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
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SERVICE MANAGER

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

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2020-22MY Legacy / Outback, Forester,
& Ascent

NUMBER: 12-323-21
DATE:

08/02/21

Water Intrusion / Door(s) Area

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin announces the service procedure for addressing possible water entry into the interior
from the door(s) area. There are TWO scenarios described in the Service Procedure section below
which may cause this condition.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION:
The following procedures apply ONLY to the effected vehicles produced prior to the following VIN
information listed below.
Vapor Barrier Leak / Scenario #1
Model

Prior to VIN

Ascent

M3448319

Legacy

M3019655

Outback

M3212848

Forester

M*475395

Seam Sealer Void / Scenario #2
Model

Prior to VIN

Outback

N3108382

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: 12-323-21; Date: 08/02/21

Page 1 of 8

PART INFORMATION:

These products are available from most Auto Body supply outlets and / or online resources.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

Review the following TWO scenarios closely to ensure understanding of the applicable
Service Procedure before proceeding.

•

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the applicable sealer.

Scenario #1 – Vapor barrier not sealing properly, allowing water into the cabin area.
Model Applicability:
•

Ascent

•

Legacy

•

Outback

•

Forester

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-323-21; Date: 08/02/21

Page 2 of 8

STEP 1) Perform water leak testing to confirm which door(s) are allowing water intrusion.

NOTE: Water flow into the door cavity from outside the vehicle is expected but,

when water enters the passenger cabin it is not as expected.
STEP 2)

Refer to the applicable Service Manual and review: General Description > Repair
Contents > Actions Required before & after Battery Disconnect. Additionally, record any
seat position and power rear gate memory prior to beginning the service procedure.
ALWAYS be sure to relearn any customer settings after work has been performed.

STEP 3)

Disconnect the ground cable from the battery sensor while supporting the sensor with the
other hand.

STEP 4)

CAREFULLY remove the affected door trim: Body & Electrical/WIRING SYSTEM >
EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM > Door Trim.

STEP 5)

CAREFULLY separate the affected section vapor barrier sealing cover. Inspect the butyl
tape-to-cover areas for any voids or poor contact areas.

EXAMPLES:

Butyl Tape Void

Butyl Tape Poor
Contact / Separation

NOTE: There is no need to fully remove the vapor barrier. DO NOT replace the vapor barrier
sealing cover unless it is torn.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-323-21; Date: 08/02/21

Page 3 of 8

STEP 5)

Protect any electrical connectors in the area with tape to ensure they do not come within
contact with the butyl tape. Blue (easy to remove) Painter’s tape was used in the
photo below.

STEP 6)

Locate the affected areas and CAREFULLY peel back the vapor barrier from the door
body. A razor knife or similar cutting tool may be used to CAREFULLY cut the center
of the butyl tape to prevent stretching the vapor barrier material and avoid scratching the
painted metal surface. BE CAREFUL not to damage any painted metal surfaces
or the vapor barrier during this process.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-323-21; Date: 08/02/21

Page 4 of 8

STEP 7)

Temporarily secure the vapor barrier using masking tape to allow plenty of room to work
while repairing the butyl tape sealer.

Example of Butyl Tape Void

STEP 8)

Check the door water drains for clogging. Remove any debris if found. Confirm water
flows through the drains easily.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-323-21; Date: 08/02/21

Page 5 of 8

STEP 9)

When voids in butyl tape coverage are found, clean affected areas of the body with
Subaru Brake Cleaner (SOA868V9117 or equivalent) on a dampened paper towel.
DO NOT use any cloth containing fibers as it will contaminate the butyl tape. Allow
the area to thoroughly dry. Apply the butyl tape to the affected areas. Press firmly
on the ribbon backing when applying. Peel away the ribbon backing and reinstall the
vapor barrier section.

STEP 10) Firmly press the outside of the vapor barrier against the new and existing butyl tape

ensuring there is good contact. Be sure there is sufficient contact in ALL areas.

STEP 11) CAREFULLY reinstall the door trim in reverse order of removal: Body & Electrical/

WIRING SYSTEM > EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM > Door Trim.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When reconnecting the ground cable terminal to the battery
sensor, torque to 7.5Nm (5.5ft.-lbs. or 66inch-lbs.) while supporting the sensor
with the other hand as outlined in the applicable Service Manual under:
STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS > Battery Sensor.

STEP 12) ALWAYS reset all previously recorded customer settings. Refer to the applicable Service

Manual and review: General Description > Repair Contents > Actions Required before &

after Battery Disconnect.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 12-323-21; Date: 08/02/21

Page 6 of 8

Scenario #2 – Seam sealer void identified near the front door speaker area as shown below.
Model Applicability:
•

Outback

STEP 1)

Perform water leak testing to confirm which door(s) are allowing water intrusion.
NOTE: Water flow into the door cavity from outside the vehicle is expected but,
when water enters the passenger cabin it is not as expected.

STEP 2)

Refer to the applicable Service Manual and review: General Description > Repair
Contents > Actions Required before & after Battery Disconnect. Additionally, record any
seat position and power rear gate memory prior to beginning the service
procedure. ALWAYS relearn any customer settings after work has been performed.

STEP 3)

Disconnect the ground cable from the battery sensor while supporting the sensor with the
other hand.

STEP 4)

CAREFULLY remove the affected door trim: Body & Electrical/WIRING SYSTEM >
EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM > Door Trim.

STEP 5)

Remove all moisture, clean affected area with Subaru Brake Cleaner (SOA868V9117 or
equivalent) applied to a clean shop cloth and allow to thoroughly dry.

STEP 6)

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, CAREFULLY apply the recommended seam
sealer to affected area and allow to dry.

STEP 7)

CAREFULLY reinstall all components in reverse order of removal.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Whenever reconnecting the ground cable terminal to the battery
sensor, torque to 7.5Nm (5.5ft.-lbs. or 66inch-lbs.) while supporting the sensor with the
other hand as outlined in the applicable Service Manual under: STARTING/CHARGING
SYSTEMS > Battery Sensor.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 12-323-21; Date: 08/02/21

Page 7 of 8

STEP 8)

ALWAYS reset all previously recorded customer settings. Refer to the applicable Service
Manual and review: General Description > Repair Contents > Actions Required before &
after Battery Disconnect.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be submitted using
the following claim information:
Labor Description

Labor Operation #

Labor Time

Fail Code

DOOR SEALING COVER REPAIR

B912-308

0.6

EACH ADDITIONAL SEALING COVER REPAIR

C912-305

0.4

LEFT FRONT DOOR SEAM SEALER REPAIR

A912-312

0.5

OAX-35

RIGHT FRONT DOOR SEAM SEALER REPAIR

A912-313

0.5

OBA-35

BOTH FRONT DOOR SEAM SEALER REPAIRS

A912-315

0.8

OCJ-35

YMK-35

NOTE: Up to $5.00 maximum may be charged out per scenario repair in sublet to cover the cost of
the sealing materials used.

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: 12-323-21; Date: 08/02/21

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