ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

q
q
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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2005-2009MY Subaru Legacy/Outback
SUBJECT: Brake Line Corrosion

NUMBER: WQG-43
DATE: May 2013

Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety,
exists on certain 2005-2009 model year Subaru Legacy / Outback vehicles currently or
formerly registered in at least one of the “salt-belt” states listed below. These vehicles may
have been manufactured with brake lines that could, over time, corrode in the area of the fourway joint connector if exposed to salt. Excessive corrosion could eventually cause perforation
of a brake line(s) resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Should a brake line corrode to the point of developing a perforation, brake fluid will leak from
the line(s) causing the related circuit to eventually lose effectiveness. In this situation, there
would be an increase in the amount of brake pedal travel distance and foot pressure required
to slow or stop the vehicle. This might cause the driver to misjudge the amount of brake pedal
travel required to achieve the desired stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall will involve cleaning, inspecting and testing the brake lines in the area of the fourway joint connector for perforation. If the lines are found to be acceptable, as a preventative
measure it will be necessary to apply an anti-rust material to the areas of concern. If any brake
lines are found to be leaking, all four will require replacement.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
Certain 2005-2009 model year Subaru Legacy / Outback vehicles currently or formerly
registered in at least one of the following “salt-belt” states and Washington D.C.:
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa

Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri

New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island

Vermont
West Virginia
Wisconsin

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 1

Affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart below. NOTE: Not all vehicles
within the range are affected. Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by
using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function at Subarunet.com.
’05 – ‘09MY SUBARU LEGACY MODELS
VIN RANGES

MODEL

From

To

Sedan

5*200004

5*230151

Wagon

5*300005

5*393157

Sedan

6*200005

6*220857

Wagon

6*300006

6*364139

Sedan

7*200021

7*215147

Wagon

7*300016

7*346285

2008MY

Sedan

8*200003

8*227207

2009MY

Sedan

9*210001

9*236940

2005MY

2006MY

2007MY

’05 – ‘09MY SUBARU OUTBACK MODELS
VIN RANGES

MODEL

From

To

2005MY

Outback

5*200016

5*393923

2006MY

Outback

6*200006

6*364201

2007MY

Outback

7*200022

7*346352

2008MY

Outback

8*300003

8*367430

2009MY

Outback

9*310001

9*348625

*Various Characters may occupy this position

OWNER NOTIFICATION
Notification letters will be sent to owners of vehicles that are currently or previously
registered in at least one of the “salt-belt” states. Owner notification began on May 30th,
2013.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is included at the end of this bulletin.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 2

OWNERS LOCATED OUTSIDE THE AFFECTED “SALT-BELT” STATES
Notification letters will only be mailed to owners of vehicles that are currently or previously
registered in at least one of the “salt-belt” states. However, there are circumstances under
which vehicles that were not previously or ever registered in a “salt-belt” state are covered by
this recall campaign. These circumstances may include:
1. Vehicles not currently or previously registered in a “salt-belt” state that have relocated into
a “salt-belt” area and/or vehicles registered in a “non-salt belt” state, and driven in a “saltbelt” area. We request that dealers located in “salt-belt” states check all vehicles within
the affected VIN range for recall coverage. If it is determined that an owner of a vehicle,
within the affected VIN range, relocates or uses his or her vehicle in a “salt-belt” area, the
dealer should perform the recall procedure.
2. Vehicles in “non-salt belt” states that have experienced the defect. In the unlikely event
that an owner in a “non-salt belt” state experiences the defect or otherwise requests the
procedure be performed on their vehicle, the dealer should perform the recall procedure.
This applies to both “salt-belt” and “non-salt belt” state dealers.
The dealer should perform the recall procedure at no cost to the customer. For claim
submission, please contact the Warranty Claims Helpline to have the VIN added to the recall.

DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin
to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP). Additionally,
whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or in the
dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been
made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
New, used, demo or SSLP vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in dealer stock must be:
•

Immediately identified.

•

Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or
repair.

•

Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this Product Campaign
Bulletin.

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 Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures as
defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo
& SSLP) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of
up to $6,000 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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 3

PARTS INFORMATION
Rust-proofing Materials
Note: The rust-proofing material is packaged in 11 ounce aerosol cans. Each can
contains enough material to treat 33 vehicles.
During the week of June 3rd, 2013, only dealers located in affected “salt-belt” states will
automatically be shipped two cans of rust-proofing material. This provides enough material to
treat 66 vehicles. It will be necessary for dealers located outside of affected “salt-belt” states
to order rust-proofing material as needed.
Additional quantities of the rust-proofing material are available through the “Genuine Subaru
Automotive Chemical” program. In order to maintain an adequate part supply, SOA requests
that Dealers only order quantities necessary to satisfy anticipated demand.
Note: SOA will notify owners of vehicles that are currently or previously registered in
at least one of the “salt-belt” states. In cases where the vehicle was previously registered
in a salt-belt state, it will be necessary for dealers located outside the “salt-belt” area to
order materials to service these affected vehicles.
PART NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

SOA868V9360

Nox-Rust® 712AM Aerosol

For claim reimbursement purposes, dealers should use the part number below, which
represents rust proofing materials sufficient for one vehicle application:
PART NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

SOA635115

Rust-proofing Material
(non-orderable part number for
claim purposes only)

1

REPAIR PROCEDURE
Exposure Controls for use of Nox-Rust® 712AM Aerosol
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which provides storage and handling procedures
for this product is included at the end of this bulletin.

INTRODUCTION
This Recall involves the inspection and cleaning of the brake piping at the 4-way connector
located on the right side of the vehicle ahead of the rear wheel area as shown in Photo 1.
• If no leakage is found, rust proofing material will need to be applied to the affected area.
• If leakage is found at the 4-way connector, the center and rear brake piping must be
replaced then treated with rust proofing material.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 4

The affected components are:
1- Brake Pipe (center)
2- Brake Pipe (Rear)
3- 4-Way Connector
3
2

1

PARTS INFORMATION
NOX-RUST 712 AM Aerosol Spray Anti-Rust Wax
Both center and both rear brake pipes depending on inspection results.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
The flow chart below provides a brief overview of the WQG-43 Service Procedure. Detailed
instructions will be provided for each step.
STEP 1. Visual Inspection for Brake Fluid Leakage

No Leakage Found

Leakage Found

STEP 2. Inspection for Brake Fluid Leakage By Pressing
and Holding Down the Brake Pedal

No Leakage Found

STEP 3. P
erform Rust Proofing
Procedure

Leakage Found

STEP 4. Replacement of Brake Piping

Completed

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Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 5

STEP 1. Raise the vehicle on a twin-post (symmetrical) lift to perform the inspection of
the 4-way connector area of the brake piping for any sign of brake fluid leakage. Open the
inspection door located on the right-hand plastic fuel tank cover shown in Photo 1 below.
This will provide access to inspect the 4-way connector area of the brake piping which is
the focus of this recall.
Photo 1

Using a dry non-metallic bristled brush, clean away any dirt and debris from the 4-way
connector area as shown in Photo 2. Be sure to wear safety glasses.
NOTE: This area may be covered in road dirt, debris or wet residue. To determine if the
wet condition is caused by road material or brake fluid it is necessary to clean and dry the
area.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a metal brush as the hard bristles may cause damage to the
brake piping.
Move the parking brake cable out of the way to gain better access if needed.
Use compressed air to dry the area thoroughly if necessary.
Photo 2

Parking
Brake
Cable

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Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 6

After a thorough cleaning, inspect the area closely for any sign of brake fluid leakage,
concentrating on the areas circled in red in Photo 3 below.

If no brake fluid leakage is found, proceed to Step 2.
If brake fluid leakage IS found, proceed to Step 4.
STEP 2. Perform a second inspection of the 4-way connector area of the brake piping for
any sign of brake fluid leakage with the brake piping under pressure using the brake pedal
to pressurize the system.
Follow the procedure outlined below:
A. Lower the vehicle.
B. Start engine and allow it to idle.
C. Depress brake pedal 110mm (4.3 inches) and hold for approximately 3 seconds.
D. Release the brake pedal then shut off the engine.
E. Raise vehicle again.
F.

I nspect closely to determine if there is any brake fluid leakage around the affected
areas highlighted in the red circles shown in Photo 3 above.

If NO brake fluid leakage is found in Step 1 or Step 2, proceed to Step 3
If brake fluid leakage IS found, proceed to Step 4.
STEP 3. Rust Proofing Application
Follow the rust proofing procedure outlined below:
IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

For your protection, be sure to wear safety goggles and a particle mask.

•

he NOX-RUST 712AM product is flammable. Always take proper precautions
T
and follow all the safety warnings on the label closely.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 7

A. S
hake the aerosol can vigorously. Once the ball inside the can is heard rattling,
continue to shake the can for another 10 seconds to insure thorough mixing of the
contents.
B. Install the plastic spray nozzle applicator tube as shown in Photo 5 below.
C. S
pray the rust proofing material onto the applicable areas for 3 seconds or more
at all 4 of the affected areas shown in Photo 6. Confirm the rust proofing material
has been adequately applied to the total circumference of the brake piping. If
necessary, use a small mirror to inspect areas which are hard to see.
D. M
ake sure the rust proofing drips off of the brake piping as shown in Photo 7. This
will insure enough of the material has been applied. Catch any dripping material
with a shop cloth.
Photo 6

Photo 5

Photo 7

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Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 8

After the rust proofing procedure is complete, close the inspection door and lower the
vehicle to complete the WQG-43 Recall.
STEP 4. If brake fluid leakage IS found while performing Step 1 or Step 2, BOTH center
brake pipes and BOTH rear brake pipes MUST all be replaced together (4 pipes total).
Refer to the applicable Parts Catalog to identify the proper part numbers for the vehicle.
Be sure to follow all the installation precautions and related procedures outlined in the
applicable Service Manual when replacing these components.
Once the brake piping replacement has been completed, the system refilled and bled, the
rust proofing procedure outlined in Step 3 MUST be performed.
After the rust proofing procedure is complete, close the inspection door and lower the
vehicle to complete the WQG-43 Recall.

RECALL IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Recall 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.

WQG-43

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Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 9

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this recall will be based on the submission of properly completed
repair order information. Dealers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim Entry on
Subarunet.com.
CLAIM TYPE

RC

CAMPAIGN
CODE

WQG-43

LABOR

LABOR OPERATION

A153-348
0.2 hrs.

Brake Pipe Clean,
Inspection & Rust Proofing

A153-344
6.8 hrs.

Brake Pipe Clean, Inspect,
Replacement & Rust Proof

For claim reimbursement purposes, dealers should use the following part number, which
represents rust proofing materials sufficient for one vehicle application:
PART NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

SOA635115

Rust-proofing Material
(non-orderable part number for
claim purposes only)

1

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013

Page 10

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
Important Safety Recall Notice
Subaru Recall Campaign WQG-43
NHTSA Recall No. 13V-110
May 2013

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
some 2005 - 2009 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles currently or formerly registered in at
least one of the following states:

Connecticut Maine New Hampshire
Vermont
Delaware Maryland New Jersey West Virginia
District of Columbia Massachusetts
New York
Wisconsin
Illinois Michigan Ohio
Indiana Minnesota Pennsylvania
Iowa Missouri Rhode Island
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT
Subaru has determined that your vehicle may have been manufactured with brake lines that could, over
time, corrode in the area of the four-way joint connector if exposed to salt.
Depending on driving conditions, salt water could splash on the brake lines in the area of the four-way
joint connector resulting in corrosion of the lines. Excessive corrosion could eventually cause perforation
of a brake line(s) resulting in a brake fluid leak.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY HAZARD
Your vehicle has a dual circuit braking system. Each circuit works independently and diagonally across
the vehicle. If one circuit of the brake system fails, the other half of the system still works. Should a brake
line corrode to the point of developing a perforation, brake fluid will leak from the line(s) causing the
related circuit to eventually lose effectiveness. In this situation, there would be an increase in the amount
of brake pedal travel distance and foot pressure required to slow or stop the vehicle. This might cause
the driver to misjudge the amount of brake pedal travel required to achieve the desired stopping distance,
increasing the risk of a crash.

INSPECTION / REPAIR
Subaru will inspect and test the current condition of your vehicle’s brake lines. If they are found to be
acceptable, anti-rust material will be applied to the areas of concern as a preventative measure. If any of
the lines are found to be unacceptable, they will be replaced and anti-rust material will be applied to the
uncoated brake line areas. These repairs will be performed at no cost to you.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQG-43; Date: May 2013