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Service bulletins for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek

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.

525 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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By component

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Bulletins, newest first
09-70-192019-11-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This Service Information Bulletin outlines design changes made to the coolant hoses for the CVT fluid cooler and the spring-type clamps used to secure them.
15-211-17R2019-10-31. Service bulletin. 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 installation. These files do NOT include Map Update data. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely to understand all changes from prior releases before proceeding.
05-70-192019-10-01. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; WHEELS. This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear wheel / brake backing plates. Under certain circumstances, some customers may have a concern regarding a howling-type sound from the rear of the vehicle later diagnosed as a faulty hub / bearing assembly. Unevenness of the backing plate surfaces may affect the concentricity (roundness) of the hub / bearing after torqued during assembly and over time, cause the howling -type sound to develop. Production changes for the backing plates have been implemented to optimize their mounting surface quality.
15-240-19R2019-10-01. 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.
16-103-16R2019-10-01. 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.
15-245-19R2019-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin provides a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed above. Firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) is a process by which remote devices can receive updates to their operating software. This process has become second nature with smartphones, tablets and many other connected devices. FOTA for automotive infotainments systems has been designed with a similar type of customer convenience in mind. FOTA updates are designed to provide regular enhancements along with some software patches to our infotainment systems improving the user experience for our customers. The convenience factor comes not only with the supply of regular updates and the enhancements they provide but also through customer control of when these updates are applied by allowing them the freedom to choose when these updates are downloaded and installed. All that is required is a secure WiFi connection such as through a home network or the use of a secure WiFi hotspot to create a connection to the update server and any customer can obtain and install an available FOTA update to their infotainment head unit. In this bulletin we are focusing on FOTA for Harman Gen 3.0 MIDlevel audio systems and Gen 3.0 HIGH audio-navigation systems. BASE models are not FOTA capable. This bulletin will describe in greater detail the process for how FOTA is accomplished as well as provide insights and some procedures for how to resolve conditions that may arise as a result of audio or audio/ navigation head unit swaps or replacements performed outside of the Harman/ United Radio exchange unit program.
16-103-16R2019-09-05. 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"
15-214-17R2019-09-05. Service bulletin. 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. "
06-72-192019-08-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING. This Service Information Bulletin announces a design change to the ABS wheel speed sensor assemblies. The change optimizes moisture and corrosion resistance of the sensor harness casing.
WUA-86R2019-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 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.
15-211-17R2019-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 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 installation. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely to understand all changes from prior releases before proceeding.
05-69-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; SUSPENSION. This Service Information Bulletin announces a change made to the rear subframe retaining bolts used on the models listed above. The design changes provide the bolt with an increased durability against rust.
06-68-19R2019-08-06. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. 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 brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
16-121-19R2019-08-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This bulletin provides a procedure for addressing a limited number of concerns involving a tapping-type sound originating from the area where the engine and CVT are joined. On affected vehicles, the sound can be heard easiest after the engine is fully warmed up.
15-243-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
WUA-86R2019-07-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. 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.
02-163-16R2019-07-22. Service bulletin. 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.
15-211-17R2019-07-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT. 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 installation.
12-266-192019-07-22. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. This bulletin announces a change to the interior door trim panels made to address a limited number of concerns regarding small dents appearing in the accent areas as shown in the illustrations below. These dents can occur when the foam layer on the inside of the trim panel covering material is pressed inward and comes in contact with adhesive used during assembly preventing a return to its original condition. An additional barrier has been added during manufacturing to keep the foam layer and adhesive separated.
12-256-19R2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE. This Service Information bulletin provides supplemental instructions to follow when repairing chipping and / or peeling-type damage to the Sunshine Orange (Code AK) colored paint finish.
Subaru Tech Tips2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
15-221-18R2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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.
16-121-192019-07-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. This bulletin provides a procedure for addressing a limited number of concerns involving a tapping -type sound originating from the area where the engine and CVT are joined. On affected vehicles, the sound can be heard easiest after the engine is fully warmed up.
15-217-18R2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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.
15-240-19R2019-07-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL 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 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.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.