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.

• 10141499May 10, 2018Equipment. This bulletin announces a design change to the A/C Condenser receiver-dryer assembly. The change involves the addition of a rubber end cap and retaining clip onto the bottom of the receiver-dryer tank portion to prevent corrosion intrusion and enhance sealing.
• 10141492May 10, 2018Engine cooling. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the exhaust system cover. The purpose of the change is to improve parts integration (or ?commonality?) between models.
• 10133522Mar 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
• 10133521Mar 28, 2018Electrical system. On Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models, after re-connecting the battery, if the ignition switch is turned back ?ON? within one minute after the first time the ignition is turned ?OFF?, it becomes possible for the CEL to illuminate storing DTC P0606 in memory. The code will not occur immediately, but may occur after a period of time depending upon how the vehicle is operated
• 10133528Mar 23, 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
• 10133529Mar 2, 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.
• 10140470Feb 13, 2018Equipment, Body and structure. This bulletin announces a design change to the air vent grille located in the lower portion of the trunk (or cargo) area. The shutters of the vent grille are designed to open briefly and relieve cabin pressure when the doors are shut with the windows fully closed. The vent grilles have rubber ?shutters? which occasionally, may catch on the frame (case) portion and not close properly allowing outside air / odor to…
• 10140483Feb 9, 2018Engine. 2.0L Turbor Models only. 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.
• 10140468Feb 9, 2018Engine, Electrical system. 2.0L Turbor Models only. 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.
• 10140480Feb 6, 2018Engine cooling, Equipment. 2.0L Turbo Models only. This bulletin announces availability of a special turbocharger air intake duct designed to prevent EXTREMELY RARE occurrence of ice formation from condensation in the duct?s PCV system passages.
• 10140425Feb 6, 2018Engine cooling. 2.0L Turbo Models only. This bulletin announces availability of a special turbocharger air intake duct designed to prevent EXTREMELY RARE occurrences of ice formation from condensation in the duct?s PCV system passages.
• 10130270Jan 24, 2018Brakes, Exterior 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.
• 10130272Jan 22, 2018Body and structure. This bulletin describes a design change to the center bracket component of the window regulator assembly. The change was made to address customer concerns of the front door glass shuddering while opening or closing. Moisture accumulation in the run channels can cause a stick-slip / vibration condition as the glass goes up and down resulting in the shudder.
• 10130285Jan 15, 2018Equipment. Technical support guide for navigation and audio f10 gen2 systems.
• 10130277Jan 11, 2018Body and structure. ( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
• 10130280Jan 5, 2018Equipment. Models with FujitsuTEN (F10) Gen 2.0 / 2.1 Navigation or Display Audio Head Units ONLY. This bulletin provides a repair procedure to address specific, confirmed customer concerns of: ? Audio output interruption every 2-3 seconds when listening to AM or FM radio broadcasts ? No audio output at all when attempting to listen to a HD Radio broadcast.
• 10130287Jan 3, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. The corrected update files are now available for download from Subarunet. TSB 15-20516R has been revised with new file names where applicable and re-posted to STIS.
• 10130278Jan 3, 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.
• 10138774Dec 20, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. 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.
• 10138778Dec 15, 2017Air bags, Electrical system, Equipment. NOTE: The Airbag systems used on previous and current WRX, STI and Tribeca models are NOT equipped with EDR functionality. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system. The function of the EDR is best explained using the following statements found in the vehicle Owner?s Manual: ?This vehicle is equipped with an event data…
• 10138780Dec 7, 2017Equipment, Air bags. 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.
• 10131667Oct 12, 2017Seats. This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction. This information replaces the current procedure until the Service Manual is updated in the near future. DTC B1760 and/or B1650 may set if liquid inadvertently spilled onto the seat cushion (or rain water entering from a…
• 10131628Sep 22, 2017Exterior lighting. EXCLUDES HYBRID MODELS. This bulletin announces a design change to the brake light switch (BLS) to reduce the possibility of improper illumination of the ABS and/or VDC warning lamp. In the event a product containing silicone is used to lubricate the BLS or for other purposes in the area around the switch, a non-conductive coating may develop over time on the internal electrical contacts and affect operation of the…
• 10131632Sep 11, 2017Engine cooling. 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.
• 10131633Sep 6, 2017Equipment. Models with Manual HVAC Systems only. This Service Information bulletin provides precautions to use when removing the HVAC control panel to prevent damaging the blower fan speed switch. When removing the control panel, if the fan speed switch wiring harness is pulled taught or becomes stressed, the switch may be damaged. If the connector (lower) portion of the switch becomes separated from the switch body even…
• 10117555Aug 16, 2017Equipment. 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.
• 10117541Aug 8, 2017Electrical system. 2.5L MODELS ONLY. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator's current output outside of the specified limits.
• 10117531Jun 26, 2017Air bags. This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction. This information replaces the current procedure until the Service Manual is updated in the near future. DTC B1760 and/or B1650 may set if liquid inadvertently spilled onto the seat cushion (or rain water entering from a…
• 10117528Jun 26, 2017Engine cooling. This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on FA and FB engines used on the models listed above. There have been isolated cases where the sealer used between the upper oil pan and the crankcase has become displaced resulting in engine oil seepage. Revisions made to the upper oil pan casting: * The mating flange thickness of the casting in the area identified as the cause for the…
• 10117534Jun 15, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin announces availability of ECM reprogramming files designed to optimize the ECM for improving HVAC blower fan speed control. There have been a limited number of cases with reports describing the blower fan speed fluctuating / changing without input from the customer when the blower is set to maximum speed.
• 10117529Jun 15, 2017Engine, Engine cooling. This Service Information bulletin announces a material change to the engine accessory drive / v-belt made to address customer concerns of a slipping belt (squeal or chirping) sound.
• 10117530Jun 6, 2017Exterior lighting. This bulletin announces a design change to the brake light switch (BLS) to reduce the possibility of improper illumination of the ABS and/or VDC warning lamp. In the event a product containing silicone is used to lubricate the BLS or for other purposes in the area around the switch, a non-conductive coating may develop over time on the internal electrical contacts and affect operation of the switch.
• 10111085Apr 25, 2017Electrical system. ONLY 2016-2017MY: Those Models equipped with STARLINK Telematics. Provisioning is the process by which the DCM receives the subscription request and activates the related DCM features requested as outlined in the specific subscription contract. If provisioning is not successful then the DCM may remain in an inactive state and the requested services may not be activated for the customer. Field investigation has…
• 10111086Apr 20, 2017Transmission 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.
• 10111083Mar 31, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. 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 from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation.
• 10111074Mar 10, 2017Engine cooling. This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on FA and FB engines used on the models listed above. There have been isolated cases where the sealer used between the upper oil pan and the crankcase has become displaced resulting in engine oil seepage.
• 10131699Feb 15, 2017Fuel system. REVISED. This bulletin announces a design change of the fuel injector used on 2.0L DIT models to prevent water intrusion. A new silicone rubber cover has been developed and incorporated into production for this purpose.
• 10111071Dec 30, 2016Fuel system. This bulletin announces a design change of the fuel injector used on 2.0L DIT models to prevent water intrusion. A new silicone rubber cover has been developed and incorporated into production for this purpose.
• 10111067Dec 16, 2016Fuel system. This Service Information bulletin announces a change to the shape of the rubber cap used on the flange nuts securing the sub-level sending unit to the fuel tank. In addition, two of the caps are now used in production instead of only one. This change was made to enhance productivity during vehicle assembly.
• 10111066Dec 14, 2016Transmission and drivetrain. Only Models Equipped with TR690 CVT only. 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…
• 10121001Nov 30, 2016Equipment. This bulletin announces a design change to the USB connector inside the USB-AUX unit to address customer concerns of the USB cable becoming stuck and / or difficult to remove.
• 10121000Nov 29, 2016Equipment. USB Device Not Recognized on Fujitsu-Ten (F10) 7? Display Navigation and Display Audio Units. This bulletin announces availability of a new auxiliary USB unit to address customer concerns where the 7? Display Audio or Audio Navigation head unit will not recognize USB devices connected via the auxiliary unit.
• 10121005Nov 21, 2016Equipment. 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 from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation.
• 10121002Nov 21, 2016Equipment. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the extensive revisions made to the information originally contained in this bulletin, a new bulletin, 15-205-16 has been issued. Please refer to this new bulletin for the latest information regarding this condition.
• 10120997Nov 16, 2016Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
• 10120995Nov 10, 2016Engine cooling, Electrical system. Turbo models only. 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 P2270 and / or DTC P2270 and / or P0137 being stored in the ECM memory.
• 10120993Nov 8, 2016Electrical system. New Alternator Assembly. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator?s current output outside of the specified limits.
• 10131647Sep 30, 2016Equipment. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
• 10131636Sep 8, 2016Electrical system. This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models. The engine management system is equipped with a back-up memory. When disconnecting the battery cables, this back-up memory is cleared. On Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models, after re-connecting the battery, if the ignition switch is turned back ?ON?
• 10182598Aug 24, 2016Equipment. 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. Printed pages will not be made available to…

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