2018 Subaru Outback Technical Service Bulletins

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

• 10168567Nov 18, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing a customer concern of the display screen being either frozen (unresponsive) or black (blank). 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…
• 10168565Nov 18, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. 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…
• 10168560Nov 18, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin provides helpful information about operating conditions observed in the field for Technicians to use when diagnosing customer concerns which may arise while operating Harman Gen 3.0 and 3.1 Navigation and Display Audio systems. We will continue to add to this bulletin as more information becomes available.
• 10168627Nov 15, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing clock-related customer concerns. 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 the customer concern.
• 10168573Nov 15, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and / or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit.
• 10168569Nov 15, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns involving Bluetooth (BT) 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…
• 10168563Nov 15, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns regarding USB 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 the customer…
• 10168606Nov 8, 2019Electrical system. On August 23rd, 2018, the first TomTom map update for Gen 3.0 Harman navigation equipped vehicles was made available. While the map update process is user-friendly, we ask that retailers assist customers with the map update procedure when requested as a courtesy, an opportunity to build retailer loyalty, enhance customer satisfaction and in keeping with the Love Promise.
• 10168592Nov 8, 2019Electrical system. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to update the Harman Kardon head unit on certain vehicles with the latest version of software.
• 10168591Nov 8, 2019Electrical system. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 2018 model year Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles equipped with a certain combination of head unit hardware and software, due to the possibility of noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111 – “Rear Visibility.”
• 10168586Nov 8, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling all 2018 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to reprogram the combination meter software to correct an error in the driving range indicator calculation in the multi-information display. A total of 228,648 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.
• 10166887Oct 2, 2019Electrical system. This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure to use when diagnosing the infotainment system, a DTC B2242- “UART COMMUNICATION” is stored in memory. UART communication occurs between the infotainment head unit (H/U) and the Auto HVAC system control panel.
• 10166883Oct 1, 2019Electrical system. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 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…
• 10165501Sep 11, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or…
• 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. "
• 10164389Aug 22, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. "This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or…
• 10163560Jul 29, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to update the Harman head unit on certain vehicles with the latest version of software.
• 10163559Jul 26, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 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…
• 10162882Jul 11, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling 2018 model year Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles equipped with a certain combination of head unit hardware and software, due to the possibility of noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111- "Rear Visibility."
• 10163524Jul 10, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin announces a design change made to the HVAC control panels for the models listed above. The change will address customer concerns of the seat heater switches sticking in the “pressed” position but not returning to “flush” with the face of the control panel when released as shown in the photos below. A series of small air outlets (vents) has been added to the assembly to keep dust and dirt from…
• 10143724Jul 2, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. In efforts to increase customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is now allowing all retailers to perform a one-time update the head unit software for Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation Head Units.
• 10163018Jun 27, 2019Equipment. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to update the Harman Kardon head unit on certain vehicles with the latest version of software.
• 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.
• 10163016Jun 26, 2019Equipment. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit…
• 10163013Jun 25, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. This bulletin announces availability of a new heater control assembly to address a small number of customer concerns about peeling of the surface finish / coating. Insufficient clearance between the heater control and the audio unit face above may cause a whitish or cloudy appearance and peeling to develop.
• 10161833May 28, 2019Engine. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2018 Legacy and Outback 2.5L SULEV vehicles. This campaign involves replacement of the front exhaust pipe assembly, which includes the catalytic converter. Due to an improper part number supersession for the EPF assembly, certain SULEV vehicles which had the EPF replaced by an authorized Subaru retailer may have had a non-SULEV…
• 10161830May 28, 2019Equipment. Subarunet Aunouncement: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign/voluntary emissions recall for certain 2015-2018 model year Legacy and Outback SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) vehicles. This will affect 2,620 vehicles identified through Subaru warranty claim records indicating that the incorrect front exhaust pipe assembly may have been installed during a repair.
• 10161828May 23, 2019Equipment. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 2018 model year Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles equipped with a certain combination of head unit hardware and software, due to the possibility of noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111 ? ?Rear Visibility.?
• 10161824May 21, 2019Equipment. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
• 10161820May 10, 2019Equipment. This bulletin provides helpful information about operating conditions observed in the field for Technicians to use when diagnosing customer concerns which may arise while operating Harman Gen 3.0 and 3.1 Navigation and Display Audio systems. We will continue to add to this bulletin as more information becomes available.
• 10161817May 8, 2019Equipment. IMPORTANT: This Service Bulletin has been as been replaced by TSB 15-240-19R entitled ?New Harman Audio Amplifiers?. Please refer to this new bulletin for the latest information regarding this condition.
• 10161816May 8, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or…
• 10161814May 7, 2019Electrical system. This service bulletin announces availability of the cap portion (a.k.a. spark plug boot) as a service part separate from the complete ignition coil assembly. If the cap portion as shown in the illustrations below is damaged during removal or replacement, it is no longer necessary to replace the complete ignition coil assembly.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10160213Apr 18, 2019Electrical system. This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: ? Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short amount of time ? Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while using navigation guidance ? No response from…
• 10160510Mar 27, 2019Seats, Equipment. This bulletin provides a procedure to help identify the source of a squeaking, creaking or popping -type sound heard coming from the driver?s seat. A change has been made to the Teflon bushings used in the seat cushion frame assembly.
• 10160502Mar 18, 2019Exterior lighting, Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin announces a change to the operating software included in the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Control Module and Hydraulic Unit (VDCCM&H/U) on the models listed above. This change is in response to a very small number of customer inquiries regarding the Hill Holder system?s indicator lamp blinking once along with a single tone (chirp)being heard when starting the engine using the key, push-button or with…
• 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.
• 10160496Mar 13, 2019Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing a customer concern of the display screen being either frozen (unresponsive) or black (blank).
• 10160495Mar 13, 2019Electrical system, Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 2018 model year Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles equipped with a certain combination of head unit hardware and software, due to the possibility of noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111 ? ?Rear Visibility.?
• 10160494Mar 12, 2019Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling 2018 model year Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles equipped with a certain combination of head unit hardware and software, due to the possibility of noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111 ? ?Rear Visibility.?
• 10160493Mar 11, 2019Equipment. This Service Information bulletin is in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding the audio unit not being able to play certain types of audio Compact Discs (CDs). Harman Gen 3.0 head units which have previously received software updates (see claims history) and Gen 3.1 head units (used in 2019MY year vehicles) cannot play ?CD Extra? or ?Enhanced CD? -type audio CDs.
• 10160491Mar 11, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing clock-related customer concerns. 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.

← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Outback