2018 Subaru OutbackService bulletins
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.
- 10141498May 1, 2018Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10133524Mar 28, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized. 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 installation.
- 10133528Mar 23, 2018Electrical 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
- 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.
- 10133526Mar 8, 2018Equipment. This Service Information 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
- 10140490Feb 19, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: 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 crackling-type sound is heard coming…
- 10140475Feb 19, 2018Equipment. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: 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 crackling-type sound is heard coming…
- 10140489Feb 15, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new 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…
- 10140474Feb 15, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new 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…
- 10140482Feb 13, 2018Electrical system, Seats. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Body Integrated Unit (BIU) and address the following customer concerns: ? If a customer exits the vehicle with the ignition OFF, all the doors closed and leaves the hazard warning switch ON, after about 75 seconds, the access key (models with push-button start) or the RKE fob buttons (models with key start) will not lock or unlock the doors. ?
- 10140427Feb 13, 2018Electrical system. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Body Integrated Unit (BIU) and address the following customer concerns: ? If a customer exits the vehicle with the ignition OFF, all the doors closed and leaves the hazard warning switch ON, after about 75 seconds, the access key (models with push-button start) or the RKE fob buttons (models with key start) will not lock or unlock the doors. ?
- 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.
- 10130275Jan 30, 2018Engine, Engine cooling. This bulletin announces availability of ECM reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These files will address isolated customer concerns of an engine RPM drop when the A/C system switches off during engine warm-up after a cold start.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10130207Jan 23, 2018Equipment. Post launch conditions may occur where certain combinations of inputs result in undesirable outputs. As such it is critical to gather all the details surrounding these events to allow SBR and Harman the ability to duplicate and then evaluate what is needed and then improve the system accordingly to prevent the undesired outcome in the future.
- 10130279Jan 16, 2018Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10130286Jan 15, 2018Equipment. The content of this ?Technical Support Guide? is based mostly on the respective region?s owner?s manual supplements for the Gen3.0 infotainment (HARMAN model Navigation/Audio) system.
- 10138775Dec 19, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new 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…
- 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…
- 10125882Nov 16, 2017Electrical system, Equipment, Body and structure. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Body Integrated Unit (BIU) and address the following customer concerns: ? If a customer exits the vehicle with the ignition OFF, all the doors closed and leaves the hazard warning switch ON, after about 75 seconds, the access key (models with push-button start) or the RKE fob buttons (models with key start) will not lock or unlock the doors. ?
- 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.
- 10131634Sep 5, 2017Exterior lighting. This bulletin provides a service procedure for addressing customer concerns regarding an uneven gap between the hood and top of the headlamp.
- 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.
- 10182589Aug 12, 2016Equipment, Engine. 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.
- 10232535Jul 17, 2014Electrical system. Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info
- 10234841May 20, 2014Equipment, Air bags, Other or unknown. Event Data Recorder (EDR) Function of Airbag Module
- 10232894Mar 7, 2014Engine cooling. Effective with all 2015 model year cars and forward, the oil change interval is changing to 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
- 10067867Feb 24, 2014Seats. Film residue removal from underside of front seat cushion covers
- 10232550Aug 5, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). EyeSight Acceptable Windshield Repair Areas
- 10232549Aug 5, 2013Equipment. ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) Device Mounting Guidelines
- 10234856May 20, 2013Other or unknown. Accessory Trailer Hitch L101SAJ001
- 10233119Apr 25, 2013Engine cooling. Oil Filler Cap Gasket Coming Unseated
- 10233435Mar 18, 2013Air bags. Event Data Recorder (EDR) Function of Airbag Module
- 10233445Mar 14, 2013Equipment. If you have copies of 12-135-12R please discard and refer to 07-72-13 for the latest repair procedure.
- 10232869Feb 19, 2013Equipment, Other or unknown. Puddle Light Recall
- 10234259Dec 11, 2012Equipment. 6MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearing
← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.