NHTSA ID Number: 10234856
Manufacturer Communication Number: 1516313
Summary
Accessory Trailer Hitch L101SAJ001
NUMBER: 15-163-13
DATE: 05/20/13
| APPLICABILITY: | 2010MY and later Outback Models |
| SUBJECT: | Accessory Trailer Hitch L101SAJ001 Receiver Tube Issue |
INTRODUCTION
This Bulletin advises of a potential quality issue with the Genuine Subaru Accessory Trailer Hitch, part number L101SAJ001. The issue involves the inside dimensions of the receiver tube. Customers may have trouble fully installing either the trailer hitch ball mount and / or the hitch mounted bike attachment into the receiver far enough to allow the hitch pin to be inserted.
IMPORTANT: Should a customer report difficulty installing the trailer hitch ball mount or the trailer hitch mounted bike carrier, the trailer hitch must be replaced under warranty. Do not attempt to sand, file, de-burr or in any way modify the hitch ball mount, hitch mounted bike carrier or the inside of the receiver tube.
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
Once current warehouse inventory has been inspected and dealer shipments resume, another announcement will be posted to Subarunet. Labels with a green dot as shown above have been confirmed OK to install.
PART INFORMATION
IMPORTANT: If you have any stock of the part number L101SAJ000 in your inventory, these kits are OK to sell and do NOT need to be returned. Only part number L101SAJ001 is affected.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
We request dealers to return any inventory of L101SAJ001 which may be in inventory to their facing warehouse. Once the number of hitches in inventory has been identified, contact your Parts Information Coordinators with the quantity and a return will be entered for you. Any freight expenses incurred for returning these hitches can be claimed using normal reimbursement procedures.
14 Affected Products
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
SUBARU | OUTBACK | 2010-2023 |
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
NUMBER: 15-163-13
DATE: 05/20/13
MC-10234856-9999.pdf 544.476KB
- Rated to 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
- Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
- Protected by a durable high-gloss black powder coat finish
- Dependable Strength: Stringently tested to SAE J684 standards, the hitch has a weight capacity of 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight
- Corrosion Resistant: Finished with CURT's unique co-curing process; Each hitch is dipped in a liquid A-coat for rust prevention, inside and out, and then co-cured in a durable black powder coat finish for maximum rust, chip and UV resistance
- Vehicle Compatibility: Each CURT class 3 hitch is engineered to fit on a specific vehicle; This provides the best possible fit and easiest installation; Fits 2020-2025 Legacy & Outback
- Warranty: Covered by CURT's limited lifetime warranty to give you confidence in each adventure, season after season
- Made in USA: CURT custom-fit receiver hitches are made in the USA to ensure quality from design to finish (may include imported hardware)
- Application: This class 3 trailer tow hitch receiver is compatible with 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Subaru Forester all models
- Function: After installing the towing receiver device on your vehicle, it can bear the weight of the trailer and the cargo, ensuring that the towing vehicle can stably pull the load during driving
- Load-bearing Capacity: Class 3 trailer hitch is rated for up to 3,500 lbs. Tongue weight is rated for up to 525 lbs. Made of steel, it is solid and not easy to deform. The black powder coating effectively avoids rust and wear caused by external conditions, ensuring stable performance over a long time
- Installation: Install with screws, professional installation is recommended
- Package: Package includes 1 x trailer tow hitch receiver, installation hardware and assemble manual
- VEHICLE FITMENT— (NOTE:This trailer hitch requires trim panel according to the instructions.) Compatible with 2020-2025 Subaru Outback, 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy. Please check vehicle compatibility before purchase.
- VERSATILE DESIGN — This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver (not compatible with vertical hanging bikes / bike racks that require the bikes to be hung / mounted vertically).
- HEAVY DUTY TOWING CAPACITY — Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): 3,500 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW): 350 lbs. (limited to lowest-rated towing component).
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT — This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays.
- RIGOROUS SAFETY TESTING — Trailer hitches are tested to exceed SAE J684 and V-5 standards. these hitches ensure maximum safety and reliability while hauling.
- Fitment: This Class 3 Trailer Hitch Compatible with 2010-2019 Subaru Outback
- Feature: This heavy-duty steel trailer hitch features a durable black powder-coated finish, rated for a maximum gross trailer weight of 4000 lbs (4000 lbs with weight distribution) and a maximum tongue weight of 600 lbs (600 lbs with weight distribution)
- Function:This heavy-duty trailer hitch provides a standard 2-inch square receiver, offering versatile mounting for cargo racks, bike racks, tow hooks, and various other accessories. Constructed from robust steel and finished with a durable black powder coat, it delivers superior protection and exceptional resistance to rust, ensuring reliable performance and longevity even under demanding outdoor conditions and rigorous work environments
- Installation: Installation is straightforward using the included hardware; however, it is essential to thoroughly review the provided installation instructions before beginning, as they contain critical information and specific guidance. For optimal performance, professional installation is highly recommended
- Package: 1 x Trailer Hitch including instruction manual and mounting hardware
Last update on 2026-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SEOCONTENT-START
Bulletin Number: 12-153-13; Date: 05/20/13 Page 1
INTRODUCTION
This Bulletin advises of a potential quality issue with the Genuine Subaru Accessory Trailer Hitch,
part number L101SAJ001. The issue involves the inside dimensions of the receiver tube. Customers
may have trouble fully installing either the trailer hitch ball mount and / or the hitch mounted bike
attachment into the receiver far enough to allow the hitch pin to be inserted.
IMPORTANT: Should a customer report difficulty installing the trailer hitch ball mount or the trailer
hitch mounted bike carrier, the trailer hitch must be replaced under warranty. Do not attempt to sand,
file, de-burr or in any way modify the hitch ball mount, hitch mounted bike carrier or the inside of the
receiver tube.
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
Once current warehouse inventory has been inspected and dealer shipments resume, another
announcement will be posted to Subarunet. Labels with a green dot as shown above have been
confirmed OK to install.
PART INFORMATION
IMPORTANT: If you have any stock of the part number L101SAJ000 in your inventory, these kits
are OK to sell and do NOT need to be returned. Only part number L101SAJ001 is affected.
NUMBER: 15-163-13
DATE: 05/20/13
APPLICABILITY: 2010MY and later Outback Models
SUBJECT: Accessory Trailer Hitch L101SAJ001
Receiver Tube Issue
SERVICE BULLETIN
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.
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”
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.
Bulletin Number: 12-153-13; Date: 05/20/13 Page 2
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
We request dealers to return any inventory of L101SAJ001 which may be in inventory to their
facing warehouse. Once the number of hitches in inventory has been identified, contact your
Parts Information Coordinators with the quantity and a return will be entered for you. Any freight
expenses incurred for returning these hitches can be claimed using normal reimbursement procedures.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be claimed using the
following information:
LABOR DESCRIPTION LABOR
OPERATION #
FAIL
CODE
LABOR
TIME
Trailer Hitch R&R B054-091 ZCT29 0.5
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SEOCONTENT-END
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