ATTENTION:

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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
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SERVICE MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

2019MY Ascent
Loose “A” Pillar Trim

NUMBER: 12-254-18
DATE: 11/27/18

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides helpful tips to follow when addressing a customer concern of the “A” pillar
trim coming loose.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
An installation procedure change was made in production starting with VIN K3419230.
PART INFORMATION:
In addition to the two molded-in tabs which secure the base of the trim at the instrument panel (IP),
2 other clips are used; a tether clip at the top and a second trim clip in the middle. The clip part
numbers are: 909150040 (“Tether” Clip) and 909150034 (center retaining clip “B”). Both these clips
are one-time use items.

Center Retaining Clip "B"

IMPORTANT NOTE: If an inspection of the “A” Pillar trim panel does not find any damage to the
clip mounting locations, the trim panel itself may be reused. All clips MUST be replaced as they are
one-time use.
Continued...
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Bulletin Number: 12-254-18; Date: 11/27/18

Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

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SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The service procedures for removing and installing the “A” Pillar trim remain unchanged. Always
refer to the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being
performed. The Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an effective
repair the first time and every time. This includes but is not limited to: important SAFETY
precautions, proper inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required processes and related onetime-use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair.
•

Whenever a loose “A” Pillar trim is identified, both retaining clips MUST be replaced as they
are one-time use. The black “tether” clip goes at the top of the trim panel, closest to the head
liner. The trim panel’s 2 lower tabs fit into the 2 pockets as shown in the photo on the left.

•

This photo shows the 2 holes in the “A” Pillar the trim retaining clips fit into.

CRITICAL: After the 2 new retaining clips are installed onto the trim panel and before installation,
confirm all side curtain airbag material is clear of the area around the “A” Pillar center hole where
Clip “B” fits into.
NOTE: If the side curtain airbag material was pinched between the trim panel and “A” Pillar
causing it to not be properly secured, the side curtain airbag DOES NOT need to be replaced.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-254-18; Date: 11/27/18

Page 2 of 4

•

Reinstall the “A” Pillar trim; bottom 2 trim tabs first, top Tether Clip second then Clip “B”
into the “A” Pillar center hole. If necessary, move the trim panel around a bit to be sure both
clips are started in their holes before pushing on the trim panel firmly to lock them in place.

•

Once the trim panel is clipped into place, CAREFULLY insert a trim stick to make a small
gap between the trim and “A” Pillar. Use a flashlight as shown below to confirm both
retaining clips are fully seated.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-254-18; Date: 11/27/18

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as
previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

•

Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 12-254-18; Date: 11/27/18

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