ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER

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

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2013MY Tribeca & 2014MY Legacy/Outback

NUMBER: WQJ-46

SUBJECT: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT)
Parking Rod

DATE: August 2013

Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety,
exists in certain 2013MY Subaru Tribeca and 2014MY Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles
equipped with 5EAT (6 Cylinder Engine Only).
The transmission may not have been manufactured to specification. During the manufacturing
process, the transmission parking rod may have been damaged during assembly. As a result,
when the transmission select lever is placed in the “P” (Park) position, one of the following
events could occur:
1. The transmission park mechanism that is intended to hold the vehicle may not engage. If
this were to happen and the parking brake is not set, the vehicle may unexpectedly move/
roll without prior warning. This could result in personal injury or property damage.
2. The transmission park mechanism may engage but may not release when the selector
lever is moved out of the “P” (Park) position. In this situation, the vehicle would not be
able to be moved or driven.
To ensure the vehicle remains stationary while parked, always engage the parking brake.
This recall will involve replacing the automatic transmission assembly on all affected
vehicles.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
Certain 2013MY Subaru Tribeca & 2014MY Subaru Legacy/Outback equipped with 5EAT.
Potentially affected vehicles fall within the VIN ranges listed in the chart below. Not all
vehicles within the range are affected. Coverage for all potentially affected vehicles must
be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function at Subarunet.com
MODEL

FROM

TO

2013

Tribeca

D4401900

D4401902

2014

Legacy

E2004869

E2006125

2014

Outback

E2206679

E2212067

Dealer Affected VIN lists: Dealers will be sent their affected VIN list by their Regional/Zone
office.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQJ-46; Date: August 2013

Page 1

OWNER NOTIFICATION
Owner notification letters will be mailed on or around August 12, 2013.
A copy of the owner notification letter is included at the end of this bulletin.
In addition to notification by mail, vehicle owners with a valid email address and MySubaru
subscribers will be notified electronically on the same date letters are mailed.

DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin
to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP). Additionally,
whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or in the
dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been
made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
New, used, demo or SSLP vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in dealer stock must be:
•

Immediately identified.

•

Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or
repair.

•

Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this Product Campaign
Bulletin.

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 Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures as
defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo
& SSLP) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of
up to $6,000 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

PARTS INFORMATION
Repair parts will be available during the week of August 12, 2013. It is suggested that parts be
ordered at the time a customer contacts a dealer to schedule an appointment. This will ensure
the necessary parts are available on the day a customer brings their vehicle in for service.
To order parts please contact the Parts Information Coordinators and the order will be placed
for you. Please have the VIN of the affected vehicle ready when calling. The order will be
placed as a “Special” order. Dealerships will not be charged freight.
Please note: Replaced transmission assemblies are on automatic warranty parts return
and should not be scrapped. See special instructions in Claims Reimbursement and Entry
Procedures on page 5.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQJ-46; Date: August 2013

Page 2

MODEL

2013 Tribeca

2014 Legacy/Outback

ALL

DESCRIPTION

PART NUMBER

QTY

5EAT Assy.

31000AH730

1

Hose, ATF

45520AG04A

1

Hose, ATF

45520AG05A

1

5EAT Assy.

31000AH660

1

Hose, ATF

45520AJ000

1

Hose, ATF

45520AJ010

1

Gskt Exh Pipe F

44011AG040

2

Nut

902370010

10

Gasket Center
Pipe (CR)

44022AA123

1

Nut

802008270

2

Bolt

44059AA010

2

Hose Clamp, D15.8

909170062

4

O-Ring, Dipstick Tube

806910030

1

Cotter Pin,
Ball Joint

051030300

2

ATF HP

SOA635040
(P/N for claim
purposes only 11 QTs)

10.4
QT

SOA868V9241 – 1 QT

Front Transaxle
Gear Oil

SOA635011
(P/N for claim
purposes only 2 QTs)

1.5
QT

K0322AA093 –
available in 5 Gal.
container only.

NOTES

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQJ-46; Date: August 2013

Page 3

SERVICE PROCEDURE
The Service Procedure for this campaign will involve the replacement of the 5EAT
transmission assembly along with the 2 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) inlet and outlet
hoses. Transmission units replaced as part of WQJ-46 are NEW, not re-manufactured.
REMINDER: On Legacy and Outback models, remove the mounting bolt for Turbine
Speed Sensor #1 (located next to the dipstick tube support bracket) and rotate the sensor 180
degrees to prevent damage to the sensor connector during transmission removal and prior to
installation. On Tribeca, remove the bolt and the sensor from the transmission. Cover the
opening with tape to prevent contamination from entering during transmission removal.
1. Follow the procedure for replacing the transmission assembly as outlined in the applicable
Service Manual. Replace the following “one-time use” items as described in the procedure:
•

Exhaust Gaskets, cylinder head (2)

•

Exhaust Gasket, center pipe (1)

•

Oil Charge Pipe O-Ring Seal (1)

•

ATF Cooler Hose Clamps (4)

•

Ball Joint Cotter Pins (2)

NOTES: Although the procedure in the Service Manual recommends replacement of the
extension housing rear output and front differential side oil seals, these replacements are
unnecessary since a NEW transmission assembly is being installed.
The illustration below shows the proper positioning of the new ATF cooler hoses on the
fluid pipes.
NOTE: This bulge in
the pipe is a “stop”
for the hose. Do not
slide the hose over it.

Bulge (stop)

End of
Clamp

End of hose

New transmission units are shipped “dry”. Do not confuse residual oil from assembly as the
unit being shipped filled with fluids and ready to run.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQJ-46; Date: August 2013

Page 4

2. Confirm the transmission and front differential are filled with the proper fluids prior to
starting the engine:
•

ATF- ATF-HP

•

Gear Oil- GL-5, SAE 75W-90

3. After installation is complete, use the SSMIII and the Service Manual procedure to:
•

Perform the Clear Memory 2 operation.

•

Perform the applicable Learning Control procedure.

4. To complete the repair, road test the vehicle to confirm the replacement transmission is
operating as designed. After a final inspection for any fluid leaks, make sure both the ATF
and the front differential gear oil are at their proper “full” levels before releasing the vehicle.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Service Program 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. Ordering qty 1 = 1 sheet of 20 labels

WQJ-46

CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this recall will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order
information. Dealers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim Entry on Subarunet.com.
CLAIM TYPE & CAMPAIGN CODE

RC

WQJ-46

MODEL

LABOR

2013MY Tribeca

A138-201
3.6 hrs.

2014MY
Legacy/Outback

A138-201
4.0 hrs.

DESCRIPTION

Replace 5EAT Assy.

Please note: Replaced Transmissions are set on automatic warranty parts return and should
not be scrapped. A part return notice will be supplied upon claim approval. Please follow the
instructions on the part return notice which includes the return shipping address.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQJ-46; Date: August 2013

Page 5

Return Shipping Address:
Subaru of America, Inc
4105 Haggerty Lane, Suite C
Lafayette, IN 47905
IMPORTANT - DO NOT RETURN THESE TRANSMISSIONS TO GROVE CITY.
Parts requested for return will be shipped at SOA’s expense. Any deviation from these
procedures may result in a direct billing by the carrier or a debit to the dealer for excess
transportation charges.
• Navigate to Subarunet.com/Fixed Ops - Inventory/Op/Returns Shipping to access the
Roadway Reverse Logistics (RRL) Return Program website.
• Under the Warranty/Claims Section, select the ship-to location indicated on the Parts
Return Notice.
.

Bulletin Number: WQJ-46; Date: August 2013

Page 6

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
Important Safety Recall Notice
Subaru Recall Campaign WQJ-46
NHTSA Recall No. 13V-336
August 2013

Dear Subaru Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists
in certain 2013 model year Subaru Tribeca vehicles and 2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles
equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT AND SAFETY HAZARD
Subaru has determined that the transmission in your vehicle may not have been manufactured to
specification. During the manufacturing process, the transmission parking rod may have been damaged
during assembly. As a result, when the transmission select lever is placed in the “P” (Park) position, one
of the following events could occur:
1. The transmission park mechanism that is intended to hold your vehicle may not engage. If this were
to happen and the parking brake is not set, your vehicle may unexpectedly move/roll without prior
warning. This could result in personal injury or property damage.
2. The transmission park mechanism may engage but may not release when the selector lever is moved
out of the “P” (Park) position. In this situation, the vehicle would not be able to be moved or driven.
To ensure your vehicle remains stationary while parked, always engage the parking brake.
REPAIR
To correct this condition, Subaru will replace the automatic transmission assembly with a new unit at no
cost to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should immediately contact your Subaru Dealer for an appointment to have this repair performed at
no cost to you.
Properly applying the parking brake will ensure your vehicle remains stationary while parked. This
is always recommended and particularly important at this time. As indicated in your owner’s manual,
never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle. To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal
firmly and hold it down while applying the parking brake.
If the transmission fails to disengage from the park position when the select lever is moved out of the “P”
(Park) position, immediately return the lever to the park position and turn the engine off. Do not attempt
to “rock” the vehicle by pressing the accelerator pedal or switching between forward and reverse gears.
Doing so could result in the vehicle moving unexpectedly and the driver losing control. Contact your
Subaru dealer for assistance.

Bulletin Number: WQJ-46; Date: August 2013

Page 7

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The actual time to replace your vehicle’s transmission is approximately 4 hours. 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 dealer flexibility in scheduling. Please present this letter to your Subaru Dealer at the time this
repair procedure is performed.
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
Or, if you prefer to update this information online, please go to www.subaru.com, select Contact Us then
select Update Address from the drop down menu.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE:
To locate the nearest Subaru Dealer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select “Find a
Dealer”.`
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
• E-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”.
• T
elephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET.
Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET
Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET
• U
.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc.
Attn: CDS Department, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000.
Please contact us immediately if the dealer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge.
You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New
Jersey Ave. SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.gov if you believe the dealer has failed or
is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable amount of time.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we have taken
this action in the interest of your safety and 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 Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Bulletin Number: WQJ-46; Date: August 2013

Page 8