2018 Subaru Crosstrek Technical Service Bulletins

523 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10164446Aug 29, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. "This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly. Investigation has identified likely sources of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT’s oil pump chain cover and the input shaft oil seal. The repair involves chain cover removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing…
• 10164394Aug 23, 2019Electrical system. "This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. The exchange program policy can also be found in Sections 8.4.9 and 11.2.10 of your Claims Policies and Procedures Manual found in Subarunet. "
• 10164275Aug 20, 2019Brakes, Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin announces a design change to the ABS wheel speed sensor assemblies. The change optimizes moisture and corrosion resistance of the sensor harness casing.
• 10163560Jul 29, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to update the Harman head unit on certain vehicles with the latest version of software.
• 10163559Jul 26, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 10163556Jul 23, 2019Body and structure, Suspension. This Service Information Bulletin announces a change made to the rear subframe retaining bolts used on the models listed above. The design changes provide the bolt with an increased durability against rust.
• 10163525Jul 11, 2019Brakes. This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the…
• 10163521Jul 9, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides a procedure for addressing a limited number of concerns involving a tapping-type sound originating from the area where the engine and CVT are joined. On affected vehicles, the sound can be heard easiest after the engine is fully warmed up.
• 10163519Jul 8, 2019Electrical system. This service information bulletin provides a procedure for customizing the maintenance period settings of the MFD. When accessing the maintenance period information on the SSM4, the maintenance interval default values for mileage and number of months are different from those displayed on the MFD. This procedure describes how to synchronize the MFD and SSM4 values to insure proper customer notification.
• 10143724Jul 2, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. In efforts to increase customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is now allowing all retailers to perform a one-time update the head unit software for Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation Head Units.
• 10163018Jun 27, 2019Equipment. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to update the Harman Kardon head unit on certain vehicles with the latest version of software.
• 10163017Jun 27, 2019Engine. This Service Information bulletin provides new inspection and repair procedures for AVCS (Active Valve Control System) -related DTCs on the FA and FB engine equipped models listed above. The applicable Service Manuals will be revised with this new information in the near future.
• 10163016Jun 26, 2019Equipment. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 10163002Jun 11, 2019Body and structure. This bulletin announces a change to the interior door trim panels made to address a limited number of concerns regarding small dents appearing in the accent areas as shown in the illustrations below. These dents can occur when the foam layer on the inside of the trim panel covering material is pressed inward and comes in contact with adhesive used during assembly preventing a return to its original condition.
• 10161832May 30, 2019Body and structure, Equipment. This Service Information bulletin provides supplemental instructions to follow when repairing chipping and / or peeling-type damage to the Sunshine Orange (Code AK) colored paint finish.
• 10161824May 21, 2019Equipment. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
• 10161820May 10, 2019Equipment. This bulletin provides helpful information about operating conditions observed in the field for Technicians to use when diagnosing customer concerns which may arise while operating Harman Gen 3.0 and 3.1 Navigation and Display Audio systems. We will continue to add to this bulletin as more information becomes available.
• 10161819May 9, 2019Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. This bulletin provides a procedure for addressing a limited number of concerns involving a tapping -type sound originating from the area where the engine and CVT are joined. On affected vehicles, the sound can be heard easiest after the engine is fully warmed up.
• 10161817May 8, 2019Equipment. IMPORTANT: This Service Bulletin has been as been replaced by TSB 15-240-19R entitled ?New Harman Audio Amplifiers?. Please refer to this new bulletin for the latest information regarding this condition.
• 10161816May 8, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or…
• 10161813May 6, 2019Equipment. To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
• 10160214Apr 23, 2019Electrical system, Engine. This bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil control solenoid valves (OCV) which contain a redesigned internal oil seal. The new seal will eliminate potential oil seepage into the wire harness connector portion of the valve. If oil seeps into the connector, over time, the Check Engine lamp may illuminate and set various AVCS-related DTCs.
• 10160213Apr 18, 2019Electrical system. This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: ? Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short amount of time ? Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while using navigation guidance ? No response from…
• 10160496Mar 13, 2019Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing a customer concern of the display screen being either frozen (unresponsive) or black (blank).
• 10160493Mar 11, 2019Equipment. This Service Information bulletin is in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding the audio unit not being able to play certain types of audio Compact Discs (CDs). Harman Gen 3.0 head units which have previously received software updates (see claims history) and Gen 3.1 head units (used in 2019MY year vehicles) cannot play ?CD Extra? or ?Enhanced CD? -type audio CDs.
• 10160491Mar 11, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing clock-related customer concerns. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting.
• 10160490Mar 8, 2019Engine cooling, Equipment. This Service Information bulletin provides new inspection and repair procedures for AVCS (Active Valve Control System) -related DTCs on the FA and FB engine equipped models listed above. The applicable Service Manuals will be revised with this new information in the near future.
• 10155225Feb 22, 2019Equipment. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change made to the rubber timing hole access plug to improve its retention and prevent water intrusion into the converter case.
• 10155222Feb 20, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM) used with the TR580 CVT. Contamination in a fluid pressure solenoid valve can cause a DTC P0841. The new logic will allow the solenoid to operate in a manner enabling it to discharge the contamination.
• 10155220Feb 20, 2019Electrical system. This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park. The cause is contamination of the Park-Range switch internal components.
• 10155210Feb 15, 2019Electrical system. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to update the Harman Kardon head unit on certain vehicles with the latest version of software.
• 10154421Jan 25, 2019Engine cooling. This Service Information bulletin announces a change to the required thread sealer used when installing the PCV valve into the engine block. The previously used material may solidify and cause damage to the engine block threads during PCV valve removal.
• 10154419Jan 25, 2019Brakes. This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the…
• 10154415Jan 23, 2019Body and structure, Equipment. This Service Information bulletin provides supplemental instructions to follow when repairing chipping and / or peeling-type damage to the Sunshine Orange (Code AK) colored paint finish.
• 10154204Jan 22, 2019Electrical system. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 10154202Jan 22, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to update the Harman Kardon head unit on certain vehicles with the latest version of software.
• 10154207Jan 10, 2019Equipment, Air bags. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system.
• 10153612Dec 5, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 10153181Nov 8, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming…
• 10153178Nov 6, 2018Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park. The cause is contamination of the Park-Range switch internal components.
• 10150952Oct 30, 2018Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit.
• 10150927Oct 30, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit.
• 10150949Oct 26, 2018Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate.
• 10150924Oct 26, 2018Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate.
• 10150948Oct 23, 2018Body and structure. This bulletin provides a procedure and precautions to use when addressing a customer concern of an improper fit or gap condition of the center vent grille assembly as shown in the comparison photos below.
• 10150923Oct 23, 2018Body and structure. This bulletin provides a procedure and precautions to use when addressing a customer concern of an improper fit or gap condition of the center vent grille assembly as shown in the comparison photos below.
• 10150945Oct 19, 2018Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. The exchange program policy can also be found in Sections 8.4.9 and 11.2.10 of your Claims Policies and Procedures Manual found in Subarunet.
• 10150939Oct 16, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 10150914Oct 16, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 10150938Oct 15, 2018Equipment, Engine. This Service Information Bulletin announces a change to the retaining clip used to secure the engine harness on the models listed above. The change to a ?Tree Type? clip from an ?Anchor Type? was made to secure the harness tighter and improve assembly line productivity. Comparison images are provided below.

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