ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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CLAIMS PERSONNEL

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

SERVICE MANAGER

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© 2021 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE PROGRAM BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

2019MY Ascent

NUMBER: WRK-20

Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pipe Replacement

DATE: 01/18/21

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to replace the air conditioning pipe in
certain 2019 model year Ascent vehicles.
REASON FOR THIS SERVICE PROGRAM:
The sealing surface of the air conditioning pipe in the affected vehicles may be too rough, which may
allow refrigerant to leak out. If this condition exists, the air conditioning system may not provide
sufficient cooling.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
The number of U.S. vehicles included in this service program is 11,257.
Not all vehicles listed below are included in this service program. Coverage for all affected
vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com. This
information is now available.
Model Year

Carline

Production Range

2019

Ascent

January 4, 2019 – March 8, 2019

DESCRIPTION OF THE REPAIR:
Subaru retailers will replace the air conditioning pipe in affected vehicles at no charge to the
customers.
RETAILER RESPONSIBILITY:
Any vehicles listed in any recall or 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 Bulletin.

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: WRK-20 ; Date: 01/18/21

Page 1 of 6

Retailers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures, to correct all affected vehicles in
their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this service
program is taken into inventory or in for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the repair
has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:
Owner notification letters will be mailed on February 8, 2021. Retailers will be notified when owner
notification begins.
PART INFORMATION:
Description

Part Number

Qty. Req’d.

PIPE- EVAPORATIVE COOLING

73431XC00A

1

O-Ring Inst Kit

SOA635162

1

Application
Ascent

NOTE: These part numbers can ONLY be ordered through PRIME. The o-ring kits may include
o-rings not required to complete the repair as in some cases, the replacement pipe may have new
o-rings already installed.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
The sealing capability of the pressure switch connector on the metal high-pressure refrigerant pipe
may have been compromised during manufacture resulting in a refrigerant leak and unsatisfactory
cooling performance of the A/C system. The switch connector is a component of the high-pressure
pipe assembly as shown in the illustrations below. This service program involves replacement of the
pipe assembly.

REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The service procedures for replacing the A/C pressure pipe 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, every time. This includes but is not limited to important SAFETY precautions, proper
inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required processes and related one-time-use parts (e.g. the
a/c pipe o-rings) needed for a complete and lasting repair.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRK-20 ; Date: 01/18/21

Page 2 of 6

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS AND HELPFUL TIPS:
•

On AUTO A/C equipped models, NEVER run the engine whenever the A/C system is
discharged. Doing so WILL damage the variable-displacement compressor assembly requiring
replacement.

•

Always follow the proper procedures when disconnecting and reconnecting the battery sensor.

•

BE CAREFUL when releasing the retaining clips securing the A/C Cooling Pipe to the vehicle.
Any damaged clips MUST be replaced.

•

CAREFULLY release wiring harness connectors as necessary to gain access. Always handle
loose wiring harnesses with care and confirm their connectors are fully locked in place at
reassembly.

•

Depending on the vehicle, one or both special quick-connector release tools will be required:
•

73499XA00A

•

73499XA01A

When using the quick connector release tools, always follow the Service Manual instructions
CAREFULLY to avoid damaging them.
•

Always use plastic plugs or electrical tape to cover A/C component connections open to the
atmosphere while performing related repair operations to prevent the system from attracting
moisture or debris. Minimize the time the system is open to the atmosphere as much as possible.

•

Always lubricate new o-rings with the specified compressor oil prior to reassembly.

•

During reassembly, always replace any compressor oil lost when removing the old pipe.

•

Use extra caution to avoid bending the new pipe during installation.

•

Once the new pipe is in place, inspect closely to confirm no other components are contacting it
and it is properly secured with all the retaining clips. Any damaged clips MUST be replaced.

•

NEVER exceed the specified torque values when tightening the pipe and hose connection bolts.

•

Where applicable, always confirm the cooling system is refilled properly, purged of all trapped air
and that the cooling fans cycle normally.

NOTE: Pressure readings along with ambient and vent outlet temperatures should be noted on the
Repair Order as part of the post-repair performance test required to confirm a sound repair.
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

Fail Code

WRK-20 A/C COOLING PIPE REPLACEMENT- ASCENT**

A101-521

2.1

WRK-20

** Includes Evacuate and recharging the A/C system
Bulletin Number: WRK-20 ; Date: 01/18/21

Continued...
Page 3 of 6

SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL:

WRK-20

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: WRK-20 ; Date: 01/18/21

Page 4 of 6

This notice applies to the VIN identified in
the address section printed below

Subaru Service Program WRK-20
February 2021

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 of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to replace the air conditioning pipe in certain
2019 model year Ascent vehicles. Our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
REASON FOR THIS SERVICE PROGRAM
The sealing surface of the air conditioning pipe in your vehicle may be too rough, which may allow refrigerant to
leak out. If this condition exists, the air conditioning system may not provide sufficient cooling.
WHAT SUBARU WILL DO
Subaru will replace the air conditioning pipe in your vehicle at no cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have this repair performed, free of charge.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The actual time to perform this repair is less than 2½ hours. However, 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
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 Quick Links menu.
IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR A REPAIR
If you have already paid for repairs associated with this coverage, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement consideration will be based on the amount an authorized Subaru retailer in your area would charge
for the same repair.
Please send the original service repair order, which has the name of the repair facility, date of repair, mileage at
the time of repair, complete 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), and your name, with correct mailing address and telephone number to the address listed below.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRK-20 ; Date: 01/18/21

Page 5 of 6

Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Advocacy Department, Attention: WRK-20 Service Program
P.O. Box 9103, Camden, NJ 08101-9877
Please send original receipts only and retain a photocopy for your records. Please be assured that we will
attempt to process your reimbursement request as quickly as possible, but it may take up to 60 days for this
process to be completed.
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, please go to: http://www.wrk20.service-campaign.com.
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
•

By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com 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 Advocacy 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 possible.

Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.

a subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION

Bulletin Number: WRK-20 ; Date: 01/18/21

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