Service bulletins for the 2015 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.
502 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
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Only bulletins with component: Equipment and accessories are shown. Show all
| 1518615R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. WITH CLARION AUDIO UNITS ONLY. REVISED. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and a corresponding installation procedure which will allow Bluetooth pairing to be completed successfully when using voice commands on the Clarion audio units listed below. Pairing of phones using voice recognition is the preferred method on these Clarion audio units. See bulletin 15-185-15 for additional details on using voice recognition to pair phones to Clarion audio units. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable update file from Subarunet then loading it onto a flash drive for installation. |
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| 01-168-09R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. |
| 10-83-15R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Models with Manual HVAC Systems only. 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. The related instrument panel (IP) wiring harness must also be inspected and replaced if any damage is confirmed. NOTE: For 2012MY Impreza, see TSB 10-78-12, dated 4/18/2012. |
| 16-107-17R | 2017-12-15. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. CVT MODELS ONLY. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on the above listed models and model years from the original five (5) years or sixty thousand (60,000) miles (whichever comes first) to ten (10) years or one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles (whichever comes first). This change is not in response to any specific condition, rather it is to provide customers with added assurance regarding the function and overall performance of their CVT. Additionally, vehicles which are more than ten (10) years old or beyond one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles at the time customer notification letters are mailed are being offered additional coverage for a period of one-year from the date of the customer notification letters. |
| 15-207-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. This bulletin announces a design change to the USB connector inside the USB-AUX unit to address customer concerns of the USB cable becoming stuck and / or difficult to remove. |
| 15-193-16R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). All 2012 to 2015 Models Equipped with Fujitsu Ten (F10) Generation 1 (Gen1) Audio / Navigation Systems. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in F10 Gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / SD card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements. |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; EQUIPMENT. Refer to bulletin for engine/transmission type. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date. This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin. This condition must be verified during an inspection and when determined necessary, an oil consumption test performed by an authorized Subaru retailer. SOA will inform vehicle owners this condition may exist via a customer letter. For vehicles within the coverage guidelines listed in this bulletin, customers can schedule an inspection appointment with an authorized Subaru retailer. IMPORTANT: ALWAYS perform a Vehicle Coverage Inquiry on Subarunet to determine eligibility for this Warranty Extension before proceeding. The VIN should also be checked for any open campaigns or recalls at this time. |
| 01-168-09R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. |
| WQW-58R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2.0L DIT Models Only. Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. This bulletin includes the service procedure for diagnosis and repair of customer concerns involving engine idle roughness or, in some cases, engine noise and/or damage resulting from spark knock (pre-ignition). The Engine Control Module logic has also been optimized requiring the ECM reprogramming. The new logic optimizes the ECM for control of the following parameters: ? Change to Fuel Cut control when fuel level is extremely low / near empty ? Change to improve idle smoothness / quality ? Change to boost pressure control under wide-open throttle (WOT) conditions. Under certain high engine load driving conditions, spark knock can occur which results in elevated cylinder temperatures and pressures. Over time, excessive erosion of the spark plugs and possible damage to the pistons can be consequences of continued operation with these conditions present. |
| 15-193-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in F10 Gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / SD card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements. All 2012 to 2015 Models Equipped with FujitsuTen (F10) Generation 1 (Gen1) Audio / Navigation Systems |
| 15-172-14R | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. 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. |
| 16-107-17 | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. CVT MODELS ONLY. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on the above listed models and model years from the original five (5) years or sixty thousand (60,000) miles (whichever comes first) to ten (10) years or one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles (whichever comes first). This change is not in response to any specific condition, rather it is to provide customers with added assurance regarding the function and overall performance of their CVT. Additionally, vehicles which are more than ten (10) years old or beyond one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles at the time customer notification letters are mailed are being offered additional coverage for a period of one-year from the date of the customer notification letters. A copy of the customer letter is attached to this bulletin as reference. |
| 11-173-17 | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of ECM reprogramming files designed to optimize the ECM for improving HVAC blower fan speed control. There have been a limited number of cases with reports describing the blower fan speed fluctuating / changing without input from the customer when the blower is set to maximum speed. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-03-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; 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. |
| 12-173-14R | 2017-03-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. STAIN REMOVAL FROM THE HEADLINER - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING THE TYPE OF STAIN SHOWN IN THE PHOTO BELOW WHICH OCCURRED DURING PRODUCTION OF THE HEADLINER. |
| 08-39-15 | 2017-03-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR RESETTING THE LIFETIME FUEL CONSUMPTION FUNCTION OF THE MFD. WHENEVER REPLACING THE MFD AND / OR COMBINATION METER, THE LIFETIME FUEL CONSUMPTION FUNCTION OF THE MFD MUST BE RESET FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION TO DISPLAY GOING FORWARD. IF NOT RESET, ERRONEOUS VALUES (EITHER EXTREMELY HIGH IN THE CASE OF A MFD REPLACEMENT OR EXTREMELY LOW FOR A COMBINATION METER REPLACEMENT) FOR LIFETIME FUEL CONSUMPTION WILL BE DISPLAYED. THERE IS NO WAY TO TRANSFER THE OLD / EXISTING LIFETIME FUEL CONSUMPTION RESULTS TO THE NEW MFD OR COMBINATION METER ALLOWING IT TO CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED. AS A RESULT, AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE MFD AND / OR COMBINATION METER, ALL CALCULATIONS WILL START FRESH FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES. |
| 12-173-14 | 2017-03-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. "STAIN REMOVAL FROM THE HEADLINER - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING THE TYPE OF STAIN SHOWN IN THE PHOTO BELOW WHICH OCCURRED DURING PRODUCTION OF THE HEADLINER." |
| 02-162-15R | 2017-02-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. "THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH ASSEMBLY. NICKEL PLATING HAS BEEN APPLIED TO THE INTERNAL SWITCH CONTACTS TO ENHANCE THEIR DURABILITY AND REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF POOR CONTACT WHICH COULD AFFECT OPERATION OR CAUSE IMPROPER ILLUMINATION OF THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LAMP. A SMALL PILOT PORTION WAS ADDED TO THE THREADED AREA ON P.N. 25240KA051 AS SHOWN IN THE ILLUSTRATION BELOW. REVISED PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION." |
| 15-186-15 | 2017-02-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. "THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES REPROGRAMMING FILE AVAILABILITY AND A CORRESPONDING INSTALLATION PROCEDURE WHICH WILL ALLOW BLUETOOTH PAIRING TO BE COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY WHEN USING VOICE COMMANDS ON THE CLARION AUDIO UNITS LISTED BELOW. PAIRING OF PHONES USING VOICE RECOGNITION IS THE PREFERRED METHOD ON THESE CLARION AUDIO UNITS. SEE BULLETIN 15-185-15 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON USING VOICE RECOGNITION TO PAIR PHONES TO CLARION AUDIO UNITS. THE PROCEDURE WILL INVOLVE DOWNLOADING THE APPLICABLE UPDATE FILE FROM SUBARUNET THEN LOADING IT ONTO A FLASH DRIVE FOR INSTALLATION." |
| 15-172-14 | 2017-02-24. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. AUDIO UNITS - 2015 EXCHANGE COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION AND PROCEDURES |
| 15-184-15R | 2017-02-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. THIS BULLETIN REVIEWS TWO POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR A “PLEASE CHECK AUDIO SYSTEM” MESSAGE TO APPEAR IN THE MFD ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INTERVIEW THE CUSTOMER CAREFULLY TO DETERMINE WHICH REPAIR IS REQUIRED. PLEASE READ THE SERVICE PROCEDURE PORTION OF THIS BULLETIN THOROUGHLY IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHICH SCENARIO APPLIES AND HOW TO REPAIR THE CONDITION PROPERLY. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.