Service bulletins for the 2019 Subaru Ascent
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
638 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
| 15-226-18R | 2019-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. 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 concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. |
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| 15-229-18R | 2019-12-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; 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. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. If the concern you have is not listed, check the Service Manual “Infotainment (Diagnostics) - Diagnostics with Phenomena” section as a starting point. |
| 15-256-19 | 2019-12-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed above. |
| 15-255-19 | 2019-12-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "On December 14th, 2018, the first TomTom map update for Gen 3.1 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. Retailers may also want to install this map update on any certified pre-owned or pre-owned vehicles in their inventory on their own. The site (dealer.subaru-maps.com) which is unique for retailers, is not the same as what customers will be accessing at home. If Service, Sales, and/or Parts Managers do not have a login, create an account from this page. There may be a short delay while retailer approval is pending." |
| 15-236-18R | 2019-12-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 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 installation. |
| 15-243-19R | 2019-12-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for customizing the maintenance period settings of the MFD. When accessing the Maintenance period information on the SSM4, the maintenance interval default values for mileage and number of months are different from those displayed on the MFD. This procedure describes how to synchronize the MFD and SSM4 values to insure proper customer notification. |
| 15-221-18R | 2019-12-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. 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. |
| 05-71-19 | 2019-11-01. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. This bulletin provides an inspection procedure to follow when addressing customer concerns of a rattling, knocking of klunk type sound when going over slight bumps and/ or uneven road surfaces. |
| 11-192-19 | 2019-11-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM). The new files will address isolated concerns of an extended cranking (hard starting) condition. They will also address a DTC P1604 which may be stored in the ECM memory without illuminating the Check Engine light. |
| 07-161-19 | 2019-11-01. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. This Service Information Bulletin announces a design change made to the side curtain and knee airbag modules on the models listed above to optimize commonization with the Japanese production parts. The change involves the mixture ratio of Argon to Helium used in the inflator gas: • OLD gas ratio: 94% Argon, 6% Helium • NEW gas ratio: 96% Argon, 4% Helium. All other specifications of these modules are unchanged. |
| 15-253-19 | 2019-11-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL 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. |
| 15-247-19 | 2019-10-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This Service Information Bulletin announces availability of a map update which includes new software to address a route searching error. A “Route Calculation Unsuccessful” message may be displayed when the selected route crosses state borders (e.g. Route 53 which crosses between Alabama and Tennessee). |
| 12-273-19 | 2019-10-01. Service bulletin. SEATS. This bulletin announces availability of redesigned leather seat cushion trim covers to address isolated customer concerns of wrinkles appearing during early stages of vehicle use as shown in the example photo below. The new covers utilize materials with higher durability and resistance to wrinkling. |
| 15-251-19 | 2019-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This Service Information Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. In most cases involving this DTC, the following scenario(s) occur: • When trying to use the remote engine starter (RES) feature through Telematics (STARLINK / My Subaru app) the request is unsuccessful and the red Telematics indicator lamp illuminates. • The customer takes their vehicle to the Retailer and the Technician finds the only code stored to be B2A16 in the DCM. • The Technician diagnoses the DTC per the applicable Service Manual trouble tree and replaced the DCM. |
| 10-95-19 | 2019-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of new heater control panels assemblies with revised operating logic. Previously, when A/C cut-off control was activated (e.g. under full acceleration), the air inlet mode would be switched from inside (recirculation) to “fresh” and allow outside (fresh) air to enter the cabin. This is considered normal and intended operation, consistent with the design of the system. However, in the interest of customer satisfaction, these new control panels retain the selected air inlet mode regardless of a/c cut-off control status (off or on). |
| 02-183-19 | 2019-10-01. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This Service Information Bulletin clarifies a bolt tightening sequence procedure for the three (3) turbocharger stay bracket mounting bolts. Torsional stress may remain in the stay bracket if the tightening sequence is not followed. The applicable Service Manual will be updated with this information soon. |
| 15-240-19R | 2019-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; 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 crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers Symptom 4: Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short amount of time Symptom 5: Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while using navigation guidance Symptom 6: No response from the volume control knob. |
| 16-103-16R | 2019-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 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 cover and replacement of the input shaft oil seal with the new, redesigned type. |
| 16-103-16R | 2019-09-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. "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 cover and replacement of the input shaft oil seal with the new, redesigned type" |
| 15-234-18R | 2019-09-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 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. |
| 15-240-19R | 2019-09-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT; 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 crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers Symptom 4: Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short amount of time Symptom 5: Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while using navigation guidance Symptom 6: No response from the volume control knob." |
| 10-94-19 | 2019-08-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS. This bulletin announces a change made to blower unit assemblies used for front seat cushion and backrest ventilation. The change was made in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding vibration and excessive airflow-type sound levels. |
| 15-236-18R | 2019-08-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 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 installation. |
| 10-92-19R | 2019-08-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces a change made to optimize the sealing of the pressure switch connector used on a metal refrigerant pipe on the models above. The sealing capability of the connector may have been compromised during manufacture and result in a refrigerant leak. This condition has been determined to primarily effect vehicles produced during January and February 2019. |
| 10-92-19 | 2019-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. This bulletin announces a change made to optimize the sealing of the pressure switch connector used on a metal high-side refrigerant pipe. The sealing capability of the connector may have been compromised during manufacture and result in a refrigerant leak. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.