Service bulletin WTD-65R5

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

The communication, as NHTSA indexes it (as of 2026-10-19)
Type	Service bulletin
NHTSA id	10139504
Published by NHTSA	2018-06-04
Manufacturer's number	WTD-65R5
Manufacturer's date	2016-05-18
NHTSA component	STEERING

NHTSA's summary

Revised Service Procedure Bulletin: 2016 Legacy / Outback Stop Sale Information, WTD-65 Recall. This Service Procedure provides an inspection method for identification of affected vehicles and if determined necessary, additional steps for replacing the steering column assembly.

The document

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it. NHTSA files a document at one of these two addresses; we have not asked NHTSA which.

Components

Steering

Vehicles listed
SUBARU LEGACY	2016, 2017
SUBARU OUTBACK	2016, 2017

Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.

Recalls for the same vehicles and component
16V716000	2016-10-06. AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER; STEERING:COLUMN
2016207	2016-05-11. Steering
16V292000	2016-05-11. STEERING:COLUMN

A recall listed here may apply to some of the same vehicles. Only the manufacturer can say whether it applies to one vehicle.

Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component
05-97-26	2026-05-04. Service bulletin. This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.
04-16-17	2021-05-10. Service bulletin. This bulletin announces availability of a new steering wheel designed to address a possible customer concern of insufficient performance of the heated steering wheel feature on applicable models.
04-15-17	2021-05-10. Service bulletin. This bulletin announces a new steering column assembly designed to address a limited number of customer concerns involving the tilt mechanism portion not staying locked. This condition can only occur during the process of adjusting the steering column?s tilt position if the tilt lever is not pushed up all the way back up when completed. Once the column is fully locked (the tilt lever is pushed all the way up), there is no concern of possible release.
05-80-20	2020-11-05. Service bulletin. This bulletin announces availability of new Front Stabilizer Link assemblies equipped with a new dust boot material having enhanced durability and grease retention characteristics.
04-17-17-R	2019-07-01. Service bulletin. This bulletin provides a service procedure to address isolated customer concerns of a rattling sound identified as coming from the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) gear box (steering rack) assembly. The repair (when applicable) involves installation of a new tension spring for the worm gear to reduce / eliminate the condition.
WTD65AUI	2018-06-04. Service bulletin. WTD-65 Stop Sale and Recall - Urgent Additional Information Urgent request for retailers to re-contact customers owning these cars: Provided just prior to 4:00 PM ET today. Also, update to "Inspection and repair procedures document," discussion of process to provide for loaner car reimbursement for customers who are awaiting new car delivery of a stop sale unit, and discussion of parts supply.
WTD65UI	2018-06-04. Service bulletin. The following is to provide you with updated information on the WTD 65 recall. 1. We are pleased to announce that based upon retailer input and comments, along with further study and analysis by FHI and SOA, we are increasing the labor time for repairs under this recall by 0.5 hour per vehicle. This is for both 2.5 and 3.6 liter vehicles and will be retroactive to the first repair claims processed. 2. An updated repair procedure document is attached (click here) and will be posted today to STIS. This includes these increased labor times and also provides updated repair procedures including a clarification on the possible need for toe adjustments. We have also reduced the parts retention period for this recall only. Once a claim has been submitted and APPROVED, the parts replaced to complete the repair may be scrapped. 3. We are also sharing that we are enhancing the SSLP daily reimbursement rate. The new reimbursement rate will be $40/day and takes effect retroactively back to May 9, 2016 to align with the announcement of the WTD65 campaign. Please note, although this enhancement is being made retroactively to support our retailer partners during the campaign, this new reimbursement rate will continue once the campaign is completed. 4. Parts Supply ? based upon the latest available supplier production and shipping schedules, we will have delivered at least 26,000 steering columns to retailers by Friday May 27. This will cover more than 100% of sold vehicles plus approximately 80% of the estimated total vehicles needing repair parts.
WTD65M1	2018-06-04. Service bulletin. Memo: Stop Sale and Recall - WTD-65 Steering Column Shaft - Inspection and Repair Procedures
WTD65OP	2018-06-04. Service bulletin. WTD-65 Steering Column Recall - Ordering Process memo. Due to the substantial shipments which were processed this past weekend and an expected ample supply of incoming steering columns, the ordering restriction will be removed on Wednesday, (6/1) at 11 am ET for part numbers 34500AL02A and 34500AL03A. Retailers can order through the normal ordering process. Orders must be placed as a VOR until further notice. A requested ship method of Ground or Will Call will not incur a handling charge. Orders will be monitored for reasonableness. Order one bolt, part number 83140GA000, for each column ordered.
WTD65AP	2018-06-04. Service bulletin. Subaru has decided to loosen the restrictions on the $250 PAR allowance and let retailers decide on extenuating circumstances, including for customers that were inconvenienced by the inspection only and for customers that had to wait to purchase their vehicles due to the WTD65 Steering Column Recall. This should be only for customers that have experienced extenuating circumstances as a result of this recall.