Recall - Steering Column Electrical Roll Connector: Overview
NUMBER: WVR-28DATE: JUNE 2010
APPLICABILITY:
2010MY SUBARU LEGACY & OUTBACK
SUBJECT:
STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL ROLL CONNECTOR
Introduction
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that certain 2010 Legacy and Outback models may have been produced with wiring in the steering column electrical roll connector (located behind the vehicle's steering wheel) that may develop stress cracks and eventually break. If breakage occurs, the vehicle could experience any or all of the following conditions:
^ The driver's frontal airbag may become inoperative and not deploy as intended during a vehicle crash. Such an event could result in personal injury. Should the driver's side airbag become inoperative, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag warning light, located on the instrument panel combination meter, will illuminate indicating a malfunction of the airbag system.
^ The horn may not function when the horn pad is pushed. This condition would prevent the driver from sounding the horn in an attempt to avoid a dangerous situation such as a vehicle crash.
^ Radio and cruise control switches located on the steering wheel (if equipped) may not function.
^ Transmission paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel (if equipped) may not function.
This recall will involve checking the "lot number" found on the steering roll connector. If the "lot number" is within a certain range, the connector must be replaced with a new one. If the "lot number" is not within the range, the connector was manufactured to specifications and replacement is not necessary
AFFECTED VEHICLES
^ 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback
Potentially affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart below.
Note:
Not all vehicles in the VIN range are affected. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function at Subarunet.com.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail an Owner Notification Letter to owners of the affected vehicles on or around July 7, 2010.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is shown in 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 �578.6 and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
PARTS INFORMATION
Repair parts are available. Each dealer has automatically been sent replacement steering roll connectors equivalent to 20% of their dealer affected VIN list, and one 100 gram tube of steering roll connector grease.
Typically, replacement steering roll connectors are packaged with a small (2 gram) tube of special grease. For the purpose of this recall, the steering roll connectors will be packaged without grease. Instead, a 100 gram tube is available which contains enough special grease to service between 40-50 vehicles.
Dealers will need to order any additional supply through normal parts ordering procedures.
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a recall 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 recall will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim Entry on Subarunet.com.
