2012 Subaru Forester Technical Service Bulletins

388 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Subaru Forester. 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.

• 10226846Nov 11, 2022Seat belts. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, in which a defective left front seat belt may have been installed as a replacement part.
• 10222354Sep 23, 2022Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals.
• 10219492Aug 23, 2022Equipment. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
• 10219491Aug 23, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
• 10219476Aug 12, 2022Equipment. Special Edition, 2012 current model subaru evaporative diagnostics and smoke testing.
• 10216980Jul 11, 2022Equipment, Engine cooling. The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan.
• 10209915Mar 18, 2022Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
• 10207172Jan 2, 2022Equipment, Engine cooling. This Bulletin announces design changes to the engine oil and CVT fluid drain plugs.
• 10202810Oct 7, 2021Equipment, Engine cooling. This bulletin announces an additional service procedure for timing chain and / or cam sprocket replacement on FA and FB type engines.
• 10201813Sep 29, 2021Wheels. This bulletin announces a change made to the wheel lug nuts.
• 10201043Aug 23, 2021Equipment. This bulletin provides a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.
• 10198758Jun 17, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
• 10198749Jun 7, 2021Equipment, Engine cooling. This bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
• 10194826May 5, 2021Equipment. Description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.
• 10191563Apr 13, 2021Engine cooling. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date.
• 10188219Feb 19, 2021Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date.
• 10188218Feb 19, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date.
• 10187315Feb 1, 2021Equipment. 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.
• 10186419Jan 26, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date.
• 10186347Jan 22, 2021Engine cooling. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier, and/or upper oil pan.
• 10186388Jan 19, 2021Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.
• 10186364Jan 12, 2021Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling, Equipment. This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
• 10186348Jan 4, 2021Equipment, Electrical system. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.
• 10185090Dec 15, 2020Wheels. This Service Information Bulletin announces a change made to the wheel lug nuts.
• 10182247Oct 29, 2020Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.
• 10179422Aug 31, 2020Engine cooling. This bulletin announces availability of new master cylinder application shaft seals.
• 10179416Aug 26, 2020Engine cooling. This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
• 10179378Aug 4, 2020Equipment. Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
• 10174543Apr 30, 2020Equipment. All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
• 10173117Mar 10, 2020Engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment. This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
• 10171869Feb 4, 2020Air bags. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004-2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the…
• 10171105Jan 31, 2020Equipment, Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies.
• 10171076Jan 15, 2020Air bags, Equipment. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004- 2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the…
• 10171084Jan 10, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
• 10171075Jan 6, 2020Air bags, Equipment. Takata Like for Like recalls- TKA20 (Zone A), TKB20 (Zone B), TKC20 (Zone C).
• 10165512Sep 20, 2019Engine cooling. The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan. There are five areas that should be closely inspected if an oil leak is reported by the customer: 1. The 6mm tapped hole casting boss area in the left-hand camshaft cap 2. The sealing surfaces between either…
• 10163526Jul 12, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. "This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the following customer concerns: • Power windows inoperative from the driver’s door master and / or passenger front door switch • Unable to remotely operate other door windows from the driver’s door master switch • One-Touch Auto Up / Down features inoperative from either / both front door switches"
• 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…
• 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.
• 10161827May 22, 2019Electrical system. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain vehicles in the ranges listed below to inspect and potentially replace the ignition switch. A total of 511 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 10161824May 21, 2019Equipment. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
• 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.
• 10161812May 2, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the following customer concerns: ? Power windows inoperative from the driver?s door master and / or passenger front door switch ? Unable to remotely operate other door windows from the driver?s door master switch ? One-Touch Auto Up / Down features inoperative from either / both front door switches
• 10160219Apr 30, 2019Electrical system. Owner Notification, Owners will be notified by first class mail on May 10, 2019. Owners with a valid email address on file will also be notified by email. Subaru retailers with affected vehicles will receive an affected VIN list from their Zone Office prior to owner notification. Service, Parts, and Claim Instructions Detailed service, parts, and claim information is available in the WUF-91 Product Campaign…
• 10160209Apr 30, 2019Electrical system. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain vehicles in the ranges listed below to inspect and potentially replace the ignition switch. A total of 511 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 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.
• 10160208Apr 12, 2019Electrical system. New Subaru Safety Recall: WUF-91 Replacement Ignition Switch Recall Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain vehicles in the ranges listed below to inspect and potentially replace the ignition switch. A total of 511 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 10160205Apr 10, 2019Air bags. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed above, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
• 10160503Mar 19, 2019Air bags, Engine cooling. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed above, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
• 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.

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