A replacement hardware kit for the heat shields and spring nuts / bolts
A replacement exhaust gasket kit (cylinder head flange (2), front pipe
(1) and center “donut” (1) gaskets).

Insulation adhesive p.n. SOA868V9690 must be ordered separately
and is used to secure the new insulators to the inside of the heat shields
prior to reassembly. The part number to use for Warranty claim entry
is SOA635314 (qty. 1). Each quart-sized (32 oz.) container has a brush
applicator cap. IMPORTANT: Always keep the cap tightly sealed between
uses for longest life. Replace the adhesive if it becomes dried out or
cannot be applied properly using the brush.

•

(4) HEAT SHIELD TRANSFER:
IMPORTANT NOTE: All heat shields are intended to be reused in most cases. USE HAND
TOOLS ONLY when removing them from the EPF to avoid breaking off the retaining studs.
•

Use a wire brush to remove any loose rust/scale from the heat shield retaining fasteners.

•

Apply a penetrating oil (e.g. PB Blaster® or equivalent) as directed on the product’s
container to the heat shield fasteners to help loosen and remove them without breakage.

•

In some cases, VERY CAREFUL use of a torch or an induction heating tool may be
necessary.

•

When the fasteners initially begin to loosen, work them back and forth while applying
additional penetrant to help lubricate the threads. TAKING YOUR TIME during this
step will help prevent breaking off fasteners and avoid heat shield replacements. Repeat as
necessary until all the heat shields have been removed from the EPF.

IMPORTANT: As each heat shield is CAREFULLY removed, note the shape and positioning of
each fiberglass insulator found on the inside of it whenever possible.
TIP: Use a marker to outline the position for the replacement insulator at reassembly then properly
discard any remaining insulation material as they all will be replaced.
Use a wire brush to remove any insulation and / or adhesive residue. Replacement of damaged, loose
or eroded insulators will prevent post-repair rattles. Proper positioning of the insulators is key to
achieving a rattle-free repair.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95; Date: 02/11/20

Page 4 of 9

•

Before applying any of the new insulators, wipe the inside and outside of the shields clean of
any residual oil / penetrant used with a mild solvent on a clean shop cloth. Use caution to not
remove the position markings for the replacement insulators.

TIP: Have all the stud/bolt threads and shields going back onto the new EPF cleaned and their
respective heat insulation pads ready to apply. Doing it this way avoids having to open and close the
adhesive container repeatedly.
•

Remove the brush cap from the adhesive container and apply a small amount of the material
to each shield toward the center of where the new insulator will be positioned. Marking an
outline for where the adhesive should be applied can also be used as shown below.

•

For reference, a “dab” or two of adhesive about the size of a silver dollar is plenty. There is
no need to cover the entire insulator area. Keep in mind, the adhesive is only used to hold the
new insulators in place during EPF reassembly as they will be held (“clamped”) in position
once all the retaining hardware is tightened.

•

Apply the adhesive to the shield then press the new insulator onto it and all the contours of
each shield. Repeat for each remaining shield and insulator.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95; Date: 02/11/20

Page 5 of 9

IMPORTANT: Keep the insulation adhesive bottle tightly sealed at all times.
•

When all the insulators are in place, proceed with reassembling the heat shields onto the EPF.

•

Each kit includes 4 new heat shield clamps to be used when installing the heat shields closest
to the cylinder head flanges.

EPF Fastener Torque Specifications:
•

Reassemble the exhaust system
and install using new gaskets and
hardware as supplied in the kit.

Fastener

Nm

Ft. Lbs.

Cylinder Head Flange Nuts

30

22.1

EPF to Center Pipe

42.5

31.3

Heat Shield Nuts / Bolts / Clamps

13

9.6

Center Pipe Spring Bolt Nuts

18

13.3

Center Pipe Hanger Bolt

35

25.8

Air-Fuel Ratio and O2 Sensor

21

15.5

REMINDER: The exhaust gaskets along with new manifold nuts and exhaust pipe nuts and bolts
are all one-time use and MUST always be replaced.
•

Finish the reassembly in reverse order of removal.

NOTE: The adhesive used for securing the fiberglass heat insulators is water-based and odorless.
Any residual moisture will be eliminated the first time the new EPF comes up to temperature. For
this reason, a slight amount of residual vapor may be noticed on the vehicle’s initial re-start.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES:
Credit to perform this recall will be based on properly completed repair order information. Retailers
may submit claims through Subarunet.com.
Labor Description

Labor
Operation #

Labor
Time

EPF ASSEMBLY R&R, TRANSFER HEAT SHIELDS, NO
REPLACEMENTS OR REPAIRS TO INSULATORS NEEDED

A122-951

0.7

EPF ASSEMBLY R&R, ONE OR MORE HEAT SHIELD
REPLACEMENT NEEDED, REPLACE INSULATORS AS NEEDED

A122-953

0.8

Fail
Code

Claim
Type

WUJ-95

RC

NOTE: Use p.n. SOA635314 (qty. 1) when claiming for the catalytic converter insulation pad
adhesive.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95; Date: 02/11/20

Page 6 of 9

CALIFORNIA “VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL - PROOF OF CORRECTION”
CERTIFICATE
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles Registration/Recall
Program requires that all emission related Recall/Campaign or Service Program repairs be completed
before a vehicle registration is renewed. Please provide owners of vehicles registered in the state of
California a completed “Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction” certificate. Vehicle owners
should be advised to retain this certificate because the California Department of Motor Vehicles may
require they provide proof this service program repair has been completed.
Additional certificates are available through normal parts ordering channels using part number
MSA6P1301. Quantity 1 = 1 booklet of 50 certificates.

SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL:
Type or print the necessary information on a Campaign 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, which comes as one sheet of 20 labels.
Part Number

Applicability

Description

Order Quantity

MSA6P1302

All Models

Campaign Completion Labels
(contains one sheet of 20 labels)

1

WUJ-95

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95; Date: 02/11/20

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Subaru of America, Inc
PO Box 9103
Camden, NJ 08101-9877
844-373-6614
www.subaru.com

Subaru Service Program WUJ-95
Voluntary Emissions Recall
February 2020

Dear Subaru Owner:
We would like to thank you for your selection of a Subaru vehicle. We take pride in our products and are committed
to your continued satisfaction.
Subaru has become aware that certain 2015-2016 2.5L Legacy and Outback models may experience an exhaust
noise and/or smell coming from cracks at the bellows of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result,
your vehicle may fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA and/or California ARB.

REASON FOR THIS VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL:
The front exhaust pipe assembly may have been installed under a stressful condition. As a result, the front exhaust
pipe bellows may experience cracking during use possibly leading to exhaust gas leakage. Under this condition, a
leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance.
You have received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
REPAIR:
Your Subaru retailer (dealer) will replace the front exhaust pipe at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
You should immediately contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have this inspection and any
necessary repair performed.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time to perform the replacement is approximately 1 hour. However, your retailer can provide you with a better
estimate of the overall time for this service visit, as it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer
period of time.
CALIFORNIA REGISTERED OWNERS:
The California Air Resources Board requires that emission-related campaigns be completed prior to California’s
vehicle registration renewal process; without this repair, you will not be able to register your vehicle during your
next annual registration. Upon completion of this campaign, your California dealer will complete and provide you a
“Proof of Correction Certificate.” If required, present the certificate to the California Department of Motor Vehicles
(the “DMV”) when renewing your California registration as proof of campaign completion. If the DMV does not
request the certificate, we recommend that you keep it for your records.
In addition, the State of California requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG Check) every
two years and before it is sold. Without the service we are providing at no charge, your vehicle may not pass this
test.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95; Date: 02/11/20

Page 8 of 9

CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please update this information online at 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.’
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
•

By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com, Customer Support and select “Contact Us”

•

By telephone: 1-844-373-6614
Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET

•

By U.S. Postal mail: Write us at: Subaru of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer-Retailer Services Department
P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877

Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action
in the interest of 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 SUBARU CORPORATION
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95; Date: 02/11/20

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