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 WRXeBay logo and STIeBay logo 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 WRXeBay logo / STIeBay logo trunk stopper (p.n. 57533FE050) is scheduled to be incorporated into production during mid-July, 2014 starting with VIN F*812458.

 

PART INFORMATION

For STIeBay logo 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

(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:

  • WRXeBay logo Models – Replacement of the trunk stoppers only followed by a check of the trunk panel adjustment.
  • STIeBay logo 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 WRXeBay logo and STIeBay logo 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:   (STIeBay logo 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 STIeBay logo 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 STIeBay logo 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 –STIeBay logo
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 WRXeBay logo 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 –WRXeBay logo
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 “B”

 

NOTES:

Do not make any adjustments until AFTER the trunk stoppers (and weatherstrip on STIeBay logo 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
SUBARUeBay logoWRXeBay logo2015
SUBARUeBay logoWRXeBay logo STIeBay logo2015

 


1 Associated Document

Manufacturer Communications

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

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10232532

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

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10068325

SB-10068325-0699.pdf 1070.579KB

 


 

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