ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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CLAIMS PERSONNEL

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SERVICE MANAGER

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

© 2022 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2019-20MY Ascent
2020-21MY Legacy 2.4L (turbo models)
2020-21MY Outback 2.4L (turbo models)
CVT Chain Guide Breakage

INTRODUCTION:

NUMBER: WRK-21/22R
DATE: 07/05/22
REVISED: 12/29/22

WRK21 NHTSA ID:

21V-955

WRK22 NHTSA ID:

22V-485

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated this safety and emissions Recall for certain 2019 2020 model year Ascent vehicles, 2020-2021 model year turbo Legacy vehicles, and 2020-2021
model year turbo Outback vehicles in which the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) chain
may slip and/or break.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
Due to an improper program in the transmission control module (TCM), the CVT chain may slip,
resulting in breakage of the chain guide. If the chain guide breaks, fragments of the guide could
inhibit the shift select mechanism. If the vehicle continues operation with the drive chain slipping,
over time the CVT drive chain could break.
If a drive chain breakage occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle may experience a loss of
motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
WRK-21 AFFECTED VEHICLES
The number of U.S. vehicles included in this recall in WRK-21 is 198,255.
Model Year

Carline

Production Date Range

2019-2020

Ascent

February 22, 2018 - July 20, 2020

2020

Legacy (turbo models)

July 15, 2019 – August 13, 2020

2020

Outback (turbo models)

July 15, 2019 – August 13, 2020

Note: This recall replaces Subaru’s previous WUV-07 recall issued in January 2020 for certain 2019
model year Ascent vehicles. Any open WUV-07 coverage has been expired. Vehicles affected by the
previous recall must return to complete the WRK-21 recall repair, even if the previous recall repair
was completed.

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-21_22R; Revised: 12/29/22

Page 1 of 32

Not all vehicles in the production date ranges listed above may be included in this recall. Coverage
for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on
subarunet.com.
The tools and reprogramming files are now available to perform this repair. Therefore, the status of
this recall has been set to ‘Open-Limited Parts Available’ for all affected vehicles to allow for repairs
to begin if they are presented for service prior to owner notification.
WRK-22 AFFECTED VEHICLES
On July 7, 2022, the following additional 182 affected vehicles were added to the recall population,
which will be identified by recall code WRK22:
Model Year

Carline

Production date range

2020-2021

Legacy (turbo models)

May 17, 2019 – August 3, 2020

2020-2021

Outback (turbo models)

May 21, 2019 – August 3, 2020

DESCRIPTION OF THE REMEDY
Each retailer will receive one videoscope kit and holder required for the chain guide inspection, at no
charge.
For all affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will reprogram the TCM. The historical TCM data will be
analyzed for chain slip characteristics and the chain guide will be visually inspected. If the vehicle
is confirmed to have experienced drive chain slip or if the chain guide is damaged, the transmission
assembly will be replaced. All remedy repairs necessary will be completed at no cost to the customer.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Subaru previously notified affected vehicle owners of the WRK-21 recall with an interim letter by
first class mail on February 7, 2022.
Affected vehicle owners will be notified that the remedy is available by first class mail, in phases
beginning in August. Details of the phased owner notification schedule will be provided in
subsequent subarunet.com announcements. Therefore, please refer to the “Communications/
Announcements” section on subarunet.com for that information.
Copies of the interim and final owner notification letters will be included at the end of this bulletin.
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 $22,423 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.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRK-21_22R; Revised: 12/29/22

Page 2 of 32

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 perform the applicable service procedures to correct all affected vehicles in
their inventory (used, demo & SSLP). 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.
PART INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Always order the most up-to-date replacement parts based on the specific VIN being
repaired.
Model

Part Description

Part Number

Quantity

Ascent with CVTF Cooler

CVT Assembly

31000AK130

1

Ascent Without CVTF Cooler

CVT Assembly

31000AK140

1

Outback & Legacy

CVT Assembly

31000AK270

1

Outback & Legacy

CVT Assembly

31000AK280

1

Subaru Extra MT

SOA748V0100

As Needed

ALL

GSKT-16.3X22X1.0 (Inspection
Plug Gasket)

803916100

1

Transmission Cooler Flush

SOA868V9255

As Needed

IMPORTANT NOTES:
•
•
•
•

The CVT Assembly 31000AK130 MUST be ordered through PRIME.
All parts highlighted in gray are placed on hold. The PIC team will release the ordered
parts when contacted and provided with a valid VIN and order number. Contact must be made
within five business days of the order or it will be canceled.
The inspection plug gasket 803916100 is required for the inspection process. If CVT
replacement is required, this gasket is to be used for the front differential fill overflow plug.
In a case when Subaru Extra MT 75W-80 SOA748V0100 is not available, High Performance
Gear Oil SOA427V1700 can be used as a suitable alternative
One-Time Use Parts Kit Contents for CVT Replacement SOA635172
Part Description

Part Number

Quantity

GASKET

803914060

4

GASKET A

44011AL000

2

SELF LOCKING NUT

902330011

4

GASKET-EXHAUST PIPE REAR

44022AA123

1

GASKET-AIR INTAKE DUCT

14497AA080

1

GASKET-INTER COOLER

21896AA130

1

GASKET-EXHAUST PIPE REAR

44011AG000

1

NUT

902170049

2

GASKET 18X24X1.0

803918060

1

NUT FLG M12

902380023

2

NOTE: Though not included in this kit, CIRCLIP (28333AG010) is a one-time use part required in a
quantity of 2.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRK-21_22R; Revised: 12/29/22

Page 3 of 32

IMPORTANT NOTE: The One-Time Use Parts Kit (SOA635172) MUST Be ordered through
PRIME. This kit is ONLY to be ordered in the event of CVT replacement. Do not order the items
listed above individually.
FLUIDS AND CHEMICALS
Part Description
75W-90 High Perf Gear Oil

Bulk Part #

Unit size

SOA427V1700

1 Quart (12/case)

SOA427V1710

16 Gallon Keg

SOA427V1720

55 Gallon Drum

Warranty Part #

Unit size

SOA635301

One Quart

75W-80 Extra MT Gear Oil

SOA748V0100

5 Gallon Pail

SOA635300

One Quart

High Torque CVTF-LV

SOA748V0300

5 Gallon Pail

SOA635312

One Quart

Automatic Transmission
Cooler Flush

SOA868V9255

12/case

SOA635303

One Can

A maximum 7 quarts of High Torque CVTF-LV can be claimed with CVT replacement operations.
REQUIRED TOOLS:
This procedure will require Specialty Tool Kit SOA635170. The information below provides details
on the individual components supplied in the kit.
•

CRITICAL: All retailers have been provided ONE Videoscope at no charge. Additional
Videoscopes can be purchased from online automotive equipment suppliers at the retailers
expense.

•

The OTC 16-3880X Videoscope: This is the approved
Videoscope kit that is to be used for chain guide inspections.
IMPORTANT: This Videoscope has a removable tip.
It is suggested to add thread lock (e.g. “blue” Loctite or
equivalent) to ensure the tip is not lost during inspection.

•

Holder 18361AA090: This specialty plug is used in conjunction with the
OTC 16-3880X Videoscope Kit. It sets the position of the scope’s camera
to provide an optimum inspection of the chain guide affected area.

NOTE: Any replacement orders for the holder will require a release from the PIC team.
SD Card Information:
ALWAYS confirm the Micro SD card is securely seated within the
camera slot. If the card is not secure, it will be indicated by a RED
circle/slash icon located on the lower left corner of the screen.
Removal of the Micro SD card from the display unit is NOT
REQUIRED to transfer the camera (photo) image(s). A USB cable is
provided in the OTC scope kit to connect the display unit directly to
a PC for direct image transfer. In rare cases, the Micro SD card may
require added effort during installation. A plastic trim tool can be used to
CAREFULLY apply pressure to the card during installation. A “clicktype” noise can be heard when the card is engaged. Successful card
installation is indicated by the icon located on the lower left corner of
the screen (NO RED circle/slash).
Bulletin Number: WRK-21_22R; Revised: 12/29/22

Continued...
Page 4 of 32

DATA REQUIREMENTS:
•

The WRK-21 Chain Guide Breakage Recall requires retailers to RETAIN certain information in
the form of data and photos relating to this campaign.

•

The table below outlines the information required.

•

Claims for CVT replacement require all retained information to be ATTACHED to the claim.

•

Claims not adhering to these procedures will be subject to REJECTION or DEBIT.

•

No QMR will be required
Retailer must RETAIN this required information

The Retailer must RETAIN the following information on ALL WRK-21-related repair orders (See below). Per SOA warranty policy
this information must be retained by the retailer, up to 2 years, for the purpose of future review.

SSM Data Files (PREFFERRED), screen capture or photo of SSM screen showing mileage data,
"Slip A mileage 1, Slip A mileage 2, and Slip A mileage 3" displayed on SSM4
(Attach to the claim if the CVT is being replaced)

Inspection Scope Image: Clear photo or screen shot of videoscope image, if the procedure calls for this step.
(Attach to the claim if the CVT is being replaced)

Transmission Serial Number: 1) Clear photo of the OLD transmission's serial number.
2) Clear photo of the NEW transmission's serial number, if the CVT is being replaced.
(Attach both the old and new S# to the claim if CVT is being replaced)

WRK-21 R.O. Notes must include repair order out (repair completion) mileage of any prior CVT replacements.
(Include RO notes in the claim if the CVT is being replaced)

For CVT REPLACEMENT CLAIMS:
ATTACH all the required information to all CVT replacement claims
CLAIMS NOT ADHERING TO THESE PROCEDURE WILL BE
SUBJECT TO REJECTION or DEBIT.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRK-21_22R; Revised: 12/29/22

Page 5 of 32

EXAMPLES
Clear photos of the transmission serial number. Required for the unit currently in the vehicle and
of the replacement (if CVT is replaced).

A clear screenshot or photo of the “Slip A Information, Slip A mileage 1, Slip A Mileage 2, and
Slip A Mileage 3” displayed on SSM.

ONLY in a situation when no CVT chain slip is detected with SSM and the chain guide is
found to be in the incorrect position during inspection, a clear photo or screenshot of the scope
image is required to be stored and noted along with the previously mentioned items
1 through 3.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRK-21_22R; Revised: 12/29/22

Page 6 of 32

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
IMPORTANT NOTE: If any concerns are reported with CVT operation, complete this recall FIRST,
and then proceed with related diagnosis if still needed.
The latest WRK-21_22 PAK files may help mitigate the Vibration & Possible Judder Concern on
Turns Under Acceleration issue, that some cars may be experiencing. However, this WRK-21_22
service procedure cannot mitigate vibration and judder issues that require a mechanical repair
procedure.
If vibration and/or judder issues remain after performing the WRK-21_22 service, proceed to TSBs
16-132-20R and 16-136-22R which provide the repair procedure to address vibrations and/or judder
concerns.
STEP 1
Reprogram the TCM
with the applicable
TEMPORARY PAK
file.

STEP 2A

Slip A information shows “1”

Slip A information shows “0”

Using SSM, Check “Slip A information” in SSM.

STEP 2C
NO

Are ALL the Slip A Mileage
1, 2 & 3 values greater than
the mileage of the latest CVT
replacement?

Save the Slip A
Mileage 1, 2, & 3
PIDs

STEP 2B
YES

Has the CVT been
replaced in the past?

YES

STEP 3
Check inside of the CVT assembly
with a videoscope.
Is the position of the chain guide
normal?

NO

NO

YES

STEP 5
Reprogram the TCM
with the applicable
FINAL PAK file.

END

Bulletin Number: WRK-21_22R; Revised: 12/29/22

STEP 4
Replace the CVT
assembly.

Continued...
Page 7 of 32

STEP 1-A: Perform a DTC check of the TCM and confirm there are no current faults. Any previous
faults must be diagnosed, repaired, and cleared prior to reprogramming. Reprogram the Transmission
TCM with the TEMPORARY PAK file.
CAUTION: The following TEMPORARY PAK files are only to be used in the performance of this
recall. Use outside of the performance of this recall is not authorized and not recommended. For
concerns found outside of this recall, refer to and follow bulletin 16-132-20R.
TEMPORARY PAK FILES
Model

MY

Specification

PAK File Name

2.4L DIT CVT
without CVTF
cooler

QMBT-0141_
30919AF98D.pak

2.4L DIT CVT
with CVTF
cooler