[Telkwa]

I realize that TSB's and recalls aren't the same thing, but I've got a q for the group. What can the consumer do about TSB's that seem to affect them?

We own a 2019 Ascent. Bought the 10yr/100K exctended warranty. I've asked the dealer about TSB's like the rear hatch power draw and the fluttering hood fix. They act like I shouldn't be asking about this stuff.

The car is going to them in a few days for a piece of trim they broke so I asked if someone could drive it on the highway and tell me whether the hood flutter is acceptable or not.
He said I'd have to make an appt.

So, back to my question - if there's a TSB, and you think your car might be affected, what can you do?

 

[packout]

I realize that TSB's and recalls aren't the same thing, but I've got a q for the group. What can the consumer do about TSB's that seem to affect them?

We own a 2019 Ascent. Bought the 10yr/100K exctended warranty. I've asked the dealer about TSB's like the rear hatch power draw and the fluttering hood fix. They act like I shouldn't be asking about this stuff.

The car is going to them in a few days for a piece of trim they broke so I asked if someone could drive it on the highway and tell me whether the hood flutter is acceptable or not.
He said I'd have to make an appt.

So, back to my question - if there's a TSB, and you think your car might be affected, what can you do?

The tsb are provided by Subaru to dealers' service departments as information as to 1: be aware of this common non safety issue and 2: how to diag and repair it. If the vehicle is under warranty, the repair is no cost to you. If it is outside warranty it will cost you, but the tsb directions are still very relevant.

Since you have the extended contract, most tsb will be covered for that term. Both of the tsb you mentioned should be covered and repaired at no cost to you as long as the diag matches up. If they give you a hard time, open a case with SOA.

 

[scipio11111]

Find a new dealer and tell them about this one, it'll be worth the drive.

 

[azieba]

“The car is going to them in a few days for a piece of trim they broke so I asked if someone could drive it on the highway and tell me whether the hood flutter is acceptable or not.”

So the first thing is don’t ask them if this is acceptable or not. If you don’t feel it is right, it is unacceptable to you and they need to fix it. Since there is a TSB, it tells them how to solve the problem. Sounds like you already have an appointment for them to fix the broken part. When you check in, tell them that the car has a wobbly hood and if you feel the power is an issue explain that you think some thing is not right and want them to look at it.

If you ask them if it is acceptable they will just say yes it is to avoid doing the work, especially when it is no cost to you.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

TSBs are remediation instructions for things that affect certain vehicles. If your vehicles has a condition that a TSB addresses, the dealer service department can use those instructions to deal with it. They are not performed on all vehicles and are not fixes that are required under an official recall. They are free service if your vehicle is still under warranty and can also be covered if you have the manufacturer extended service contract, although you may be on the hook for a deductible if your plan has one with some dealers. One thing that's important to understand is that a TSB will not generally get performed unless there is evidence the problem exists.

 

[denissh]

2019 Ascent got over 300 TSB and TSB revisions

order of things is...
Customer reports a problem only when they(dealer) look for TSB
NOT customer found random TSB and ask them to find a problem

 

[dcyvr]

I usually have the issue, report it and the dealer has no clue. Everything seems normal, tested and compared to in stock inventory etc....

End up finding TSB later, sometimes a year later. Report back to dealer to resolve issue and refer to said TSB.

 

[packout]

I usually have the issue, report it and the dealer has no clue. Everything seems normal, tested and compared to in stock inventory etc....

End up finding TSB later, sometimes a year later. Report back to dealer to resolve issue and refer to said TSB.

says much about dealer

 

[Telkwa]

I followed a link that someone else provided to the hood flutter TSB. Is there a website that has all of the Ascent TSB's in one place?
There were 300 Ascent TSB's?? Sheesh. Is that way above average?

 

[Robert.Mauro]

There were 300 Ascent TSB's?? Sheesh. Is that way above average?

A TSB is not a recall. It's a Technical Service Bulletin. Or, a Service Bulletin that's technical in nature. It may be related to a recall, but that's because of the technical details.

In simpler terms, consider it a topic specific training guide. That's all it is.

So, the more the merrier.

Is there a website that has all of the Ascent TSB's in one place?

NHTSA has many of them.

STIS has all of them, in their latest and most up to date form.

 

[Telkwa]

It looks like you have to pay to get into STIS? Is that right? The only way Ive found out about TSB's is via discussions on the Ascent Forums.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Yes, you need a subscription for that...they do offer a short term one for folks who want to download documents.

 

[denissh]

It looks like you have to pay to get into STIS? Is that right? The only way Ive found out about TSB's is via discussions on the Ascent Forums.

NHTSA Home | NHTSA has 98% of Subaru TSB free (its up to Jan 30 2023 right now )
Subaru post almost all if not all with in 60 days or less after its out

TSB are for mechanic to diagnose problems correctly and spend minimum amount of time on repair with minimum amount of parts
less down time for customer and less subaru need to pay to the shop

Many TSB also list time it takes to perform diagnostic and repair

 

[Robert.Mauro]

ALSO, to add to @denissh's far better summary of it than mine, NHTSA is a great place to find historical/previous versions. When Subaru releases a revision, it replaces the previous one.

 

[[email protected]]

I did experience the hood flutter issue and it was pretty severe. The dealer service department took my 2019 Ascent out and couldn’t duplicate it. I asked them to take the vehicle up to 65-70 mph. They returned and ordered the refit kit and made the upgrade at no charge to me. Once the made the fix, I had no further issues. The dealership has been terrific with any issues.

 

[Chuckd53]

I did experience the hood flutter issue and it was pretty severe. The dealer service department took my 2019 Ascent out and couldn’t duplicate it. I asked them to take the vehicle up to 65-70 mph. They returned and ordered the refit kit and made the upgrade at no charge to me. Once the made the fix, I had no further issues. The dealership has been terrific with any issues.

I've experienced the hood flutter issue a couple of times on my 2020 Ascent Limited. Both times I was going 70+MPH on the southern side of the Grapevine grade going northbound in high winds. I had never experienced this with any of the dozens of vehicles I've driven over 50 years of driving. It's un-nerving because you feel like the hood might just fly off. It would be great if anyone could point me to the TSB # and/or a description or reference number for the refit kit.

 

[dcyvr]

I followed a link that someone else provided to the hood flutter TSB. Is there a website that has all of the Ascent TSB's in one place?
There were 300 Ascent TSB's?? Sheesh. Is that way above average?

I go here for TSBs:

Subaru Problems Overview | CarComplaints.com

Compare Subaru Ascent complaints, problems, & worst model years. There are 86 complaints on file for the Subaru Ascent.

m.carcomplaints.com

As for repair guides I just discovered my local library offers a free login to this service called Auto Repair Source, it has what appears to be everything a dealership technician has access to but for all makes. Check your library, here's a screenshot:

When I authenticate with my library card and search for my 2019 Ascent, I see this index:

Expanding the sections reveals instructions and diagrams.

 

[packout]

I go here for TSBs:

Subaru Problems Overview | CarComplaints.com

Compare Subaru Ascent complaints, problems, & worst model years. There are 86 complaints on file for the Subaru Ascent.

m.carcomplaints.com

As for repair guides I just discovered my local library offers a free login to this service called Auto Repair Source, it has what appears to be everything a dealership technician has access to but for all makes. Check your library, here's a screenshot:

View attachment 20423

When I authenticate with my library card and search for my 2019 Ascent, I see this index:

View attachment 20424

Expanding the sections reveals instructions and diagrams.

View attachment 20425

Denver Public Library doesn't have this but in the area Jeffco Public Library has it online if anyone is interested. check Prospector through your local online library.

 

[Telkwa]

I've experienced the hood flutter issue a couple of times on my 2020 Ascent Limited. Both times I was going 70+MPH on the southern side of the Grapevine grade going northbound in high winds. I had never experienced this with any of the dozens of vehicles I've driven over 50 years of driving. It's un-nerving because you feel like the hood might just fly off. It would be great if anyone could point me to the TSB # and/or a description or reference number for the refit kit.

Hood Vibration at Hight Speeds - TSB 12-281-20