Subarunet Announcement
To: All Subaru Dealers
From: Subaru of America, Inc.
Date: August 1, 2013
Subject: New Subaru Recall Campaign WQJ‐46: 5EAT Parking Rod (6 cylinder engine only)
Subaru has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2013MY
Tribeca and 2014MY Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a 5‐speed automatic transmission
(6 cylinder engine only). A total of 202 vehicles are involved. Potentially affected vehicles fall within the
VIN ranges listed in the chart below. Please note that not all vehicles within the VIN range are affected.
Recall coverage for all potentially affected vehicles must be confirmed by using Vehicle Coverage
Inquiry in Subarunet.
Model
2013 Tribeca
2014 Legacy
2014 Outback

FROM
D4401900
E2004869
E2206679

TO
D4401902
E2006125
E2212067

Description of the Safety Defect and Safety Hazard
The 5‐speed automatic transmission installed in affected vehicles may not have been manufactured to
specification. During the manufacturing process, the transmission parking rod may have been damaged
during assembly. As a result, when the transmission select lever is placed in the “P” (Park) position, one of
the following events could occur:
1. The transmission park mechanism that is intended to hold the vehicle may not engage. If this
were to happen and the parking brake is not set, the vehicle may unexpectedly move/roll
without prior warning. This could result in personal injury or property damage.
2. The transmission park mechanism may engage but may not release when the selector lever is
moved out of the “P” (Park) position. In this situation, the vehicle would not be able to be moved
or driven.
To ensure the vehicle remains stationary while parked, always engage the parking brake.
To remedy this condition, it is necessary to replace the transmission assembly with a new unit.
Dealer Program Responsibility
Dealers 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
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:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

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.
Continued…

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 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
$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.
Repair Instructions
The WQJ‐46 campaign bulletin has been posted on the Techinfo.Subaru.com website under “What’s
New”, Title: “WQJ46 5EAT Parking Rod Recall Campaign Bulletin”. In addition to repair instructions, the
bulletin contains part and claim entry information.
Repair Parts
Repair parts to correct affected vehicles will be available during the week of August 12, 2013. An
adequate supply of repair parts will be available for both vehicles in new car inventory and previously sold
units.
To order parts please contact the Parts Information Coordinators and the order will be placed for you.
Please have the VIN of the affected vehicle ready when calling. The order will be placed as a “Special”
order, dealerships will not be charged freight.
Please refer to the WQJ‐46 campaign bulletin posted on STIS for part number information.
Owner Notification
Subaru expects to notify affected vehicle owners by telephone beginning 8/1/13. Owner notification
letters will be sent via first class mail on or around August 12, 2013.