STEP 6- Loosen but do not remove the two 10mm self-locking nuts securing the stopper
plate securing the end of the inflator with the blue and white wires as leaving them in place
will help keep the airbag assembly together. Remove the two nuts and the stopper plate on the
on the opposite end of the inflator mounting bracket and discard them. NEVER ATTEMPT
TO REMOVE THE HARNESS CONNECTORS FROM THE INFLATOR! With the
stopper plate removed and the other 2 self-locking nuts loosened, slide the original inflator
out of the mounting bracket while feeding the cut off portion of the wiring harness under the
remaining stopper plate. Place the removed original air bag inflator in the “cradle” of the Kit
Box insert.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 24

STEP 7 - VERY IMPORTANT: Record the FedEx Shipper Receipt Number (located at
the top of the return shipping label included with the new inflator) and the 11-digit alphanumeric serial number for both the new and the removed inflators on the hard copy of
the Repair Order. This information will be required for completion of the Part Return Notice
which will be forwarded by the retailer to the PCC.

STEP 8- Install the new inflator into the mounting bracket so the yellow taped end aligns with
the stopper plate still installed on the mounting bracket. Make sure the “D-shaped” portion of
the inflator harness connector boss aligns with the “D-shaped” portion of the hole in the new
replacement stopper plate as shown below. Do not peel the white harness connection dust
cover at this time. Use 2 NEW self-locking nuts to secure the new stopper plate but do not
fully tighten them. Remove the other 2 nuts securing the other stopper plate on the mounting
bracket and replace them with 2 NEW self-locking nuts. When properly installed, both ends
of the inflator will be seated tight against both stopper plates with no gaps.

Properly Aligned

3

2

No Gap

1

4

No Gap

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 25

STEP 9- Once all 4 NEW nuts are in place, torque to 31 - 38 inch pounds in the sequence
shown above. Use a marker to mark the nuts after torquing to indicate they have been fully
tightened.

STEP 10- Install the black foam self-adhesive protector onto the D-Shaped stopper and
mounting bracket positioned as shown in the photo sequence below. Once adhered in place on
the new stopper plate, fold over the excess as shown. Always make sure the placement area for
the protector is free of any grease or dirt before application.
1

2

3

4

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 26

STEP 11- The new inflator wiring harness has 2 “sides” with round 2-pin connectors on
both ends. The side with the yellow corrugated tube and red / yellow wires will connect to
the end of the inflator with the D-Shaped wiring harness connector boss, new stopper plate
and foam protector as shown below. Peel off the white dust cover from the D-Shaped end of
the inflator ONLY. IMPORTANT: NEVER PEEL BOTH THE WHITE DUST COVERS
OFF AT THE SAME TIME! CAREFULLY align the pins with the female terminals of the
harness connector (red / yellow wires) as shown in the photos below. Once pin alignment is
confirmed, push down firmly to engage the connector’s 3 locking tangs into the locking
groove inside the connector boss. Confirm the connector is locked by prying up LIGHTLY
with a small flat-blade screwdriver. Repeat the procedure on the opposite end with the blue /
white wires.
VERY IMPORTANT: When connecting the new harness to the inflator, both sides of
the harness MUST be routed toward the module’s mounting brackets as shown in the
photos below.

Locking Groove

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 27

STEP 12- Refit the ends of the harness corrugated tubes to the retaining grooves of the
mounting bracket as shown to complete the airbag module reassembly.

STEP 13- CAREFULLY reinstall the airbag module assembly into the instrument panel as
shown below.

STEP 14- To eliminate a possible source of a rattling sound from the dash, wrap the 2 hooks
and locator pin with non-woven material, p.n. SOA963W110 (or an equivalent self-adhesive
foam) as shown below.

Hook

Locator Pin

Hook

REMINDER: 1 sheet of the SOA963W110 non-woven material is enough for approximately
8 vehicles.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 28

STEP 15- Reinstall the instrument panel assembly into the vehicle in reverse order of
disassembly. Once the negative battery cable has been reconnected, turn the ignition key
“ON” and confirm the AIRBAG warning light comes on then cycles off properly. Once
proper warning light operation is confirmed, reinstall the remaining components to complete
the procedure.
STEP 16- Place the removed original air bag inflator in the “cradle” of the Kit Box insert,
with a completed SOA warranty parts tag (MSA5W402A) attached to it. The tag must
contain the following information: Claim Number, Repair Date, 17-digit VIN, and vehicle
mileage. Refer to the “PART RETURN PROCEDURES” section of this bulletin (page 4)
for further return shipping instructions and information. Ensure both the removed and
installed inflator serial numbers along with the FedEx Shipper Receipt number have
been recorded correctly as previously instructed on the repair order hard copy before
returning the removed part to your Parts Department.
IMPORTANT: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY AIR BAG
INFLATORS BE RETURNED TO SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
RECALL IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Service Program 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.
PART NUMBER

APPLICABILITY

DESCRIPTION

ORDER QUANTITY

MSA6P1302

All models

Campaign Completion Labels
(contains one sheet of 20 labels)

1

WQP-51

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 29

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this recall will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order
information. Retailers may submit claims through ‘Vehicle Claim Entry’ on Subarunet.com.
Listed below is claim entry information:
CLAIM
TYPE

CAMPAIGN
APPLICABILITY
CODE

LABOR

DESCRIPTION

LABOR
TIME

A182-031

Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator
Replacement

0.8

A182-031

Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator
Replacement

1.8

2003-2004
Legacy and
Outback
RC

WQP-51

2003-2005 Baja
2004-2005
Impreza, WRX,
and STI

RC

2005 Legacy
and Outback

WQP-51

PART NUMBER

APPLICABILITY

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

98279AE00A

2003-2004 Legacy
and Outback

WQL-48/WQP-51 Air Bag Inflator
Module Kit

1

98279AE00A

2003-2005 Baja

WQL-48/WQP-51 Air Bag Inflator
Module Kit

1

98279AG00A

2005 Legacy
and Outback

WQP-51 Air Bag Inflator Module Kit

1

98279FE000

2004-2005
Impreza, WRX,
and STI

WQL-48/WQP-51 Air Bag Inflator
Module Kit

1

SOA635079**

2005 Legacy &
Outback

Non-Woven Material
(order part number SOA963W110)

1

**NOTE: For claim entry, use part # SOA635079 for the non-woven material. This part # is
non-orderable and used for claim purposes only.
Miscellaneous Detail

Enter the serial number of the NEW air bag inflator installed in the
“Misc. Details” field.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 30

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to the VIN identified
in the address section printed below.

Subaru Recall Campaign WQP-51
NHTSA Recall No. 14V-763
January 2015

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 certain 2003-2005
model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2005 model year Subaru Baja vehicles, and 2004-2005
model year Subaru Impreza (including WRX/STI) vehicles.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
REASON FOR THE RECALL
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) is investigating whether exposure to high absolute humidity
may, upon air bag deployment, lead to a rupture of air bag inflators produced by TK Holdings, Inc. (Takata). In
cooperation with that investigation, Subaru is conducting this regional recall to replace Takata front passenger
air bag inflators in certain vehicles with current or previous registration in the following areas of high absolute
humidity:
•

The following States and U.S. Territories:
o Florida
o Hawaii
o Puerto Rico
o U.S. Virgin Islands
o Guam
o Saipan
o American Samoa

•

he counties of Georgia which are adjacent to
T
Florida

•

The coastal areas of:
o Alabama
o Louisiana
o Mississippi
o Texas

SAFETY HAZARD
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger air bag, the inflator could rupture with
metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.
REMEDY
Subaru will replace the inflator for your front passenger air bag at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have the front passenger air
bag inflator replaced with a new one.

Until this repair is performed, do not allow passengers to ride in the front passenger seat.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 31

Although we have not experienced a parts shortage, we will cover a loaner vehicle if your retailer does not have the
part in stock to repair your vehicle under this recall. If you are uncomfortable driving the vehicle to your Subaru
retailer, please contact your Subaru retailer who will arrange for vehicle pick up.
HOW LONG WILL THE AIR BAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT TAKE?
The time to replace the front passenger air bag inflator is approximately one hour and 45 minutes for the affected
2005 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, and approximately 40 minutes for all of the other vehicles affected
by this recall. It may be necessary to leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled
appointment to allow your Subaru retailer flexibility in scheduling. Please present this letter to your Subaru retailer
at the time this repair procedure is performed.
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us. Or if you
prefer to update this information online, please go to www.subaru.com, select ‘Customer Support,’ then select
‘Address Update’ or ‘Ownership Update’ from the drop down menu.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE:
To locate the nearest Subaru retailer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select ‘Find a Retailer.’
For additional information and the most Frequently Asked Questions, please go to:
• http://www.wqp51.service-campaign.com
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
•

By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select ‘Customer Support’

•

y telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
B
Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET
Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET

•

y U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: Customer-Retailer Services Department,
B
P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000

Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.
You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE,
West Building, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.gov if you believe the Subaru retailer has failed or is unable to remedy your
vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of time.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action in
the interest of your safety and your vehicle’s proper operation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this
matter may cause and urge you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have this repair performed.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.

Notice to Lessors: Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s)

within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the
applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve
months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A
leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)

A subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

Page 32

SHIPPING DOCUMENTATION AND INSTRUCTIONS (Appendix A)
INFLATOR RETURNS
These Return Instructions are for the Continental US dealerships (48 States).

NOTE: Locations outside of the Continental United States (Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands INCLUDING Mexico and Canada
CANNOT follow below shipping instructions. Instead, dealerships in these locations MUST contact the following Takata/Menlo USA
representative directly for shipping instructions: Miguel Prigadaa – Tel #: 210-250-5078 or Email:
[email protected]

4b. Shipping Instructions – Label each Box

1. Shipping Documents

a) If you continue receiving Inflator Kits with the original Fedex Documentation:

a) Box Label

• Supplied with each Kit
• To be affixed to each box

b) Over-pack Label

1.

c) Bill of Lading

2.
3.

• To be supplied by
Stericycle.
• To be affixed to the
outside of each pallet

• To be supplied by
Stericycle.
• Print 2 copies: 1 for
Dealer Records, 1 for
LTL Driver

Peel off the backing of the Fedex Ground PRP Shipping label and
affix to top of box to left of the Class 9 label.
•
Use the scribe line on the box as a guide
•
The FedEx Ground PRP Shipping label must not touch any
portion of the printing to the right of the scribe line.
Discard the remaining Documentation
Do Not contact FedEx

d) ERG Document

• To be supplied by
Stericycle.
• To be provide by the
Dealer to the LTL
Driver for each
shipment

5. Shipping Instructions – Prepare the Pallet

2. Packing Instructions

a) Accumulate and palletize Kits
b) Arrange Kits on Pallet as pictured here
•
20 boxes per row/layer (5x4)
•
10 rows/layers per pallet (200 boxes)
c) Shrink-wrap Kits to Pallet
d) Affix Over-pack Label on (1) side of Pallet (Not on Top)

a) Confirm box is in acceptable condition. If a new box
is needed, follow the New Box instructions located
In Box 8 of this page.
b) Place the un-deployed airbag inflator in
the “cradle” of the box insert.

6. Shipping Instructions – Schedule LTL Pickup
3. Closure Instructions
a) Close and tape the top box flap, per box closure instructions located on front
panel of box.

a) Upon Accumulating 200 kits (1 Over-pack/Pallet) Minimum
•
Call Stericycle at 1-877-650-3476
•
If 200 Kits have not been accumulated in 30 days, please call Stericycle for
direction
•
Upon claim approval, Subaru of America, Inc. will generate a Part Return
Notice requesting information only. DO NOT WAIT FOR STERICYCLE TO
PICK UP THE PART TO RETURN THIS INFORMATION TO SOA.
c) Have the following Information Available
•
Dealer #
•
Quantity of Over-packs/Pallets
•
Quantity of Passenger Inflator Kits on each Pallet
•
Email Address where shipping Documentation can be received

7. Shipping Instructions – Ship
a) Give 1 Copy of BOL and 1 Copy of ERG to Driver
b) Retain 1 Copy of BOL for Dealership records and archive for 2 Years

8. Requesting a New Box / Shipping Labels

4a. Shipping Instructions - Label each Box
a) New Labels will begin shipping in each kit starting mid August, 2015
Subaru Inflator Kit will
contain this two-part
label:

Peel off ‘Ship To’
Label.

Affix Label to Box.
Do not cover up Class 9 Marking.

After affixing Address
Label to the box, the
other part of the label
may be discarded.

Bulletin Number: WQP-51R; Revised: August 24, 2015

If a new box or replacement shipping labels are needed, please contact the
representative listed below by phone or email to request replacement
materials.
Primary Contact: Armando Gonzalez - Tel #: 210-250-5079

E-Mail: [email protected]

To help expedite your request, please be prepared to provide the following
information:
a) Serial number on the original box
b) What Type of shipping material needed
•
Replacement Box
•
Two Part Return Label
•
Bill of Lading
•
ERG Form
c) Dealer Shipping Information
•
Contact name
•
Dealer Address
•
Phone Number

Page 33