CVT Chain Slip (WUV-07R)

CVT CHAIN SLIP

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

APPLICABILITY

2019MY Ascent

UPDATE July 5, 2022: 

• This recall (WUV-07) has been expired and superseded to the WRK-21 recall.
• On July 5, 2022, any open WUV-07 recall coverage was expired in SOA's system.
• All vehicles affected by the WUV-07 recall must return to complete the WRK-21 recall repair, even if the WUV-07 recall repair was completed.
• Please refer to the WRK-21 Product Campaign Bulletin for more detail.

INTRODUCTION

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 model year Ascent vehicles in which mid-joint of the transmission hydraulic sensor harness was made with dissimilar materials (tinplate and copper) which may cause an oxide film to form. If an oxide film forms, the electrical resistance may increase, potentially causing an incorrect measurement of the hydraulic pressure. If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) programming was not robust enough to compensate for variation and would instruct the valve to lower the hydraulic pressure, thus potentially reducing the tension on the drive chain. Customers may experience irregular noise and/or vibration while driving, and/or warning lamp illumination. A total of 76,842 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Model Year	Carline	Production Date Range	Affected VIN Range
2019	Ascent	February 22, 2018 - May 7, 2019	K3400001-K3481557

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.

REASON FOR THIS RECALL

The transmission hydraulic sensor may incorrectly measure the hydraulic fluid pressure. If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the drive chain may not have the proper tension.

SAFETY RISK

Customers may be able to recognize this condition from irregular noise and/or vibration while driving, and/or warning lamp illumination. Continuing to operate a vehicle experiencing this condition may ultimately result in loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REMEDY

Subaru retailers will reprogram the TCU. Following the TCU reprogramming and after a drive test, DTC codes will be inspected and if certain DTCs are present, the hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced with an updated part. If vehicles are confirmed to have experienced, or are currently experiencing low drive chain tension, the transmission assembly will be replaced.

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Subaru will notify all potentially affected vehicle owners by first class mail within 60 days. Owners with a valid email address on file with Subaru will also be notified by email.

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 $21,000per 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 follow the applicable service procedures, to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (used, demo & SSLP). Additionally, 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.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

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

Flow Chart: 

Check if the following DTCs are stored in either "Current" or "History" memory and perform the diagnosis procedure Pased on the result.

[P0730: INCORRECT GEAR RATIO] 

[P0757: SHIFT SOLENOID "B" STUCK ON] 

[P0842: TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH MA" CIRCUIT LOW] 

[P0867: TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE] 

*If any other DTCs are stored in memory, perform the diagnosis procedure in accordance with the applicable Service Manual.

PARTS INFORMATION

In a VERY RARE  case where the CVT assembly or CVT wiring harness replacement is determined to be necessary, the parts ordering information is below:

• Transmission Harness: 24031AA851 

• CVT Assembly: 31000AK130  for Ascent WITH  auxiliary CVTF Cooler
• CVT Assembly: 31000AK140  for Ascent WITHOUT  auxiliary CVTF Cooler

Step 1-  Connect the SSM4 and perform a DTC Check to see if any of the following DTCs are stored in either the TCM "Current" or "History" memory.

[P0730: INCORRECT GEAR RATIO]

[P0757: SHIFT SOLENOID "B" STUCK ON]

[P0842: TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH "A" CIRCUIT LOW]

[P0867: TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE]

*If other DTCs are stored in memory, perform the diagnosis procedure in accordance with the applicable service manual. 

• DTC P0842, P0867  or NO DTCs  stored: Proceed to Step 2  and check for any abnormal sounds or vibration while performing a stall test and test drive. See applicable Service Manual for stall test procedure.
• DTC P0730  or P0757  stored (very rare  case): Replace the CVT assembly and flush the CVTF cooler following the procedures in the applicable Service Manual. When complete, clear the TCM of any DTCs and proceed to Step 4. 

Step 2-  Perform a stall test and test drive the vehicle to check for any abnormal sounds or vibration.

• No abnormal sounds or vibration detected during the stall test and test drive: proceed to Step 3. 
• Abnormal sounds or vibration detected: replace the CVT assembly following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual including CVTF cooler flushing. When complete, proceed to Step 4. 

Step 3-  Was DTC P0842  or P0867  stored in the TCM while performing Step 1  above?

• No DTCs stored: proceed to Step 4  and reprogram the TCM.
• P0842  or P0867  is stored (very rare case): replace the CVT harness. See the applicable Service Manual for the CVT harness replacement procedures. For more experienced Subaru Technicians, an alternative procedure is provided in the Harness Replacement Tips  section below. When harness replacement is complete, clear the TCM memory of any codes, proceed to Step 4. 

Step 4-  Reprogram the TCM following the normal FlashWrite procedure and perform the CVT Relearn procedure supplied in the applicable Service Manual.

PACK FILE APPLICABILITY

Model	PAK File Name	New TCM Part Number	Old TCM Part Numbers	Decryption Keyword	New TCM CID Number
Ascent WITH  Auxiliary CVTF Cooler	30919AF99C.pak	30919AF99C	30919AF99A, 99B	06F4F4FF	R8FEF700
Ascent W/OUT  Auxiliary CVTF Cooler	30919AF98C.pak	30919AF98C	30919AF98A, 98B	2DAA4E53	R8FEE700

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) highly recommends connecting either the Subaru Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostic Charging System or the Subaru Midtronics GR8-100 Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and utilizing the Power Supply Mode feature anytime a vehicle control module is being reprogrammed.

Once the Midtronics charger is connected to the vehicle, if the battery is fully charged  , it takes less than three (3) minutes to boot-up the charger, select the Power Supply Mode, and have the battery voltage stabilized and ready for reprogramming.

REMINDER:  If the DCA-8000 or GR8-1100 indicates the vehicle's battery must be charged, charge it fully using the DCA-8000 or GR8-1100 before proceeding to reprogram the vehicle using the Power Supply Mode.

Step 5- 

HARNESS REPLACEMENT TIPS: 

The following is being presented as an allowable alternative procedure for more experienced Subaru trained Technicians. The CVT wiring harness can be replaced without  removal of the CVT assembly using the procedure below:

• Remove the battery ground terminal, intercooler and the pitching stopper following the procedures in the applicable Service Manual.
• Disconnect the CVT harness bracket, the ground terminal and the primary speed sensor harness connector as shown in the photos below.
• Raise the vehicle. Remove the center exhaust pipe (rear), selector cable, CVT oil pan, drain the CVTF and remove the propeller shaft following the procedures in the applicable Service Manual.
• Set a transmission stand in place as shown below and remove the transmission rear cross member.

• Lower the transmission stand by NO MORE THAN 75mm.  Remove the 6 bolts securing the transmission cover then CAREFULLY slide cover toward the rear of the vehicle.

• CAREFULLY  remove the harness connectors and retaining clips shown below and remove the CVT harness from the CVT housing.
• CAREFULLY  remove the control valve body closely  following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual and remove the CVT harness.
• Install the new transmission harness, reassemble in reverse order of disassembly.
• When complete, clear the TCM memory of any DTCs, reprogram the TCM following the normal FlashWrite procedure.

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
MSA6P1302	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
TCM REPROGRAMMING, Includes: DTC Check, Stall Test and Test Drive	A186-701	0.9	WUV-07
CVT REPLACEMENT, Includes: TCM Reprogramming, DTC Check, Stall Test, Test Drive, CVTF Cooler Flush and perform AT Learning procedure	A130-341	5.6
CVT HARNESS REPLACEMENT, Includes: TCM Reprogramming, DTC Check, Stall Test, Test Drive, CVTF Cooler Flush and perform AT Learning procedure	A130-342	6.8

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.

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER

URGENT IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 

This notice applies to the VIN below 

Subaru Safety Recall WUV-07 NHTSA Recall ID 19V-855 January 2020 

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 model year Ascent vehicles.

You received this notice because our records indicate that you currently own one of these vehicles. REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL 

The transmission hydraulic sensor in your vehicle may incorrectly measure the hydraulic fluid pressure. If the fluid pressure is measured higher than its actual value, the hydraulic pressure will be reduced. If this occurs, the drive chain may not have the proper tension resulting in "chain slip". You may be able to recognize this condition from irregular noise and/or vibration while driving, and/or warning lamp illumination.

SAFETY RISK 

Continuing to operate a vehicle experiencing this condition may ultimately result in loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

WHAT SUBARU WILL DO 

Subaru will reprogram the transmission control unit (TCU) at no cost to you. Following the TCU reprogramming and after a drive test, diagnostic trouble codes (DTC codes) will be inspected and if certain DTCs are present, the hydraulic sensor harness will be replaced with an updated part at no cost to you. If vehicles are confirmed to have experienced, or are currently experiencing low drive chain tension, the transmission assembly will be replaced. This replacement will be at no cost to you.

Additionally, in cases where the CVT transmission assembly is not replaced as a result of this recall, Subaru will extend the New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty as it applies to your CVT and the chain slip condition. The extended coverage period will run from the vehicle's original warranty start date and end after ten (10) years or one hundred thousand (100,000) miles, whichever comes first. The extension will apply only after you have had this recall repair completed. All other terms of the New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty will continue to apply.

What You Should Do 

You should contact any authorized Subaru retailer (dealer) for an appointment to have this safety recall repair performed, at no cost to you.

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? 

The time required for the TCU reprograming and subsequent test drive and DTC inspection is approximately 1 hour. However, in certain rare cases, if the vehicle requires replacement of the hydraulic sensor harness or if the transmission assembly needs to be replaced, the time required to complete these repairs could extend to approximately 7 hours. Your retailer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this service visit, as it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time.

For your convenience, your retailer may provide you with a loaner or rental vehicle, at no cost to you, until the repair is complete.

CALIFORNIA REGISTERED OWNERS 

The California Air Resources Board requires that emission related campaigns be completed prior to California's vehicle registration renewal process; without this repair, you will not be able to register your vehicle during your next annual registration. Upon completion of this campaign, your California dealer will complete and provide you a "Proof of Correction Certificate." If required, present the certificate to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (the "DMV") when renewing your California registration as proof of campaign completion. If the DMV does not request the certificate, we recommend that you keep it for your records.

In addition, the State of California requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the repair we are providing at no charge, your vehicle may not pass this test. 

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 update this information online at www.subaru.com, select 'Customer Support,' then select 'Address Update' or 'Ownership Update' from the "Quick Links" menu.

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-Retailer Services Department, Attention: WUV-07 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.wuv07.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-Retailer Services 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: 1-800424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.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.

Notice to Lessors 

The lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle lessee(s) within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve months prior to the date of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle's title, of any five or more leased vehicles. A leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)