2015 Subaru Forester Technical Service Bulletins

502 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2015 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.

• 10166899Oct 8, 2019Air bags, Electrical system. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 model year Forester vehicles to replace the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness. A total of 355,151 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 10165552Sep 30, 2019Wheels, Brakes. This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear wheel / brake backing plates. Under certain circumstances, some customers may have a concern regarding a howling-type sound from the rear of the vehicle later diagnosed as a faulty hub / bearing assembly. Unevenness of the backing plate surfaces may affect the concentricity (roundness) of the hub / bearing after torqued during assembly and over time, cause…
• 10165550Sep 30, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin announces a design change made to the front door glass run channels. Water can enter the run channels and cause a stick-slip (judder) condition to occur as the door glass opens and closes. The judder is transferred through the window regulator mechanism in the form of mechanical resistance to the electric window motor.
• 10165497Sep 26, 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 the…
• 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…
• 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…
• 10164392Aug 23, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. 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.
• 10164185Aug 8, 2019Brakes. This bulletin announces availability of a new front disc brake pad, shim, grease and clip kit designed to reduce customer concerns of excessive brake squeal. This new kit eliminates the “slotted” shim which previously was installed between the rubber-coated outer shim and the brake pad.
• 10163558Jul 26, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. All 2015-2017 MY vehicles with Fujitsu TEN (F10) 7in. Multimedia Navigation (AVN) & Display Audio Units. This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different conditions relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the new-generation “Gen 2” and “Gen 2.1” F10 Navigation and Display Audio systems. We will continue to add more helpful tips to this TSB as they become…
• 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.
• 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…
• 10163520Jul 9, 2019Exterior lighting, Electrical system. SOA has received multiple requests for additional 83399Fj000rt BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH tools and now has sufficient stock to allow retailers to place orders for single tools.
• 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.
• 10161831May 28, 2019Body and structure, Equipment. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change made to the TGV assemblies used on the Forester Turbo models and WRXs listed above. Condensation resulting from EGR system operation may enter the area between the TGV shaft and bearing. Over time, corrosion can develop and impede movement of the TGV shaft and cause any of the DTCs P2004, 2005, 2006 and /or P2007 to set. The material of the TGV shaft has…
• 10161829May 28, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. This Service Information bulletin provides a revised Step to follow when diagnosing a DTC B2513- LATCH CONDITION FAILURE. The number of wiring checks found in Step 9 has been reduced from six to three as shown in the illustration below. The Service Manual will be updated with these revisions in the near future.
• 10161824May 21, 2019Equipment. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
• 10161815May 8, 2019Brakes. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 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
• 10160202Apr 25, 2019Equipment. This Service Information bulletin announces availability of an enhancement to the Gracenote database included in the vehicles listed above equipped with F10 7? Navigation and 7? Display Audio head units.
• 10160204Apr 24, 2019Exterior lighting. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 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.
• 10160498Mar 13, 2019Equipment. This Service information bulletin announces a design change made to the Cargo Net ? Rear Replacement Hardware Kit (F551SAG301). The new part number is F551SAN010. The change was made to address concerns regarding the ?mushroom? anchors either pulling out of the trim panel and or gapping visibly at the base of the anchor between the black plastic spacer and trim panel.
• 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.
• 10160485Mar 4, 2019Equipment. This bulletin provides a procedure to follow for addressing customer concerns of a shuddering condition or chattering -type sound heard or felt when making sharp turns. If an applicable vehicle presents with the condition as described, it is recommended to perform the transfer clutch break-in procedure as described.
• 10160512Mar 1, 2019Exterior lighting. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 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.
• 10155221Feb 20, 2019Engine. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These new files will address customer concerns of: ? Spark knock (ping) during high intake air temperature operation ? Surge on acceleration due to phantom knock detection ? Check Engine light illumination resulting from DTC P113A and / or P0137 being stored in the ECM memory.
• 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.
• 10154425Jan 31, 2019Equipment, Engine. The purpose of this bulletin is to announce a change to the specification of the valve springs used in the FB engine. The new springs have different color paint marks to help identify their application.
• 10154423Jan 29, 2019Electrical system. This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new control valve assembly (valve body) designed to prevent false detection of DTC P0841 and / or illumination of the AT Temp light. Testing has revealed in some limited cases, air bubbles (aerated fluid) may enter certain pressure circuits within the control valve assembly causing fluid pressure control and adjustment to be calculated incorrectly…
• 10154409Jan 11, 2019Steering. This bulletin provides helpful tips to simplify the diagnosis of sound concerns originating in the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox (steering rack) assembly. If a vehicle presents with a ?rattling?, ?knocking? or possibly a ?clanging? type sound coming from the steering rack and / or a vibration felt through the steering wheel, use the flow chart below to help make diagnosis of the concern easier.
• 10154207Jan 10, 2019Equipment, Air bags. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system.
• 10154206Jan 8, 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 a likely source of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT?s oil pump chain cover. The repair involves removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover.
• 10153624Dec 21, 2018Engine cooling, Electrical system, Fuel system. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the ECM and address isolated customer concerns of hesitation on acceleration. The new logic provides enhanced ignition timing control during Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) operation.
• 10153187Nov 14, 2018Engine. This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability. In some cases, the Check Engine light may illuminate and a knock sensor-related DTC set in the ECM memory: P0327, P0328, P0332 and P0333. The knock sensor for DIT engines is now utilized for NA engines to improve durability and resistance to heat.
• 10153182Nov 9, 2018Steering. This bulletin announces a new Electronic Power Steering (EPS) control module for the models listed above. These new EPS control modules address a limited number of customer concerns regarding increased steering effort which may occur during freezing temperatures after a cold start. The cause has been identified as a frozen relay contact inside the control module. Illumination of the EPS warning lamp can also occur…
• 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.
• 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.
• 10150937Oct 12, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving the Clarion Display Audio unit with 6.2? display.
• 10150912Oct 12, 2018Electrical system. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving the Clarion Display Audio unit with 6.2? display.
• 10150932Oct 9, 2018Body and structure, Latches, locks and linkages. This bulletin provides a service procedure to address a gap between the top edge of the door and the instrument panel on the models listed as shown in the photo below. The gap may also make the glove box door difficult to close fully.There is a latch to keep the glove box closed on both sides of the glove box door. If the door is closed without using enough force to engage both latches or by pushing it shut on just…
• 10150887Oct 9, 2018Body and structure, Electrical system. This bulletin provides a service procedure to address a gap between the top edge of the door and the instrument panel on the models listed as shown in the photo below. The gap may also make the glove box door difficult to close fully.There is a latch to keep the glove box closed on both sides of the glove box door. If the door is closed without using enough force to engage both latches or by pushing it shut on just…
• 10150930Oct 2, 2018Equipment. This Service Information bulletin announces availability of an enhancement to the Gracenote database included in the vehicles listed above equipped with F10 7? Navigation and 7? Display Audio head units. When the user plays a pre-recorded CD, Gracenote recognizes the disc then shows the artist and track name information along with the album cover art on the head unit display (when available).
• 10150885Oct 2, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. This Service Information bulletin announces availability of an enhancement to the Gracenote database included in the vehicles listed above equipped with F10 7? Navigation and 7? Display Audio head units. When the user plays a pre-recorded CD, Gracenote recognizes the disc then shows the artist and track name information along with the album cover art on the head unit display (when available).
• 10146487Sep 27, 2018Steering. This Service Information bulletin provides helpful tips to simplify the diagnosis of sound concerns originating in the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox (steering rack) assembly. If a vehicle presents with a ?rattling?, ?knocking? or possibly a ?clanging? type sound coming from the steering rack and / or a vibration felt through the steering wheel, use the flow chart below to help make diagnosis of the…
• 10146486Sep 27, 2018Equipment. A design change was made to the blower motor assembly to address the following customer concerns: ? Blower fan is either inoperative or only operates on high speed. ? Excessive rotational-type sound heard when the fan is operating.
• 10146480Sep 18, 2018Exterior lighting. This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s warning lamp to illuminate.

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