using all the new gaskets and hardware
supplied in the kit.

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 EPF reassembly in reverse order of removal.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21

Page 6 of 14

NOTE: The adhesive used for securing the fiberglass heat insulation pads 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

INSPECTION ONLY - AFTERMARKET EX HEADER

A129-008

0.2

EPF ASSEMBLY R&R INCLUDES: TRANSFER OF ALL METAL HEAT SHIELDS. INCLUDES
INSTALLATION OF ALL NEW INSULATION PADS

A122-951

0.7

EPF ASSEMBLY R&R INCLUDES: ALL THE ABOVE COMBINED WITH THE INSTALLATION
OF AT LEAST ONE OR MORE NEW METAL HEAT SHIELDS*

A122-953

0.8

Fail
Code

Claim
Type

WUJ-95

RC

*NOTE: This operation may only be used when replacement of one or more new metal heat shield
(not to be confused with the white insulation pads) is needed to complete the campaign.
REMINDER: All the white fiberglass heat insulation pads included in the EPF kit are required to be
replaced during reassembly of the new EPF.
Additional WUJ-95 Claim Submission Information
Description

Part Number

Application

CAL Spec. (PZEV) EPF Kit

SOA635156

CAL Spec. PZEV Vehicles

FED Spec. EPF Kit

SOA635157

FED Spec. Vehicles

Insulation Pad Adhesive

SOA635314

Both FED and CAL Spec. Vehicles**

Replacement Heat Shields and Insulation Pads

Order individually per VIN and EPC

Both FED and CAL Spec. Vehicles**

**NOTE: Replacement Shields, Pads & Adhesive can be claimed with A122-953 ONLY.

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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21

Page 7 of 14

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-95R Revised: 07/30/21

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“APPENDIX A”: Additional Helpful Hints
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
9 ALWAYS wear eye protection!
9 The EPF heat shields are stamped stainless steel and have MANY sharp edges. Always use CAUTION to avoid nicks, cuts and scrapes.
•

When disassembling the heat shields from the original EPF, pay close attention to the two
shields with retaining studs made onto them instead of nuts / bolt fasteners. TAKE YOUR
TIME with these to avoid having to replace the shield(s) due to a broken stud. Use a
wire brush to clean the stud threads along with a touch of lubricant before reassembly is
recommended.

•

Take a minute to test fit the shields covering the catalytic converter section to the new EPF.
The photo sequence below shows one of the original EPF’s outlet flange studs having clearance
between it and the converter shield mounting bracket. The same stud on the new EPF is shown
pushing against the edge of the bracket. This caused a mis-alignment of the shield mounting
bolt hole and corresponding bracket bolt hole. Some VERY CAREFUL manipulation of the
mounting bracket restored the proper bolt hole alignment.

Clearance
Mis-Alignment
NO Clearance,
Stud is Pushing
on the Bracket

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21

Page 9 of 14

•

Some reports have been received regarding the mounting bracket tabs as pictured below.
Occasionally, the fastener holes in the bracket are not fully aligned with the holes in the center
exhaust pipe mounting flange. The pictures show one of the center exhaust pipe mounting
studs displacing the bracket tab. If this happens, it may cause the bolt hole for the converter
shield to become mis-aligned (or, it may have no effect at all). This condition MAY require
some VERY CAREFUL manipulation of the mounting bracket to re-align it with the
converter shield bolt hole.

•

Using a pair of needle nose pliers to squeeze the new
clamps for the small shields at the flanges together will
help make getting the bolts started much easier and avoid
cross-threading.

•

When reinstalling the A/F Sensors, NEVER apply anti-sieze
compound on the threads.

•

BEFORE installing the shields onto the new EPF, confirm
the new EPF fits into place on the cylinder head exhaust studs
properly WITHOUT any prying or other manipulation.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21

Page 10 of 14

•

TAKING YOUR TIME when refitting the shields is CRITICAL for a successful repair. As
the original shields are removed, take note (or photos) of how they are stacked together, especially in the middle of the EPF. Numbering the shields with a marker on both sides of a seam
can help too. There will be witness marks left behind on some of them to provide insight to
the order they go together and what should be on top or underneath of what. A routiene will
develop over time as more and more vehicles are repaired. As an example, in the photo below,
there are four thicknesses of heat shield here being held together by these two bolts.

TIPS:
• Using a tapered center punch (or equivalent) as an
alignment tool in the shield bolt holes will make
installing the bolts easier.
•

As the new hardware is installed, leave the nuts
loose until all the shields are in place. This makes
proper shield alignment easier.

•

VERY IMPORTANT: After all the shields
have been reinstalled, torque the nuts to 13 Nm
(9.6 ft. lbs.) EXCEPT for the two on the driver’s side shield shown in the photo below. This
shield covers the bellows section of the EPF and if tightened, the dimension of the bellows may
be changed enough to keep the EPF assembly from fitting back onto the exhaust studs properly.

Bellows
Section

•

Install the EPF assembly and torque the six cylinder head flange nuts to 30 Nm (22.1 ft. lbs.)
THEN tighten the last 2 heat shield bolts shown above to 13 Nm (9.6 ft. lbs.).

•

Re-connect the A/F sensor connectors.

•

Reinstall the center exhaust pipe with the new gaskets supplied in the kit in reverse order of
removal.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21

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“APPENDIX B”: EPF Nut / Stud Removal Concerns
In response to reports of the cylinder head studs
coming out when removing the six (6) EPF
retaining nuts, the following TIPS will provide
helpful solutions:
CAUTION: ALWAYS wear eye protection
whenever working with aerosol sprays, wire
brushes, corroded parts, inductive tools or gas
torches.

•

It is STRONGLY recommended to not attempt removal of these nuts with the engine hot.
Always allow the engine to adequately cool before proceeding.

•

Apply a penetrant (e.g. PB Blaster or equivalent) to the nuts while the engine is cooling.

•

Use a small wire brush after applying the penetrant to remove any loose rust from the studs
where they extend past the top of the retaining nuts. Re-apply the penetrant as needed.

•

Use 6-point sockets ONLY (sockets with “flank-drive” are preferred) to remove the
retaining nuts and prevent rounding. Applying a small amount of valve grinding compound
to the flats of the retaining nuts can also help prevent rounding them and add some extra grip
for the socket.

•

USE HAND TOOLS ONLY to break the retaining nuts loose then add penetrant, work them
back and forth, add penetrant and repeat until removed.

•

As a last resort, CAREFUL use of auxiliary heat can be used. Use of inductive tools is
recommended when heating is required as opposed to tools using open flame but, either
method may be used successfully and safely based on the Technicians experience level.

If the stud comes out of the head:
•

Use two (2) of the “old” (removed previously) flanged
EPF nuts tightened together flange to flange as shown to
act as jam nuts on the head side of the stud threads.

•

Clamp the stud in a vise, by the jam nuts to protect the
stud threads as shown in the example photo here.

•

Heat the seized nut as necessary
to free it up then CAREFULLY
remove using hand tools and penetrant.

•

Use a thread chaser to repair the threads if necessary.

•

Reinstall the stud into the cylinder head.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WUJ-95R Revised: 07/30/21

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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-95R Revised: 07/30/21

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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-95R Revised: 07/30/21

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