ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

q

PARTS MANAGER

q

CLAIMS PERSONNEL

q

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

SERVICE MANAGER

q

© 2020 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2019MY Legacy and Outback 2.5 and 3.6L
2019MY Impreza
2019MY Ascent
Fuel Pump Impeller Failure

NUMBER: WRD-20R
DATE: 04/23/20
NHTSA: 20V-218
REVISED: 05/07/20

INTRODUCTION:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019 model year Ascent,
Impreza, Legacy, and Outback vehicles in which the fuel pump may become inoperative.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK:
The affected vehicles may be equipped with a low pressure fuel pump which includes an impeller
that was manufactured with a lower density. If the surface of the lower density impeller is exposed
to solvent drying for longer periods of time, it may develop fine cracks. Those cracks may lead to
excessive fuel absorption, resulting in impeller deformation. Over time, the impeller may become
deformed enough to interfere with the body of the fuel pump, potentially causing the low pressure
fuel pump to become inoperative.
If the low pressure fuel pump becomes inoperative, the check engine warning light or malfunction
indicator light may illuminate, and/or the engine may run rough. In the worst case, an inoperative
fuel pump may result in the engine stalling without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the
risk of a crash.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
A total of 188,207 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall, as listed below:
Model Year

Carline

Production Date Range

Affected Vehicle Count

2019

Ascent

June 26, 2018 - January 18,2019

40,950

2019

Impreza

June 18, 2018 – February 25, 2019

40,797

2019

Legacy

June 29, 2018 – February 19, 2019

20,182

2019

Outback

June 29, 2018 – February 19, 2019

86,278

Not all vehicles in the production ranges listed above are affected by this recall. Coverage must be
confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on Subarunet.com prior to repair. The
status of this recall will display as “Open - Limited Parts Available” prior to owner notification.
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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-20R; Revised: 05/07/20

Page 1 of 47

SERVICE, PARTS, AND CLAIM INSTRUCTIONS:
There is currently a limited supply of parts available to support repairs if affected vehicles are
presented for other services prior to owner notification. The status of this recall has changed to
“Open – Limited Parts Available” to allow repairs to begin if affected vehicles are presented for other
services prior to owner notification.
Sufficient remedy parts supply is expected to be available prior to owner notification. The remedy
parts must be ordered through PRIME. Please refer to ‘Recalls & Campaigns/PRIME Max
Quantities’ on Subarunet for the orderable quantities.
RETAILER RESPONSIBILITY:
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 Retailer failing to perform the applicable service procedures to correct all
affected vehicles in their inventory prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject
to civil penalties of up to $21,000 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.

Any vehicles listed in any recall/campaign that are in retailer stock must be:
•

Immediately identified

•

Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to repair

•

Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin

Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in
their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP).
In addition, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into retailer inventory necessary steps
should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:
Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Retailers will be advised
when the notification is scheduled.
Now that sufficient quantities of the Fuel Pump Kits are available, repairs using complete Fuel Pump
Assemblies must be discontinued.
Retailers with ongoing repairs using complete Fuel Pump Assemblies may complete them and submit
for payment using the claim reimbursement information located on pg. 41 of this bulletin.
For the remaining vehicles included in this campaign, the parts required to perform these repairs have
been assembled into Fuel Pump Kits, numbered for each model and labeled accordingly as shown
below to help insure installation of the proper kit into the applicable model.
Description
WRD-20 Fuel
Pump Kit

Kit Part Number

Model Application

X4202AL000

Legacy / Outback 2.5L

X4202AL010

Legacy / Outback 3.6L

X4202FL000

Impreza

X4202XC000

Ascent

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-20R; Revised: 05/07/20

Page 2 of 47

The illustrations below list the component part content breakdowns for each of the four kits:

X4202FLOOO/PUMP IMPREZA
Part Number
42029FL020**
42025FL01A
42032FL01A
42056FL000

Part Name
KIT FUEL PUMP: Contains fuel pump, filter sock, fuel
pump o-rings, and c-clip.
GASKET FUEL PUMP
RING NUT
PLUG TEMPORARY

Qty

Part Number

1

42029XC000**

1
1
1

42025FL000
42032FL000
42057FL000
42056FL000

X4202ALOOO/PUMP LEGACY/OBK 2.5L
Part Number
42029AL000**
42025AL040
42056FL000

Part Name
KIT FUEL PUMP: Contains fuel pump, filter sock, fuel
pump o-rings, c-clip, and fuel pump cushions (3).
GASKET FUEL PUMP
PLUG TEMPORARY

X4202XCOOO/PUMP ASCENT
Part Name
KIT FUEL PUMP: Contains fuel pump, filter
sock, fuel pump o-rings, and c-clip.
GASKET FUEL PUMP
RING NUT
PLATE RING NUT
PLUG TEMPORARY

Qty
1
1
1
1
1

X4202ALO1O/PUMP LEGACY/OBK 3.6L
Qty

Part Number

1

42029AL010**

1
2

42025AL030
42056FL000

Part Name
KIT FUEL PUMP: Contains fuel pump, filter sock, fuel pump
o-rings, c-clip, and fuel pump cushions (3).
GASKET FUEL PUMP
PLUG TEMPORARY

Qty
1
1
2

** NOTE: The “KIT FUEL PUMP” part numbers supplied are for reference only and cannot be
ordered separately.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-20R; Revised: 05/07/20

Page 3 of 47

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED MATERIALS / SPECIAL TOOLS:
•

42099FL030 Fuel Pipe Adapter: Connects directly to the
fuel pump outlet pipe at the fuel tank. Each retailer will be
receiving two (2) of these automatically when they become
available. Remove & discard the temporary plug before
use.

•

SOA635161 Hose Fuel: This is a commonly
available service part which can be used on all
affected vehicles. This adapts the incoming fuel
supply pipe and a section of bulk rubber fuel
line. Each retailer will be receiving two (2) of
these automatically when they become available. An additional fuel draining procedure will
be added to this bulletin once these parts are available at retailers. See APPENDIX A on
starting pg. 43 for more information.

•

42099CA010 (for Legacy and Outback) and
42099FL020 (for Ascent and Impreza) Fuel
Tank Caps: To be put back into the fuel
pump opening in the fuel tank after pump
removal. These caps will help contain fuel
odors and prevent contamination from
entering the tank while the pump assembly
is removed. Each retailer will be receiving
two (2) of each part number automatically
when they become available.

•

42099FL000 Ring Nut Wrench: Used to remove and install
the fuel pump assembly locking rings on Ascent
and Impreza. This is already a required essential Subaru
Special Service Tool.

•

18471AA000 Fuel Pipe Adapter: Used to drain fuel by
connecting one end to the supply pipe connector at the fuel
rail in the engine compartment and a length of bulk fuel hose
going to a safety gasoline container on the other. This tool is
already a required essential Subaru Special Service Tool and
will be only be needed when performing repairs if fuel
draining is required.

•

42099AE000 Release Tool: Used to disengage the fuel
pipe connector in the engine bay. This is already a required
essential Subaru Special Service Tool.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-20R; Revised: 05/07/20

Page 4 of 47

NOTE: These adapters are only necessary when there is a need to lower the fuel level in the fuel
tank:
• To drain fuel directly from the fuel pump outlet, use adapter 42099FL030.
•

To drain fuel from the fuel pipe hard line in the engine compartment, use adapter
SOA635161. See APPENDIX A starting on pg. 43 for more information.

•

To drain fuel from the fuel rail connection in the engine compartment, use adapter
18471AA000.

In addition, some or all of the following 3) three items are needed to
facilitate draining the fuel tank when required.:
• A readily available 5/16” barbed hose connecting nipple
•

A 5-foot section of bulk 5/16” rubber fuel hose

•

Two (2) small fuel line hose clamps.

IMPORTANT: A length of door edge guard, flexible tubing or heavy duty electrical tape to apply
around the fuel pump access opening to avoid cuts / abrasions from sharp edges is required for all
fuel pump replacement repairs.
SERVICE PROCEDURES / TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Carline

Begins on Page

Legacy / Outback

8

Impreza & Ascent TIPS

16

Impreza

20

Ascent

29

Service Procedure Information for ALL MODELS:
NOTE: The following information is intended to SUPPLEMENT the following and Service Manual
procedures.
VERY IMPORTANT: To avoid gasoline spillage, THIS PROCEDURE MUST BE
PERFORMED WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS AT OR BELOW 2/3 FULL. If
over 2/3 full, the tank will need to be drained to 2/3 or less before attempting to remove the complete
fuel pump assembly.
ALWAYS follow ALL the CAUTIONS and procedures for safely releasing fuel pressure and
draining fuel from the fuel tank as supplied in the applicable Service Manual.
ALWAYS remove the fuel filler cap to release any accumulated vapor pressure as a first step.
If draining fuel from the fuel tank is necessary, follow the applicable procedure this bulletin along
with “USING THE SELECT MONITOR” procedure in the applicable Service Manual.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-20R; Revised: 05/07/20

Page 5 of 47

When removing the rear seat cushion (all models
except Ascent), if the plastic retaining clips (a) (p.n.
64396KA010 for Legacy / Outback and 64333FJ000
for Impreza) in the floor come out, they become
one-time use items and MUST be replaced during
reassembly. When installing the seat cushion, always
confirm the seat belt buckles are returned to the proper
positions.
When removing the fuel pump access cover, there is a foam seal between the cover and the vehicle
body. Use CAUTION when removing the cover to not damage the foam seal. If found to be or if it
becomes damaged, the replacement seal part numbers are: 96077AJ00A for Legacy / Outback and
96077FL00A for Impreza and Ascent.
It cannot be stressed enough to have plenty of clean shop cloths and / or
absorbent pads available to use when removing the fuel line(s) from the fuel
pump. A small drip tray or pan is also recommended to use for catching any
dripping fuel when removing the fuel pump assembly from the tank.
IMPORTANT: When performing these procedures, shop cloths contaminated
with gasoline will be created. It is CRITICAL they be handled safely and
following proper disposal guidelines. Always store contaminated shop cloths in
an approved safety can as shown here.
After removing the rear seat cushion assembly and
the (main) fuel pump access cover, use a length
of small hose (sliced lengthwise), vinyl door edge
guard as shown here or electrical tape to cover the
edge of the access opening in the floor panel. This
will protect any removed fuel line(s) and Technician
hands from cuts or abrasions resulting from sharp
edges. The photo here shows the power harness
unplugged and shop cloths in place to absorb
residual fuel that may remain in the lines after
removal from the pump assembly. CAREFULLY
release the retaining clip(s) with a small flat-blade screwdriver, put a cloth over the connection and
remove the line(s). Immediately install the plug(s) provided in the replacement fuel pump kits into
the removed line(s) to avoid any spillage. This will help reduce the chances of post-repair customer
concerns of fuel odor inside the cabin.
On Legacy and Outback models, use a small container or magnetic dish to keep all the retaining ring
nuts together while the pump assembly is removed.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-20R; Revised: 05/07/20

Page 6 of 47

Have a small fuel-safe drain pan in place to catch any spilled fuel as the pump assembly is
CAREFULLY lifted out of the fuel tank. If available, use a vacuum bleeder with a collection
reservoir and hose to draw some of the stored fuel out of the fuel chamber surrounding the pump and
filter to help avoid spillage. NOTE: On Ascent, there is a jet pump fuel tube attached to the lower
portion of the fuel pump assembly as shown below, right which must also be removed before the
pump assembly can be completely removed from the vehicle. Release the retaining clip with a small
flat-blade screwdriver and remove the line but, secure the line with electrical tape or Mechanic’s wire
to keep it from falling into the tank once it is removed. If not secured, it will fall into the tank and
have to be “fished” out prior to reinstalling the pump assembly.

IMPORTANT: After the pump assembly is removed, ALWAYS install the applicable fuel tank
cap (plug) as shown below or, cover the fuel tank opening with shop cloths or a fender cover (or
an equivalent) to keep fuel odors from accumulating inside the cabin. These tools are not required
when replacing the complete fuel pump assembly due to the very short time the tank will be open to
complete the repair.
IMPREZA / ASCENT

LEGACY / OUTBACK

LEGACY / OUTBACK 2.5 & 3.6L PUMP

NOTE: When searching STIS for the applicable
Service Manual procedures for reference, select Fuel
Filter REMOVAL to get the detailed procedure for
separating the pump / filter sock assembly from the
complete fuel pump assembly. Fuel Filter removal
is NOT required to complete this procedure. The
replacement pumps come with a new filter sock
already in place as shown here.
IMPREZA / ASCENT PUMP

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-20R; Revised: 05/07/20

Page 7 of 47

For this recall, the 2-wire (Blue / Black) fuel pump wiring harness
indicated as 1-time use in the Service Manual is reused but,
should be inspected for damage or any evidence of overheating
(discoloration of connectors, etc.). It easily unplugs from the fuel
pump.

When reinstalling the thinner (Black / Red) fuel sender wires into the
2 retaining clips, they go into the clips first and are held in place by the
thicker fuel pump harness wires.

FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT for 2019MY LEGACY and OUTBACK 2.5 and 3.6L Models:

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS:
•

Place “NO OPEN FLAMES” signs near the working area.

•

Be careful not to spill any fuel, especially when working inside the vehicle.

•

Catch any leaking fuel from the removed fuel tube(s) using a small drain pan or cloths.

•

If the fuel level in the tank is 2/3 full or more, drain the fuel to below 2/3 full before starting
this procedure to avoid spilling any fuel.

•

To prevent static electricity discharge / spark, always discharge any static electricity before
starting this procedure using an anti-static cord and / or touching a grounded metal part of the
vehicle body (e.g. door striker).

•

Insure there is plenty of ventilation by opening windows of the vehicle and the service area.

•

ALWAYS remove the fuel cap to release any accumulated evaporative / vapor pressure.

As mentioned earlier, select Fuel Filter REMOVAL in the applicable Service Manaual to get the
complete, detailed procedure for separating the fuel pump / filter sock from the complete fuel pump
assembly. The following instructions will follow the Service Manual with additional photos to help
clarify the step where applicable.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRD-20R; Revised: 05/07/20

Page 8 of 47

1. Park the vehicle where the work will be performed. Release the fuel pressure:
•

Locate and remove the fuel pump fuse in the under-hood fuse box (M/B).

•