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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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
15-205-16R2018-08-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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. It is important to read through and understand this information completely before proceeding. These latest software updates contain new logic.
12-234-182018-08-20. 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.
07-137-182018-08-20. Service bulletin. STEERING. Models with Automatic Headlight Beam Leveler System only. This Service Information bulletin announces a revision to the diagnostic procedure used when diagnosing either DTC B2910 or 2911 ?Steering Responsive Headlight Communication? LH or RH.
04-21-182018-08-20. Service bulletin. STEERING. This bulletin announces availability of a new Electronic Power Steering (EPS) gear box assembly designed to address a VERY limited number of customer concerns regarding uneven steering effort felt when turning left or right. In areas where high concentrations of road salt are used to melt ice and snow, corrosion may develop and cause a portion of the gear box housing to crack if the vehicle were to suffer a large enough impact from hitting a pothole or similar type of road hazard.
15-199-16R2018-07-16. Service bulletin. 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.
05-63-182018-07-16. Service bulletin. STEERING. This bulletin announces a design change made to the forward bushing used in the front lower control arm to address customer concerns of a rattle-type sound and / or a possible vibration felt in the steering wheel. The material for the cushion portion of the front bushing has been changed.
15-223-182018-06-18. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. This bulletin outlines design changes made to the Condenser Assembly to help increase productivity during assembly. In addition, the new part utilizes materials with increased anti-corrosion performance.
15-214-17R2018-06-18. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
10-88-182018-06-18. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces a change made to the Automatic Climate Control Head Assembly. The change will address concerns where the temperature selected for cooling ?feels? warmer to the customer than the temperature displayed. The new programming will adjust the threshold for when cooling occurs to improve the air conditioning system?s cooling effect making it more closely match the customer?s selected temperature.
09-68-182018-06-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the exhaust system cover. The purpose of the change is to improve parts integration (or ?commonality?) between models.
07-108-16R2018-06-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; SEATS. 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.
04-20-182018-06-18. Service bulletin. STEERING. This Service Information bulletin announces a running change made to the Steering Angle Sensor. The (new) -style originally used on Legacy and Outback has been adapted.
16-111-18R2018-06-11. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CVT Transmissions only. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM) used with the TR580 CVT. Contamination in a fluid pressure solenoid valve can cause a DTC P0841. The new logic will allow the solenoid to operate in a manner enabling it to discharge the contamination.
16-111-18R2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. CVT Transmissions only. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM) used with the TR580 CVT. Contamination in a fluid pressure solenoid valve can cause a DTC P0841. The new logic will allow the solenoid to operate in a manner enabling it to discharge the contamination.
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.
07-108-16R2018-05-29. 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.
f10-audio-navi-d2018-05-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Subject: Removal of Certain Fujitsu 10 Audio / Navigation Update Files from Subarunet The following update files have been temporarily removed from Subarunet due to potential quality concerns with the 2nd file used in those updates. Retailers are requested to take the following action: ? If any of the following Fujitsu 10 Audio / Navigation files have been downloaded and saved locally, please discontinue their use and delete them immediately
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.
15-214-17R2018-04-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. 2018 Audio/Navigation Exchange Component Identification and Procedures. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
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
11-174-17R2018-04-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM and address the following customer concerns: ? Check Engine light coming on (with DTC P05A0 stored in memory). ? Potential battery discharge (dead battery) after repeated periods of short-trip driving. ? A high (or ?hanging?) engine RPM after depressing the clutch pedal (Forester only).
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.
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.

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