ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

q

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

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2017-19MY Impreza
2018-19MY Crosstrek

NUMBER: WUQ-02R
NHTSA ID: 19V-743

Ignition Coil Short Circuit

DATE: 10/22/19
REVISED: 04/23/21

UPDATE April 23, 2021:
•

This recall (WUQ-02) has been expired and superseded to the WRE-21
Ignition Coil Replacement safety recall.

•

On April 23, 2021, any open WUQ-02 recall coverage was expired in
SOA’s system.

•

All vehicles affected by the WUQ-02 recall must return to complete the
WRE-21 recall repair, even if the WUQ-02 recall repair was completed.

•

Please refer to the WRE-21 Product Campaign Bulletin for more detail.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 model year Impreza and 2018-2019
Crosstrek vehicles due to improper Engine Control Module (ECM) programming. A total of 466,205
U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
Model Year

Carline

Production Date Range

2017-2019

Impreza 4D

7/01/2016 - 6/17/2019

2017-2019

Impreza 5D

7/01/2016 – 6/17/2019

2018-2019

Crosstrek

5/09/17 – 5/08/2019

Not all vehicles in the production range listed above are affected by this recall. Coverage must be
confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair.
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: WUQ-02R; Revised: 04/23/21

Page 1 of 8

REASON FOR THIS RECALL:
Under certain circumstances, the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine
is OFF. If the ignition coil remains energized for too long, the internal temperature of ignition coil
may increase which could cause a short circuit and a blown fuse. If a short circuit occurs while the
vehicle is in motion, the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power while driving without the
ability to immediately restart the engine.
SAFETY RISK:
If a short circuit in the ignition coil occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle may experience
a loss of motive power while driving without the ability to immediately restart the engine, increasing
the risk of a crash.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REMEDY:
For all the potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will reprogram the ECM and inspect the
ignition coil at no cost. If ignition coil damage is found, the damaged ignition coil will be replaced
with a new part at no cost. On vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage, if a certain DTC is
stored, Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe at no cost.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:
Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Owners with a valid
email address on file will also be notified by email. Retailers will be advised when the notification is
scheduled.
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 follow the applicable service procedures, to correct all affected vehicles in
their inventory (used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, 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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUQ-02R; Revised: 04/23/21

Page 2 of 8

PACK FILE APPLICABILITY:
PAK File Name

New ECM Part
Number

Old ECM Part
Numbers

Decryption
Keyword

New CID
Number

2017-18MY Impreza MT w/ AGS

22765AJ59J.pak

22765AJ59H

22765AJ59 A, B, C,
D, E, F, G & H

6C42F7AA

XH3J2C0C

2017MY Impreza CVT w/ AGS

22765AJ60H.pak

22765AJ60H

22765AJ60A, B, C,
D, E, F & G

2D10095A

XH3J2BOD

2017-18MY Impreza MT w/o AGS

22765AK61H.pak

22765AK61H

22765AK61 A, B, C,
D, E, F & G

1A140CF2

XH3J2B0A

2017-18MY Impreza CVT w/o AGS

22765AL71H.pak

22765AL71H

22765AL71 A, B, C,
D, E, F & G

8B9CB1DB

XH3J2B0B

2018MY Impreza CVT w/ AGS

22765AM28G.pak

22765AM28F

22765AM28A, B, C,
D, E & F

20A2B49B

XH3J9A0D

2018MY Crosstrek 6MT

22765AJ615.pak

22765AJ615

22765AJ610, 11,
12, 13 & 14

8B8D6153

XH3J2B0E

2018MY Crosstrek CVT

22765AJ626.pak

22765AJ625

22765AJ620, 21,
22, 23, 24 & 25

98238F2B

XH3J2C0F

2019MY Impreza 5MT w/o AGS

22765AM65E.pak

22765AM65D

22765AM65A, B,
C&D

38657746

XH3N600A

2019MY Impreza CVT

22765AM67D.pak

22765AM67D

22765AM67A,B
&C

2E8AC82A

XH3N500B

2019MY Impreza 5MT w/AGS

22765AM64D.pak

22765AM64D

22765AM64A,B
&C

A8239A37

XH3N500C

2019MY Impreza CVT w/AGS

22765AM66D.pak

22765AM66D

22765AM66A, B
&C

3C8E9D2E

XH3N500D

2019MY Crosstrek 6MT w/ AGS

22765AM813.pak

22765AM813

22765AM810, 811
& 812

590F86B2

XH3N500E

2019MY Crosstrek CVT

22765AM823.pak

22765AM823

22765AM820, 21
& 22

AECDC448

XH3N500F

Model

PART INFORMATION:
Description

Part Number

COIL AY IGNITION

22433AA741

REMINDER: If ignition coil replacement is necessary (rare case), always order the most up-to-date
part number(s) based on the specific VIN being repaired.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The procedure involves checking the Calibration ID of the ECM and if necessary, inspecting the four
(4) ignition coils on all affected vehicles. If not already installed, reprograming the ECM with the
latest logic following the normal FlashWrite/SSM procedure is also required. Any ignition coil(s)
found to be damaged during inspection (rare case) must be replaced. If the ignition coil damage is
accompanied by certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), the exhaust pipe front (EPF) may also
require replacement.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUQ-02R; Revised: 04/23/21

Page 3 of 8

The following Flow Chart is provided as an overview of the procedures required to perform this
Recall. A detailed Service Procedure is also supplied below.
WUQ-02 Service Procedure Flow Chart

Step 1: Connect the SSM and perform a Calibration ID (CID) check to determine if the latest logic is
already installed.
YES: STOP. Procedure is complete. Proceed to the CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY
PROCEDURES section.
NO: Proceed to Step 2.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUQ-02R; Revised: 04/23/21

Page 4 of 8

Step 2: Does the engine start normally?
NO: The engine does not start normally: Proceed to Step 3 and inspect Fuse 21.
YES: The engine starts normally: Proceed to Step 4 and inspect (Do NOT remove) all 4 of
the ignition coils closely.
Step 3: Remove the lid from the under-hood Main Fuse Box
(M/B) and inspect Fuse 21. Is Fuse 21 blown?
NO: Diagnose the hard / no start according to the
applicable Service Manual. Proceed to Step 4.
YES: Proceed to Step 4 and inspect all 4 of the
ignition coils closely.
Step 4: Inspect all 4 ignition coils CLOSELY for any damage, cracking, fissures, etc. Coil removal
is NOT necessary as any damage will be external. Were any cracks, fissures or other damage found
on any of the 4 ignition coils?

OK

Cracks and Fissure

NG

YES: Replace any damaged coil(s) (rare case) following the procedure in the applicable
Service Manual then proceed to Step 5 and using the SSM, check for any stored DTCs.
NO: Proceed to Step 6 and reprogram the ECM following the normal FlashWrite procedure.
Step 5: When performing the DTC check, are any DTCs, P0301, 2, 3 or 4: Cylinder Misfire Detected
or P0420: for Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1 stored in memory?
NO: None of the listed DTCs are stored. Replace ONLY any damaged ignition coils and
Fuse 21 (if blown) in the M/B. When complete, proceed to Step 6 and reprogram the ECM
following the normal FlashWrite procedure.
YES: One or more of the listed DTCs are current or in history. Replace any damaged
ignition coils, Fuse 21 (if blown) in the M/B and the EPF assembly following the procedure
in the applicable Service Manual. When completed, proceed to Step 6 and reprogram the
ECM following the normal FlashWrite procedure.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUQ-02R; Revised: 04/23/21

Page 5 of 8

Step 6: Reprogram the ECM following the normal FlashWrite procedure. Subaru of America, Inc.
(SOA) highly recommends connecting either the Subaru Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic
Charging System or the Subaru Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and
utilizing the Power Supply Mode feature anytime a vehicle control module is being reprogrammed.
Once the Midtronics charger is connected to the vehicle, if the battery is fully charged, it takes less
than three (3) minutes to boot-up the charger, select the Power Supply Mode, and have the battery
voltage stabilized and ready for reprogramming.
NOTES:
• For instructions on using the power supply mode, reference the applicable User Manual for
the Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System and the Midtronics GR81100 Diagnostic Battery Charger on STIS.
•

Confirm all electrical loads such as lights, audio, HVAC, seat heaters, and rear defroster are
all switched OFF before setting up the charger for Power Supply Mode.

•

Select the correct battery type (Flooded, EFB, Gel, AGM or AGM Spiral).

•

Input the CCA which matches the vehicle’s battery. NOTE: OE and replacement batteries
have different CCA ratings. Always confirm the battery’s CCA rating before proceeding.

•

If using a DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System, set the power supply voltage to
13.5 volts.

•

DO NOT connect the DST-i or SDI until the Power Supply mode function has completed its
battery test mode and the Charging Voltage has dropped to and shows a steady 13.5 Volts on
the display.

•

Once Power Supply Mode reaches a steady 13.5 volts, connect the DST-i or SDI to the OBD
connector and proceed with initiating the normal FlashWrite reprogramming process.

•

Amperage will fluctuate based upon the vehicle’s demand for power. NOTE: If the
voltage rises beyond 14V while programming is in process, the procedure will abort.
This can indicate a need to test or charge the vehicle battery before any further attempt at
programming is made.

VERY IMPORTANT:
This information is applicable to the Subaru Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging
System and the Subaru Midtronics GR8-1100 Diagnostic Battery Charger ONLY. It does not apply
to any other brand / type of “generic” battery charger whatsoever. ONLY the DCA-8000 and the
GR8-1100 and their Power Supply Mode feature have been tested and approved by SOA.
REMINDER: If the DCA-8000 or GR8-1100 indicates the vehicle’s battery must be charged, charge
the battery fully before proceeding to reprogram the vehicle while using the Power Supply Mode.
NOTE: Control module failures resulting from battery discharge during reprogramming are not a
matter for warranty. Should any DTCs reset after the reprogramming update is performed, diagnose
per the procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUQ-02R; Revised: 04/23/21

Page 6 of 8

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

WUQ-02

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUQ-02R; Revised: 04/23/21

Page 7 of 8

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

ECM CALIBRATION ID (CID) CHECK ONLY

A181-310

0.2

IGNITION COIL INSPECTION AND ECM REPROGRAMMING

A181-311

0.5

IGNITION COIL INSPECTION, COIL REPLACEMENT, (ONE OR ALL), DTC
CHECK, AND ECM REPROGRAMMING

A181-312

1.0

IGNITION COIL INSPECTION, COIL REPLACEMENT, (ONE OR ALL), DTC
CHECK, EPF REPLACEMENT AND ECM REPROGRAMMING

A181-313

2.5

Fail Code

Claim Type

WUQ-02

RC

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: WUQ-02R; Revised: 04/23/21

Page 8 of 8