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:

2017-18MY Forester

NUMBER: WRB-21R

Corrosion of the Air Conditioning Condenser

DATE: 02/17/21
REVISED: 11/11/21

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service
program to check and, if necessary, replace the air conditioning condenser assembly in certain 2017
and 2018 model year Forester vehicles.
REASON FOR THIS SERVICE PROGRAM:
Certain air conditioning condenser assemblies installed in the vehicles covered by this service
program may be prone to corrosion within the condenser tube walls. If such corrosion develops, the
air conditioning refrigerant may leak out and the air conditioning system may not provide sufficient
cooling.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
The number of U.S. vehicles included in this service program is 207,386.
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 Years

Carline

Production Date Range

2017 - 2018

Forester

March 23, 2016 – September 1, 2017

DESCRIPTION OF THE REPAIR:
Subaru retailers will check the part number of the air conditioner condenser assembly in the vehicles
covered by this service program. If the part number of the condenser in the vehicle is 73210SG010,
the condenser will be replaced at no cost to the customer.
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: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 1 of 10

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
campaign 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 in March 2021. Retailers will be notified when owner
notification begins.
PART INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specific VIN being
repaired.
Description

Orderable Part Number

Claim Part Number

Claim Quantity

n/a

1

73219SG01A

A/C Condenser Kit

SOA635164

R-134A Refrigerant

SOA868V9310

SOA635015

1 (pound)

Refrigerant Oil

SOA868V9800*

SOA635323

1 (per repair)

* Qty. 1 of SOA868V9800 is 1- 8.45oz. can (6 repairs per can).

NOTES:
• Both A/C Condenser Kits include the new condenser assembly along with the two (2)
required one-time use o-rings. The o-rings will be packaged in a small plastic bag and taped
to the cardboard liner inside the box as shown in the photos below. The o-ring packaging
may vary by A/C Condenser kit.
•

When ordering a 73219SG01A kit, a SOA635164 kit may be supplied. Both part numbers
are interchangeable.

•

These A/C Condenser kits MUST be ordered through PRIME.

or

Mounting Hardware
Description

Part Number

WRB21 Nut Plate M6

902460010

Bolt

904586001

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 2 of 10

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
Step 1: Determine whether or not the A/C Condenser in the vehicle is affected by this service
program by verifying the part number of the currently installed part:
•

•

•

Remove the 2 retaining clips and the air intake duct to gain access to the part number label.

Confirm the A/C condenser assembly part number on the label as shown below.

Is the A/C Condenser part number 73210SG010? (Refer to table below.)
YES: This A/C condenser IS affected and must be replaced. Proceed to STEP 2.
NO: A/C Condensers with part numbers 73210SG011, 73219SG000 or a BLACK
MARK as shown in the table below are the latest versions and DO NOT require
replacement. Reinstall the air intake duct in reverse order of removal, proceed to the
Claim Reimbursement and Entry Procedures section and process a claim for Part
Number Inspection Only.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 3 of 10

STEP 2: A/C Condenser assembly replacement:
•

Connect the A/C servicing equipment and recover the refrigerant from the system.
REMINDER: Any recovered refrigerant is to be recycled and reused whenever possible.

•

Remove the coolant reservoir tank.

STEP 3: After removing the retaining clips, remove the grille bracket.

STEP 4: Remove the bolts securing the piping to the A/C Condenser assembly.

IMPORTANT: Using the proper size plastic plug or electrical tape, seal the ends of the removed
pipes to prevent foreign matter and moisture from entering the “opened” A/C system.
STEP 5: Remove the bolts securing the two (2) upper radiator support brackets.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 4 of 10

STEP 6: Remove the two (2) retaining bolts from the bottom of the A/C Condenser using Special
Tool 73099SG000 as shown in Step 10.
STEP 7: CAREFULLY lift the A/C Condenser out while using CAUTION to not damage the
radiator fins. Any damaged / bent fins should be CAREFULLY straightened using a small flat head
screwdriver or a radiator fin comb tool.
STEP 8: Add 40cc of refrigerant oil to the new A/C condenser
using the suction pipe connection point as shown.
STEP 9: Fit the new o-rings to the piping connection points.
REMINDER: Always lubricate the new o-rings with refrigerant oil.
STEP 10: Reassemble in reverse order of removal.
NOTE: Use Special Tool 73099SG000 to properly tighten and torque
the two (2) bottom A/C Condenser bolts.
IMPORTANT CAUTION:
In some rare cases, the mounting hardware for the radiator can become corroded. This may cause
damage to the mounting hardware during removal. If this situation occurs, replace the necessary
hardware.

902460010

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 5 of 10

904586001

NOTE: USE CAUTION when replacing the mounting nuts on the radiator. Using a small amount
of spray lubricant (e.g. WD-40 or equivalent) is recommended to reduce chances of damaging the
three nut positioning claws circled in the image below. If the claws are damaged, replace the radiator
assembly.

Tightening Torque Specifications:

•

High and low-side piping connection bolts to A/C Condenser: 7.5Nm (5.5 ft. lbs. / 66 inchpounds)

•

Upper radiator support bracket bolts: 12Nm (9 ft. lbs.)

•

Bottom A/C Condenser bolts (using Special Tool 73099SG000):
Use the torque wrench calculation formula supplied below.

T = L / (100 mm (3.94 in) + L) × 7.5 N·m (0.8 kgf-m, 5.5 ft-lb)
T: Tightening torque
L: Effective length of torque wrench

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 6 of 10

Effective length of the ST = (a)
Effective length of the torque wrench = (b)
Center of drive angle of the ST = (c)
Center of drive angle of the torque wrench = (d)
Center of the position where a force is applied by hand = (e)

STEP 11: Recharge the A/C system following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual on
STIS.
STEP 12: Confirm proper A/C system operation. Record the post-repair system pressures and vent
temperatures on the repair order for future reference to complete the procedure.
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

WRB-21 FORESTER A/C CONDENSER
INSPECTION ONLY

A104-208

0.2

WRB-21 FORESTER A/C CONDENSER
REPLACEMENT

A104-201

Fail Code

WRB-21
0.9

NOTE: A104-201 INCLUDES evacuate and recharge as there is no diagnostic time paid for this

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 7 of 10

repair.
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.

WRB-21

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: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 8 of 10

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

Subaru Service Program WRB-21
March 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 check and, if necessary, replace the air conditioning condenser assembly in certain 2017 and 2018 model year Forester vehicles. Our records indicate that
you currently own one of these vehicles.
REASON FOR THIS SERVICE PROGRAM
Certain air conditioning condenser assemblies installed in the vehicles covered by this service program may be
prone to corrosion within the condenser tube walls. If such corrosion develops, the air conditioning refrigerant
may leak out and the air conditioning system may not provide sufficient cooling.
WHAT SUBARU WILL DO
Subaru will check the part number of the air conditioner condenser assembly in your vehicle, and if necessary,
replace the condenser 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 inspect the air conditioner condenser part number in your vehicle is less than 15 minutes. If
it is necessary to replace the condenser, the actual repair will take approximately one hour. 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.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

Page 9 of 10

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.
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Advocacy Department, Attention: WRB-21 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.wrb21.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: WRB-21R; Revised: 11/11/21

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