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
| 15-199-16R | 2018-05-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving the Clarion Display Audio unit with 6.2? display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation. |
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| 18-192-18 | 2018-04-16. 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. |
| 16-112-18R | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park. The cause is contamination of the Park-Range switch internal components |
| 16-107-17R | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2010-15 Legacy/ Outback 2.5L NA CVT, 2015 Legacy/ Outback 3.6L NA CVT, 2012-15 Impreza 2.0L NA CVT, 2013-15 Crosstrek 2.0L NA CVT, 2014-15 Crosstrek Hybrid CVT 2014-15 Forester 2.5L NA CVT 2014-15 Forester 2.0L Turbo CVT 2015 WRX 2.0L Turbo 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. For these vehicles, retailers must contact Subaru Claims Helpline prior to claims submission at 1-866-SUBARU2 (1-866-782-2782) |
| 12-234-18 | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. This bulletin provides a repair procedure for replacing the foam cushion installed between the top front edge of the IP and the windshield glass. Use the supplied Service Procedure to address a customer concern involving the foam cushion becoming visible above the IP near the defroster vent outlets |
| 07-75-13R | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. On Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models, after re-connecting the battery, if the ignition switch is turned back ?ON? within one minute after the first time the ignition is turned ?OFF?, it becomes possible for the CEL to illuminate storing DTC P0606 in memory. The code will not occur immediately, but may occur after a period of time depending upon how the vehicle is operated |
| 06-61-18 | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of new VDC Control Module & Hydraulic Units (VDCCM&H/U) to address isolated customer concerns of the green Hill Holder light blinking and cancel warning alarm sounding during cranking / starting the engine |
| 02-157-14R | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION. 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 Engine 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 |
| 096516R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. REVISED. This bulletin announces a design change of the fuel injector used on 2.0L DIT models to prevent water intrusion. A new silicone rubber cover has been developed and incorporated into production for this purpose. |
| 1221717 | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. This bulletin announces a design change made to the front seat outer hinge cover trim panels. In some cases, when exiting the vehicle, the trim panel may inadvertently get kicked and become dislodged from the seat cushion assembly. The shape of the front portion of the panel has been changed to prevent this condition. |
| 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. |
| 07-108-16R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. SEATS. 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. |
| 07-92-15R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the rear combination lamps to address customer concerns of fogging or condensation accumulating on the inside surface of the lens. Six additional breathing holes have been added to the body of the lamp assembly. The additional holes are intended to provide additional ventilation and prevent fogging which may result when severe ambient temperature changes occur. NOTE: Fogging is a natural phenomenon and not a defect or malfunction. |
| 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. |
| WQW-58R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 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. |
| 07-75-13R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models. The engine management system is equipped with a back-up memory. When disconnecting the battery cables, this back-up memory is cleared. On Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models, after re-connecting the battery, if the ignition switch is turned back ?ON? within one minute after the first time the ignition is turned ?OFF?, it becomes possible for the CEL to illuminate storing DTC P0606 in memory. The code will not occur immediately, but may occur after a period of time depending upon how the vehicle is operated. |
| 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. |
| 02-170-17 | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil control solenoid valves (OCV) which contain a redesigned internal oil seal. The new seal will eliminate potential oil seepage into the wire harness connector portion of the valve. If oil seeps into the connector, over time, the Check Engine lamp may illuminate and set various AVCS-related DTCs. |
| 06-55-16R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. EXCLUDES HYBRID MODELS. 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. |
| 12-231-18 | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY. ( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only) |
| 07-130-18 | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT. This bulletin describes a design change to the center bracket component of the window regulator assembly. The change was made to address customer concerns of the front door glass shuddering while opening or closing. Moisture accumulation in the run channels can cause a stick-slip / vibration condition as the glass goes up and down resulting in the shudder. |
| 07-128-18R | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS. This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s warning lamp to illuminate. |
| 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.