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Service bulletins for the 2019 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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
15-255-192019-12-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "On December 14th, 2018, the first TomTom map update for Gen 3.1 Harman navigation equipped vehicles was made available. While the map update process is user-friendly, we ask that retailers assist customers with the map update procedure when requested as a courtesy, an opportunity to build retailer loyalty, enhance customer satisfaction and in keeping with the Love Promise. Retailers may also want to install this map update on any certified pre-owned or pre-owned vehicles in their inventory on their own. The site (dealer.subaru-maps.com) which is unique for retailers, is not the same as what customers will be accessing at home. If Service, Sales, and/or Parts Managers do not have a login, create an account from this page. There may be a short delay while retailer approval is pending."
15-236-18R2019-12-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation.
15-243-19R2019-12-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for customizing the maintenance period settings of the MFD. When accessing the Maintenance period information on the SSM4, the maintenance interval default values for mileage and number of months are different from those displayed on the MFD. This procedure describes how to synchronize the MFD and SSM4 values to insure proper customer notification.
15-221-18R2019-12-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. This bulletin provides helpful information about operating conditions observed in the field for Technicians to use when diagnosing customer concerns which may arise while operating Harman Gen 3.0 and 3.1 Navigation and Display Audio systems. We will continue to add to this bulletin as more information becomes available.
15-253-192019-11-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This Service Information Bulletin provides the answer to potential inquiries regarding the STARLINK app being unable to play music files stored on a customer’s Android® phone / device through the head units (H/U) used in the applicable models listed above. This information is applicable ONLY to Android devices operating with Operating System (OS) version 10. IOS (AppleTM) devices are not affected.
15-247-192019-10-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This Service Information Bulletin announces availability of a map update which includes new software to address a route searching error. A “Route Calculation Unsuccessful” message may be displayed when the selected route crosses state borders (e.g. Route 53 which crosses between Alabama and Tennessee).
15-251-192019-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This Service Information Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. In most cases involving this DTC, the following scenario(s) occur: • When trying to use the remote engine starter (RES) feature through Telematics (STARLINK / My Subaru app) the request is unsuccessful and the red Telematics indicator lamp illuminates. • The customer takes their vehicle to the Retailer and the Technician finds the only code stored to be B2A16 in the DCM. • The Technician diagnoses the DTC per the applicable Service Manual trouble tree and replaced the DCM.
10-179-192019-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. This Service Information Bulletin provides a procedure to “reset” the headlight leveler system. After an affected vehicle is transported on a flatbed or other type of carrier, the headlight beam adjustment may become either too high or too low. During normal operation, system sensors measure inclination of the road surface in comparison to the vehicle and adjust the headlight beams accordingly. When moving the vehicle with the ignition off (typically during transport), the next time the ignition is ON, the system may adjust the headlights to the wrong height. Although the system will automatically adjust the headlights to the proper height after driving, the reset procedure below can be performed when necessary to eliminate the delay time needed for the system to readjust on its own.
15-240-19R2019-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers Symptom 4: Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short amount of time Symptom 5: Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while using navigation guidance Symptom 6: No response from the volume control knob.
15-234-18R2019-09-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 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.
15-240-19R2019-09-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers Symptom 4: Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short amount of time Symptom 5: Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while using navigation guidance Symptom 6: No response from the volume control knob."
15-236-18R2019-08-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation.
07-151-19R2019-08-30. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "This bulletin announces reprogramming files to optimize the DMS control module and address a small number of inquiries regarding DTCs B112C and/or B112E. In some cases, when multiple functions are processed by the DMS control module at the same time, a task error may occur and cause the system’s indicator lamp to illuminate yellow (as opposed to green during normal system operation)."
16-123-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of a new CVT electric oil pump developed to address DTC P173B: ELECTRIC FLUID PUMP (CVT) PERFORMANCE. The related customer concern describes the Auto Start Stop warning lamp flashing and the system becoming inoperative under certain circumstances. When Auto Start/Stop is inoperative, the vehicle operates like a traditional vehicle not equipped with this feature. The new pumps contain revised judgement logic to eliminate false illumination of the warning lamp.
10-93-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. This bulletin announces a design change made to the air conditioner’s pressure sensor to address customer concerns of the system blowing warm or not blowing cold air. In some cases, preliminary diagnosis may find codes B14A3, B14A4, B14EF or B14EE present. Review of actual system pressures using a manifold gauge set and comparing against values seen using the Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) may show the SSM readings much lower than the actual readings. These are all indications of a possible pressure sensor concern.
07-155-19R2019-08-06. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. This bulletin announces a design change made to the PRG control module. This change is in response to a limited number of customer concerns regarding the rear gate not opening when operating the gate switch or dashboard switch on the vehicle or the button on the key fob. This condition is also accompanied by three short beeps. Logic changes have been incorporated into the new module to ensure proper operation of the PRG system.
15-243-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This service information bulletin provides a procedure for customizing the maintenance period settings of the MFD. When accessing the maintenance period information on the SSM4, the maintenance interval default values for mileage and number of months are different from those displayed on the MFD. This procedure describes how to synchronize the MFD and SSM4 values to insure proper customer notification.
07-143-18R2019-07-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE. This bulletin announces a change made to the PRG control module. This change is in response to a limited number of customer concerns regarding the PRG reversing direction before reaching the fully open position. The control module senses that an object is caught in the PRG and engages the system?s reverse (safety) function. The new PRG control modules contain improved operating logic to correct this condition.
GEN 3-12019-05-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Immediately discontinue the use of latest 2019 MY Gen 3.1 Harman Software update.
15-236-18R2019-05-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely to understand all changes from prior releases before proceeding.
15-229-18R2019-05-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing clock-related customer concerns. 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.
07-151-192019-05-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces reprogramming files to optimize the DMS control module and address a small number of inquiries regarding DTCs B112C and/or B112E. Insome cases, when multiple functions are processed by the DMS control module at the same time, a task error may occur and cause the system?s indicator lamp to illuminate yellow (as opposed to green during normal system is operation).
02-170-17R2019-05-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID; ENGINE. 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.
15-236-18R2019-03-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation.
16-118-182019-02-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for detection of DTC P1518: STARTER SWITCH CIRCUIT LOW. After using the Remote Engine Starter (RES) to start an applicable vehicle equipped with the Auto Start-Stop System, the TCM may mistakenly detect DTC P1518 when the engine automatically restarts and cause the AT TEMP warning lamp to illuminate.

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