Subarunet Announcement
To: All Subaru Retailers
From: Subaru of America, Inc.
Date: October 3, 2014
Subject: Update: WQN‐50 Subaru Recall Campaign 2015 Outback Accessory Trailer Hitch Assembly

On September 18, 2014 Subaru of America, Inc. announced a recall on certain 2015 Outback vehicles
equipped with a genuine Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly, part number L101SAL010. There may
be a mounting issue when installing the affected accessory trailer hitch assemblies.
Affected Vehicles
There are approximately 56 potentially affected 2015 model year Outback vehicles. Each Subaru retailer
that sold an affected vehicle will receive notification from their Zone Office prior to owner notification.
Coverage for all affected vehicles will be available in the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on
subarunet.com on Monday, October 6, 2014.
Owner Notification
Subaru will notify potentially affected vehicle owners by first class mail around October 7, 2014. E‐mail
notification will follow shortly after, to owners with a valid email address on file.
Product Campaign Bulletin
The WQN‐50 product campaign bulletin is now posted on the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS)
website under “Information/What’s New.” Please refer to the bulletin for repair instructions and
additional information including parts information, part return procedures, and claim submission
instructions.
Parts
Retailers should not order parts for this recall. Prior to owner notification, the parts needed for the repair
will be distributed to each retailer that sold an affected vehicle. The affected VIN will be listed for
reference in the ‘P.O. Number’ field on the order placed and shipped by SOA.
Part Return Procedures
Upon claim approval, SOA will generate a Part Return Notice for the hitch repair kit. To satisfy the Part
Return Notice, the following parts must be returned to the SOA Part Collection Center (PCC) at the
shipping address listed on the notice:




The eight (8) original M10 nuts removed from the vehicle
The four (4) bright silver trial nuts used during the inspection
Any unused threaded studs not needed for the repair

A properly completed Warranty Parts Tag (MSA5W402A) and a copy of the repair order must be included
with the returned parts.
Retailer Program Responsibility
Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in their
inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into
retailer new or used inventory, or in 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 retailer 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 the Product Campaign Bulletin, which
will be issued shortly.

Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a retailer 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 (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil
penalties of up to $7,000 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.