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Service bulletins for the 2016 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.

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

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
07-108-16R2018-04-02. 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.
01-168-09R2018-04-02. 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.
07-75-13R2018-04-02. 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.
10-83-15R2018-04-02. 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.
02-170-172018-04-02. 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.
06-55-16R2018-04-02. 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.
UPDATE - Removal2018-03-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). The corrected update files are now available for download from Subarunet. TSB 15-20516R has been revised with new file names where applicable and re-posted to STIS.
F10-Gen2-NAV-15-2018-03-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). TECHNICAL SUPPORT GUIDE FOR NAVIGATION AND AUDIO F10 GEN2 SYSTEMS.
15-215-182018-03-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Models with FujitsuTEN (F10) Gen 2.0 / 2.1 Navigation or Display Audio Head Units ONLY. This bulletin provides a repair procedure to address specific, confirmed customer concerns of: ? Audio output interruption every 2-3 seconds when listening to AM or FM radio broadcasts ? No audio output at all when attempting to listen to a HD Radio broadcast.
15-205-16R2018-03-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This bulletin announces new reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address additional operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving ?Gen 2? F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7? display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files then loading them onto two flash drives for audio unit installation.
12-231-182018-03-13. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY. ( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
07-130-182018-03-13. 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.
07-128-18R2018-03-13. 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.
15-205-162017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. This bulletin announces new reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address additional operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving ?Gen 2? F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7? display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation. It is important to read through and understand this information completely before proceeding. These latest software updates contain new logic to address the following concerns: ? Mirrorlink 1.1 updates ? Enable Mute function for Navigation guidance ? Incomplete display of intersection names in combination meter ? Increased accuracy of the XM Traffic information displayed ? Intermittent delay (approximately 1 minute) in display of map information after initial start-up of Navigation function (2015MY Legacy and Outback only).
15-198-16R2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the extensive revisions made to the information originally contained in this bulletin, a new bulletin, 15-205-16 has been issued. Please refer to this new bulletin for the latest information regarding this condition.
15-207-162017-10-27. 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.
15-206-162017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. USB Device Not Recognized on Fujitsu-Ten (F10) 7? Display Navigation and Display Audio Units. This bulletin announces availability of a new auxiliary USB unit to address customer concerns where the 7? Display Audio or Audio Navigation head unit will not recognize USB devices connected via the auxiliary unit.
01-168-09R2017-10-27. 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.
11-169-162017-10-27. 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.
07-112-16R2017-10-27. 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.
15-198-16R2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. Revised TSB: This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field listed below involving ?Gen 2? F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7? display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation. It is important to read through and understand this information completely before proceeding.
06-55-16R2017-10-27. 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.
10-84-16R2017-10-27. 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.
15-190-15R2017-09-14. 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.
07-112-16R2017-09-14. 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.

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