2012 Subaru Outback Technical Service Bulletins

325 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Subaru Outback. 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.

• 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…
• 10154411Jan 14, 2019Air bags. SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed above, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN). This phase of the Takata recall expansion includes all remaining vehicles equipped with a non-desciccated Takata-sourced passenger…
• 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.
• 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.
• 10150951Oct 30, 2018Brakes, Equipment. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling all 2010-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission (M/T), to replace the electronic parking brake (EPB) actuator assembly. A total of 27,175 U.S. vehicles are affected by this recall. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission are not affected by this recall. However, they will be covered under an extended warranty. Details of…
• 10150926Oct 30, 2018Electrical system, Brakes. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling all 2010-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission (M/T), to replace the electronic parking brake (EPB) actuator assembly. A total of 27,175 U.S. vehicles are affected by this recall. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission are not affected by this recall. However, they will be covered under an extended warranty. Details of…
• 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.
• 10144883Aug 21, 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
• 10142827Jun 11, 2018Electrical system. This 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 (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSight) warning lamp to illuminate.
• 10133527Mar 13, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. 2010-15 Legacy/ Outback 2.5L NA CVT, 2015 Legacy/ Outback 3.6L NA CVT, 2012-15 Impreza 2.0L NA CVT, 2013-15 Crosstrek 2.0L NA CVT, 2014-15 Crosstrek Hybrid CVT 2014-15 Forester 2.5L NA CVT 2014-15 Forester 2.0L Turbo CVT 2015 WRX 2.0L Turbo models only. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
• 10140492Feb 15, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment, Engine. CVT Transmissions only. This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop. The condition is similar to coming to a stop in a manual transmission equipped vehicle without depressing the clutch pedal. Thrust washer wear inside the torque converter can cause restriction of the oil passage used to bleed off…
• 10140477Feb 15, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. CVT Transmissions only. This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop. The condition is similar to coming to a stop in a manual transmission equipped vehicle without depressing the clutch pedal. Thrust washer wear inside the torque converter can cause restriction of the oil passage used to bleed off…
• 10140479Feb 6, 2018Equipment, Engine. This bulletin provides details regarding a new oil filler tube o-ring developed to address engine oil seepage concerns. This seepage may accumulate along the bottom sealing surface of the rocker cover. The new o-ring utilizes material which has an increased resistance to engine heat.
• 10140424Feb 6, 2018Engine. This bulletin provides details regarding a new oil filler tube o-ring developed to address engine oil seepage concerns. This seepage may accumulate along the bottom sealing surface of the rocker cover. The new o-ring utilizes material which has an increased resistance to engine heat.
• 10130273Jan 26, 2018Electrical system, Exterior lighting. This 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 (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSight) warning lamp to illuminate.
• 10125885Nov 9, 2017Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. CVT MODELS ONLY. 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).
• 10131662Oct 5, 2017Body and structure. Front Door Panel? UPDATE 10/5 TO: Parts Managers/Service Managers FROM: Subaru of America, Inc. DEPARTMENT: Parts & Service DATE: 10/05/2017 Please disregard the message below. The supplier has determined there was an error in the inspection process and the door panels listed below meet SIA?s specifications. All Parts Claims have been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
• 10131661Oct 4, 2017Equipment. Due to a production issue with part numbers: 60009AJ00B9P, 01B9P, 02B9P, & 03B9P retailers are required to scrap their on-hand inventory on site. These will not be returned to the RDCs. All claims were entered for the retailers based on their PartsEye inventory. They do require a DPSM approval. Replacement inventory should be available in 1-2 weeks. Please contact your RDC Admin or the PICs with any discrepancies…
• 10117544Aug 28, 2017Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. MODELS WITH SUNROOFS ONLY. If you encounter a customer complaint of water leaking into the interior of the vehicle from the map light area, the following 2 areas should be inspected closely for a potential source or cause: * The leak could be caused by water leaking past the sunroof cable mechanism. To remedy the condition, silicone sealer will need to be carefully applied to both of the front end caps.
• 10117538Jun 21, 2017Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. CVT MODELS ONLY. 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).
• 10192926May 25, 2017Steering. This bulletin announces a new steering column assembly designed to address a limited number of customer concerns involving the tilt mechanism portion not staying locked. This condition can only occur during the process of adjusting the steering column?s tilt position if the tilt lever is not pushed up all the way back up when completed. Once the column is fully locked (the tilt lever is pushed all the way up)…
• 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.
• 10131697Feb 16, 2017Brakes. This bulletin announces a new replacement EPB actuator assembly to address DTC C0251. In isolated cases, the automatic calibration function of the EPB actuator may not always occur when turning the ignition on. As a temporary result, the EPB may not function, the brake system warning lamp will flash to alert the driver and DTC C0251 will be stored in memory. The EPB will resume normal operation on the next key cycle.
• 10111069Dec 27, 2016Engine cooling. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
• 10111068Dec 20, 2016Transmission and drivetrain. Only models with CVT Transmission. This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for confirmation of a suspected CVT chain slip condition. Examples of customer concerns may be: abnormal transmission operating sounds, a shudder or vibration sensation, lack of power, hesitation, engine rpm rise without increase in vehicle speed or in isolated cases, a Check Engine Lamp illumination (with engine misfire DTCs stored in…
• 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…
• 10120999Nov 29, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. All 2012 to 2015 Models Equipped with Fujitsu Ten (F10) Generation 1 (Gen1) Audio / Navigation Systems. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in F10 Gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / SD card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10182590Aug 12, 2016Exterior lighting, Equipment. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the original warranty on the low-beam ONLY halogen headlamp bulbs to 10 years / unlimited miles from the vehicle?s original warranty start date. This warranty extension will cover low-beam halogen headlamp bulb replacement on 2010, 2011 and a very limited number of early-production 2012MY Legacy and Outback models.
• 10111102Jul 29, 2016Exterior lighting. As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing a Low-Beam Halogen Headlamp Bulb Warranty Enhancement program. This extends warranty coverage for 2010 - 2012 Legacy (for the 2012 model year, the affected models are vehicles that were manufactured through August 8, 2011) and 2010 - 2012 Outback (for the 2012 model year, the affected models are vehicles that were manufactured through August…
• 10111091Jul 11, 2016Transmission and drivetrain. TSB: All Models Equipped with CVT Transmissions. This Service Information bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist Technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
• 10139512May 19, 2016Brakes. This bulletin announces a design change to the front brake caliper supports to address customer concerns of a rattling sound heard while driving. The change involves a reduction in the amount of clearance between the caliper support mounting bolt holes and the mounting bolts. NOTE: This information is applicable to models using 16? front brakes ONLY.
• 10139506May 17, 2016Equipment. Panasonic audio systems troubleshooting guide
• 10139475May 10, 2016Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Models with Sunroofs only. If you encounter a customer complaint of water leaking into the interior of the vehicle from the map light area, the following 2 areas should be inspected closely for a potential source or cause:
• 10139494May 9, 2016Brakes. This bulletin announces a design change to the front brake caliper supports to address customer concerns of a rattling sound heard while driving. The change involves a reduction in the amount of clearance between the caliper support mounting bolt holes and the mounting bolts. NOTE: This information is applicable to models using 16? front brakes ONLY.
• 10139493May 9, 2016Engine cooling. This bulletin announces a production process change to the starter ring gear portion of the torque converter assembly. To address customer concerns of a squeaking-type sound heard while cranking the engine, a change to improve anti-wear characteristics of the ring gear was made.
• 10139472May 4, 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.
• 10140499Apr 12, 2016Equipment. Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin identifies the equipment required to initialize (reset) the immobilizer code and cut the key blanks, for both immobilizer and non-immobilizer type keys.
• 10083909Feb 8, 2016Brakes. In response to isolated reports of cracked or broken abs wheel speed sensor harness retaining clips caused by reaction with acids used in some wheel cleaners, the clip material has been changed to polypropylene (ppo).
• 10084141Feb 5, 2016Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files for optimization of the transmission control module (tcm). The new logic addresses customer concerns of inconsistent shifting characteristics and / or a “slipping” -type sensation which may be experienced under moderate acceleration after a cold start before the cvt is up to operating temperature.
• 10093869Nov 11, 2015Brakes. This bulletin announces availability of a new front disc brake pad, shim, grease and clip kit designed to reduce customer concerns of excessive brake squeal. This new kit eliminates the “slotted” shim which previously was installed between the rubber-coated outer shim and the brake pad.
• 10093861Nov 4, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosing a customer concern of a delayed and / or harsh engagement of the cvt (model tr580) when shifting into reverse or drive from neutral. All 2013-16my, 4-cylinder, n/a models with cvt
• 10093651Oct 27, 2015Brakes. This bulletin announces availability of a new front disc brake pad, shim, grease and clip kit designed to reduce customer concerns of excessive brake squeal. This new kit eliminates the “slotted” shim which previously was installed between the rubber-coated outer shim and the brake pad.
• 10093129Sep 28, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Subaru of america, inc. Has extended the availability of remanufactured cvt transmissions to include crosstrek, forester and impreza applications. Please check applications and availability through normal parts channels prior to making vehicle repairs. Retailers are required to use a remanufactured unit for all repairs reimbursed by subaru that require a major repair or replacement, except in the case of a “new”…
• 10093119Sep 23, 2015Brakes. "this bulletin provides an inspection and adjustment procedure to address a dtc c0075 which may be stored in the vehicle dynamics control and hydraulic control unit (vdccm&hcu). The dtc relates to incorrect inputs to wheel cylinder pressure sensors due to air in the hydraulic brake lines. In addition, on impreza and xv crosstrek, an improperly adjusted brake light switch (bls) may also cause the dtc."
• 10093105Sep 11, 2015Equipment. "this service information bulletin announces a design change to the oil pressure switch assembly. Nickel plating has been applied to the internal switch contacts to enhance their durability and reduce the possibility of poor contact which could affect operation or cause improper illumination of the oil pressure warning lamp. A small pilot portion was added to the threaded area on p.n. 25240ka051 as shown in the…
• 10093067Sep 10, 2015Engine. "this service information bulletin announces a design change to the oil pressure switch assembly. Nickel plating has been applied to the internal switch contacts to enhance their durability and reduce the possibility of poor contact which could affect operation or cause improper illumination of the oil pressure warning lamp. A small pilot portion was added to the threaded area on p.n. 25240ka051 as shown in the…
• 10093063Sep 8, 2015Electrical system. This service information bulletin is intended to provide helpful insight to use when responding to customer inquiries involving the pairing and use of cellular phones with clarion audio units. This includes customer concerns where the phone will not automatically pair itself but instead requires manual phone selection on the audio unit to allow pairing to proceed.

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