2016 Subaru Outback Technical Service Bulletins

478 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2016 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.

• 10183704Nov 20, 2020Equipment. 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.
• 10183702Nov 16, 2020Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces the availability of new propeller shaft assemblies.
• 10183714Nov 9, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. This Service Information Bulletin provides corrected diagnostics containing a revised flow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs.
• 10183713Nov 9, 2020Electrical 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).
• 10182232Oct 22, 2020Steering, Suspension, Equipment. This bulletin announces availability of new Front Stabilizer Link assemblies equipped with a new dust boot material having enhanced durability and grease retention characteristics.
• 10182218Oct 15, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the control module for the Vehicle Dynamics Control system (VDCCM). DTCs C1531 and/or C1741 may set, the Hill Holder warning lamp and cancellation alarm may activate and/or the VDC warning lamp can illuminate.
• 10182220Oct 13, 2020Electrical 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 involving “Gen 2” F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7” display.
• 10182196Oct 7, 2020Equipment, Engine cooling. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2016MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L models which may experience an exhaust noise and/or odor coming from cracks at the bellows section of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter.
• 10182191Oct 6, 2020Engine cooling, Equipment. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter.
• 10179426Aug 31, 2020Electrical system. This service information bulletin announces discontinuation of both the "Stitcher" app and the related News Radio feature from the STARLINK app lineup effective 12 midnight on Thursday, September 24, 2020.
• 10179383Aug 12, 2020Engine cooling, Equipment. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/ voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter.
• 10179382Aug 12, 2020Brakes, Electronic stability control, Electrical system. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the control module for the Vehicle Dynamics Control system (VDCCM).
• 10179378Aug 4, 2020Equipment. Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
• 10177826Jul 16, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. This Service Information Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2 Telematics system equipped Subaru.
• 10177825Jul 16, 2020Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance. This document discusses some of the conditions that may trigger an Automatic Collision Notification (CAN) (Gen1) or Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) (Gen2), without a collision, airbag deployment, or accident taking place.
• 10176019May 18, 2020Engine cooling, Equipment. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a serivce campaign/ voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter.
• 10175988May 8, 2020Equipment, Seat belts. This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.
• 10175989May 6, 2020Engine cooling, Electrical system. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM) for hard starting in sub-freezing temperatures, DTC P0400, and surging in high altitudes.
• 10175969May 4, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. This service information bulletin announces availability of an enhancenment to the Gracenote database included in the vehicles listed equipped with F10 7" Navigation and 7" display audio head units.
• 10174543Apr 30, 2020Equipment. All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
• 10174540Apr 24, 2020Electrical system, Engine cooling. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM).
• 10174530Apr 24, 2020Engine cooling, Equipment. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2016 MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L models which may experience an exhaust noise and/or odor coming from cracks at the bellows section of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter.
• 10173118Mar 27, 2020Equipment, Engine cooling. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a serivce campaign/voltuntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the cataytic converter.
• 10173186Mar 26, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. This service bulletin provides details of a correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2350- REAR RADAR COMMUNICATION ERROR on the models listed.
• 10173122Mar 24, 2020Equipment, Engine cooling. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2016MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L models which may experience an exhaust noise and/or odor coming from cracks at the bellows section of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter.
• 10173127Mar 19, 2020Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment. This bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system.
• 10173114Mar 6, 2020Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin is in response to several battery sensor replacements resulting from improper removal and/or installation practices.
• 10173027Mar 3, 2020Equipment, Engine cooling, Electrical system. 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.
• 10171934Feb 27, 2020Electrical 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 an F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7' display.
• 10171925Feb 27, 2020Electrical system, Engine cooling. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM).
• 10171930Feb 19, 2020Electrical 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.
• 10171921Feb 11, 2020Engine cooling, Equipment. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2016MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L models which may experience an exhaust noise and/or odor coming from cracks at the bellows section of the front exhaust pipe which includes the catalytic converter. A leak occurring at the front exhaust pipe may result in deterioration of emission performance. As a result, the vehicle may fail to meet…
• 10171920Feb 11, 2020Equipment, Engine cooling. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2016 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles. This campaign will involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter.
• 10171105Jan 31, 2020Equipment, Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies.
• 10171072Jan 31, 2020Air bags, Electrical system, Equipment. Subaru is recalling certain 2016-2017 model year Outback vehicles in which an incorrect Airbag Control Module may have been installed as a replacement part. A total of 46 U.S. vehicles may be affected by this recall.
• 10171089Jan 17, 2020Equipment, Electrical system, Air bags. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system.
• 10169893Dec 20, 2019Equipment. 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.
• 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).
• 10169858Dec 5, 2019Air bags. "This Service Information Bulletin announces IMPORTANT changes to the parts ordering and Service Procedures for replacement passenger airbag modules and airbag control modules used in the models listed above. The change is due to discontinuation of the original equipment passenger airbag module assemblies used in 2015-17MY vehicles. The replacement passenger airbag module assemblies for the 2015-17 MY Legacy and…
• 10169857Dec 5, 2019Air bags. "This Service Information Bulletin announces IMPORTANT changes to the parts ordering and Service Procedures for replacement passenger airbag modules and airbag control modules used in the models listed above. The change is due to discontinuation of the original equipment passenger airbag module assemblies used in 2015-17MY vehicles. The replacement passenger airbag module assemblies for the 2015-17 MY Legacy and…
• 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.
• 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…
• 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…
• 10164444Aug 26, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. This Service Information Bulletin announces a design change to the CVT torque converter assembly made to address a small number of reports describing a squeaking -type sound heard while the engine is being cranked over. The sound results from contact between the starter pinion gear and the converter ring gear. Both the number and length of the welds securing the ring gear to the converter shell have been increased…
• 10164393Aug 23, 2019Equipment, Electrical 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.
• 10163558Jul 26, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. All 2015-2017 MY vehicles with Fujitsu TEN (F10) 7in. Multimedia Navigation (AVN) & Display Audio Units. 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…
• 10163534Jul 23, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure, Electrical system. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosing and repairing customer concerns of a “popping” or “snapping” -type sound heard when opening the sunroof. The sound may occur when the rear portion of the glass lid weatherstrip contacts or catches the roof frame when the sunroof is opened.
• 10163526Jul 12, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. "This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the following customer concerns: • Power windows inoperative from the driver’s door master and / or passenger front door switch • Unable to remotely operate other door windows from the driver’s door master switch • One-Touch Auto Up / Down features inoperative from either / both front door switches"
• 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…

← All problems reported for the 2016 Subaru Outback