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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
10-84-162018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. 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.
07-108-162018-06-11. Service bulletin. SEATS; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760 / Sensor Mat Abnormal. This information replaces the current procedure until the Service Manual is updated in the near future. DTC B1760 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. This DTC can also set under high humidity conditions.
05-61-162018-06-11. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. This bulletin announces a design change to the front strut mounts intended to address customer concerns of a popping-type sound which may be heard when making low speed turns.
01-168-09R2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin identifies the equipment required to initialize (reset) the immobilizer code and cut the key blanks, for both immobilizer and non-immobilizer type keys. Subaru of America began using immobilizer systems in some 2005MY vehicles (please refer to Immobilizer Chart for more detailed information).
WTA-62A2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Turbo models only. Service Procedure Bulletin. The repair procedure will involve inspecting and possibly replacing the turbocharger air intake duct. Inspection of the turbocharger air intake duct lot number (date) molded on the duct will be necessary to determine if replacement is required.
WTA-622018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. Turbo models only. Subject: Update ? Subaru Safety Recall Campaign/ STOP SALE: WTA?62 Turbo Engine Air Intake Duct. Owner Notification: All potentially affected vehicle owners will be notified by first class mail on or around April 15, 2016. As previously announced on March 17, 2016, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Forester 2.0XT and WRX vehicles due to a possible issue with the turbocharger air intake duct.
15-177-14R2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Revised TSB. Models with "Gen 2" F10 Audio/Navigation Systems. ?Gen 2? & ?Gen 2.1? Operating Tips. This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different s relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the new-generation ?Gen 2? F10 Audio / Navigation system.
07-133-182018-06-11. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 2.0L Turbor Models only. This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability. In some cases, the Check Engine light may illuminate and a knock sensor-related DTC set in the ECM memory: P0327, P0328, P0332 and P0333.
02-173-182018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. 2.0L Turbo Models only. This bulletin announces availability of a special turbocharger air intake duct designed to prevent EXTREMELY RARE occurrence of ice formation from condensation in the duct?s PCV system passages.
12-231-18R2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE; STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. This bulletin announces a design change to the air vent grille located in the lower portion of the trunk (or cargo) area. The shutters of the vent grille are designed to open briefly and relieve cabin pressure when the doors are shut with the windows fully closed. The vent grilles have rubber ?shutters? which occasionally, may catch on the frame (case) portion and not close properly allowing outside air / odor to enter the cabin.
07-133-182018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. 2.0L Turbor Models only. This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability. In some cases, the Check Engine light may illuminate and a knock sensor-related DTC set in the ECM memory: P0327, P0328, P0332 and P0333.
02-173-182018-06-11. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. 2.0L Turbo Models only. This bulletin announces availability of a special turbocharger air intake duct designed to prevent EXTREMELY RARE occurrences of ice formation from condensation in the duct?s PCV system passages.
15-200-162018-06-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Models with Fujitsu-TEN / FTEN / (F10) Gen2 Navigation System only. Fujitsu-TEN / FTEN / (F10) Navigation: Voice Recognition Concerns with Finding Addresses in Some Metro Areas.
15-177-14R2018-06-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different conditions relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the new-generation ?Gen 2? and ?Gen 2.1? F10 Navigation and Display Audio systems.
15-199-162018-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. 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.
11-164-162018-06-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Dated 4/29/2016 although posted on 5/2/2016. 2.0L DI Turbo models only. 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 on light acceleration during high ambient temperatures.
15-198-162018-06-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 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.
07-108-16R2018-05-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. This Service Information Bulletin provides a revised troubleshooting procedure and tips to follow when diagnosing a DTC B1650- ?Occupant Classification System Malfunction?. This DTC may also be accompanied by B1760, B1761, B1771 or B1795 as found in the Occupant Detection control module. The new procedure is designed to help avoid unnecessary part (seat cushion assembly) replacements.
17-17-13R2018-05-29. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. NOTE: The Airbag systems used on previous and current WRX, STI and Tribeca models are NOT equipped with EDR functionality. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system. The function of the EDR is best explained using the following statements found in the vehicle Owner?s Manual: ?This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in the understanding how a vehicle?s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: ? How various systems in your vehicle were operating; ? Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened; ? How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; ? How fast the vehicle was traveling. This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
15-199-16R2018-05-29. 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.
18-192-182018-04-16. 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.
16-112-18R2018-04-16. 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
12-234-182018-04-16. 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
07-75-13R2018-04-16. 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
096516R2018-04-02. 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.

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