PTC Heater Ground Bolt (WRL-22R)

PTC HEATER GROUND BOLT

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

APPLICABILITY

2019-2022MY Ascent

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2019-2022 model year Ascent vehicles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND SAFETY RISK

The ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened during vehicle production. This potential condition may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components when the PTC heater is in operation, increasing the risk of a fire.

REMEDY

For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if necessary, replace the ground wire harness and connector holder at no cost to the customer.

• As a precautionary measure, it is highly recommended that owners park their vehicle away from any garage, car port or other structure until this repair is completed.
• Additionally, owners should never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running until this repair is completed.
• If an owner notices or smells melting plastic or smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area, the ignition should be placed in the 'off' position and the vehicle should not be operated. If this occurs, the owner should immediately contact Subaru's Roadside Assistance or the nearest Subaru retailer for assistance.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

A total of 271.694  U.S. vehicles will be included in this recall as listed below. Not all vehicles in the production range listed above are affected by this recall. Coverage must  be confirmed by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry function on subarunet.com prior to repair. This information is now available.

Model Year	Carline	Production Date Range
2019-2022	Ascent	February 23, 2018 - April 28, 2022

The VIN status for this recall will display as 'Open-Limited Parts Available  ' until the owner notification letters are mailed, at which time the status will be updated to 'Open.' Repairs can begin prior to the owner notification.

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 $22,423 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 is in the process of obtaining current vehicle registration data and will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Retailers will be advised when owner notification is scheduled.

PART INFORMATION

Up to two kits may be required for this procedure. The bolt kit is required on ALL vehicles. The harness kit is required if the inspection results confirm further harness work is required.

Part Description	Kit Part Number	Qty	Application	Ordering Method
WRL-22 Bolt Kit	SOA635174	1	Required on ALL vehicles	Ordered through PRIME
WRL-22 Harness Kit	SOA635175	1	Required on vehicles needing further harness work after inspection	Currently on HOLD. The PIC team will release the ordered parts when contacted & provided with a valid VIN and QMR number

Bolt Kit (SOA635174) Components
Part Description	Qty	Image
BOLT (Ground Bolt)	2

Harness Kit (SOA635175) Components
Part Description	Qty	Image
INST PNL HARN USA (PTC Heater Ground Wire)	1
CONNECTOR HOLDER LH	1

REQUIRED TOOLS

Tool Description	Application	Image
Thread Chaser (M6 x 1.0)	For cleaning the female thread of the ground terminal.
Tap (M6 x 1.0)	For repairing female thread of the ground terminal.
Tap Holder	To be used with tap.

QMR INFORMATION

The following are required when a harness kit (SOA635175) repair is necessary (arcing or melting found at the ground point):

1. There is a QMR submission requirement should a repair require the harness kit (SOA635175).
   • A TechShare QMR must be issued including photo(s) clearly showing the melting or arcing condition found at the ground point necessitating the repair.
   • Include the VOR parts order number for the related harness kit (SOA635175) in the QMR comments. This will be used to prioritize release of parts as they become available.
2. ALL  claim submissions for repairs requiring a harness kit (SOA635175) will require attachment of photos to the claim submission documenting the condition found requiring a harness kit repair.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION/CONFIGURATION

SERVICE PROCEDURE/FLOWCHART

SERVICE PROCEDURE/INFORMATION

REMINDER:  Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.

STEP 1:  Refer to the applicable Service Manual and review: General Description > Repair Contents > Action required before & after Battery Disconnect  . Additionally, record any stored seat position(s) before proceeding. Relearn any seat position memory after work is complete. If the power rear gate (PRG) height has been customized, that position must also be noted and relearned.

STEP 2: CAREFULLY  disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor.

STEP 3:  Remove the mounting nut securing the left front side sill cover. CAREFULLY  detach the front section of the left rear side sill cover. While holding the front section, use your other hand to detach and remove the left front side sill cover.

STEP 4:  Disconnect all electrical connections from the connector holder.

STEP 5:  Remove the two heater ground bolts.

STEP 6:  Release the connector holder cover mounting clip security tabs.

STEP 7:  Move the connector holder aside to allow room for workspace.

STEP 8:  Thread the thread chaser into both of the ground bolt holes. Use a torque wrench to turn the thread chaser. If the turning torque is 7Nm or higher. clean the threads with a tap and recheck the turning torque. Once the turning torque is less than 7Nm, continue to the next STEP.

STEP 9:  Using a small flat head screwdriver, release the holding claw on the back of the connector holder. With the claw released, remove the PTC heater ground terminal from the connector holder.

STEP 10: CAREFULLY  inspect the PTC heater ground terminal and peripheral parts for any damage. See the example images of overheat damage below.

STEP 11:  Has any damage been found with the PTC heater ground terminal and/or the peripheral parts?

YES  - Proceed to STEP 13.

NO  - Proceed to STEPS 25, 26, & 27. Then proceed to STEP 33.

STEP 12:  Pull the front left side cover in the horizontal direction to release the holding claws. Once released remove the cover.

STEP 13:  CAREFULLY pull the trim panel toward the rear of the vehicle to release the mounting claws. Once released. remove the panel.

STEP 14:  Remove the mounting screw and pull the lower cover toward the rear of the vehicle to release the mounting clips.

Once released. disconnect all electrical connections and remove the panel.

STEP 15:  Disconnect the data link connector.

Disconnect the knee airbag module connector.

CAREFULLY  remove the knee airbag module.

STEP 16:  Remove the mounting screw.

Release the mounting claws. Remove the duct by pulling in the direction of the left front door.

STEP 17:  Disconnect the electrical connections at the front of the fuse box. Remove the mounting nuts and screw. Move the fuse box toward the floor to allow for workspace.

STEP 18:  Using needle nose pliers. pinch the claw of the connector holder and remove the ground terminal.

STEP 19:  Release the locking tab using a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect all electrical connections and remove the connector holder.

STEP 20:  Install the new connector holder supplied in harness kit (SOA635175).

Connect all the electrical connections in the reverse order of disassembly. Secure the connector holder to the vehicle body with the mounting clip.

STEP 21:  Disconnect the original ground wire connection. Connect the new ground harness supplied in the harness kit (SOA635175).

STEP 22:  Route the new ground wire along the instrument panel harness as shown below.

STEP 23:  Align and attach the ground terminal of the new ground wire to the connector holder.

STEP 24:  Install the new ground bolts and torque to 13Nm.

STEP 25:  Confirm there is no movement with the ground terminal. Check for any loose contact by attempting to move the terminal with your fingers in an up/down direction. There is no need to pull the ground cable when checking for loose contact.

STEP 26:  Connect all the previously removed connectors to the connector holder.

STEP 27:  Using cable ties, secure the new ground wire at the six locations indicated in the images below. The original harness wire strap locations can be used as reference. Confirm the tension of the ground wire is evenly distributed.

STEP 28:  Using side cutting pliers, CAREFULLY  cut the ORIGINAL  ground wire and remove the terminal.

STEP 29:  Seal the cut end of the original ground wire with electrical insulation tape. The wire can then be taped to the new ground wire.

STEP 30:  Cut the opposite end of the ORIGINAL  ground wire and remove the connector.

STEP 31:  Seal the cut end of the original ground wire with electrical insulation tape. The wire can then be taped to the new ground wire.

STEP 32:  Reinstall all removed parts in the reverse order of disassembly.

SERVICE 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.

Part Number	Applicability	Description	Order Quantity
MSA6P13Q2	All Models	Campaign Completion Labels (contains one sheet of 20 labels)	1

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
Inspect & Chase and/or Tap Threads	A125-151	0.5	WRL-22
Inspect, Chase & or Tap, Install Harness*	A125-152	0.8

*A QMR identification number must be noted on the repair order as this information is required for entry in the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission.

*Up to $1.00 can be claimed in sublet for wire straps and insulation tape used during this repair.

*Clear photos of the damage MUST be included as an attachment when submitting claims. Failure to include a photo will affect claim processing and payment.

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.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER

URGENT 

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 

This notice applies to the VIN identified ir the address section printed below 

SUBARU 

Subaru of America, Inc 

PO Box 9103

Camden, NJ 08101-9877

844-373-6614

www.subaru.com

Subaru Safety Recall WRL-22 

NHTSA ID 22V-907 

January 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 2019-2022 model year Ascent 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 ground bolt that secures the ground terminal of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may have been improperly fastened during vehicle production. This potential condition may result in the melting of the ground terminal and surrounding components when the PTC heater is in operation, increasing the risk of a Are.

WHAT SUBARU WILL DO 

Subaru will replace the PTC heater ground bolts and, if necessary, replace the ground wire and connector holder 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.

• As a precautionary measure, it is highly recommended that you park the vehicle away from any garage, car port or other structure until this repair is completed.
• Additionally, you should never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running until this repair is completed.
• If you notice or smell smoke coming from the dash or driver's footwell area, the ignition should be placed in the 'off' position and the vehicle should not be operated. If this occurs, you should immediately contact Subaru's Roadside Assistance at 1-800-261-2155 or the nearest Subaru retailer for assistance.

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? 

The time required for this repair is less than one hour. 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/customer-support.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: WRL-22 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.wrl22.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