ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER



PARTS MANAGER



CLAIMS PERSONNEL



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

SERVICE MANAGER



© 2023 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2023MY Impreza
2023MY Ascent
2023MY Legacy & Outback

NUMBER: WRN-23
DATE: 10/26/23
NHTSA ID: 23V-647

Safety Recall – Propeller Shaft Center Brace
Mounting Surfaces

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
Some mounting surfaces for the propeller shaft center support brace bolts on affected vehicles may
have been inadvertently painted during the supplier’s manufacturing process. If these mounting
surfaces are painted, the support brace bolts may not retain the specified torque.
If the vehicle is driven with the bolt loosened, occupants may experience irregular sounds and/or
vibrations from the propeller shaft area during vehicle operation. In the worst case, if both of the
center support bolts completely come out due to continuous vibration, the front end of the propeller
shaft could separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY
For all the potentially affected vehicles, Subaru dealers will clean the bolt seating surfaces of the
center support brace, install new bolts, and tighten to the specified torque at no cost to the customer.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
A total of 4,311 U.S. vehicles will be included in this recall as listed below. Not all vehicles in the
production range listed below are affected by this recall. Coverage must be confirmed by using the
Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair.
Model Year

Carline

Production Date Range

2023

Outback

March 21, 2023 – March 31, 2023

2023

Legacy

March 21, 2023 – March 30, 2023

2023

Ascent

March 20, 2023 – March 29, 2023

2023

Impreza (4-door)

March 22, 2023 – March 27, 2023

2023

Impreza (5-door)

March 22, 2023 – March 31, 2023

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: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 1 of 13

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 $26,315 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.

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.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Subaru will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail on November 20, 2023.
A copy of the owner notification letter is included at the end of this bulletin.
PART INFORMATION:
Engine

Part Description

Part Number

2.5L and 2.0L

WRN-23 Parts Kit A (NON-TURBO)

SOA635179

2.4L

WRN-23 Parts Kit B (TURBO)

SOA635180

Retailers are to enter orders with last 8 digits of the VIN in Customer PO Number field. The parts
PIC team will then release all verified orders. If an order does not have valid VIN or any VIN in the
Customer PO Number field, the order will be canceled. Questions pertaining to part order/release are
to be directed to parts PIC team.
2.0 & 2.5L Kit A Breakdown SOA635179 (NON-TURBO)
Part Name

Quantity

Details

BOLT & WASHER ASSY

2

Bolt for Propeller Shaft

GASKET (CR)

1

Gasket for EPF - EPR

GASKET

1

Gasket for EPR-Muffler

SELF LOCK NUT M10

2

Nut for EPR and Muffler

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 2 of 13

2.4L Kit Breakdown B SOA635180 (TURBO)
Part Name

Quantity

Details

BOLT & WASHER ASSY

2

Bolt for Propeller Shaft

GASKET (CR)

1

Gasket for EPF - EPR

GASKET

2

Gasket for EPR-Muffler

SELF LOCK NUT M10

4

Nut for EPR and Muffler

REQUIRED TOOLS AND MATERIALS:

Part Name

Image

Details

Pole jack with wooden block
or
Pole jack with rubber end
cap

For supporting the
propeller shaft.

3M 401+ Masking Tape (or
equivalent) with a 17 mm
diameter hole
(2 pieces are necessary)

For protecting the
surrounding area of
the flange bolt contact
surface area.

3M Scotch-Brite Hand Pad
7447
or
Emery Cloth (240-320 grit)

For paint removal on
the flange bolt contact
surface area.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 3 of 13

SERVICE PROCEDURE FLOWCHART:

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 4 of 13

COMPONENT DETAILS:

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 5 of 13

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
The following service procedure has been outlined in a Work Tips Video for additional Technician
reference.
WRN23WorkTipsVideofinal.MP4
STEP 1: Lift the vehicle following the procedures specified by the lift manufacturer.
CAUTION: The exhaust pipe may be extremely hot. ALWAYS allow sufficient time for the exhaust
to cool down prior to performing work procedures.

STEP 2: Remove the rear exhaust pipe and the center exhaust cover (cover removal is not required
on Ascent) following the procedures outlined in the applicable service manual. Refer to STIS: Engine
> EXHAUST > Rear Exhaust Pipe

STEP 3: Using a pole jack and wooden block (unless
the jack is equipped with a rubber end cap), support the
center brace of the propeller shaft. There is no need to
apply pressure, the jack is simply used for supporting
the propeller shaft. Refer to Work Tips Video at 00:04.

STEP 4: Remove the two center propeller shaft brace
mounting bolts. Refer to Work Tips Video at 00:18.

STEP 5: Prepare the 3M 401+ masking tape by cutting
two pieces approximately 2 inches (50mm) tall and 2
inches (50mm) wide.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 6 of 13

STEP 6: Measure a circle in the center of both pieces. The circle MUST have a diameter of 0.7
inches (17mm). For the most accurate tracing/cutting results, a socket with a 0.7 (17mm) diameter
can be used for tracing.

STEP 7: Using a razor knife, cut the pre-traced circles and remove the center-cut portions of tape.

STEP 8: Apply the masking tape sections to the area surrounding the mounting surfaces for the
propeller shaft center brace bolts on both the left and right sides. Refer to Work Tips Video at 00:30.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 7 of 13

STEP 9: Using a 3M Scotch-Brite Hand Pad or 240320 grit emery cloth, CAREFULLY remove the paint
on the mounting surface contact area for the left and
right propeller shaft center brace bolts. Confirm there
is no paint left on the surface when completed.

CAUTIONS:
•

DO NOT remove the paint on the surrounding
area of the mounting surface contact area.

•

The use of pneumatic and/or electric-powered
sanding equipment is prohibited
for this procedure. Doing so may damage
the anti-rust protection on the surrounding
areas.

STEP 10: Remove the masking tape and clean the area
using a clean lint-free cloth. Refer to Work Tips Video
at 01:07.

STEP 11: Confirm the paint has been completely removed from the mounting surface for the propeller shaft
center brace bolts. See the example images below.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 8 of 13

STEP 12: Install the two new center brace mounting bolts.
Torque the bolts to 39 ft-lbs (52 Nm). Refer to Work Tips
Video at 01:20.

STEP 13: Reinstall all parts in the reverse order of
disassembly.

SERVI CE 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.

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

Fail Code

PROPELLER SHAFT CENTER
SUPPORT REPAIR

A172-601

0.6

WRN-23

NOTE: Up to $1.00 can be claimed in sublet for materials used.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 9 of 13

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: WRN-23; Date: 10/26/23

Page 10 of 13

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

Subaru of America, Inc
PO Box 9103
Camden, NJ 08101-9877
844-373-6614
www.subaru.com

Subaru Safety Recall WRN-23
NHTSA ID 23V-647
November 2023

Dear Subaru Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with 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 2023 model year Outback, Legacy, Ascent and Impreza vehicles.
You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK
The mounting surfaces for the propeller shaft center support brace bolts on your vehicle may have
been painted during the supplier’s manufacturing process. If these mounting surfaces are painted, the
support brace bolts may not retain the specified tightness.
If the vehicle is driven with the bolt loosened, you may experience irregular sounds and/or vibrations
from the propeller shaft area during vehicle operation. In the worst case, if both of the center support
bolts completely come out due to continuous vibration, the front end of the propeller shaft could
separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
WHAT SUBARU WILL DO
Subaru will clean the bolt seating surfaces of the center support brace in your vehicle, install new
bolts, and tighten to the specified torque at no cost to you.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please contact your Subaru retailer (dealer) immediately for an appointment to have this repair
performed, at no cost to you.

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The time required to perform this repair is approximately 45 minutes. 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.

OWNER INFORMATION
Government regulations require that recall notifications be sent to the last known owner of record.
That information is based primarily on state registration and title data. If you are a lessor of this
vehicle, federal regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee within ten days.
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please go to https://www.subaru.com/support/customersupport.html to send us your information.

IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR A REPAIR
If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition, 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: WRN-23 Recall
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.wrn23.service-campaign.com.
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
•

By e-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Customer Support”

•

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

To subscribe to the NHTSA Recall Notification email System, please go to: https://www-odi.nhtsa.
dot.gov/nhtsa/subscriptions.

Please contact us immediately if the Subaru retailer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs
free of charge.
You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov if you believe the Subaru
retailer 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.

Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.

A subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION