Impreza F4-2.5L SOHC (2003)
Technical Service Bulletin # WVD-14
Date: 080501
Recall - Liftgate Strut Inspection
NUMBER: WVD-14
DATE: May 2008
APPLICABILITY:
2002-2003 MY Subaru Impreza Wagon
SUBJECT:
Rear Gate Stays
Introduction
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that certain 2002-2003 MY Subaru Impreza station wagons may have been manufactured with tailgate stays
(also known as tailgate struts) that were inadequately tightened during production. The left and right tailgate stays are designed to support the tailgate
when it is placed in an upright position. Each is connected to the tailgate by means of a stud bolt that is attached directly to a welded nut located within
the tailgate. If one or both of the stud bolts were inadequately tightened, the loose stud bolt may put unintended stress at the area around the welded nut.
Over time and after repeated tailgate operation (opening and closing), this condition could result in the welded nut, along with the tailgate stay,
separating and detaching from the tailgate causing the tailgate to close unexpectedly.
There is a safety risk associated with this condition. If an affected stud bolt attaching nut were to detach from the tailgate, the tailgate stay would separate
from its mounting position and cause the tailgate to drop unexpectedly. For persons underneath or near the tailgate, there is a possibility that the quickly
closing tailgate may hit them and potentially cause personal injury.
This recall will involve the inspection of rear gate stay stud bolts for proper tightening torque. Based on the product investigation, the number of affected
vehicles produced with insufficiently tightened rear gate stay stud bolts is expected to be very low. In some instances, replacement of one or both welded
nuts along with both rear gate stays and stud bolts may be necessary. Please refer to the Service Procedure section of this bulletin for more details.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
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2002-2003MY Subaru Impreza Wagon.
Potentially affected vehicles are identified in the VIN range chart above. Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles
by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail Owner Notification Letters to owners of affected vehicles on or around June 2, 2008.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is shown in this bulletin.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers should 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:
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Immediately identified.
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Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/or repair.
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Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin.
Any Authorized Subaru Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures 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 $5,000 per violation (i.e., for each
vehicle), as provided in 49 USC 30165(a) of the Safety Act, and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.