Recall - Left Front Transverse Link Corrosion: Overview
NUMBER: WWN-97DATE: July 2003
APPLICABILITY:
2003MY Subaru Legacy and Outback Vehicles
SUBJECT:
Left Front Transverse Link Corrosion
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc (SOA) has determined that affected vehicles, listed below, may have been manufactured with a left front transverse link on which paint was improperly applied. If an affected vehicle is operated for an extensive period in a "salt-belt" area (see list of states below that use large amounts of salt on the roads in the winter), continued exposure of the salt could cause the transverse link to rust-out and possibly break. If the left front transverse link were to rust-out and break, control of the vehicle could be affected.
This recall will involve applying rust proofing material at the affected area.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Certain 2003 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This recall will be limited to vehicles in regional areas known as "salt-belt" states and affects vehicles originally sold in the states of:
Affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart.
NOTE:
Not all vehicles within the range are affected. Coverage for all affected vehicles must be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).
Dealers will receive a list of all effected vehicles in their inventory from their Regional/Distributor office.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to the vehicle owner regardless of mileage, age of the vehicle, or ownership.
For affected vehicles sold after the date on the dealer's computer list, dealers are to contact those owners and provide them with a copy of the owner notification letter. They should also arrange to make the required correction according to the instructions in the service procedure section of this bulletin.
Vehicles in Dealer Inventory
Dealers are also to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is 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 or used 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
- Inspected and/or repaired in accordance with instructions outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin
Any Authorized Subaru Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 USC sub-section 30165(a) of the Safety Act, and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
PARTS INFORMATION
Note:
A quantity of rust-proofing material intended for the WWM-96 Rear Suspension Sub-frame Corrosion Campaign is currently being shipped to dealers located in "salt-belt" states". The same Nox-Rust X-121B will also be used in this campaign. All affected dealers should receive the spray gun equipment and rust-proofing materials by July 2, 2003.
Special Tools
Each dealer located in the affected "salt-belt" states is currently being shipped one rust-proofing spray gun set that contains a spray gun and necessary lines, nozzles and wands at no cost.
Rust-proofing Materials
One ounce of Nox-Rust X-121B is required per affected vehicle for this campaign.
Nox-Rust X-210 is not used for this campaign.
RECALL CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Recall Campaign identification. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.
A quantity labels is provided to each dealer with this bulletin. Additional labels are available through your Area / Distributor Service Office.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit for performing this recall campaign will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.
Listed below is claim entry information:
Rust-proof Left Front Transverse Link - Use the following information for claim submission shown.
Enter labor operation 161 - 151 for 0.3 labor hours.
Enter the applicable part number. Parts will be reimbursed at dealer cost plus applicable handling allowance.
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