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.

• 10150937Oct 12, 2018Electrical 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.
• 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.
• 10150931Oct 9, 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).
• 10150886Oct 9, 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).
• 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…
• 10146483Sep 21, 2018Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. This Service Information bulletin provides details about revised CVT select lever (shifter) components. The shape of the lock plate and output of the shift lock solenoid have been changed.
• 10146469Sep 5, 2018Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns of the Navigation system?s functionality. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on…
• 10145079Aug 29, 2018Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Exterior lighting. 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.
• 10144881Aug 15, 2018Electrical 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 then loading them onto two flash drives for audio unit installation.
• 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…
• 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.
• 10143876Jul 24, 2018Steering. Models with Automatic Headlight Beam Leveler System only. This Service Information bulletin announces a revision to the diagnostic procedure used when diagnosing either DTC B2910 or 2911 ?Steering Responsive Headlight Communication? LH or RH.
• 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…
• 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.
• 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.
• 10141500May 22, 2018Equipment. This bulletin outlines design changes made to the Condenser Assembly to help increase productivity during assembly. In addition, the new part utilizes materials with increased anti-corrosion performance.
• 10141491May 22, 2018Equipment, Electrical system, Seats. 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.
• 10141493May 10, 2018Equipment. This bulletin announces a change made to the Automatic Climate Control Head Assembly. The change will address concerns where the temperature selected for cooling ?feels? warmer to the customer than the temperature displayed. The new programming will adjust the threshold for when cooling occurs to improve the air conditioning system?s cooling effect making it more closely match the customer?s selected temperature.
• 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.
• 10141498May 1, 2018Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
• 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
• 10133525Mar 9, 2018Equipment. 2018 Audio/Navigation Exchange Component Identification and Procedures. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
• 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…
• 10140491Feb 5, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. CVT Transmissions only. 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.
• 10140476Feb 5, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. CVT Transmissions only. 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.
• 10130284Jan 30, 2018Transmission 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.
• 10130281Jan 24, 2018Equipment. 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS ONLY. This Service Information bulletin provides detailed part information along with installation instructions for the optional 2018MY 50th Anniversary badges designed to commemorate 50 Years of Subaru in America.
• 10130279Jan 16, 2018Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
• 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.
• 10138770Dec 22, 2017Equipment. Subject: Removal of Certain Fujitsu 10 Audio / Navigation Update Files from Subarunet The following update files have been temporarily removed from Subarunet due to potential quality concerns with the 2nd file used in those updates. Retailers are requested to take the following action: ? If any of the following Fujitsu 10 Audio / Navigation files have been downloaded and saved locally, please discontinue their use…
• 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.
• 10131689Oct 31, 2017Electrical system. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM and address the following customer concerns: ? Check Engine light coming on (with DTC P05A0 stored in memory). ? Potential battery discharge (dead battery) after repeated periods of short-trip driving. ? A high (or ?hanging?) engine RPM after depressing the clutch pedal (Forester only).
• 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…
• 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…
• 10117548Aug 29, 2017Body and structure. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change made to the upper front grille. The two small retaining slide bolts /cap nuts previously used have been eliminated.
• 10117550Aug 10, 2017Equipment. Note: This is the most accurate information available at the time of printing. Various paint manufacturers designate their own stock numbers and coding information although many of the major suppliers are now using the SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion. Their color formulations are updated on a continual basis. Some vendors may have different color names than those provided to them by SOA.

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