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.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| 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. |
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| 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. |
| 11-169-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. Turbo models only. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These new files will address customer concerns of: ? Spark knock (ping) during high intake air temperature operation ? Surge on acceleration due to phantom knock detection ? Check Engine light illumination resulting from DTC P2270 and / or DTC P2270 and / or P0137 being stored in the ECM memory. |
| 07-112-16R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. New Alternator Assembly. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator?s current output outside of the specified limits. |
| 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. |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2015 MY Forester (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.5L FB Engines - 2012-13 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models with 2.0 FB Engines - 2014-15 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.0 FB Engines. 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. |
| 06-55-16R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING; SERVICE BRAKES. (ALL EXCEPT Hybrid Models) REVISED 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. |
| 10-84-16R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces the availability of a new Air Conditioning compressor / clutch assembly to address customer concerns of the system not operating. Electrical windings located inside the clutch assembly have been changed to eliminate the condition. The service procedure will involve replacement of the A/C compressor and clutch as a complete assembly. |
| 11-161-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files for optimizing the ECM to address the following customer concern: ? Rough idle after a warm engine restart. In rare cases, DTC P0300 may also be stored. |
| 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 |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Revised Service Bulletin: Surface Treatment Change To Oil Control Piston Rings 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. |
| ERSV | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. This is to advise that the Subaru Claim System has been updated to accept claims for Emission repairs on vehicles with a salvage title. This coverage applies to all emission repairs within the warranty coverage period. Valid claims for salvage vehicles are Recalls, SAS Maintenance, and Warranty for Emission repairs only. Please make a note of this important system enhancement. Questions may be directed to the Subaru Claims helpline at 1866SUBARU2 (18667822782). |
| WQW58 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. Subaru of America, Inc. has initiated a Service Program to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) on certain 2015 model year WRX vehicles and certain 2014 and 2015 model year 2.0XT Forester vehicles equipped with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, to address a possible pre?ignition issue. |
| WQW-58R | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); 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. |
| 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. |
| 07-112-16R | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR. 2.5L MODELS ONLY. This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and repair of DTC P0300 which may result from fluctuation of the alternator's current output outside of the specified limits. |
| 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. |
| 07-108-16R | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction. This information replaces the current procedure until the Service Manual is updated in the near future. DTC B1760 and/or B1650 may set if liquid inadvertently spilled onto the seat cushion (or rain water entering from a window left open) penetrates the upholstery and reaches the sensor mat. These DTCs can also set under high humidity conditions. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.