ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

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

© 2019 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

2010-2014 model year Legacy
2010-2014 model year Outback
2010-2013 model year Forester
2010-2014 model year Tribeca
2010-2011 model year Impreza

2010-2014 model year WRX and STI

NUMBERS: TKA-19
TKB-19
TKC-19
DATE: 01/14/19

NHTSA ID: 19V-TBD

19V-TBD
SUBJECT: Takata Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Replacement
19V-TBD
(2019 Calendar year expansion)
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety,
exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed above, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced
passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
This phase of the Takata recall expansion includes all remaining vehicles equipped with a
non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal air bag containing the propellant PSAN.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT AND SAFETY HAZARD
The affected vehicles are equipped with a Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag that may be
susceptible to moisture intrusion. Over time, that could cause the inflator to rupture when the
passenger’s frontal airbag deploys in a crash. If the inflator ruptures, metal fragments could strike
vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
BACKGROUND
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expanding and prioritizing the
recalls of all non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side Takata airbag inflators based on the risk of
injury or death to vehicle occupants.
The combination of time, high temperature fluctuations, and humidity contribute to the degradation of
the propellant in the inflators. Therefore, NHTSA is prioritizing the Takata recalls by age and location
of the vehicles. To do so, NHTSA has established three geographical Zones – A, B, and C – based on
the level of heat and humidity as listed below:
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.

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.

Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 1 of 44

Zone A: Hot and Humid
Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,
Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
Zone B: Less Hot and Humid
Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,
Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Zone C: Least Hot and Humid
Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,
Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah,
Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
This phase of the Takata recall expansion includes all remaining vehicles equipped with a
non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal air bag containing the propellant PSAN:
•
•
•

Zone A vehicles – (Recall code TKA-19)
Zone B vehicles – (Recall code TKB-19)
Zone C vehicles – (Recall code TKC-19)

Future phases of the Takata recalls will be implemented in the year 2020 to include vehicles
previously repaired with non-desiccated PSAN inflators.
REPAIR
Subaru will replace either the inflator for the front passenger airbag or the airbag module assembly at
no cost to the customer.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Owner notification is expected to begin this month and will be phased throughout the next 60 days.
Listed below is the current mailing plan:
•

The first release will include all TKA-19 vehicles, and all TKB-19 & TKC-19 Tribeca
vehicles. Those vehicles will be identified with an “Open” status in the Coverage Inquiry on
subarunet.

•

Subsequent biweekly releases will include the remaining TKB-19 and TKC-19 vehicles.
Those vehicles will be identified with a status of “Open – Pending Phased Mailing” until
all official owner notification letters have been released.

The “Open – Pending Phased Mailing” status is not intended to discourage retailers from
scheduling these repairs and will not affect the retailers’ ability to file a claim for repairs performed
prior to the official owner notification.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Listed below are the models affected by this phase of the Takata recall expansion. Not all vehicles
within these ranges are affected by this phase of the Takata recall, since some of the vehicles within
these ranges have already been affected by previous Takata recalls. Therefore, coverage must be
confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. Coverage information
will be available prior to owner notification.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 2 of 44

Recall Code TKA-19 (NHTSA ID 19V-TBD) - Zone A All remaining vehicles:
• 2010-2014 Legacy & Outback
• 2010-2011 Impreza
• 2010-2014 WRX & STI
• 2010-2013 Forester
• 2010-2014 Tribeca
Recall Code TKB-19 (NHTSA ID 19V-TBD) - Zone B All remaining vehicles:
• 2010-2011 Impreza
• 2010-2014 Tribeca
• 2010-2014 Legacy & Outback
• 2010-2013 Forester
• 2010-2014 WRX & STI
Recall Code TKC-19 (NHTSA ID 19V-TBD) - Zone C All remaining vehicles:
• 2010-2011 Impreza
• 2010-2014 Tribeca
• 2010-2014 Legacy & Outback
• 2010-2014 WRX & STI
RETAILER AFFECTED VIN LISTS
Each Subaru retailer will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone office when owner notification
begins. Vehicles will be assigned to retailers in the affected VIN list as follows:
•
•
•

Original vehicle owners are assigned to the original selling retailer when their current address
is within a 100-mile radius of that retailer.
If the original selling retailer is inactive, the VIN has been assigned to the nearest active
retailer.
For any new owners or when original owners live more than 100 miles from the original
selling retailer, the VIN has been assigned to the nearest active retailer.

IMPORTANT: Retailer affected VIN lists include owner name and address information for
vehicles affected by this recall. This information will enable retailers to follow-up with owners
of potentially affected vehicles. The lists contain owners’ names and addresses obtained from
State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for
any other purpose is unlawful. Accordingly, retailers are urged to limit the use of these lists for
the purpose of completion of this safety recall.
RETAILER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Any 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 this Product Campaign
Bulletin.
Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles
in their inventory (used, demo & SSLP) for which parts are available to complete this recall.
Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into retailer inventory, or in for
service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling
or releasing the vehicle, provided that parts are available to complete this recall.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 3 of 44

PARTS INFORMATION
The parts required for this recall are the passenger airbag inflator kits or modules listed below.
Until sufficient parts supply is available for Subaru to re-notify owners, recall coverage status for
the affected vehicles will show as “Open-Limited Parts Available.” Limited parts supply will
become available prior to owner re-notification therefore, this status is not intended to discourage
scheduling these repairs and will not affect the retailer’s ability to file a claim for repairs performed
prior to owner re-notification.
Airbag Module
Part Number

Inflator Kit
Part Number

Applicability / Description

Order
Quantity

98279SC05A

98279SC010

Forester (2010-2013)

1

98279FG07A

98279FG010

98279AJ06A

98279AJ02A

N/A

98279XA02A

Impreza (2010-2011)
WRX and STI (2010-2014)
Legacy (2010-2014)
Outback (2010-2014)
Tribeca (2009-2014)

1
1
1

As a reminder, if a customer requests a loaner car, retailers should make every effort to comply with
this request and follow normal warranty procedures to obtain reimbursement for the loaner car. See
Section 8.4.7 of the Claims Policies and Procedures Manual on subarunet.com for details on rental
authorizations.
PART RETURN PROCEDURES
Please review the ‘Inflator/Module Return’ instructions included as ‘Appendix A’ of this
bulletin carefully.
•

A company called Takata XPO will arrange pick up of the removed inflators/modules and
return them to Takata.

•

FedEx will no longer handle the return shipments as with previously issued Takata recalls.
However, if you do not have a large amount of inflators/modules to pick up, you may be
directed to use FedEx for return. Please follow the instructions given to you by Takata XPO.

•

Once a month or upon accumulating 200 kits for return (whichever comes first), please
call Takata XPO at 1-877-650-3476 for pick up. Please see step 6 (on pg. 30) of the return
instructions.

•

If you continue to receive inventory of inflators with the original FedEx documentation,
please follow the instructions in step 4b. of the new ‘Inflator Returns’ instructions. DO
NOT CALL FEDEX.

•

Upon claim approval and where applicable, Subaru of America, Inc. will generate a Part
Return Notice requesting the old and new inflator serial number information only. DO NOT
WAIT FOR TAKATA XPO TO PICK UP THE INFLATOR/MODULE TO SEND

Continued...
Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 4 of 44

•

THIS INFORMATION TO THE PARTS COLLECTION CENTER (PCC).

•

IMPORTANT: Each removed airbag inflator/module must be returned directly to the
supplier, Takata USA, in the same box in which the new one was received.

The shipping box contains a bar code label, which will be used by Takata USA to document the
replacement of the old inflator/module with the new inflator/module. Therefore, it is very important
for the removed inflator/module be returned in the exact same box which contained the newlyinstalled inflator/module for that vehicle. If the original box cannot be re-used, please refer to the
shipping instructions under “Requesting a new box/ shipping labels.”
•

IMPORTANT: When affixing the shipping label to the shipping box do not obstruct the bar
code label.

•

A completed SOA Warranty Parts Tag (MSA5W402A) must be attached to the returned
inflator/module. The tag must contain the following information: claim number, repair date,
full 17-digit VIN, and mileage.

SOA PART RETURN NOTICE INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is applicable to SOA and
Subaru Distributors Corporation (SDC) retailers ONLY. Subaru New England
(SNE) retailers will continue to follow the procedures currently in place as
supplied below.
All SOA and SDC retailers are required to enter BOTH the newly-installed
(replacement) and the removed (original) serial numbers for the airbag
inflator (or module assembly) into the supplied fields as shown in the
screen shot below. Claims will not receive an “Approved” status without
the serial number information being entered in the appropriate fields in
the Recall Claim Entry system. As a result of adding these new required
entry fields, Part Return Notices will no longer be generated.

The information below is applicable to SNE retailers only:
•

Upon claim approval and where applicable, Subaru of America, Inc. will generate a Part
Return Notice requesting information only.

•

To ensure proper claim credit where applicable, the old and new inflator/module serial
numbers must be recorded on the Part Return Notice and sent to SOA Part Collection Center
(PCC) as instructed on the return notice.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 5 of 44

•

Where applicable, the completed Part Return Notice should then be sent using the YRC web
portal and utilizing the “Ship Small Parcel” link which will direct the user to the appropriate
UPS web page application to complete the shipment. Please keep the UPS tracking number
for your records.

•

DO NOT WAIT FOR TAKATA XPO TO PICK UP THE INFLATOR/MODULE TO
SEND THIS INFORMATION TO THE PCC.

Under no circumstances should any airbag inflators or modules be sent to Subaru of America,
Inc.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
This Campaign involves the replacement of the inflator portion of the passenger-side front airbag
assembly or the complete module assembly. The subject inflators/modules could have been assembled
with improperly manufactured propellant components which may affect how the assembly inflates in
the event of a collision resulting in an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants. This procedure will
outline removal of the passenger-side airbag assembly and replacement of either the inflator component
and related wiring harness or, the complete module assembly.
VERY IMPORTANT: Failure to follow these service procedures carefully and correctly may
result in an accidental deployment of the inflator and potentially cause serious injury. Please read
through and understand these procedures COMPLETELY before beginning repairs. In addition,
proper operation of the airbag after reassembly may be compromised if these service procedures
are not followed.
As additional service procedures are developed for the other models affected by the expansion and
implementation of this recall campaign, they will be added to this document and also made available
on STIS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS – SERVICE PROCEDURES
Description

Starting Page

Number

Service Procedure for 2010-2014MY Legacy / Outback Models

9

Service Procedure for 2010-2013MY Forester and 2010-2011MY Impreza,
and 2010-2014MY WRX & STI models

16

Service Procedure for 2010-2014MY Tribeca Models

22

Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 6 of 44

DESCRIPTION
Pliers
Wire Cutters
Needle-Nose Pliers
Torque Wrench
Safety Goggles
Flat-Blade Screwdriver
Scissors
Ratchet
8 mm and 10 mm Socket
Airbag Deployment Fixture
Tether Clip Release Tool
*See Page 8 for more information

Tools Required
BRAND OR TYPE
Inch-Pound
-

J-39401-B

QUANTITY
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 ea.
1

SOA635147

1

1/4” Drive

CAUTION: Before starting this service procedure, perform a visual inspection of both front airbags
looking for any damage or abnormality. Next, turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
confirm the airbag warning lamp illuminates then extinguishes normally. If it does not or if ANY
concern is noted with the airbag system, STOP and report these findings to the customer BEFORE
proceeding further. Any concerns identified with the airbag system (when no airbag deployment has
occurred), are not related to this campaign and must be addressed separately. Even if the system has
a concern, this may not preclude completion of this campaign. If you are unsure about proceeding,
document and fully diagnose the concern then contact the SOA Technical Helpline to review your
findings. It is in the best interest of the retailer to fully document any concerns found during this
preliminary inspection and review with the customer BEFORE proceeding with the campaign
service procedure.
•

Vehicles that do not contain Genuine Subaru airbags are not eligible for this recall repair.
For more information on identifying counterfeit airbags and how to address related customer
situations, please refer to STIS for the “Counterfeit Airbag Information” Dealer Advisory
Bulletin dated October 25, 2012 by going to Subarunet>Service>STIS>Online Reference choose Publication Type: ‘Other/Miscellaneous’ and search keywords: ‘Airbag’).

•

Do not proceed with this repair if your inspection reveals a non-Genuine Subaru airbag
module has been installed in the vehicle. Follow the instructions described in the “Counterfeit
Airbag Information” Dealer Advisory Bulletin.

•

IMPORTANT: Always examine airbag modules closely before and during removal. Confirm
they match the photos of the Genuine Subaru airbag components supplied throughout this
bulletin BEFORE proceeding. The photo below shows an example of an aftermarket or
counterfeit airbag inflator. This photo is being provided as an example of what may be a wide
variety of non-OEM components.

•

If an aftermarket or counterfeit passenger airbag or inflator is identified at any point during
the campaign service procedure, STOP IMMEDIATELY. NEVER attempt to remove or
otherwise disable any aftermarket or counterfeit device.

•

Document the presence of the aftermarket or counterfeit device on the repair order and with
photos. Report this information immediately on a Quality Monitoring Report (QMR).
IMPORTANT: When entering a related QMR, use failure code ULF and NOT the campaign fail
code.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 7 of 44

•

Once the QMR has been submitted, contact the Subaru Claims Helpline to discuss the details.
They will advise you on how to proceed with treatment of the open campaign.

The shape, holes, and
copper-colored stud indicate this
not a Genuine Subaru inflator.

NOTE: Some models utilize a “tether clip” to secure the upper portion of the “A” pillar trim. The
tether clip is located just below where the “A” pillar trim meets the head liner. If the tether clip
becomes damaged, it MUST be replaced. The illustrations and photos below show the location of the
tether clip and how to release it. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to use the release tool (p.n.
SOA635147) specifically designed for tether clip removal. Each Retailer has been supplied with 2 of
these tools. If the tool is unavailable, a needle-nosed plier can be used to CAREFULLY release the
tether clip as shown in the illustration below.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 8 of 44

*SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR 2010-14MY LEGACY / OUTBACK MODELS*
Inflator Kit Part Number: 98279AJ02A
Replacement Airbag Module Assembly Part Number: 98279AJ06A
CAUTION: Refer to the “CAUTION” section in the General Description portion of Airbag
System AB in the Body Section of the Service Manual before handling or servicing any airbag
module!
STEP 1- PREPARATION:
• Record the customer’s radio station presets (and Navigation favorites where applicable).
• Turn the ignition “OFF”.
• Disconnect the Negative (ground) cable from the battery and wait at least 60 seconds before
proceeding further.
• Follow the procedures in the applicable Service Manual for removing the instrument panel
assembly as required to access the passenger side airbag module.
• Disconnect the wiring harness and remove the airbag module.
• Secure the removed airbag module to the Airbag Deployment Fixture (part number
J-39401-B).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The photos available at the time of this procedure’s preparation do not show
the removed airbag module assembly as being secured to the J-39401-B Airbag Deployment Fixture
during inflator replacement. Subaru of America, Inc. STRONGLY RECOMMENDS ALWAYS
utilizing a J-39401-B fixture whenever performing ANY airbag inflator replacement service
procedure.
IMPORTANT: Whenever beginning to remove (or install) the airbag assembly, and periodically
while performing the procedure or after stepping away, remove any possible static charge
from your body by momentarily touching a clean, bare metal ground point on the vehicle (e.g.
the door striker). Remove from your person all electronic devices including cell phones before
proceeding.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT destroy or damage the Kit Box as it MUST be used for the original
inflator’s return shipping.

Open the Kit Box and confirm all the necessary components
are included:
• 5 Self-Locking nuts
• New Inflator (yellow tape applied to one end to identify
it as the replacement part)
• New Inflator Harness
• Electro-Tap (red shorting crimp connector)
• Shipping Documentation
•
STEP 2- To access the passenger’s airbag module, the complete instrument panel assembly must be
removed. Follow the procedures in the applicable Service Manual for removing the instrument panel
assembly in addition to the necessary related interior trim components.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Page 9 of 44

NOTE: When removing the “A” pillar trim, be VERY CAREFUL not to damage the upper trim
retaining (tether) clip. The clip is located just below where the trim panel meets the head liner. If the
tether clip becomes damaged, it MUST be replaced. The illustrations below show how to release the
tether clip and remove the “A” pillar trim. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to use the release
tool (p.n. SOA635147) specifically designed for tether clip removal. See pg. 8 of this bulletin for
more information.

Once the instrument panel assembly has been removed from the vehicle, CAREFULLY release the
retaining claws and separate the airbag bag module. When replacing the complete module assembly,
proceed directly to Step 13.
REMINDER: It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED the removed airbag module ALWAYS be
mounted to the Airbag Deployment Fixture (part number J-39401-B and file photo shown below) to
better secure it during the inflator replacement procedure. When mounting the module to the fixture,
pay close attention to the harness routing. Always perform this work in an area away from others
to reduce chances of inadvertent injury should any deployment occur. Take your surroundings into
account to avoid possible hazards should an inadvertent deployment occur or sources of static or
other electricity that could potentially induce such a deployment.

File Photo for Reference Only

Bulletin Number: TKA-19 / TKB-19 / TKC-19; Date: 01/14/19

Continued...
Page 10 of 44

STEP 3- Remove the harness tube from the retainer bracket holders.

STEP 4- Using a scissor or wire cutter (no knives or razors) CAREFULLY cut the yellow harness
cover tube (approximately 1 1/2 inches) enough to expose the yellow and red wires inside and
provide enough room to install the Electro-Tap (shorting) connector.