Recall - Replace Side Curtain Air Bag(s): Overview
NUMBER: WVZ-36DATE: February 2012
APPLICABILITY: 2012MY Subaru Legacy & Outback
SUBJECT:
Side Curtain Airbag
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that certain 2012 Legacy and Outback models may have been produced with one or both side curtain airbags that may not inflate when activated during a side impact collision. Although the side curtain airbags will attempt to deploy, they may not inflate and therefore fail to provide the intended protection.
This recall will involve replacing either one or both side curtain air bags. There is no inspection required. As indicated in the following instructions, dealers will need to access Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in Subarunet to determine which side curtain air bag module(s) require replacement.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
2012 Subaru Legacy and Outback
The total number of affected vehicles is limited to 381 in the U.S. market. The VINs are contained in the following range but not all VINs in the range are affected.
Recall coverage for all potentially affected vehicles must be confirmed by using Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in Subarunet. For those vehicles affected, the description found next to campaign code WVZ-36 in Vehicle Coverage Inquiry will identify the side curtain air bag(s) that require replacement. Refer to the section "IDENTIFY THE AFFECTED SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG THAT REQUIRES REPLACEMENT" in this Bulletin for more details.
Dealer Affected VIN lists: Dealers will be sent an affected VIN list by their Region / Zone Office. The list will identify the side curtain air bag that requires replacement for each specific VIN.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail an Owner Notification Letter to owners of the affected vehicles on or around February 20, 2012.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is included at the end of this bulletin.
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). 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.
^ 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) 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 section 578.6 and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
IDENTIFY THE AFFECTED SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG THAT REQUIRES REPLACEMENT
SOA has predetermined the side curtain air bag(s) that require replacement for each vehicle. It will be necessary to access Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in order to determine the appropriate repair procedure for each specific vehicle. The description next to the campaign code will identify the side curtain air bag that requires replacement. Only replace the side curtain air bag identified in the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry.
PARTS INFORMATION
Repair parts will begin to be available on or about February 13, 2012. Each dealer will automatically be sent the parts needed to repair new inventory vehicles only.
For all previously sold vehicles, it will be necessary for dealers to order repair parts as needed.
To ensure customer satisfaction, please order the needed parts at the time a customer schedules the service appointment so that they are available on the day of the actual appointment. The side air bag(s) needed for specific VINs can be identified through the process listed above.
Based on the side(s) listed and the vehicle type, identify the actual part number(s) needed in the chart.
PARTS RETURN
All replaced side curtain air bags will be placed on Warranty Part Return. These parts should not be scrapped. Instructions for part return will be provided in the near future.
NOTE:
Retain the packaging in which the new Side Curtain Airbag was shipped. It will be required for returning the removed Side Curtain Airbag.
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 the Subaru Claims Helpline.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this service program will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim Entry on Subarunet.com.
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