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.

• 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.
• 10153627Dec 28, 2018Electrical 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.
• 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.
• 10146475Sep 6, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on the above listed models and model years from the original five (5) years or sixty thousand (60,000) miles (whichever comes first) to ten (10) years or one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles (whichever comes first).
• 10145079Aug 29, 2018Exterior lighting, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This Service Information bulletin announces a change made to the lens portion of the fog light assembly. The new lens has optimized light distribution characteristics while remaining interchangeable with the original type.
• 10145075Aug 28, 2018Equipment. 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. The tables contained within this bulletin are to be used as guides for becoming aware of the latest changes. We advise you to always refer to the STIS web site when looking for the latest Service information.
• 10145073Aug 24, 2018Body and structure, Suspension. This bulletin provides potential source locations and procedures to help isolate areas of the vehicle which may be generating popping, clicking or creaking sounds when the body is in a ?twisting? condition. This can occur while driving on rough, irregular or uneven road surfaces or even during lowspeed maneuvers such as pulling into or backing out of a driveway.
• 10145071Aug 22, 2018Seats. This Service Information Bulletin provides a revised troubleshooting procedure and tips to follow when diagnosing a DTC B1650- ?Occupant Classification System Malfunction?. This DTC may also be accompanied by B1760, B1761, B1771 or B1795 as found in the Occupant Detection control module. The new procedure is designed to help avoid unnecessary part (seat cushion assembly) replacements.
• 10145070Aug 21, 2018Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.Within the terms of the Basic New Car Warranty and the one year Replacement Parts Warranty the Exchange Program provides for replacement of a defective unit from the manufacturer.
• 10144881Aug 15, 2018Equipment, 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.
• 10144874Aug 1, 2018Engine, Equipment. In conjunction with the launch of our new Remanufactured FB Engine Short Block Program, SOA would like to reinforce Core Return Policy (See Parts Policy & Procedures Manual ? Section 12.3 Core Returns ? Reman) and provide suggestions for removal and handling of the short block.
• 10143882Jul 30, 2018Equipment. 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. It is important to read through and understand this information completely before proceeding. These…
• 10143877Jul 30, 2018Electrical system. This Service Information bulletin announces the standardization of the IG2 and ACC relays used on the models listed. Both of these relays are located on the back (front facing) side of the passenger compartment fuse box (F/B).
• 10143878Jul 28, 2018Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides a repair procedure for replacing the foam cushion installed between the top front edge of the IP and the windshield glass. Use the supplied Service Procedure to address a customer concern involving the foam cushion becoming visible above the IP near the defroster vent outlets.
• 10143869Jul 24, 2018Steering. This bulletin announces availability of a new Electronic Power Steering (EPS) gear box assembly designed to address a VERY limited number of customer concerns regarding uneven steering effort felt when turning left or right. In areas where high concentrations of road salt are used to melt ice and snow, corrosion may develop and cause a portion of the gear box housing to crack if the vehicle were to suffer a large…
• 10143875Jul 18, 2018Engine cooling. TURBO MODELS ONLY. This bulletin announces availability of new parts to address a limited number of reports involving an engine vibration felt when at idle after the engine is up to operating temperature. In some cases, the above engine misfire DTCs may also result causing the Check Engine light to illuminate in error.
• 10142838Jun 21, 2018Electrical 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.
• 10142825Jun 20, 2018Steering. This bulletin announces a design change made to the forward bushing used in the front lower control arm to address customer concerns of a rattle-type sound and / or a possible vibration felt in the steering wheel. The material for the cushion portion of the front bushing has been changed.
• 10142835Jun 11, 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. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation.
• 10142834Jun 11, 2018Equipment. ONLY MODELS with AVN Navigation or Display Audio system. 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 available.
• 10142826Jun 11, 2018Electrical system. 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 to set and result in the related system?s warning lamp to illuminate.
• 10141490May 31, 2018Brakes. This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the models listed. The new shims incorporate a new laminated design with increased damping characteristics to eliminate vibration identified as the root cause of the sound. The new kits include shims only (NO brake pads).
• 10141489May 31, 2018Steering. This Service Information bulletin announces a running change made to the Steering Angle Sensor. The (new) -style originally used on Legacy and Outback has been adapted.
• 10141491May 22, 2018Seats, Equipment, Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin provides a revised troubleshooting procedure and tips to follow when diagnosing a DTC B1650-?Occupant Classification System Malfunction?. This DTC may also be accompanied by B1760, B1761, B1771 or B1795 as found in the Occupant Detection control module. The new procedure is designed to help avoid unnecessary part (seat cushion assembly) replacements.

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