Service bulletins for the 2014 Subaru Forester
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.
637 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| 06-55-16R | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. This bulletin announces a design change to the brake light switch (BLS) to reduce the possibility of improper illumination of the ABS and/or VDC warning lamp. In the event a product containing silicone is used to lubricate the BLS or for other purposes in the area around the switch, a non-conductive coating may develop over time on the internal electrical contacts and affect operation of the switch. On / Off signal output from the BLS is critical for proper operation of various systems on the vehicle. When the switch does not operate properly, warning lamps illuminate and DTCs are stored. A table with BLS-related DTCs and additional information is provided in the Service Procedure information. A photo of the switch changes is shown below. This bulletin also provides a diagnostic and adjustment procedure to be used when diagnosing brake light switch-related DTCs. |
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| 02-168-17 | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE. This Service Information bulletin announces a material change to the engine accessory drive / v-belt made to address customer concerns of a slipping belt (squeal or chirping) sound. |
| 02-166-17R | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on FA and FB engines used on the models listed above. There have been isolated cases where the sealer used between the upper oil pan and the crankcase has become displaced resulting in engine oil seepage. Revisions made to the upper oil pan casting: * The mating flange thickness of the casting in the area identified as the cause for the seepage has been increased by 5.5mm. (See images provided in the Parts Information section below.) This thickness increase creates the need for a longer bolt to provide proper tightening and retention. * An additional mounting point has been added to the ribbing inside the casting to increase retention of the steel baffle plate and eliminate vibration. |
| 12-205-16 | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. This bulletin provides a procedure to address a limited number of customer concerns regarding a visible depression or dent which may be noticeable in the roof trim panel (head liner) over the front, center portion of the cargo area. |
| 11-164-16R | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These files will address customer concerns of a slight surging / decrease in engine power condition between approx. 2000-2500 RPM on light acceleration during high ambient temperatures (intake air temperatures exceeding 104 deg. F). |
| 12-204-16R | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS; STRUCTURE. This bulletin provides potential source locations and procedures to help isolate areas of the vehicle which may be generating popping, clicking or creaking sounds when the body is in a "twisting" condition. This can occur while driving on rough, irregular or uneven road surfaces or even during lowspeed maneuvers such as pulling into or backing out of a driveway. Production information and field reports received indicate where multiple layers of the vehicle's body structure are spot-welded together, primarily in the "D"-pillar and rear gate opening areas, a "stick-slip" condition can occur between the layers and cause these types of sounds to occur. Service information has been released previously describing similar conditions which involved accessing and then punching or separating the layers of metal and applying a lubricant to prevent recurrence. Those same techniques may also provide good results on these vehicles too but, in some cases, a Body Shop repair may be required. |
| 16-102-16 | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TSB: All Models Equipped with CVT Transmissions. This Service Information bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist Technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE. |
| 16-103-16R | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; 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 a likely source of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT's oil pump chain cover. The repair involves removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover. |
| 02-166-17 | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on FA and FB engines used on the models listed above. There have been isolated cases where the sealer used between the upper oil pan and the crankcase has become displaced resulting in engine oil seepage. |
| 02-164-16 | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability |
| 09-64-16 | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. This Service Information bulletin announces a change to the shape of the rubber cap used on the flange nuts securing the sub-level sending unit to the fuel tank. In addition, two of the caps are now used in production instead of only one. This change was made to enhance productivity during vehicle assembly. |
| 16-103-16 | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; POWER TRAIN. Only Models Equipped with TR690 CVT only. 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 a likely source of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT's oil pump chain cover. The repair involves removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover. |
| 07-103-15 | 2017-03-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A NEW REQUIREMENT REGARDING ONE-TIME USE PARTS WHICH MUST REPLACED WHENEVER DISCONNECTING OR REPLACING THE PRG ROD. THE SPRING STEEL RETAINING CLIPS (STOP RINGS) WHICH LOCK THE PRG ROD TO THE BALL STUDS (PIVOT POINTS) ON EITHER END ARE NOW ONE-TIME USE ITEMS AND MUST BE REPLACED WHENEVER THEY ARE REMOVED. IF THE STOP RINGS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE ROD MAY COME OFF THE BALL STUD DURING PRG OPERATION. |
| 18-184-15 | 2017-03-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. 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. THE TABLES CONTAINED WITHIN THIS BULLETIN ARE TO BE USED AS GUIDES FOR BECOMING AWARE OF THE LATEST CHANGES. WE ADVISE YOU TO ALWAYS REFER TO THE STIS WEB SITE WHEN LOOKING FOR THE LATEST SERVICE INFORMATION. PRINTED PAGES WILL NOT BE MADE AVAILABLE TO UPDATE PRINTED SERVICE MANUALS. PAPER MANUALS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT PAGE NUMBERING THEN WHAT IS REFLECTED BELOW, BASED ON MULTIPLE NEW AND REVISED PAGES. PLEASE REFER TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE STIS WEB SITE FOR ALL FUTURE, UPDATE SERVICE MANUAL INFORMATION. |
| 12-195-15 | 2017-03-08. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR. SHOULD YOU RECEIVE A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF VIBRATION OR LOOSENESS IN EITHER OF THE DOOR MIRRORS, A DESIGN CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE TO THE 3 MIRROR HEAD MOUNTING HOLES IN THE MOUNTING BASE. IN ADDITION, A NEW RETAINING BOLT AND TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION ARE NOW USED TO SECURE THE MIRROR HEAD TO THE MOUNTING BASE. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR REPAIRING THE EXISTING MIRROR ASSEMBLY BY REPLACING THE THREE MOUNTING SCREWS WITH UPDATED FASTENERS. NOTE: REFER TO TSB 12-152-13 DATED 6/17/2013 FOR RELATED INFORMATION ON BRZ MODELS. |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-03-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE. THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES INFORMATION REGARDING A MAJOR CHANGE TO THE REPAIR PROCEDURES PREVIOUSLY OUTLINED IN SERVICE BULLETINS 02-143-13R, 02-144-13R AND 02-145-13R. THESE BULLETINS PROVIDED A REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PISTON RINGS TO ADDRESS VERIFIED CONCERNS OF UNUSUAL ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. VEHICLES CONFIRMED AS HAVING THIS CONDITION WHICH ARE WITHIN THE SUPPLIED VIN RANGES WILL NO LONGER BE REPAIRED WITH PISTON RING REPLACEMENT. THE REVISED REPAIR PROCEDURE TO ADDRESS VERIFIED UNUSUAL OIL CONSUMPTION CONCERNS ON THESE SPECIFIC VEHICLES WILL CONSIST OF REPLACING THE ENGINE SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLY. |
| 02-131-12R | 2017-03-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ENGINE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS BULLETIN IS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF OIL SEEPAGE WHICH MAY BE COMING FROM THE TIMING CHAIN COVER, FRONT CAMSHAFT CAP, CAMSHAFT CARRIER AND / OR UPPER OIL PAN. |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-03-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. SURFACE TREATMENT CHANGE TO OIL CONTROL PISTON RINGS |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-03-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. SURFACE TREATMENT CHANGE TO OIL CONTROL PISTON RINGS |
| 11-148-14R | 2017-03-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. REPROGRAMMING FILE AVAILABILITY FOR OIL LEVEL DETECTION |
| 16-89-13 | 2017-03-07. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENT PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING THREE NEW PRODUCTION ENHANCEMENTS TO THE CVT TRANSMISSION (MODEL TR690) USED IN THE FORESTER MODEL WITH 2.0L DIT(DIRECT INJECTION TURBO) ENGINE: • AN IN-LINE CVT FLUID FILTER HAS BEEN ADDED TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTAMINATION ENTERING THE LOCK-UP CIRCUIT OF THE VALVE BODY • MACHINING OF AN EXISTING FLUID PASSAGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CASE TO ACCEPT THE NEW FILTER • A SMALLER CORRESPONDING PORT ON THE MATING SURFACE OF THE VALVE BODY ALONG WITH A SEALING O-RING WAS ADDED TO RETAIN THE FILTER IN THE TRANSMISSION CASE. |
| NAVIU | 2017-03-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). REMINDER:IN APPRECIATION FOR PURCHASING A SUBARU VEHICLE WITH NAVIGATION, SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. (SOA) IS OFFERING OWNERS OF 2014MY FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE JUNE 20, 2013, A COMPLIMENTARY NAVIGATION SD CARD UPDATE WITH FREE INSTALLATION. THOSE OWNERS WILL BE RECEIVING AN EMAIL OR DIRECT MAILER FROM SOA DETAILING THAT OFFER DURING THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2013. THE PROCEDURE IS VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD. CUSTOMERS’ WILL NEED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR DEALERSHIP TO SWAP OUT THE NAVI SD CARD LOCATED IN THE SLOT ON THE HEADUNIT, AS THIS PROCEDURE REQUIRES THAT A FUSE BE REMOVED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE HEADUNIT. THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE IS QUICK AND EASY, AT ROUGHLY 20 MINUTES, AND SD CARDS CAN BE AVAILABLE WITHIN 7 DAYS OF PLACING THE ORDER. |
| 15-166-13R | 2017-03-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE FOR REPROGRAMMING THE F10 SD CARD NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH THE LATEST SOFTWARE VERSION. |
| 02-144-13R | 2017-03-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING A CHANGE MADE TO THE SURFACE TREATMENT APPLIED TO THE OIL CONTROL PISTON RINGS FOR 2.5L FB ENGINES. THE CHANGE WAS MADE AS A RESULT OF SOME LIMITED FINDINGS OF UNANTICIPATED WEAR OF THESE RINGS. OIL CONSUMPTION WILL BE HIGHER THAN NORMAL AND CONSISTENT, IF THIS WEAR OCCURS, THE CONDITION REMAINS UNTIL REPAIR. UNUSUAL SWINGS OR VARIATIONS IN OIL CONSUMPTION ARE NOT CONSISTENT WITH THIS CONDITION AND MAY BE THE RESULT OF VEHICLE USAGE RATHER THAN THE CONDITION DESCRIBED HERE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS SUPPLIED IN THIS BULLETIN TO ASSIST IN THE ASSESSMENT AND DETERMINATION IF VEHICLE USAGE IS A REASON FOR THIS VARIED OIL CONSUMPTION. |
| 10-83-15 | 2017-03-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN PROVIDES PRECAUTIONS TO USE WHEN REMOVING THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL TO PREVENT DAMAGING THE BLOWER FAN SPEED SWITCH. WHEN REMOVING THE CONTROL PANEL, IF THE FAN SPEED SWITCH WIRING HARNESS IS PULLED TAUGHT OR BECOMES STRESSED, THE SWITCH MAY BE DAMAGED. IF THE CONNECTOR (LOWER) PORTION OF THE SWITCH BECOMES SEPARATED FROM THE SWITCH BODY EVEN SLIGHTLY (SEE FIG. 1 ON PAGE 2), THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED. THE SWITCH ITSELF IS NOT SERVICEABLE. NOTE: FOR 2012MY IMPREZA, SEE TSB 10-78-12, DATED 4/18/2012. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.