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Service bulletins for the 2018 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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Equipment and accessories are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
WUM-98R2019-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS; AIR BAGS. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 model year Forester vehicles to replace the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness. A total of 366,282 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
Subaru Retailers2019-12-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. Updated- Retailer preowned reimbursement program WUM-98 Forester Occupant Detection System (ODS).
Subaru Retailers2019-11-01. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS; EQUIPMENT; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. To support our retailers partners currently stocking certain 2015-2018MY pre-owned Subaru Forester vehicle affected by the WUM-98 ODS recall announced on October 8, 2019, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is pleased to provide financial assistance during the time repairs are unavailable.
15-205-16R2019-08-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL 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 then loading them onto two flash drives for audio unit installation.
15-205-16R2019-07-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. 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.
02-182-192019-07-01. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change made to the TGV assemblies used on the Forester Turbo models and WRXs listed above. Condensation resulting from EGR system operation may enter the area between the TGV shaft and bearing. Over time, corrosion can develop and impede movement of the TGV shaft and cause any of the DTCs P2004, 2005, 2006 and /or P2007 to set. The material of the TGV shaft has been changed to stainless steel to optimize corrosion resistance.
07-154-192019-07-01. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin provides a revised Step to follow when diagnosing a DTC B2513- LATCH CONDITION FAILURE. The number of wiring checks found in Step 9 has been reduced from six to three as shown in the illustration below. The Service Manual will be updated with these revisions in the near future.
Subaru Tech Tips2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
14-22-16R2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
15-239-192019-05-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. This Service information bulletin announces a design change made to the Cargo Net ? Rear Replacement Hardware Kit (F551SAG301). The new part number is F551SAN010. The change was made to address concerns regarding the ?mushroom? anchors either pulling out of the trim panel and or gapping visibly at the base of the anchor between the black plastic spacer and trim panel.
02-163-16R2019-05-28. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. This Service Information bulletin provides new inspection and repair procedures for AVCS (Active Valve Control System) -related DTCs on the FA and FB engine equipped models listed above. The applicable Service Manuals will be revised with this new information in the near future.
16-120-192019-05-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. This bulletin provides a procedure to follow for addressing customer concerns of a shuddering condition or chattering -type sound heard or felt when making sharp turns. If an applicable vehicle presents with the condition as described, it is recommended to perform the transfer clutch break-in procedure as described.
15-208-17R2019-05-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. This Service Information bulletin announces availability of an enhancement to the Gracenote database included in the vehicles listed above equipped with F10 7? Navigation and 7? Display Audio head units.
02-178-18R2019-03-25. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change made to the rubber timing hole access plug to improve its retention and prevent water intrusion into the converter case.
15-237-19R2019-03-25. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for a chattering-type sound originating from the a/c compressor assembly. In the case where a refrigerant leak is identified as coming from the a/c condenser, the level of refrigerant oil may also drop and cause the internal vanes of the compressor to make a chattering-type sound. A new-style A/C condenser has been established with enhanced corrosion resistance.
15-237-192019-03-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for a chattering-type sound originating from the a/c compressor assembly. In the case where a refrigerant leak is identified as coming from the a/c condenser, the level of refrigerant oil may also drop and cause the internal vanes of the compressor to make a chattering-type sound. A new-style A/C condenser has been established with enhanced corrosion resistance.
17-17-13R2019-03-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; AIR BAGS. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system.
03-82-182018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; POWER TRAIN. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate. In a case of prolonged clutch pedal application, seizure of the bearing can occur with potential damage to other related components.
15-214-17R2018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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.
15-199-16R2018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. 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.
15-208-17R2018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. This Service Information bulletin announces availability of an enhancement to the Gracenote database included in the vehicles listed above equipped with F10 7? Navigation and 7? Display Audio head units. When the user plays a pre-recorded CD, Gracenote recognizes the disc then shows the artist and track name information along with the album cover art on the head unit display (when available). This enhancement brings the currently installed database up to date with the most recent information available.
03-82-182018-12-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate. In a case of prolonged clutch pedal application, seizure of the bearing can occur with potential damage to other related components.
15-208-17R2018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. This Service Information bulletin announces availability of an enhancement to the Gracenote database included in the vehicles listed above equipped with F10 7? Navigation and 7? Display Audio head units. When the user plays a pre-recorded CD, Gracenote recognizes the disc then shows the artist and track name information along with the album cover art on the head unit display (when available). This enhancement brings the currently installed database up to date with the most recent information available.
16-116-182018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. This Service Information bulletin provides details about revised CVT select lever (shifter) components. The shape of the lock plate and output of the shift lock solenoid have been changed.
15-227-18R2018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns of the Navigation system?s functionality. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on the customer concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. If the customer?s concern is not listed, check the Service Manual ?Infotainment (Diagnostics) - Diagnostics with Phenomena? section as a starting point.

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