Paint Chipping Due To Trunk Lid Movement – 2015 Subaru WRX & STI

NHTSA ID Number: 10232532

Manufacturer Communication Number: 1217214R

Summary

Paint Chipping Due To Trunk Lid Movement

 


NUMBER: 12-172-14R
DATE: 07/11/14
REVISED: 07/15/14

APPLICABILITY:2015MY WRX and STI Models
SUBJECT:Paint Chipping Due To Trunk Lid Movement

 

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin provides a procedure for how to address a customer concern of side-to-side trunk panel movement and possible contact with the corresponding top edges of the quarter panels.  In some cases, this contact may result in chipping of the vehicle finish.

 

COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION

  • The new trunk weatherstrip was incorporated into production starting with VIN F*811343.
  • The longer (BRZ) trunk stoppers were incorporated into production starting with VIN F*811136.
  • A new design WRX / STI trunk stopper (p.n. 57533FE050) is scheduled to be incorporated into production during mid-July, 2014 starting with VIN F*812458.

 

PART INFORMATION

For STI models, in addition to the longer trunk stoppers, the trunk weatherstrip’s tubular sealing portion now has internal reinforcement in the area between the red arrows shown in the photo below.  This reinforcement serves to stabilize the trunk panel and eliminate the chipping.

Tubular Sealing portion

 

Tubular Sealing portion

  • Updated trunk weatherstrip, p.n. 57532VA002-1
  • Replacement Trunk Lid Stoppers – Qty. 2

(NOTE: currently, these are BRZ trunk stoppers, p.n. 57533FE040)

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION

There are 2 procedures to follow depending on the model of vehicle being serviced.  To summarize:

  • WRX Models – Replacement of the trunk stoppers only followed by a check of the trunk panel adjustment.
  • STI Models – Replacement of the trunk weatherstrip and trunk stoppers followed by a check of the trunk panel adjustment.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • BE CAREFUL to not tear the rubber material of the trunk weatherstrip when removing or re-positioning the replacement part.
  • When removing the original weatherstrip, be careful to not get any of the adhesive as shown below on the trunk liner trim panels.
Adhesive

 

  • There should be no extra effort or force (“slamming”) required to properly close the trunk lid after the replacement parts are installed.

STEP 1:  (Both WRX and STI Models) Replace both the rubber trunk stoppers with the longer version (currently used on BRZ, p. n. 57533FE040).  The photos show the current stopper on the left and the replacement longer version installed in position on the right.  Use a plastic trim tool between the stopper and the trunk panel to release the 2 “tangs” holding the original stoppers in place.

rubber trunk stoppers

 

STEP 2:   (STI Models ONLY)  Replace the trunk weatherstrip and trunk stoppers.

REMINDER: always be careful to not get any of the residual weatherstrip adhesive on any of the trunk liner trim panels.

As shown in the photos below, align the square notch with the trunk latch striker. The arrow molded into the short, smooth portion of the trunk weatherstrip faces down toward the bumper cover.  On the top section (closest to the back glass), the blue dot should align with the center of the third brake light.

trunk weatherstrip

STEP 3:   After the trunk stoppers (and weatherstrip on STI models ONLY) have been installed, close the trunk lid while paying close attention to the points listed below.

REMINDER:  There should be no extra effort or force (“slamming”) required to properly close the trunk lid.

  • After the trunk lid is closed, look closely for any excessive, insufficient or uneven gap(s) around the complete perimeter of the trunk lid.
  • Make sure the trunk height is correct and that it fits “flush” with the corresponding edges of the rear quarter panels.
  • In most cases, there should be only minor adjustment needed to the trunk lid, if any at all. Pay close attention to the adjustment for “B” as shown in the table below.  If after close inspection, it is determined adjustment of the trunk lid is necessary for proper fit, use the Service Manual specifications supplied below EXCEPT FOR “B” which has been recently revised (shown in RED).  The Service Manual will be updated with the revised specifications in the near future.
Trunk Lid

 

FOR STI MODELS:

PartStandard
ATrunk lid COMPL and Panel – side outer3.5±1.0 mm (0.14±0.04 in)
BSurface level gap between Trunk lid COMPL and Panel – side outer (Difference in height)0+.5 mm (.020”) by adjusting the striker –STI
CTrunk lid COMPL and Panel – side outer3.5±1.0 mm (0.14±0.04 in)
DSurface level gap between Trunk lid COMPL and Panel – side outer–0.5±0.7 mm (0.02±0.03 in)
ETrunk lid COMPL to Bumper face – rear7.5±1.0 mm (0.3±0.04 in)

 

FOR WRX MODELS:

PartStandard
ATrunk lid COMPL and Panel – side outer3.5±1.0 mm (0.14±0.04 in)
BSurface level gap between Trunk lid COMPL and Panel – side outer (Difference in height)-1.0 mm (.040”) by adjusting the striker –WRX
CTrunk lid COMPL and Panel – side outer3.5±1.0 mm (0.14±0.04 in)
DSurface level gap between Trunk lid COMPL and Panel – side outer–0.5±0.7 mm (0.02±0.03 in)
ETrunk lid COMPL to Bumper face – rear7.5±1.0 mm (0.3±0.04 in)

 

Measure โ€œBโ€

 

NOTES:

Do not make any adjustments until AFTER the trunk stoppers (and weatherstrip on STI models ONLY) have been installed.

  • Clearance “A” and “C” must be the same left to right.
  • If “D” and “E” are within the specifications listed in the tables above, no adjustments are necessary.

 


2 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
SUBARUWRX2015
SUBARUWRX STI2015

 


1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

NUMBER: 12-172-14R
DATE: 07/11/14
REVISED: 07/15/14

MC-10232532-9999.pdf 1070.579KB

 


NHTSA ID Number: 10068325

Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-172-14R

Summary

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

 

1 Associated Document

Service Bulletin Document

NUMBER: 12-172-14R
DATE: 07/11/14
REVISED: 07/15/14

SB-10068325-0699.pdf 1070.579KB

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
Crystal White Pearl(K1X) Touch up Paint for Subaru OEM Color Match
  • 【Perfect Color Match】The car touch-up paint is specially designed for the Subaru vehicles and can be well-matched with the Subaru. It is meticulously crafted to minimize color differences and make scratches invisible, compatible with a wide range of Subaru models, including for 2015-2026 Outback/2016-2026 Crosstek/2015 XV Crosstek/2016-2026 Forester/2019-2026 Ascent/2015-2026 Impreza/2015-2025 Legacy/2026 Trailseeker/2015-2021 WRX/2022-2026 BRZ. Before use, please try it on paper to confirm that the color matches your vehicle's paint
  • 【Repair scratches quickly and simply】This car scratch repair paint has strong adhesion, anti-rust, and waterproof properties that protect your car's surface from further damage. With a 2-in-1 uses design, each bottle of car paint comes with a pen pin and brush, ensuring a hassle-free application
  • 【Apply advice】This paint is easy to use. Simply clean the surface and remove the grease, and shake for about 1 minutes to mix the paint well. paint repair kit is suitable for small chips or larger dings. It will dry in 10 minutes. Before use, please try it on paper to confirm that the color matches your vehicle's paint
  • 【Must-have for Subaru Owners】This 12ml car touch-up paint can cover an area of 0.08 square meters, so whether you are dealing with small spots or larger areas, car touch-up paint is an ideal choice. The high cost-effectiveness and ease of use of car paint make it a must-have for Subaru owners, saving you a lot of money and time, and it is the perfect choice for quick touch-ups
  • 【Warm Tips】The auto touch up paint can match well for your Subaru vehicles. If the car paint scratch repair can't work well for your Subaru, just reach us, we promise we will give you a satisfied solution after we confirmed it
SaleBestseller No. 2
COSLAKE Car Touch Up Paint(Crystal Black Silica(D4S)) for SUBARU
  • [Excellent Color Match] The car touch-up paint(Crystal Black Silica(D4S)) is specially designed for the SUBARU series, including 2025 Outback/2024 Crosstek/2025 Forester/2024 Ascent/2024 Impreza/2025 Legacy/2024 WRX/2024 BRZ. It is meticulously crafted to minimize color differences and make scratches invisible. Before use, please try it on paper to confirm that the color matches your vehicle's paint.
  • [High-quality Touch-Up Paint] This car scratch repair paint has strong adhesion, anti-rust, and waterproof properties that protect your car surface from further damage. Each bottle of car paint comes with a pen pin and brush, ensuring a hassle-free application. The additional disposable micro applicators lets you easily touch up your vehicle precisely and conveniently.
  • [Quick & Easy Scratch Repair] Simply clean the scratched area and shake the car paint for 10-20 seconds to mix the paint fully. Use the built-in mini paintbrush to carefully apply a few thin coats of paint (If it is a small area, it is recommended to use the included disposable micro applicators for better results). Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the paint to dry, remix the car touch-up paint, and repeat until the damaged area is completely covered.
  • [Must-have for SUBARU Owners] This 12ml car touch-up paint can cover an area of ​​0.08 square meters, so whether you are dealing with small spots or larger areas, COSLAKE car touch-up paint is an ideal choice. The high cost-effectiveness and ease of use of car paint make it a must-have for SUBARU owners, saving you a lot of money and time, and it is the perfect choice for quick touch-ups.
  • [Warm Tips] 1. You can practice on some scrap metal when first using it to master steadying your hand and the correct amount of paint you need to apply to get the best refinishing results; 2. Please shake the bottle vigorously for 10-20 seconds to mix well before use.
Bestseller No. 3
PARTS4EV K1X Crystal White Pearl Tricoat Touch Up Paint Compatible with Subaru Exact Match Chips and Nicks Touch Up
  • Make Scratches Disappear:This pen is compatible with Subaru models and is designed to repair various paint chips and scratches, restoring your car's original allure.With its precise color matching, the pen seamlessly blends with your car's existing paint, delivering a flawless repair.
  • Perfect Color Match: Its universal compatibility makes it compatible with Subaru model, including Ascent-models/BRZ/Crosstrek/Forester-models/Impreza/Legacy-models/Outback/Tribeca/WRX/XV-Crosstrek .etc, for various touch-up needs.
  • Crafted With Durability:The high-quality metallic paint is engineered to endure both high and low temperatures, making it suitable for any climate.
  • Easy to Process: With this touch-up paint, you won’t need to mix paints.Just need three steps to process(1.Clean the surface;2.Shake 30s before use;3.Apply the paint).
Bestseller No. 4
Ice Silver Metallic G1U Touch up Paint for Subaru Car Scratch Remover Pen
  • 【Excellent OEM Color Match】:This Ice Silver Metallic (G1U) car touch up paint is specially designed for Subaru, including the Ascent-models/BRZ/Crosstrek/Forester-models/Impreza/Legacy-models/Outback/WRX/XV-Crosstrek.Professionally calibrated to achieve near-perfect OEM color match, it effectively covers scratches and restores your car’s original look.
  • 【Effortless Scratch Repair】:A small scratch not only looks bad but also causes rust and expensive damage. Our car scratch repair paint pen features high adhesion, rust resistance and waterproofing to restore your car’s look and form a protective barrier. The 2-in-1 pen and brush design makes repairs easy for any imperfection.
  • 【Easy & Quick to Use】:Simply clean the scratched surface, remove grease, and shake the bottle vigorously for 30–60 seconds to mix the paint evenly. Use the precision pen tip for small chips and the built-in brush for larger scratches or dings. The paint dries in just 10 minutes at room temperature for quick, convenient touch-ups. For best results, test on paper first to ensure ideal color matching before application.
  • 【Cost-Effective Must-Have】:0.4 Fl Oz capacity covers up to 0.08 square meters, suitable for both small spots and larger areas. Affordable and easy to operate, it saves expensive repair costs and time, making it an essential tool for Subaru owners.
  • 【Worry-Free After-Sale Service】:This touchup paint pen is perfectly matched for Subaru models. If you are not satisfied with the product, please contact us directly. We will provide a satisfactory solution for you after confirmation.
Bestseller No. 5
Treesiche K1X Crystal White Pearl Tricoat Touch Up Paint for SUBARU
  • Perfect color match:The car touch-up paint(Crystal White Pearl(K1X)) is specially designed for the SUBARU series,including Outback / Crosstek / Forester / Ascent / Impreza / Legacy / BRZ.It is meticulously crafted to minimize color differences and make scratches invisible.Before use, please test it on paper to confirm that the color matches the paint of your vehicle.
  • Professional Car Scratch Repair & Paint Chip Fix: This automotive touch-up paint pen delivers quality results for clear coat scratches, rock chip repair, and minor paint damage. Factory-matched formula helps conceal stone chips, door dings and road debris damage—offering an alternative to expensive auto body shop repairs.
  • Dual-Tip Design with Primer Filler & Complete Kit: Features precision brush for hairline scratches and disposable micro applicators for small chips. Includes primer filler for deep scratches—apply filler first, then touch-up paint for level repair. For light surface marks, apply paint directly. No additional tools needed. Comes with step-by-step instruction guide for easy DIY application
  • Fast-Drying Weather-Resistant Automotive Paint: Quick 5-10 minute dry time between coats. Weather-resistant, water-resistant formula helps guard against fading and wear. This scratch repair coating helps prevent rust and reduces risk of further damage while improving gloss finish on metal, plastic bumpers and alloy wheels.
  • Application Tips: 1.Practice on scrap metal first to steady your hand and determine optimal paint application. 2. Shake bottle vigorously for 10-20 seconds before use to ensure proper mixing. For detailed guidance, please refer to the included instruction manual.

 


This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Leave a Comment

Share to...