nut could eventually fall off completely, allowing the ball joint to separate from the lower control arm. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-392 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : If the ball joint separates from the lower control arm while driving the vehicle may experience a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. Description of the Cause : The castle nut was not sufficiently tight when the retention pin was installed during assembly. Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : The driver may notice abnormal noise and/or vibration from the front suspension. Involved Components : Component Name 1 : FRONT LOWER ARM ASSEMBLY LH Component Description : Left Front Lower Control Arm Component Part Number : 20202FL01A Component Name 2 : FRONT LOWER ARM ASSEMBLY RH Component Description : Right Front Lower Control Arm Component Part Number : 20202FL00A Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Yorozu Automotive Tennessee Address : 395 Mountain View Industrial Drive Morrison Tennessee 37357 Country : United States Chronology : April 6, 2023 – Subaru identified a loose castle nut during vehicle assembly and opened an investigation with the supplier of the lower control arm assembly. . April – May 2023 – As a result of the joint investigation, it was determined that the front lower control arms with certain LOT numbers may have insufficiently tightened castle nuts. Subaru conducted an internal Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-392 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 inspection campaign for all vehicles under its control. However, it was determined that 5 affected vehicles had been shipped to Subaru dealers. May 25, 2023 – Out of an abundance of caution, Subaru decided to conduct a safety recall. Subaru is not aware of any field reports or warranty claims. Subaru is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this condition. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : Subaru dealers will inspect the 5 affected vehicles and , if the castle nut is determined to be loose, replace the lower control arm assembly 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 : Remedy components have properly tightened castle nuts. Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : Subaru implemented an interim corrective action to inspect all assemblies prior to installation in vehicles on April 6, 2023 until corrective action by the supplier could be verified Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : Dealer notification is expected to occur by June 2, 2023. If necessary, owner notification is scheduled to begin on or about June 30, 2023. Planned Dealer Notification Date : JUN 02, 2023 – JUN 02, 2023 Planned Owner Notification Date : JUN 30, 2023 – JUN 30, 2023 * NR – Not Reported

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