2018 Subaru Forester Technical Service Bulletins

411 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2018 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 10166913Oct 18, 2019Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin provides the answer to potential inquiries regarding the STARLINK app being unable to play music files stored on a customer’s Android® phone / device through the head units (H/U) used in the applicable models listed above. This information is applicable ONLY to Android devices operating with Operating System (OS) version 10. IOS (AppleTM) devices are not affected.
• 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.
• 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…
• 10164394Aug 23, 2019Electrical 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…
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10155222Feb 20, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM) used with the TR580 CVT. Contamination in a fluid pressure solenoid valve can cause a DTC P0841. The new logic will allow the solenoid to operate in a manner enabling it to discharge the contamination.
• 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.
• 10155219Feb 19, 2019Equipment. This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for a chattering-type sound originating from the a/c compressor assembly. In the case where a refrigerant leak is identified as coming from the a/c condenser, the level of refrigerant oil may also drop and cause the internal vanes of the compressor to make a chattering-type sound. A new-style A/C condenser has been established with enhanced corrosion resistance.
• 10154422Jan 28, 2019Equipment. This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for a chattering-type sound originating from the a/c compressor assembly. In the case where a refrigerant leak is identified as coming from the a/c condenser, the level of refrigerant oil may also drop and cause the internal vanes of the compressor to make a chattering-type sound. A new-style A/C condenser has been established with enhanced corrosion resistance.
• 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.
• 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, 2018Fuel system, Engine cooling, Electrical 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.
• 10153178Nov 6, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical 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.
• 10150949Oct 26, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. 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, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. 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.
• 10150945Oct 19, 2018Equipment. 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.

← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Forester