2016 Subaru Forester Technical Service Bulletins

455 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2016 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.

• 10171105Jan 31, 2020Equipment, Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies.
• 10171099Jan 30, 2020Engine cooling. This bulletin announces availability of a new vacuum hose assembly for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system incorporating improved sealing to prevent potential oil seepage.
• 10171098Jan 30, 2020Equipment, Suspension. This Service Information Bulletin announces part number change information for the rear suspension coil springs used on the models listed.
• 10171092Jan 22, 2020Equipment, Suspension. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to replace the rear coil springs on certain 2014-2016 model year Forester vehicles.
• 10171091Jan 20, 2020Suspension. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (subaru) is initiating a service program to replace the rear coil springs on certain 2014-2016 model year Forester vehicles.
• 10171089Jan 17, 2020Equipment, Electrical system, Air bags. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system.
• 10171074Jan 6, 2020Electrical system, Air bags, Seats. The available inventory update for the WUM-98 harness
• 10169893Dec 20, 2019Equipment. 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.
• 10169883Dec 13, 2019Seats. Harness inventory (Part# 64084SG23A) is now available and must be ordered through PRIME -- Retailer order levels are on Subarunet under Recalls & Campaigns. If available, seat cushions can continue to be ordered and used to satisfy the recall as well.
• 10169881Dec 13, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin announces availability of a new HVAC blower motor unit assemblies developed to address isolated concerns of the blower motor becoming inoperative. If this issues occurs on models with Auto A/C, the blower fan may become totally inoperative. If this issue occurs on models with Manual A/C, the blower fan may operate on high speed only. The root cause of these conditions is water intrusion into the…
• 10169876Dec 13, 2019Seats. 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 366,282 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 10169871Dec 10, 2019Seats. WUM-98 Harness (Recall) parts. Harness inventory (Part# 64084SG23A) is now available and must be ordered through PRIME-- Retailer order levels are on Subarnet under Recalls & Campaigns. If available, seat cushions can continue to be ordered and used to satisty the recall as well.
• 10169864Dec 9, 2019Equipment, 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).
• 10169855Dec 5, 2019Engine cooling. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2018 Forester 2.0L Turbo and 2016-2018 WRX models which may experience a loosening of the front exhaust pipe nuts. On certain affected vehicles, the six (6) front exhaust pipe (EPF) nuts at the cylinder heads may not have been tightened sufficiently due to variations in production. As a result, these nuts may become loose during use…
• 10169833Dec 5, 2019Engine cooling. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/ voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2018 Forester 2.0L Turbo and 2016-2018 WRX models which may experience a loosening of the fornt exhaust pip nuts.
• 10169832Dec 4, 2019Seats. Customer concern claim submission for WUM-98 prior to supply of harness (recall) parts.
• 10168633Nov 21, 2019Seats, Air bags, Electrical system, Equipment. Interim Owner Notification WUM-98 Forester Passenger-side Front Airbag ODS Recall.
• 10168629Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Air bags, Seats, 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 366,282 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 10168589Nov 8, 2019Brakes, Electrical system, Equipment. "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."
• 10168584Nov 1, 2019Seats, Electrical system. Parts availabilty for Forester Occupant Detection System (WUM-98). Subaru of America, Inc. is pleased to announce immediate availbilty and release of current stock of Forester seat cushions.
• 10168583Nov 1, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. Updated- Retailer preowned reimbursement program WUM-98 Forester Occupant Detection System (ODS).
• 10168581Nov 1, 2019Electrical system, Air bags. To assist with customer inquiries regarding the ODS recall, please use the attached list of answers to questions you can expect in the coming days.
• 10166904Oct 22, 2019Air bags. 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 366,282 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 10166925Oct 8, 2019Air bags, Equipment. To support our retailers partners currently stocking certain 2015-2018MY pre-owned Subaru Forester vehicle affected by the WUM-98 ODS recall announced on October 8, 2019, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is pleased to provide financial assistance during the time repairs are unavailable.
• 10166905Oct 8, 2019Electrical system, Air bags. 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 365,515 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
• 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…
• 10164393Aug 23, 2019Equipment, Electrical 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
• 10164184Aug 8, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin announces new reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address additional operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving “Gen 2” F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7” display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files then loading them onto two flash drives for audio unit installation.
• 10164182Aug 5, 2019Electrical system, Engine cooling. This bulletin announces availability of a new Engine Control Module (ECM) for the models listed above designed to address DTC P2610: “ECM/PCM ENGINE OFF TIMER PERFORMANCE”. Under certain RARE conditions, an electrostatic surge may influence the ECM’s internal timer used after the engine is turned off and store a DTC P2610 in memory. Hardware in the ECM has been changed to eliminate any impact from…
• 10163563Jul 30, 2019Electrical system. This bulletin announces availability of a new Engine Control Module (ECM) for the models listed above designed to address DTC P2610: “ECM/PCM ENGINE OFF TIMER PERFORMANCE”. Under certain RARE conditions, an electrostatic surge may influence the ECM’s internal timer used after the engine is turned off and store a DTC P2610 in memory. Hardware in the ECM has been changed to eliminate any impact from…
• 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, 2019Suspension, Body and structure. 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.
• 10162998Jun 3, 2019Equipment. This bulletin announces new reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address additional operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving ?Gen 2? F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7? display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files then loading them onto two flash drives for audio unit installation.
• 10161831May 28, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. 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.

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