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IMPORTANT - All
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SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

NUMBER: 12-172-14R
DATE: 07/11/14
REVISED: 07/15/14

2015MY WRX and STI Models
Paint Chipping Due To Trunk Lid Movement

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin provides a procedure for how to address a customer concern of side-to-side trunk panel
movement and possible contact with the corresponding top edges of the quarter panels. In some
cases, this contact may result in chipping of the vehicle finish.
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
•

The new trunk weatherstrip was incorporated into production starting with VIN F*811343.

•

The longer (BRZ) trunk stoppers were incorporated into production starting with VIN
F*811136.

•

A new design WRX / STI trunk stopper (p.n. 57533FE050) is scheduled to be incorporated
into production during mid-July, 2014 starting with VIN F*812458.

PART INFORMATION
For STI models, in addition to the longer trunk stoppers, the trunk weatherstrip’s tubular sealing
portion now has internal reinforcement in the area between the red arrows shown in the photo below.
This reinforcement serves to stabilize the trunk panel and eliminate the chipping.

Tubular Sealing
portion

•

Updated trunk weatherstrip, p.n. 57532VA002- Qty. 1

•

Replacement Trunk Lid Stoppers - Qty. 2
(NOTE: currently, these are BRZ trunk stoppers, p.n. 57533FE040)

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.

Service Bulletin Number: 12-172-14R; Date: 07/15/14

Continued...

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.

Page 1

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
There are 2 procedures to follow depending on the model of vehicle being serviced. To summarize:
•

WRX Models - Replacement of the trunk stoppers only followed by a check of the trunk
panel adjustment.

•

STI Models - Replacement of the trunk weatherstrip and trunk stoppers followed by a check
of the trunk panel adjustment.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

BE CAREFUL to not tear the rubber material of the trunk weatherstrip when removing or
re-positioning the replacement part.

•

When removing the original weatherstrip, be careful to not get any of the adhesive as shown
below on the trunk liner trim panels.

Adhesive

•

There should be no extra effort or force (“slamming”) required to properly close the
trunk lid after the replacement parts are installed.

STEP 1: (Both WRX and STI Models) Replace both the rubber trunk stoppers with the
longer version (currently used on BRZ, p. n. 57533FE040). The photos show
the current stopper on the left and the replacement longer version installed in
position on the right. Use a plastic trim tool between the stopper and the trunk
panel to release the 2 “tangs” holding the original stoppers in place.

“Tangs”

Replacement
stopper in place

Continued...
Service Bulletin Number: 12-172-14R; Date: 07/15/14

Page 2

STEP 2: (STI Models ONLY) Replace the trunk weatherstrip and trunk stoppers.
REMINDER: always be careful to not get any of the residual weatherstrip adhesive on
any of the trunk liner trim panels.
As shown in the photos below, align the square notch with the trunk latch striker. The
arrow molded into the short, smooth portion of the trunk weatherstrip faces down
toward the bumper cover. On the top section (closest to the back glass), the blue dot
should align with the center of the third brake light.

Smooth portion arrow aligned
with striker and facing down

Notch

Replacement
with dot

Original
with dot

STEP 3: A
fter the trunk stoppers (and weatherstrip on STI models ONLY) have been installed,
close the trunk lid while paying close attention to the points listed below.
REMINDER: There should be no extra effort or force (“slamming”) required to properly close the
trunk lid.
•

After the trunk lid is closed, look closely for any excessive, insufficient or uneven gap(s)
around the complete perimeter of the trunk lid.

•

Make sure the trunk height is correct and that it fits “flush” with the corresponding edges of
the rear quarter panels.

•

In most cases, there should be only minor adjustment needed to the trunk lid, if any at all.
Pay close attention to the adjustment for “B” as shown in the table below. If after close
inspection, it is determined adjustment of the trunk lid is necessary for proper fit, use the
Service Manual specifications supplied below EXCEPT FOR “B” which has been recently
revised (shown in RED). The Service Manual will be updated with the revised specifications
in the near future.

Service Bulletin Number: 12-172-14R; Date: 07/15/14

Page 3

A

Outer Body
Panel

B

Trunk Lid

E

D

C

EB-00979

FOR STI MODELS:
A
B
C
D
E

Par t
Trunk lid COMPL and Panel - side outer
Surface level gap between Trunk lid COMPL and Panel side outer (Difference in height)
Trunk lid COMPL and Panel - side outer
Surface level gap between Trunk lid COMPL and Panel side outer
Trunk lid COMPL to Bumper face - rear

Standard
3.5±1.0 mm (0.14±0.04 in)
0+.5 mm (.020”) by adjusting the striker -STI
3.5±1.0 mm (0.14±0.04
0.04 in)
–0.5±0.7 mm (0.02±0.03 in)
7.5±1.0 mm (0.3±0.04 in)

FOR WRX MODELS:
A
B
C
D
E

Par t
Trunk lid COMPL and Panel - side outer
Surface level gap between Trunk lid COMPL and Panel side outer (Difference in height)
Trunk lid COMPL and Panel - side outer
Surface level gap between Trunk lid COMPL and Panel side outer
Trunk lid COMPL to Bumper face - rear

Standard
3.5±1.0 mm (0.14±0.04 in)
-1.0 mm (.040”) by adjusting the striker -WRX
3.5±1.0 mm (0.14±0.04
0.04 in)
–0.5±0.7 mm (0.02±0.03 in)
7.5±1.0 mm (0.3±0.04 in)

Measure “B” 11” back from the front corner of
trunk panel (with or without wing/lip spoiler).

Continued...
Service Bulletin Number: 12-172-14R; Date: 07/15/14

Page 4

NOTES:
Do not make any adjustments until AFTER the trunk stoppers (and weatherstrip on STI models
ONLY) have been installed.
•

Clearance “A” and “C” must be the same left to right.

•

If “D” and “E” are within the specifications listed in the tables above, no adjustments are
necessary.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be claimed using the
following information:
FOR WRX MODELS:
LABOR DESCRIPTION

Trunk Stopper Replacement and Trunk Lid
Gap Adjustment
Trunk Lid Movement Paint Touch-Up
Trunk Lid Movement Spot Repair Clear /
Color Coat One Panel
Trunk Lid Movement Spot Repair Clear /
Color Coat Each Additional Panel
Sublet Repair, Administrative Expenses

LABOR
OPERATION #

FAIL CODE

LABOR
TIME

B914-745

0.3

C981-021

0.2

C981-020

WBD-48

0.8

C981-053

0.6

C101-108

0.3

FOR STI MODELS:
LABOR DESCRIPTION

Trunk Stopper, Weatherstrip Replacement
and Trunk Lid Gap Adjustment
Trunk Lid Movement Paint Touch-Up
Trunk Lid Movement Spot Repair Clear /
Color Coat One Panel
Trunk Lid Movement Spot Repair Clear /
Color Coat Each Additional Panel
Sublet Repair, Administrative Expenses

LABOR
OPERATION #

FAIL CODE

LABOR
TIME

B914-740

0.4

C981-021

0.2

C981-020

WBC-48

0.8

C981-053

0.6

C101-108

0.3

NOTES:
•

Up to $12.00 can be claimed in Sublet to cover the cost for touch-paint.

•

Should additional repair beyond touch-up be necessary, use the spot repair claim coding
information provided in the table above.

•

If the required repair exceed these spot repair guidelines, DPSM review is required.

Service Bulletin Number: 12-172-14R; Date: 07/15/14

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